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10 Best Gps Units For Cars 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Garmin DriveSmart 66, 6-inch Car GPS Navigator with Bright, Crisp High-Resolution Maps and Garmin Voice Assist

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,257
Screen Size
Map Coverage
Traffic Updates

Most important from
2798 reviews

Screen Size
The bright, high-resolution screen delivers crisp maps that remain easy to read in both vertical and horizontal orientations, enhancing route awareness.
Map Coverage
Offline navigation capabilities excel in areas of poor cellular coverage, making it dependable for rural or remote driving conditions without prior map downloads.
Traffic Updates
Combines the strengths of Garmin's reliable navigation with real-time traffic and extensive points of interest powered by smartphone connectivity, offering a seamless driving experience without needing cellular reception during navigation.
Voice Command
Voice commands and hands-free calling integrate smoothly, allowing drivers to keep their focus on the road while managing calls and navigation instructions.
Points of Interest (POI)
Combines the strengths of Garmin's reliable navigation with real-time traffic and extensive points of interest powered by smartphone connectivity, offering a seamless driving experience without needing cellular reception during navigation.
Battery Life
Dual USB-C ports provide convenient charging for the GPS and additional devices simultaneously, reducing cable clutter in the car.
Mounting Options
The included windshield suction mount holds the device securely when properly positioned, but mounting on the dashboard or ensuring the suction cup stays attached may require extra care.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi support simplifies map updates without connecting to a computer, though initial setup may require some patience during the update process.

The Garmin DriveSmart 66 is a solid choice for a car GPS unit with its bright and sharp 6-inch high-resolution touchscreen, which makes maps easy to read while driving. It covers North America with up-to-date maps and includes a large variety of points of interest like national parks, Tripadvisor-rated spots, and a history database, helping you find interesting places along your route. It offers live traffic updates, fuel prices, parking info, and weather through smartphone pairing, which can make your trips smoother by avoiding delays.

The built-in voice assistant and hands-free calling via Bluetooth let you keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, enhancing safety and convenience. Mounting options are flexible, with both dashboard and windshield suction mounts included. One downside is the short battery life of about 1 hour, so it’s best used while plugged into your car’s power. The device also supports Wi-Fi for easy map updates without needing a computer, and it has dual USB ports to charge your phone or other devices.

Although it does not have some advanced features found in premium models, this unit balances useful functions and user-friendly design, making it a good fit for drivers who want reliable navigation with helpful extras but prefer not to rely solely on their phone’s GPS.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,257
Screen Size
Map Coverage
Traffic Updates

Most important from
2798 reviews

Screen Size
The bright, high-resolution screen delivers crisp maps that remain easy to read in both vertical and horizontal orientations, enhancing route awareness.
Map Coverage
Offline navigation capabilities excel in areas of poor cellular coverage, making it dependable for rural or remote driving conditions without prior map downloads.
Traffic Updates
Combines the strengths of Garmin's reliable navigation with real-time traffic and extensive points of interest powered by smartphone connectivity, offering a seamless driving experience without needing cellular reception during navigation.
Voice Command
Voice commands and hands-free calling integrate smoothly, allowing drivers to keep their focus on the road while managing calls and navigation instructions.
Points of Interest (POI)
Combines the strengths of Garmin's reliable navigation with real-time traffic and extensive points of interest powered by smartphone connectivity, offering a seamless driving experience without needing cellular reception during navigation.
Battery Life
Dual USB-C ports provide convenient charging for the GPS and additional devices simultaneously, reducing cable clutter in the car.
Mounting Options
The included windshield suction mount holds the device securely when properly positioned, but mounting on the dashboard or ensuring the suction cup stays attached may require extra care.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi support simplifies map updates without connecting to a computer, though initial setup may require some patience during the update process.
#2

Garmin DriveSmart 86, 8-inch Car GPS Navigator with Bright, Crisp High-Resolution Maps and Garmin Voice Assist

Rating
9.7
Screen Size
Map Coverage
Traffic Updates

Most important from
2798 reviews

Screen Size
The large, bright display and responsive touch screen make navigation a breeze, even compared to older models.
Map Coverage
Lifetime map updates are a significant advantage over costly updates for built-in car GPS systems.
Traffic Updates
The Garmin GPS system outperforms OEM systems, offering reliable functionality and accurate traffic updates.
Voice Guidance
Voice navigation is incredibly convenient, allowing for hands-free control and easy address input.

The Garmin DriveSmart 86 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable car GPS unit. Its standout feature is the large 8-inch high-resolution display, which makes it easy to read maps and navigate. With voice assistance and hands-free calling, it adds convenience, allowing you to stay focused on the road. The device comes with comprehensive map coverage of North America and includes live traffic updates, which can help you avoid delays and find the best routes in real time. Additionally, it has smart notifications when paired with a smartphone, giving you access to traffic, weather, and even parking options right on your dashboard.

One of the key benefits is the extensive Points of Interest (POI) feature, including Tripadvisor ratings and a national parks directory, making it great for road trips. The driver alerts for school zones, sharp curves, and speed changes are also beneficial for safer driving. Plus, built-in Wi-Fi ensures that you can easily update maps and software without needing a computer, which is a nice touch.

The Garmin DriveSmart 86 is a feature-rich GPS unit that excels in navigation and safety features, making it ideal for regular drivers and road trip enthusiasts.

