15 Best Car GPS Navigation Systems (2023)

Last Updated: Sep 21, 2023

Dedicated car GPS navigation systems can be a big benefit when navigating in your vehicle, truck, motorcycle, or even handheld for maximum portability.

They all have internal batteries and voice or turn-by-turn navigation guidance.

In this article, I’ll discuss the different GPS navigation systems, pros, and cons as well as install and mounting suggestions.

Why Use a Dedicated GPS Tracker instead of Cell Phone

It’s nice having a stand-alone GPS car navigator which can free up your phone as needed.

With Cell Phone navigation:
1) You’re not able to easily see the navigation apps when manually using the phone or on a phone call.

2) There is no GPS navigation when you lose cellular coverage; such as when in the backcountry or remote areas…unless you have downloaded offline Google maps.

3) Phones have a small screen.

Installing GPS Navigation in a Car

It is important to consider a few things when installing a navigation system in your car.

Remember to Avoid Over-Heating

As with any electronic device, be mindful of direct sun exposure that may cause the unit to overheat. This can be bad for the LCD screen and internal battery.

The GPS navigator normally produces its own internal heat while being used. So, if you also have direct sunlight hitting it, that will add to the heat internally, just like an oven, regardless if driving or parked.

Just keep a shroud or homemade shield to help shade the unit from direct sunlight or change the location slightly.

Proper Mounting Makes a Big Difference

Some of the windows suction mounts can eventually fall off, so other mounts should be explored. There are mounts for CD slots, friction dash mounts, and seat-bolted flex mounts.

There are cup-holder mounts (shown below) and windshield extension arms that the GPS navigator can mount to for the best location and viewing.

All of the GPS navigation systems mentioned here have internal GPS receivers that work by listening to signals from the satellites, so there is no need for external antennas. See more info on how GPS works.

While focusing on navigation, it’s also essential to ensure safety during drives. Check out our article on the best front and rear dash cams with night vision to enhance your driving safety.

Best GPS Navigation Systems for Car and Trucks Reviews:

Product Name	Screen Size	Price	Amazon Reviews
Garmin Drive 51	5 inch	$125.00	8073 (4.4 stars)
Garmin Drive 52	5 inch	$99.99	10776 (4.5 star)
Garmin DriveSmart 55	5.5 inch	$169.99	10776 (4.5 star)
Garmin DriveSmart 66	6 inch	$249.99	820 (4.3 stars)
Garmin DriveSmart 86	8 inch	$349.99	828 (4.3 stars)
Garmin dezl OTR700	7 inch	$297.99	3620 (4.5 stars)
Garmin RV 780	7 inch	$409.99	115 (4.3 stars)
TomTom Go Comfort	6 inch	$191.86	726 (4.2 stars)
Apple iPad 9 (2021)	10 inch	$309.99	20415 (4.8 stars)
Garmin eTrex 32x	2.2 inch	$299.99	271 (4.3 stars)
Garmin GPSMAP 64sx	2.6 inch	$359.00	690 (4.5 stars)
Garmin zūmo XT	5.5 inch	$499.99	890 (4.6 stars)
Garmin GPSMAP 66i	3 inch	$550.00	1006 (4.5 stars)
Garmin Montana 700i	5 inch	$699.99	375 (4.3 stars)

Garmin Drive 51 with Lifetime Maps

Setup & Install Experience:
These Garmin units are popular. This one comes with a suction mount and cigarette lighter power cable.

You can choose between the – S version which links to your smartphone to pull live traffic alerts via the free Garmin Smartphone Link app. The internal lithium battery will only last 1 hour should you decide to use it that way.

Also, it only includes the lower 49 states, not Alaska.

Performance & Overall Experience:
The Garmin 51 is great with the -S version which links to your smartphone. We found this a better experience with live updates.

The display looks great and can be seen at a normal driving distance.

They have a Garmin Express app that lets you backup the data to your computer as well as import waypoints from another mapping device.

It also supports other languages and can save up to 1000 locations.

Tested Features: 

• Live alerts and turns tested.
• Recalculates routes.
• Built-in speaker.
• Historical trips log.
• Customize routes to avoid certain roads.
• POI data

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Garmin Drive 52 GPS Navigator with Lifetime Maps

Setup & Install Experience:
The Garmin Drive 52 is a great starter unit. This one comes with a suction mount and cigarette lighter power cable and USB cable.

You can choose between the – S version which links to your smartphone to pull live traffic alerts via the free Garmin Smartphone Link app. The internal lithium battery will only last 1 hour should you decide to use it that way.

The touchscreen is bright and is a nice upgrade over Nuvi.

