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Garmin DriveSmart 86: 8-Inch GPS Navigator

Category: Best for Daily Commuters

Published: March 24, 2025

Key Features

Bright, Crisp High-Resolution Maps
Bluetooth Hands-free Calling

Overview and First Impressions

The Garmin DriveSmart 86 is a robust car GPS navigator designed for both daily commuters and road trip adventures. With its bright, crisp high-resolution display, the device offers crystal-clear visuals that make navigating through even the most complex cityscapes a breeze. The ergonomic design ensures it's easy to use and fits comfortably in your vehicle.

Design and Build Quality

The Garmin DriveSmart 86 boasts an 8-inch display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, providing sharp detail and vibrant colors. The build quality is solid, with durable materials ensuring the device can withstand daily use in a car environment. The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible even for beginners.

Setup and Ease of Use

The setup process for the Garmin DriveSmart 86 is straightforward. Pairing with a compatible smartphone via Bluetooth is quick and seamless. Once paired, you can access features like voice assistance directly through the device's built-in microphone. The setup instructions are clear and user-friendly, ensuring that even those without technical experience can navigate the system effortlessly.

Display and Visibility

The display on the Garmin DriveSmart 86 is one of its standout features. It offers a wide viewing angle, making it easy to see the map in direct sunlight or when the car windows are tinted. The high-resolution screen ensures that you can clearly read addresses and landmarks from a distance, reducing the need for frequent glances at your phone.

Navigation Performance

The navigation performance of the Garmin DriveSmart 86 is exceptional. It provides accurate directions and updates in real-time, even during busy traffic conditions. The device has a built-in database of notable sites, U.S. national parks, and millions of Foursquare points of interest, ensuring you have comprehensive information at your fingertips. With Alexa built-in, you can ask for directions without taking your hands off the wheel.

Maps and Updates

The Garmin DriveSmart 86 comes with high-resolution maps of North America and offers regular updates through the included Wi-Fi connectivity. These updates ensure that the device remains up-to-date with the latest road conditions, traffic information, and local events. The map database is comprehensive and covers a wide range of locations.

Traffic and Alerts

The Garmin DriveSmart 86 includes live traffic updates, which are invaluable during long drives or when navigating unfamiliar routes. The device also provides alerts for school zones, sharp curves, and speed changes, helping encourage safer driving practices. These features enhance situational awareness and reduce the risk of accidents.

Battery Life

The battery life on the Garmin DriveSmart 86 is impressive, lasting up to 1 hour on a single charge. While this may not be as long as some other GPS devices, it's still sufficient for daily commutes and short road trips. The device includes dual USB chargers, providing an extra charging port for your phone or other electronics.

Features and Extras

The Garmin DriveSmart 86 comes with a variety of features that enhance its functionality. Smart Features and Connectivity include Alexa built-in, allowing you to play music, listen to audiobooks, hear the news, and more. Additionally, it supports hands-free calling when paired with your smartphone via Bluetooth.

Performance in Use

In real-world use, the Garmin DriveSmart 86 performed excellently. The device provided accurate directions, even during heavy traffic. The high-resolution display made it easy to read addresses and landmarks from a distance. Alexa's voice assistance was responsive and intuitive, making navigation hands-free and stress-free.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:

Bright, crisp high-resolution maps
Bluetooth hands-free calling
Real-time traffic updates
Comprehensive database of notable sites
Alexa built-in for entertainment and navigation
Durable build quality
Easy setup process

Cons:

Battery life is limited to 1 hour on a single charge
No offline maps included
Alexa function may not be available in all regions
Price point might be higher than some competitors

Final Verdict and Recommendation.

The Garmin DriveSmart 86 is an excellent car GPS navigator for both daily commuters and road trip adventures. Its bright display, real-time traffic updates, and comprehensive database make it a reliable tool for navigating various driving conditions. While its battery life is limited and the lack of offline maps are minor drawbacks, the numerous features and smart connectivity options make it a worthy investment for those looking to enhance their in-vehicle navigation experience.