10 Best Off Road Gps Units 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Tread XL Baja Chase Edition is designed specifically for off-road racing support, featuring a large 10.1-inch ultrabright touchscreen that ensures visibility of maps and navigation details even in bright desert conditions. Its rugged IP67 rating allows it to withstand dust, water splashes, and rough terrain typical of off-road environments. The device weighs about 2.1 pounds and includes mounting options for quick transfer between chase trucks, which is convenient for team support during events.

The GPS unit offers strong mapping capabilities, including support for high-resolution satellite imagery and GPX course files to help users follow race routes and virtual checkpoints precisely. Its inReach satellite communication and team tracking features enable real-time location sharing and messaging, valuable for team coordination, although these require an active subscription and may have legal restrictions in certain areas. Additional navigation tools such as custom pacenotes and chase mode assist with route planning and tracking during races.

Potential drawbacks include the relatively short battery life of about 6 hours and the moderately heavy weight, which could be concerns during extended or handheld use. Bluetooth connectivity is basic and lacks more advanced wireless options. While the touchscreen interface is user-friendly, some users unfamiliar with Garmin’s system may experience a learning curve. This GPS unit is particularly well-suited for professional off-road racers and support teams requiring rugged, precise navigation and communication features in demanding environments.

The Garmin Tread XL Overland is designed specifically for off-road adventure, featuring a large 10-inch ultrabright touchscreen that’s easy to see even in bright sunlight. Its rugged build with an IP67 rating means it can handle dust and brief water exposure, making it suited for tough outdoor conditions. The device includes detailed preloaded maps for North and South America, with trail navigation and 3D terrain views that help when exploring unpaved roads. One standout feature is the built-in inReach satellite communication, which allows for two-way texting and SOS alerts even in remote areas without cell service.

The screen resolution is relatively low (480 x 272), which might make some map details less sharp compared to other GPS units. While it supports custom routing based on your vehicle’s size, routing accuracy can vary depending on the area and map data quality. The interface relies on a capacitive touchscreen with some button controls, offering decent ease of use but could be a bit challenging for those new to GPS devices. The included microfiber cloth is a nice touch to keep the screen clean.

This GPS is best for serious off-roaders or overlanders who need robust navigation with satellite communication in one device. It’s less suited for casual users looking for high-resolution maps or more detailed street navigation. Garmin’s Tread XL is a solid choice if you prioritize durability, large display, and safety features in rough environments.

The Garmin Tread SxS is designed specifically for powersport riders, making it a strong choice if you frequently go off-road on ATVs or UTVs. Its 8-inch ultrabright touchscreen is large and easy to read even in sunlight, and it’s glove-friendly, which is great when you’re riding. The device is built tough with dust and water resistance (IP67), so it can handle rough outdoor conditions without worry. However, the battery lasts about 3.5 hours, so you’ll likely need to keep it connected to your vehicle’s power for longer trips. Navigation-wise, it offers turn-by-turn directions on trails and roads using detailed preloaded topographic and road maps, which also factor in vehicle size for safer routing. This makes it helpful for exploring unfamiliar terrain, although map data might not be perfect everywhere, so common sense about road conditions is still important.

The built-in inReach satellite communication adds safety with global text messaging and SOS, but it does require a subscription. One standout feature is the Group Ride Radio, which lets you stay connected with up to 20 riders via push-to-talk and location sharing – a real bonus for group outings, though all riders need the same device, and vehicle power is required for this to work. The interface is user-friendly, pairing with a smartphone app for route planning and syncing trip data. Extra sensors like an altimeter and compass help with navigating difficult terrain. The Garmin Tread SxS is not the cheapest option, but it offers rugged durability, useful communication tools, and precise navigation tailored for off-road adventures, making it a worthy consideration if you want a specialized GPS built for powersport vehicles.