Performance & Overall Experience:
The Garmin 52 is great with the phone app which links to your smartphone. We found this a better experience with live updates.

The display looks great and can be seen at a normal driving distance.

They have a Garmin Express app that lets you backup the data to your computer as well as import waypoints from another mapping device.

It also supports other languages and can save up to 1000 locations. You can search using GPS coordinates instead of an address.

Tested Features: 

• Live alerts and turns tested.
• Recalculates routes.
• Built-in speaker.
• Historical trips log.
• Customize routes to avoid certain roads.
• POI data

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Garmin DriveSmart 55 with Traffic

Setup & Install Experience:
This Garmin unit was easy to install. It also comes with a suction mount for the windshield or dash and cigarette lighter power cable.

You can pair it with your smartphone to pull live traffic alerts via the free Garmin Drive app as well as hands-free calling and weather alerts. Red light and speed camera warnings included.

We see that national parks, shops, and restaurants are preloaded from Foursquare data.

Performance & Overall Experience:
The Garmin DrievSmart 55/65/71 series are powerful GPS navigation units especially when linked to your smartphone.

We noted better map performance when adding a microSD memory card. You can buy these cards directly from Garmin with preloaded maps or get an empty one and add maps you want. (up to 32GB)

This allows for storage of additional maps, images, routes, waypoints and any custom POIs.

The voice commands and visual guidance work very good.

They have a Garmin Express app that lets you backup the data to your computer as well as import waypoints from another mapping device.

Tested Features: 

• Live alerts and turns tested.
• Recalculates routes.
• Voice assistant.
• Historical trips log.
• Customize routes to avoid certain roads.
• POI data

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Garmin DriveSmart 66 with Traffic

Setup & Install Experience:
This Garmin DriveSmart 66 unit was easy to install. It also comes with a suction mount for windshield or dash and cigarette lighter power cable. It is exactly the same as the 55 just larger.

You can pair it with your smartphone to pull live traffic alerts via the free Garmin Drive app as well as hands-free calling and weather alerts. Red light and speed camera warnings are available.

It also has a built-in 3.5mm AUX port to connect to your car stereo to allow all Garmin audio to play through your speakers.

Performance & Overall Experience:
The Garmin DrievSmart 66 is Alexa-enabled, so you can ask to play music, control home devices, and more. It links to your car stereo via Bluetooth or aux cable.

We noted better map performance when adding a microSD memory card. You can buy these cards directly from Garmin with preloaded maps or get an empty one and add maps you want. (up to 32GB)

This allows for storage of additional maps, images, routes, waypoints and any custom POIs.

The display looks great and can be seen at a normal driving distance.

They have a Garmin Express app that lets you backup the data to your computer as well as import waypoints from another mapping device.

Tested Features: 

• Live alerts and turns tested.
• Recalculates routes.
• Voice assistant.
• Historical trips log.
• Customize routes to avoid certain roads.
• POI data

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Garmin DriveSmart 86 with Traffic

Setup & Install Experience:
This Garmin DriveSmart 86 unit was easy to install. It also comes with a suction mount for windshield or dash and cigarette lighter power cable. It is exactly the same as the 55/65 just larger.

You can pair it with your smartphone to pull live traffic alerts via the free Garmin Drive app as well as hands-free calling and weather alerts. Red light and speed camera warnings included.

We see that national parks, shops, and restaurants are preloaded from Foursquare data.

Performance & Overall Experience:
The Garmin DrievSmart 86 is a powerful GPS navigation unit, especially when linked to your smartphone.

We updated the maps by adding a microSD memory card. You can buy these cards directly from Garmin with preloaded maps or get an empty one and add maps you want. (up to 32GB)

This allows for storage of additional maps, images, routes, waypoints and any custom POIs.

The display looks great and can be seen at a normal driving distance.

They have a Garmin Express app that lets you backup the data to your computer as well as import waypoints from another mapping device and keep maps updated.

Tested Features: 

• Live alerts and turns tested.
• Recalculates routes.
• Voice assistant.
• Historical trips log.
• Customize routes to avoid certain roads.
• POI data

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Garmin dezl OTR700 Truck Navigation

Setup & Install Experience:
This Garmin dezl OTR700 unit was easy to install. It also comes with a suction mount for windshield or dash and cigarette lighter power cable. It is perfect for professional truckers.

You can pair it with your smartphone to pull live traffic alerts via the free Garmin Dezl app as well as hands-free calling and weather alerts. Love the touchscreen display. Bluetooth hands-free calling compatible.

Performance & Overall Experience:
The Garmin dezl series are powerful GPS navigation units for truckers.

