10 Best Garmin Gps For Car 2025 in the United States

The Garmin DriveSmart 86 is a solid choice for those looking for a car GPS with a large, easy-to-read 8-inch display and high-resolution maps of North America. The bright, dual-orientation screen is a standout feature, making it easy to view from various angles. Voice control and Garmin Voice Assist enhance safety by allowing hands-free operation, while Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free calling when paired with a compatible smartphone. Another useful feature is the built-in Wi-Fi, which simplifies map and software updates without needing a computer.

The device also offers live traffic updates, fuel prices, weather information, and smart notifications by connecting to the Garmin Drive app on your smartphone. It comes preloaded with a variety of points of interest, including a U.S. national parks directory, Tripadvisor ratings, and a vast Foursquare database, making it handy for road trips and sightseeing. Driver alerts for school zones, sharp curves, and speed changes add an extra layer of safety.

However, the device's large size might be cumbersome for smaller vehicles, and relying on a smartphone for many of its connected features might be inconvenient for some users. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin DriveSmart 86 offers a comprehensive and user-friendly navigation experience, perfect for frequent drivers and road trip enthusiasts.

The Garmin DriveSmart 71 EX is a solid GPS navigator for cars, offering a large 6.95-inch screen that makes it easy to view maps and directions. The high-resolution display is bright and clear, which is helpful for readability, especially in direct sunlight. This model supports Garmin Voice Assist, allowing you to control it with voice commands, which can add convenience and safety by letting you keep your hands on the wheel.

Another strong point is the free lifetime map updates, ensuring your navigation data stays current without additional costs. The built-in Wi-Fi also simplifies updates without needing to connect to a computer. Traffic updates are included, helping you avoid delays and find quicker routes, a feature particularly useful in busy areas. The device also highlights points of interest (POIs), such as restaurants, gas stations, and landmarks, which can be very handy during trips.

However, there are some drawbacks. The resolution is modest at 480 x 272 pixels, which, while adequate, might not be as sharp as some users expect from modern screens. It lacks Bluetooth connectivity, which could limit its integration with other devices like your smartphone. At 1.18 pounds, it’s relatively light and portable, but it still requires a sturdy dashboard mount. The Garmin DriveSmart 71 EX is a feature-rich navigator with excellent voice control and traffic update capabilities, but it has a few limitations in resolution and connectivity.

The Garmin dēzl OTR1010 is a robust GPS navigator designed specifically for truck drivers. Its standout feature is the extra-large 10” high-resolution touchscreen, which is easy to read and can be used in both landscape and portrait modes, ensuring versatility in different driving conditions. The device offers custom truck routing based on the size and weight of the truck, as well as alerts for bridge heights, weight limits, sharp curves, and steep grades, which is crucial for truck drivers. However, the custom routing may not be available in all areas, and drivers are advised to always defer to posted signs and road conditions for safety.

The Birdseye Satellite Imagery feature provides high-resolution aerial views, aiding in planning arrivals at loading docks, truck entrances, and security gates. The route planner helps optimize routes for fuel stops, comfort breaks, and overnight stays, which is beneficial for long-haul drivers. The split-screen view is a great feature that allows drivers to see their remaining route alongside wind and weather conditions. The device also comes with a directory of truck and trailer services, which can be filtered by brand or amenity, adding convenience.

Integration with the dēzl app provides live traffic, weather updates, and smart notifications, and the PrePass notifications can save time at weigh stations. However, these features require a compatible smartphone and active PrePass account. The device includes integrated maps of North America, covering the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and other regions. It supports Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration with backup cameras and other accessories. The Garmin dēzl OTR1010 weighs 1.18 pounds and has dimensions of 9.7 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches, making it a bit bulkier compared to standard car GPS units. The battery life is not specifically mentioned, so it might be advisable to keep it plugged into the vehicle’s power source.