2019 Subaru Outback Map Update

tl;dr

1. Download files using Map Downloader tool available at Subaru-Maps. Do not write the image to removable media using the tool, just download the update.
   • .chunk files are placed in C:\Users\<user>\Map Downloader\<random>
2. Merge and extract .chunk files using Expand-MapDownloadData PowerShell function
   • PS> . .\Expand-MapdownloadData.ps1 #dot-source defined function into PowerShell session
   • PS> Expand-MapDownloadData -InputPath "C:\path\to\chunk" -OutputPath "C:\path\to\extraction\destination"
3. Copy extracted files (the update folder and everything inside) to root of NTFS formatted file system on removable drive
4. With car turned off, connect USB removable drive to car USB port, then start car.
5. Wait up to 60 seconds and follow the prompts of the navigation system.

Why

In short, the official process from Subaru-Maps has caused too much headache (truth be told this isn’t easy either, but it has worked reliably since 2019).

• Using flash drives of suitable size (16 GB and 32 GB SanDisk) are very slow when writing out 12+ GiB updates.
• Using flash drives of suitable size (16 GB and 32 GB SanDisk) resulted in more failure than success, whether during the writing process or the actual update process in the navigation system. Perhaps the flash drives I have been using are junk (but I have generally had favorable results with SanDisk).
• Connecting the vehicle navigation to home Wi-Fi directly and updating via Wi-Fi has limits. Specifically, the navigation Wi-Fi updater is limited to only a few user selected regions. All of North America (or even all of the United States in my case) could not be updated using the Wi-Fi mechanism. A full update requires the official tool (or this process).
• Using a NTFS formatted USB HDD (or SSD) sped up the 1) preparation, 2) update, and 3) increased reliability significantly.

How

1 — Download

Install the official Map Downloader tool (likely already done if you are reading this) from Subaru-Maps. Download the update for your vehicle but do not write it to USB media using the application.

If the Map Downloader application fails to launch with an error “Problem contacting server. Please check your network connection.”

Download and install the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86)

2 — Merge & Extract

The actual update is composed of .chunk files placed in C:\Users\<user>\Map Downloader\<random>. Locate them.

Obtain Expand-MapDownloadData PowerShell function, dot-source it into your PowerShell session (it is an advanced function that behaves like a PowerShell cmdlet, personal preference preferring advanced functions), and then call the advanced function with your specific -InputPath (.chunk directory) and desired -OutputPath (extraction directory).

When finished processing, the MergedChunks.zip and update folder should live in the chosen -OutputPath. The update folder is the actual contents the Subaru navigation system needs to perform its magic.

3 — Copy

Copy the extracted contents (the update folder itself) to the root of a NTFS formatted external/removable HDD or SSD.

4 — Connect & Start

With car turned off, connect removable HDD/SSD to car USB port, then start car.

If your vehicle is in an enclosed space (garage), please make sure to open the garage door for fresh air.

5 — Wait & Follow

Wait up to 60 seconds and follow the prompts of the navigation system. After starting, the update can take anywhere from 20 - 60 minutes. Leave the vehicle running (garage door open) throughout the process. The navigation system will reboot automatically after completion.

Rejoice. It shouldn’t be this hard.