We noted better map performance when adding a microSD memory card. You can buy these cards directly from Garmin with preloaded maps or get an empty one and add maps you want. (up to 32GB)

This allows for storage of additional maps, images, routes, waypoints and any custom POIs.

The display looks great and can be seen at a normal driving distance.

They have a Garmin Express app that lets you backup the data to your computer as well as import waypoints from another mapping device.

Tested Features: 

• Live alerts and turns tested.
• Recalculates routes.
• Voice assistant.
• Historical trips log.
• Customize routes to avoid certain roads.
• POI data

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Garmin RV 780 GPS Navigator for RV & Camping

Setup & Install Experience:
We tested this unit while reviewing the best RV GPS navigational units. This unit was easy to install. It also comes with a suction mount for windshield or dash and cigarette lighter power cable. It is perfect for campers and RVers.

You can pair it with your smartphone to pull live traffic alerts via the free Garmin Drive app as well as hands-free calling and weather alerts. Red light and speed camera warnings included.

We see that national parks, shops, and restaurants are preloaded from Foursquare data.

Performance & Overall Experience:
The Garmin RV 780 gives warnings for sharp curves and steep grades.

We noted better map performance when adding a microSD memory card. You can buy these cards directly from Garmin with preloaded maps or get an empty one and add maps you want. (up to 32GB)

This allows for storage of additional maps, images, routes, waypoints and any custom POIs.

The display looks great and can be seen at a normal driving distance.

They have a Garmin Express app that lets you backup the data to your computer as well as import waypoints from another mapping device.

Tested Features: 

• Live alerts and turns tested.
• Recalculates routes.
• Voice assistant.
• Historical trips log.
• Customize routes to avoid certain roads and tolls.
• POI data

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TomTom Go Comfort with Realtime Traffic

Setup & Install Experience:
The TomTom unit setup is simple. This one comes with a suction mount and cigarette lighter power cable.

You get live traffic and smart routing to pull live traffic alerts via the free MyDrive mobile app. The internal lithium battery will only last 1 hour should you decide to use it that way.

Performance & Overall Experience:
The TomTom is great with the live Wi-Fi updates which links to your smartphone. We found this a better experience with live updates.

The display looks great and can be seen at a normal driving distance.

They have a MyDrive app that lets you backup the data to your computer as well as import waypoints from another mapping device and get latest maps.

Pre-plan your trips on TomTom MyDrive, It can even read out your text messages.

Tested Features: 

• Live alerts and turns tested.
• Recalculates routes.
• Built-in speaker.
• Historical trips log.
• Customize routes to avoid certain roads.
• POI data

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Apple iPad 9 (2021)

Setup & Install Experience:
The Apple iPad 9th-Generation is a formidable contender at just $279 for the Wi-Fi only and $399 for Wi-Fi & Cellular). There are many mounting options available, CD-player, cup holder, seat mount, and suction cup, etc. so you can position perfectly.

We set up Google Maps and installed a few of our favorite app store apps: TripAdvisor. The split screen ability on the iPad is great and adjustable. Live weather radar overlay while using navigation is great.

Our navigation tests were very easy with live traffic updates built into google maps.

Performance & Overall Experience:
The iPad display is very nice and scrolling around is very smooth. I recommend getting the wifi + cellular version even if you just use your cell phone’s hotspot, you can add a cheap data plan as backup.

The 10-inch display looks great and can be seen at a normal driving distance. I thought the display would be too large, but when mounted in the right place, I can’t go back to smaller screens.

They have many accessories to go with the iPad, like a wireless keyboard and stylus pen. This allows you or a passenger to take notes, or search for restaurants without disturbing your map navigation.

With 64GB of storage you have many ways to save maps and pictures, also supports other languages and can save thousands of locations.

Tested Features: 

• Live alerts and turns tested.
• Recalculates routes.
• Built-in speaker.
• Historical trips log.
• Customize routes to avoid certain roads.
• POI data

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Best Portable Handheld GPS Navigation Systems in 2022

Garmin eTrex 32x Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator

Setup & Install Experience:
These Garmin handhelds are popular. This one comes with a suction mount and cigarette lighter power cable.

You can choose between the – S version which links to your smartphone to pull live traffic alerts via the free Garmin Smartphone Link app. The internal lithium battery will only last 1 hour should you decide to use it that way.

They also support the ANT wireless protocol for data transmission.

Performance & Overall Experience:
The Garmin eTrex 32 is great as a handheld device. We found this a great experience and easy to use.

The display looks great and can be seen at a normal distance.

They have a Garmin Express app that lets you backup the data to your computer as well as import waypoints from another mapping device.

