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Garmin DriveSmart 86 Review

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By Best Choice team
Checked icon Last updated - February 18, 2025
8.5

Verdict overview

  • Precision 8.4
  • Touch Screen 9.1
  • Simple to use 8.4
  • Voice Recognition 8.4
  • User interface 7.9
  • Vacuum strength 8.6
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Pros
  • Large, high-resolution display for clear navigation.
  • Voice assist for hands-free operation.
  • Real-time traffic updates via smartphone.
Cons
  • Poor spoken direction.

Tech specs

product dimensions4.7 x 0.77 x 7.6 inches
colorBlack
batteries1 Lithium Ion batteries required. included
whats in the boxGarmin DriveSmart 86, vehicle suction cup mount, traffic receiver/vehicle power cable, USB cable and documentation
other display featuresWireless
connectivity technologiesBluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB
item weight10.4 ounces
special featuresNational Parks Directory, Large Display, Live Traffic and Weather, Traffic Cams and Parking, Driver Alerts, Voice Assist, Smart Notifications, Find Places by Name, Hands-Free Calling, Tripadvisor
wireless communication technologiesBluetooth, Wi-Fi
customer reviews4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 1,231 ratings 4.4 out of 5 stars
display resolution1280 x 800
human interface inputTouchscreen
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Product Overview

The Garmin DriveSmart 86 is an 8 inch navigator that comes with a host of features to make your road trips more enjoyable and hassle free. It has a high resolution, dual orientation display with map updates of North America, Europe and other countries. What makes the Garmin DriveSmart 86 really stand out is its hands free calling feature when paired with your compatible smartphone via BLUETOOTH technology. Combined with the convenient Garmin voice assist you can ask for directions to places you want to go without ever touching your phone.

The Garmin DriveSmart 86 also comes with road trip ready features such as the HISTORY database of notable sites, a U.S. national parks directory, Tripadvisor traveler ratings, and millions of Foursquare POIs. To ensure that you stay safe on the road, it also offers driver alerts for things such as school zones, sharp curves and speed changes which help encourage safer driving and increase situational awareness. With its built in Wi Fi connectivity you can easily update maps and software without needing a computer.

In addition to all these features, it can also access live traffic information, fuel prices, weather, parking and smart notifications when you pair this navigator with your compatible smartphone running the Garmin Drive app. The interesting part is that it also has Alexa Built in so you can ask for music, listen to audiobooks, hear the news and more all while keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road!

Overall I would highly recommend this product for anyone who enjoys long drives or travels often by car. It makes driving easier by providing accurate directions and timely updates about traffic conditions so you never get lost or stuck in traffic jams again. The Alexa Built in feature is especially useful since it allows you to stay connected while driving without having to take your eyes off the road or lose concentration while navigating. The 8 inch screen size also provides great visibility even during night time drives making it perfect for any journey!

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Frequently asked questions

  • What features does this product offer? Arrow icon
  • Does this product support hands free calling?Arrow icon
  • Is there a U.S. national parks directory included?Arrow icon
  • Does this product include Alexa Built in?Arrow icon
  • What type of connectivity does this product support?Arrow icon

The secret behind our reviews

By Best Choice team

Best Choice Team is your go-to source for curated product recommendations across various categories. Leveraging years of industry experience and advanced AI technology, we analyze data from multiple sources to bring you the most relevant and up-to-date product lists.

Our AI-driven approach allows us to streamline the selection process, ensuring that the products we feature align with current market trends and consumer preferences. We aim to provide content that helps you navigate your purchasing decisions with greater ease Like.

Users reviews

85% of reviewers would recommend to a friend, Based on 2,462 Reviews

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