It’s happened to everyone – you’re heading somewhere unfamiliar, relying solely on your phone for navigation, when service drops out or the small screen is impossible to see clearly in bright sunlight. Suddenly, you’re guessing which turn to take, feeling that familiar knot of anxiety tighten. Getting lost isn’t just inconvenient; it can add significant time, stress, and even put you in unfamiliar or unsafe areas. Finding a reliable way to navigate, especially on longer trips or in areas with spotty cell coverage, is crucial for peace of mind, and that’s where a dedicated Garmin DriveSmart 86 could truly make a difference, helping you avoid those stressful moments.
Before diving into specific models, it’s wise to think about what you truly need in a car GPS navigator. These devices primarily exist to provide reliable turn-by-turn directions without depending on cellular data, which is vital for travelers exploring remote areas or those simply wanting to conserve their phone’s battery. The ideal customer for a dedicated GPS device is someone who frequently travels long distances, visits areas with unreliable phone service, drives for work (though specific professional features like truck routing aren’t universal), or simply prefers a larger, dedicated display that’s less distracting than a phone. Someone who only drives short, familiar routes in urban areas with excellent phone coverage might find a smartphone app sufficient and a dedicated unit unnecessary. However, for those seeking enhanced safety features and a consistent experience, a GPS remains valuable. When considering a purchase, key factors include screen size and clarity, ease of map updates, accuracy of directions, availability of relevant points of interest, driver alert features, and connectivity options like voice control or smartphone pairing for live data.
Introducing the Garmin DriveSmart 86 Navigator
The Garmin DriveSmart 86 positions itself as a premium car GPS navigator designed for clarity and convenience. It promises bright, high-resolution maps on a substantial 8-inch screen, coupled with voice assistance and connected features via a smartphone app. Out of the box, you get the navigator unit itself, a vehicle suction cup mount, a traffic receiver/vehicle power cable, a USB cable, and documentation – everything needed to get started. While previous Garmin models like the Nuvi line were popular mainstays, the DriveSmart series represents Garmin’s move towards larger, smarter, and more connected devices, aiming to integrate features like voice control and live data that were less common or absent in older units, and often offering larger, higher-resolution displays than many older models or basic competitors. This particular model is aimed squarely at the driver who values a large, easily readable display and wants modern conveniences like voice control and live information without relying on their phone for navigation itself. It’s likely not the best fit for professional drivers needing specific routing (like for trucks) as it doesn’t list this feature, nor is it intended as a simple budget option.
Pros:
* Large, bright, high-resolution 8-inch display.
* Garmin Voice Assist for hands-free operation.
* Built-in Wi-Fi for easy map and software updates.
* Includes valuable road trip features like Tripadvisor ratings and National Parks directory.
* Driver alerts enhance situational awareness.
* Includes a dual USB charger for added convenience.
Cons:
* Voice Assist can sometimes struggle with accuracy based on user feedback on related models.
* Mounting options might be limited by the large screen size and specific car windshield angles.
* Doesn’t include specialized routing like for trucks.
* Relies on smartphone pairing via the Garmin Drive app for live services (traffic, fuel, etc.).
* Requires continuous power source during use; battery life is limited if unplugged.
Exploring Features and Their Practical Benefits
Having used a dedicated GPS navigator for quite some time, the features of the Garmin DriveSmart 86 really stand out as addressing many common navigation frustrations. Let’s break down how its core capabilities translate into real-world benefits on the road.
Large, Bright, High-Resolution 8-Inch Display: This is arguably the most significant feature you notice immediately. After years of squinting at smaller screens, the 8-inch display is a revelation. The high resolution means maps are crisp and detailed, not pixelated. In bright daylight, the screen remains remarkably readable, far better than most phone screens under the same conditions. The benefit here is immense for safety; you can process information with just a quick glance, keeping your eyes on the road longer. The large size also makes interacting with the touchscreen easier, reducing mistypes when entering destinations. Dual orientation is a nice touch, allowing flexibility in how you mount it, although I typically prefer landscape mode.
Garmin Voice Assist: The idea of being able to tell your navigator where you want to go without lifting a finger is incredibly appealing for safety. Garmin’s voice assist allows you to say “OK Garmin” followed by commands like “Take me home” or “Find gas stations.” While it works much of the time, it’s not foolproof. Like any voice recognition system, it can sometimes misunderstand accents or struggle with noisy environments. However, when it works, it’s fantastic. It keeps your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, making destination entry or route adjustments much safer than fumbling with a touchscreen while driving. The benefit is a genuinely more hands-free navigation experience.
Hands-Free Calling: By pairing your compatible smartphone via Bluetooth, the DriveSmart 86 acts as a speakerphone. You can answer calls, make calls, and hear conversations through the navigator’s speaker. This is a standard feature in many modern cars, but if your vehicle lacks built-in Bluetooth calling or you prefer using a single device for navigation and calls, this integration is seamless and keeps you compliant with hands-free driving laws. It leverages the large screen to show incoming call information clearly.
