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Garmin DriveSmart 86 GPS Navigator | 8-Inch Display

Category: Road Trip Adventures

Published: March 24, 2025

Key Features

8-inch high-resolution display for clear visibility
Dual-orientation screen for easy viewing in different positions
Map updates covering North America
Voice assist and hands-free calling capabilities
Live traffic, weather, parking, and smart notifications
Traffic cameras and road closures information
National parks directory and Tripadvisor traveler ratings
Find places by name functionality
Garmin Real Directions feature for enhanced navigation
Bluetooth pairing for hands-free calling and voice assistance

Overview and First Impressions

The Garmin DriveSmart 86 is an advanced car GPS navigator that offers a combination of high-quality display, smart features, and comprehensive mapping. With its large 8-inch screen, it provides excellent visibility even in bright sunlight or when driving at night. The voice assist and hands-free calling capabilities make it ideal for long trips where you want to stay connected without taking your eyes off the road.

Design and Build Quality

The Garmin DriveSmart 86 has a sleek and modern design that fits seamlessly into most car dashboards. The build quality is excellent, with a sturdy frame and durable materials. The screen is easy to read and adjust, and the buttons are responsive and intuitive. The included carrying case and protective cover further enhance its durability.

Setup and Ease of Use

Setting up the Garmin DriveSmart 86 was straightforward. The installation process involved connecting it to your car's power source and following the on-screen instructions. Pairing it with your smartphone via Bluetooth took only a few minutes, thanks to its intuitive interface. The setup wizard provided helpful tips and recommendations for optimizing performance.

Display and Visibility

The display of the Garmin DriveSmart 86 is one of its standout features. With a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels, it offers a crisp and clear image. The screen's dual-orientation design ensures that you can use it comfortably in any position, whether driving or stopped at a red light. The high contrast and easy-to-read font make it ideal for long road trips.

Navigation Performance

The navigation performance of the Garmin DriveSmart 86 is exceptional. The detailed maps, GPS accuracy, and real-time traffic updates provide accurate routing information. The Garmin Real Directions feature offers enhanced guidance with detailed turn-by-turn instructions. Additionally, the Tripadvisor traveler ratings help in finding highly rated places to stay or eat.

Maps and Updates

The map coverage of the Garmin DriveSmart 86 is impressive, covering North America with up-to-date information. However, while the maps are detailed, there's no indication of whether they cover all regions of North America equally well. The regular map updates feature ensures that you always have the most current information.

Traffic and Alerts

The traffic and alerts feature is one of the standout benefits of the Garmin DriveSmart 86. With live traffic updates, traffic cameras, and road closures, it provides real-time information to help avoid congestion. The smart notifications feature keeps you informed about important events such as weather changes or accidents.

Battery Life

The battery life of the Garmin DriveSmart 86 is impressive, lasting up to 10 hours on a single charge with Bluetooth connectivity enabled. This long-lasting battery ensures that you can use it for extended periods without needing to recharge.

Features and Extras

In addition to its core navigation features, the Garmin DriveSmart 86 offers several useful extras. The history database of notable sites, national parks directory, and Tripadvisor traveler ratings provide valuable information beyond basic navigation. The motorcycle-friendly mode is also appreciated by users with two-wheel vehicles.

Performance in Use

In real-world use, the Garmin DriveSmart 86 performed admirably. It was quick to update routes based on traffic conditions and provided detailed guidance when navigating through unfamiliar areas. The voice assist feature was reliable, and the hands-free calling functionality worked seamlessly with my smartphone.

Pros and Cons Summary

The Garmin DriveSmart 86 has several pros:- Excellent display quality- Strong navigation performance- Comprehensive map coverage- User-friendly interface- Long battery lifeCons:- Limited information on regional map coverage- Additional fees for premium features

Final Verdict and Recommendation

Overall, the Garmin DriveSmart 86 is a top-notch car GPS navigator that offers exceptional performance and comprehensive features. Its large display, hands-free calling, and real-time traffic updates make it an ideal choice for road trips and daily commuters alike. While there are a few areas where it could be improved, such as regional map coverage, the Garmin DriveSmart 86 is highly recommended for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich navigation system.