Google Maps has made a change to its user interface on Android Auto that’s causing frustration among some users. The update now centers the navigation arrow if no destination is set, which means the map view around the car will be blocked by the destination box on smaller screens.
This issue affects cars with square or smaller displays and makes it difficult for drivers to see what’s in front of them on the street being traveled. However, when a destination is set, the navigation arrow and driving route are shifted right, making them clearly visible.
The update was likely made to adapt to newer cars with larger screens and different aspect ratios, but it may not have considered the potential impact on users. Google may revert this change or tweak it again in the future, so users will need to get used to the new layout for now.
Source: https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/an-android-auto-ui-tweak-centers-the-google-maps-arrow-frustrating-users