Live Traffic, Weather, Traffic Cams, and Parking: Accessing real-time information is crucial for efficient travel. By pairing the navigator with your smartphone running the Garmin Drive app, you get live data feeds. Live traffic helps you avoid jams by suggesting alternative routes. Real-time weather updates are useful for planning stops or being prepared for conditions ahead. Information about traffic cams can help you understand traffic flow issues. Finding available parking near your destination can save significant time and frustration, especially in urban areas. The benefit here is smarter, less stressful journeys where you’re less likely to be caught off guard by delays or unexpected conditions. This connectivity bridge via the app works well once set up, providing valuable dynamic data.
Driver Alerts: Garmin has long included features to increase driver awareness, and the DriveSmart 86 continues this tradition. It provides alerts for upcoming sharp curves, speed changes, school zones, railroad crossings, and even wrong-way driving on one-way streets. After using this for a while, these alerts become second nature and genuinely helpful, especially on unfamiliar roads. Knowing a sharp curve is coming up allows you to adjust your speed proactively, contributing significantly to safer driving habits. It’s an added layer of safety that complements the navigation itself.
Road Trip–Ready Features (HISTORY database, National Parks Directory, Tripadvisor, Foursquare POIs): This navigator isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s designed for exploring. The preloaded HISTORY database of notable sites is interesting for history buffs. The U.S. National Parks directory is invaluable for planning trips to national treasures. Tripadvisor traveler ratings and millions of Foursquare points of interest (POIs) make finding restaurants, attractions, gas stations, and lodging along your route incredibly easy and reliable, based on feedback from other travelers. This transforms the navigator from a simple directional tool into a travel companion, helping you discover places and make informed decisions on the go.
Alexa Built-in: This is a modern addition, allowing you to use voice commands via Alexa (paired through the Garmin Drive app) to play music, listen to audiobooks, hear the news, check your shopping list, and more. The caveat about focusing on driving is important, but for tasks that don’t require visual interaction, having Alexa available through the navigator is a convenience. It integrates into the hands-free ecosystem, allowing you to manage certain aspects of your digital life without needing to pick up your phone.
Built-in Wi-Fi Connectivity: Updating maps and software on older GPS units often required connecting to a computer and using specific software, which could be cumbersome. The Garmin DriveSmart 86 eliminates this hurdle with built-in Wi-Fi. You can simply connect the unit to your home Wi-Fi network and download updates directly to the device. This makes keeping your maps current significantly easier and ensures you always have the latest software improvements, contributing to better accuracy and performance over time.
Included Dual USB Charger: While a minor point, including a dual USB charger in the box is a practical addition. The power cable itself provides an extra USB port, meaning you can power the navigator and charge your phone or another device simultaneously from a single car power outlet. It’s a small convenience that shows attention to detail in the overall user experience.
Overall, the long-term use of a device like the Garmin DriveSmart 86 reveals how these features work together to create a more relaxed and informed driving experience. While some features, like voice assist, may have occasional quirks reported by users of similar models, the core navigation, large screen, helpful alerts, and easy updates make it a reliable tool for regular travel.
Voices from Other Users
Peeking at feedback from other long-term owners of Garmin GPS devices, a common theme is the brand’s reliability built over years of use. Many express loyalty after positive experiences with older units, noting the value of free lifetime map updates. Users appreciate features like driver alerts and the ease of updating maps via Wi-Fi. Some comments highlight the convenience of the large, clear screen, finding it much easier to read than phone displays, especially for tasks like getting to doctor’s appointments. However, a few users on related models have mentioned frustration with the voice assist feature not always understanding commands accurately. While specific hardware issues like battery failure or SD card errors were noted on *different* Garmin models by some reviewers, the overall sentiment often points towards Garmin being a trusted brand for navigation needs, particularly for road trips where reliable offline maps are essential.
Final Thoughts on Navigating Your Travels
Dealing with navigation uncertainty on the road, especially when facing unfamiliar routes or areas with poor connectivity, is undeniably stressful and can lead to frustrating delays or even safety concerns. A reliable GPS navigator serves as a dedicated tool to eliminate this anxiety and ensure you reach your destination efficiently. The Garmin DriveSmart 86 is a strong contender in this space for several key reasons. Its expansive 8-inch display ensures maps are always clear and easy to see, minimizing glances away from the road. Features like driver alerts proactively inform you of potential hazards, enhancing safety. Furthermore, the built-in Wi-Fi simplifies the crucial task of keeping maps and software up-to-date for continued accuracy. If you value these benefits and are looking for a dedicated, large-screen navigation solution, the Garmin DriveSmart 86 is certainly worth considering. To learn more and check it out for yourself, Click here.