Rating
9.7
Screen Size
Map Coverage
Traffic Updates

Most important from
2798 reviews

Screen Size
The large, bright display and responsive touch screen make navigation a breeze, even compared to older models.
Map Coverage
Lifetime map updates are a significant advantage over costly updates for built-in car GPS systems.
Traffic Updates
The Garmin GPS system outperforms OEM systems, offering reliable functionality and accurate traffic updates.
Voice Guidance
Voice navigation is incredibly convenient, allowing for hands-free control and easy address input.
#3

Rand McNally TND 1050 10-inch GPS Truck Navigator with Industry's Best Custom Trucking Routes, Rand Navigation 2.0, Download 2025 Maps + Built-in Camera

Rating
9.4
Screen Size
Map Coverage
Traffic Updates

Most important from
2206 reviews

Screen Size
The large, easy-to-see display and straightforward address programming make navigation convenient for truck drivers.
Map Coverage
Truck-specific routing with extensive map data enhances route planning by considering truck size, weight, and cargo restrictions.
Traffic Updates
Real-time traffic updates via WiFi connectivity help keep drivers informed about road conditions and ETA adjustments.
Battery Life
Battery life is problematic as it drains significantly despite being plugged in during use, requiring users to turn it off on long trips to conserve power.
Mounting Options
Mounting stability is an issue on rough roads, with the device frequently falling to the floor even when driving slowly over potholes and frost heaves.
Connectivity
Real-time traffic updates via WiFi connectivity help keep drivers informed about road conditions and ETA adjustments.

The Rand McNally TND 1050 is designed specifically for truck drivers, featuring a large 10-inch high-definition screen that makes maps and directions easy to see while driving. It offers extensive map coverage for North America, with 33% more truck-specific routing data than many competitors. This means it plans routes considering your truck’s size, weight, and cargo, helping avoid low bridges or restricted roads. Traffic updates and real-time info come through WiFi connectivity, keeping you informed about road conditions.

A standout feature is the built-in rear-facing dash camera, which helps with inspections and adds safety. The device is rugged, featuring tough Gorilla Glass and multiple secure mounting options to stay steady on bumpy rides. It also includes a USB port for charging devices on the go. Since it’s primarily a vehicle-powered device, it’s best used plugged in.

The TND 1050 is packed with useful trucking tools like receipt tracking, making it a strong choice for professional drivers needing reliable, efficient navigation tailored to big rigs. It may be less suited for casual drivers or those wanting extensive entertainment features.

Rating
9.4
Screen Size
Map Coverage
Traffic Updates

Most important from
2206 reviews

Screen Size
The large, easy-to-see display and straightforward address programming make navigation convenient for truck drivers.
Map Coverage
Truck-specific routing with extensive map data enhances route planning by considering truck size, weight, and cargo restrictions.
Traffic Updates
Real-time traffic updates via WiFi connectivity help keep drivers informed about road conditions and ETA adjustments.
Battery Life
Battery life is problematic as it drains significantly despite being plugged in during use, requiring users to turn it off on long trips to conserve power.
Mounting Options
Mounting stability is an issue on rough roads, with the device frequently falling to the floor even when driving slowly over potholes and frost heaves.
Connectivity
Real-time traffic updates via WiFi connectivity help keep drivers informed about road conditions and ETA adjustments.

Buying Guide for the Best Gps Units For Cars

Choosing the right GPS unit for your car can significantly enhance your driving experience, making navigation easier and more efficient. When selecting a GPS unit, it's important to consider various features and specifications to ensure it meets your needs. Here are some key specs to look at and how to approach them.
Screen SizeScreen size refers to the physical dimensions of the display on the GPS unit. This is important because a larger screen can make it easier to read maps and directions while driving. Screen sizes typically range from 4 inches to 7 inches. If you prefer a compact device, a smaller screen might be suitable, but if you want a more detailed view and easier interaction, opt for a larger screen.
Map CoverageMap coverage indicates the geographical areas that the GPS unit can navigate. This is crucial for ensuring you have accurate directions wherever you travel. Some units offer maps for specific regions, while others provide global coverage. If you frequently travel internationally, a unit with extensive map coverage is beneficial. For local or regional travel, a unit with maps for your specific area will suffice.
Traffic UpdatesTraffic updates provide real-time information about road conditions, helping you avoid congestion and find the fastest routes. This feature is important for saving time and reducing stress during your commute. GPS units can offer traffic updates via radio signals, smartphone connectivity, or built-in SIM cards. If you often drive in busy areas, a unit with reliable traffic updates is essential.
Voice CommandVoice command allows you to control the GPS unit using spoken instructions, which is important for hands-free operation and safety while driving. This feature can range from basic voice prompts to advanced voice recognition systems. If you prefer minimal distraction and ease of use, a GPS unit with robust voice command capabilities is a good choice.
Points of Interest (POI)Points of Interest (POI) are locations such as restaurants, gas stations, and landmarks that the GPS unit can identify and navigate to. This feature is useful for finding amenities and attractions during your travels. GPS units vary in the number and type of POIs they offer. If you enjoy exploring new places or need quick access to services, choose a unit with a comprehensive POI database.
Battery LifeBattery life refers to how long the GPS unit can operate on a single charge. This is important for ensuring the device remains functional during long trips without needing frequent recharging. Battery life can range from a few hours to over 10 hours. If you plan on using the GPS unit extensively or on long journeys, opt for a model with longer battery life.
Mounting OptionsMounting options determine how the GPS unit is installed in your car. This is important for ensuring the device is securely positioned and easily visible while driving. Common mounting options include windshield mounts, dashboard mounts, and air vent mounts. Choose a mounting option that provides stability and convenience based on your car's interior and your personal preference.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to the GPS unit's ability to connect to other devices or networks, such as smartphones, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. This is important for accessing additional features like live traffic updates, map updates, and hands-free calling. If you want to integrate your GPS unit with other devices or services, look for models with strong connectivity options.

FAQ