How Google Maps Is Taking Fans on a Ride with Benson Boone

Saturday, August 23, 2025

How Google Maps Is Taking Fans on a Ride with Benson Boone

How Google Maps Is Taking Fans on a Ride with Benson Boone

The popular navigation app is collaborating with the musician to let you swap your boring blue arrow for a vintage Ford Mustang and more. Here’s how you can take it for a spin and what it means for the future of digital experiences.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 23, 2025

Remember when Google Maps was just about getting from point A to point B?

A simple, efficient tool designed to save you from getting lost.

These days, the app is so much more, a platform for discovery, for exploration, and, increasingly, for pop culture moments.

Here's a Cool Tip: Ride with Benson Boone in Google Maps.

Google Maps now has a partnership with singer-songwriter Benson Boone that lets you trade in your default navigation arrow for a sleek, vintage Ford Mustang.

It's a subtle but clever move by Google, turning a mundane utility into a fun, personalized experience tied to Boone's "American Heart Tour."

For fans, it’s a cool, new way to engage with an artist they love. For tech observers, it's a fascinating case study in how a core utility can be reimagined as a canvas for creativity and branding.

What You'll Gain

Elevate your daily drive: Turn your commute into a more personal and engaging experience.
Discover new places: Explore curated lists of a musician's favorite spots in your city.
Engage with fandom: Find surprising, delightful details tied to your favorite artists in a familiar app.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

On iOS & Android

Open the Google Maps app (iOS / Android).
Start navigating to a destination.
Once you see the standard blue arrow, tap on it.
A pop-up menu appears, giving you the option to change your vehicle.
Select the Benson Boone Mustang to begin your virtual road trip.

fig. 1 - Select Benson Boone's Mustang in Google Maps

On Web/Desktop (Street View)

On your computer, navigate to Google Maps, maps.google.com.
Search for one of Benson Boone's U.S. tour venues, such as Madison Square Garden.
Drag the Pegman icon (the small orange person) onto the map to activate Street View.
Watch as Pegman transforms, doing a backflip in a Benson Boone jumpsuit.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

A creative and fun way to engage fans.
Accessible on both web and mobile without extra apps.
Brings storytelling and mapping together in a fresh format.

Cons:

Limited availability, it's only tied to this specific promotion.
Might feel novelty-driven rather than practical for long-term use.
Requires users to know the feature exists (not easily discoverable).

Feature Access

This feature is a limited-time promotion tied to the "American Heart Tour."

It's available to all Google Maps users with no subscription required.

The Mustang navigation icon is limited to drivers in the U.S.

There is no special access needed, though it's likely to be removed after the tour concludes.

Score

Score | Criterion | Justification

Value 7
The feature has a good “fun” value for fans and adds a brief moment of delight to a routine task, but it doesn't solve a practical problem or significantly boost productivity for the average user.

Usability 9
The feature is incredibly simple to use. It’s a one-tap change in the middle of a navigation session, with no complex settings or configuration needed.

Wow Factor 9
This is where the feature shines. It's clever, surprising, and completely unexpected. The idea of transforming your car icon into a celebrity's vehicle is a delightful surprise that will make users say, "Cool!"

Total 25 🌟 Excellent. Highly recommended for immediate use.

Key Takeaways

This collaboration demonstrates how major tech platforms are evolving from simple tools into interactive experiences that can be customized and personalized.

While the Benson Boone feature is a temporary promotion, it serves as a powerful reminder that even the most routine tasks can be infused with personality and fun.

It's a low-effort, high-delight feature worth checking out.

Try It Yourself

Ready to ride?

Open your Google Maps app on your phone, start navigating, and tap the arrow to see if the Mustang is waiting for you.

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind www.OneCoolTip.com where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into www.OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.