★★★★☆

Garmin DriveSmart 86 GPS Navigator | 8-Inch Display

Category: Best for Daily Commuters

Published: March 24, 2025

Key Features

High-resolution, dual-orientation display
Map updates of North America
Voice Assist and Hands-Free Calling
Live Traffic and Weather
Traffic Cams and Parking
Smart Notifications and Driver Alerts
TripAdvisor ratings and millions of Foursquare POIs
National Parks Directory
Find Places by Name
Garmin Real Directions Feature

Overview and First Impressions

The Garmin DriveSmart 86 is a powerful car GPS navigator that offers a variety of features for drivers. It has a large, bright display with high-resolution capabilities, making it easy to see the map and navigate even in direct sunlight. The voice assist feature allows you to ask directions without taking your hands off the wheel, which can be particularly useful when driving on busy roads.

Design and Build Quality

The Garmin DriveSmart 86 has a sleek design with a rugged build quality that is suitable for use in the car. The housing is made of durable materials and feels solid to the touch. The display screen is scratch-resistant, which can be useful if you drive on rough roads or have children in the car.

Setup and Ease of Use

The setup process for the Garmin DriveSmart 86 is straightforward. You simply plug it into your vehicle's power outlet and follow the on-screen instructions to connect it to your phone via Bluetooth. The voice assist feature can also help you navigate the setup process if you are unsure about any steps.

Display and Visibility

The display of the Garmin DriveSmart 86 is one of its standout features. It has a high resolution and is easy to read even in direct sunlight, making it ideal for use on long drives or when driving through areas with bright lights. The display is also touch-sensitive, which allows you to interact with it easily without taking your hands off the wheel.

Navigation Performance

The navigation performance of the Garmin DriveSmart 86 is excellent. It provides accurate and up-to-date directions and handles difficult roads and turns well. The voice guidance is clear and easy to follow, making it a reliable tool for navigating unfamiliar areas.

Maps and Updates

The Garmin DriveSmart 86 comes with preloaded maps of North America and offers frequent updates to keep the map data current. However, the size of the storage may limit the number of additional maps you can download. For users who frequently travel outside of North America, this could be a drawback.

Traffic and Alerts

The traffic and alert features of the Garmin DriveSmart 86 are comprehensive. It provides real-time traffic updates, weather information, parking options, and smart notifications for things such as school zones and sharp curves. The system also includes driver alerts for speed changes and other hazards.

Battery Life

The battery life of the Garmin DriveSmart 86 is decent, lasting up to 10 hours on a single charge. However, this can be affected by factors such as display brightness and map updates. If you plan on using the GPS for extended periods, it may be worth investing in an external charger.

Features and Extras

The Garmin DriveSmart 86 offers a variety of features that make it useful for both daily commuters and road trip adventures. The Tripadvisor ratings and millions of Foursquare POIs can help you find nearby restaurants, gas stations, and other points of interest. The National Parks Directory is also a handy feature for users who frequently travel in areas with national parks.

Performance in Use

I have used the Garmin DriveSmart 86 extensively during road trips and daily commutes. It has performed well in all situations, providing accurate directions and handling difficult roads with ease. The voice assist feature has been a lifesaver when navigating unfamiliar areas, and I appreciate the comprehensive traffic and alert features.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:Large, bright display, easy setup, voice assist, live traffic updates, weather information, smart notifications for driver alerts, Tripadvisor ratings and millions of Foursquare POIs, National Parks Directory.
Cons:Limited storage space for additional maps, decent battery life.

Final Verdict and Recommendation

The Garmin DriveSmart 86 is a reliable and feature-rich car GPS navigator that is well-suited for daily commuters and road trip adventures. It offers high-resolution navigation, comprehensive traffic and alert features, and convenient voice assist. While the battery life could be improved, the overall performance and value make it a good option for users who frequently drive in unfamiliar areas.