It also supports other languages and can save up to 1000 locations.

Tested Features: 

• Live alerts and turns tested.
• Recalculates routes.
• Built-in speaker.
• Historical trips log.
• Customize routes to avoid certain roads.
• POI data

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Garmin GPSMAP 64sx, Portable GPS with Altimeter and Compass

Setup & Install Experience:
These Garmin 64sx handhelds are popular. This one comes with a suction mount and cigarette lighter power cable.

We like the high-sensitivity receiver with quad helix antenna and multi-GNSS support (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) and 3-axis compass with barometric altimeter and wireless connectivity via BLUETOOTH technology and ANT+.

These handheld GPS receivers work without the need for Internet or data. Maps are preloaded.

Performance & Overall Experience:
The Garmin 51 is great with the -S version which links to your smartphone. We found this a better experience with live updates.

The display looks great and can be seen at a normal driving distance.

They have a Garmin Express app that lets you backup the data to your computer as well as import waypoints from another mapping device.

It also supports other languages and can save up to 1000 locations.

Tested Features: 

• Live alerts and turns tested.
• Recalculates routes.
• Built-in speaker.
• Historical trips log.
• Customize routes to avoid certain roads.
• POI data

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Garmin zūmo XT, All-Terrain Motorcycle GPS Navigation Device

Setup & Install Experience:
These Garmin handhelds are popular. This one comes with a suction mount and cigarette lighter power cable.

You can choose between the – S version which links to your smartphone to pull live traffic alerts via the free Garmin Smartphone Link app. The internal lithium battery will only last 1 hour should you decide to use it that way.

Performance & Overall Experience:
The Garmin zumo XT is great with the -S version which links to your smartphone. We found this a better experience with live updates.

The display looks great and can be seen at a normal driving distance.

They have a Garmin Express app that lets you backup the data to your computer as well as import waypoints from another mapping device.

It also supports other languages and can save up to 1000 locations.

Tested Features: 

• Live alerts and turns tested.
• Recalculates routes.
• Built-in speaker.
• Historical trips log.
• Customize routes to avoid certain roads.
• POI data

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Garmin GPSMAP 66i, Portable GPS and 2-Way Satellite Communicator

Setup & Install Experience:
These Garmin 2-way handhelds are nice to have when hiking or in remote locations. This one comes with a suction mount and cigarette lighter power cable.

You can choose between the – S version which links to your smartphone to pull live traffic alerts via the free Garmin Explore and IQ apps. The internal lithium battery will last 200 hours with 30 minute tracking.

It comes loaded with topographical maps and can use custom maps.

Performance & Overall Experience:
The Garmin 66i is great as a portable mapping system. Even though the 2-way satellite communication requires a subscription, that is well worth it when you are on land or water.

The 66sr version has the same features without the 2-way communication, text messages, email, sos, etc.

The display looks great and can be seen at a normal distance and in sunlight.

They have a Garmin Express app that lets you backup the data to your computer as well as import waypoints from another mapping device.

It also supports other languages and can save up to 1000 locations. This unit can even support inland and coastal water charts for a great portable marine GPS navigation system.

Tested Features: 

• Live alerts and turns tested.
• Recalculates routes.
• Built-in speaker.
• Historical trips log.
• Customize routes to avoid certain roads.
• POI data

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Garmin Montana 700i, Rugged GPS Handheld with Built-in inReach Satellite Technology

Setup & Install Experience:
These Garmin handhelds are popular. This one comes with a suction mount and cigarette lighter power cable.

You can choose between the – S version which links to your smartphone to pull live traffic alerts via the free Garmin Smartphone Link app. The internal lithium battery will only last 1 hour should you decide to use it that way.

Also, it only includes the lower 49 states, not Alaska.

Performance & Overall Experience:
The Garmin 700i is great with the -S version which links to your smartphone. We found this a better experience with live updates.

The display looks great and can be seen at a normal driving distance.

They have a Garmin Express app that lets you backup the data to your computer as well as import waypoints from another mapping device.

It also supports other languages and can save up to 1000 locations.

Tested Features: 

• Live alerts and turns tested.
• Recalculates routes.
• Built-in speaker.
• Historical trips log.
• Customize routes to avoid certain roads.
• POI data

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How to Install and Mount the GPS Navigator

Installation location is important, so here is the CD slot holder that works for the iPad as well as the other systems mentioned above.

There are also seat mount holders that mount to the seat bracket.

Conclusion

There are many options when selecting a car GPS navigation system including size, features, and cost.

The benefits are great and you will quickly get used to having one dedicated to safe navigation. Be sure to test a few mounting locations before deciding which is the best.

FAQs