I'm not sure why but Google Maps kills my battery so fast (iPhone 5s). I had to return a rental car and drove 30 minutes with directions, the battery went from 86% to 38%. I then had to figure my way back to the Airbnb I was renting via public transport, when I got home the battery was 8%.

To answer OPs question, no I don't find battery is usually an issue but when I need it then it is.