Best Car GPS Navigation Systems

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 13, 2024
No matter if you're an experienced driver or a beginner, you should be ready for any road hazards. Fortunately, a GPS navigator is designed to provide you with good guidance in any conditions. Have a look at our car navigation system review and take your choice! ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Type
Screen
Navigation
Informativity
Functions
 
PROS

It features video inputs for a wireless back-eye camera. The video stream is displayed on the navigation screen.

CONS
It doesn't display the current speed limits on many roads.
OUR VERDICT
This all-in-one GPS navigation device can be used for a wide variety of purposes. This navigator will help you save money on buying extra devices and free up plenty of space in your car to keep it more organized.
detailed parameters
Type
Portable
Screen
7-inch, MultiTouch
Navigation
Detailed maps of North America
Informativity
Lifetime map updates, Garmin Traffic, 3D Maps, Voice guidance
Functions
Garmin Real Directions, Foursquare, Bluetooth technology for hands-free calling, Compatible with iPhones and Android devices via Smartphone Link
PROS

If you don't want to settle for anything less than the best screen resolution, there’s hardly a better choice than this GPS system. This mobile navigation system will stun you with its multiple visual/audio directions and capabilities.

CONS
2 DIN navigation system can't be installed in all cars, it depends on the model you have.
OUR VERDICT

Pumpkin advanced navigation system is designed for any occasion. Besides navigation, the device offers a wide range of multimedia capabilities.

detailed parameters
Type
Installable
Screen
7-inch, MultiTouch
Navigation
Google maps, Waze, Sygic and other apps available for Android, Online and offline navigation
Informativity
3D Maps, Voice guidance, Information depends on the navigation app selected
Functions
Multi-media playback, Multi-tasking, Mirror Link, Android phone mirror via USB connection and Airplay for iPhone via Wi-Fi, 3G/Wi-Fi hotspot sharing network, Support AM/FM radio RDS, Backup camera, Voice control, Bluetooth, Hands-free calling
PROS
TomTom VIA navigation displays Points of Interest (POI) along the scheduled navigation route. Also, the GPS device comes up with the fastest routes and accurate time of arrivals.
CONS
This GPS navigator has no Flick Control and touchscreen scrolling. Alternatively, it's overlaid with navigation arrows.
OUR VERDICT

TomTom VIA navigation system is ideal for long-distance hiking trails and trips. A built-in battery provides about 2 hours of continuous operation. Along with the map of the USA, the model provides users with the maps of Canada and Mexico.

detailed parameters
Type
Portable
Screen
5-inch
Navigation
TomTom Maps US, Canada and Mexico
Informativity
Advanced Lane Guidance, Points of Interest, Roadside Assistance, IQ Routes
Functions
Free Lifetime Map updates, Integrated Fold and Go EasyPort mount
PROS

Garmin GPS navigator has a built-in battery which provides up to 2.5 hours of autonomous operation. Thus, it can be used not only for car navigation, but also for hiking.

CONS
It doesn't support 3D maps and photo navigation.
OUR VERDICT
Garmin navigation system suits perfectly for everyday trips around a town as well as long-distance trips.
detailed parameters
Type
Portable
Screen
5-inch, TouchScreen
Navigation
City Navigator® NT for North America
Informativity
Garmin Traffic, PhotoReal Junction View, LifeTime Traffic
Functions
Dual Zone function, Smartphone link, Garmin real voice, Bluetooth
PROS

Carelove Atlas navigation system features a high-resolution bright display that shows detailed routes and map information in multiple formats. 

CONS

This navigation system takes quite a while to build long-distance routes.

OUR VERDICT
Carelove Atlas GPS navigator guides comfortably to far destinations, ensuring fascinating and enjoyable pastime.
detailed parameters
Type
Portable
Screen
7-inch, TouchScreen
Navigation
Euro / America New Maps for Windows CE 6.0 OS
Informativity
Voice Alerts, Speed Cameras, Speeding, Restricted Roads Multiple Searching Options, POI
Functions
Support audio formats - MP3 WAV, Video formats - RMVB WMV AVI file format, MP4/MP5 player, E-book - Support TXT format, Images - JPG, BMP, JPEG format, Games - backgammon, snake, etc., FM transmitter
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Garmin nüvi 2789LMT

Type and Screen

Garmin nüvi navigation system can be installed on your car's windshield with the help of a special mount suction holder, which securely keeps your portable GPS navigator in place at a convenient eye level. This allows you to get directions without being distracted while driving. The GPS unit comes with a 7-inch TFT high-resolution touch screen (800 x 480 pixels), which offers an excellent image quality.
Review of Garmin nüvi 2789LMT Portable Bluetooth Vehicle GPS with Lifetime Maps

Maps and Navigation Software

This GPS navigation system features pre-installed detailed maps of North America and Europe with a free lifetime subscription to traffic and map updates included in the box. The model has lifetime map updates to determine the shortest routes with high-quality road surfaces to ensure extra comfort. Besides, the GPS unit has lifetime traffic updates to avoid busy roads and get to your destination as fast as possible. If you drive every day, these updates will certainly come in handy.
Garmin nüvi 2789LMT Portable Bluetooth Vehicle GPS with Lifetime Maps in the use

Functionality

Garmin nüvi navigation system lets the user perform multiple tasks, which makes this device more versatile compared with its equivalents. The Bluetooth kit enables connecting your smartphone for hands-free calling. You will be able to see the incoming calls on the display and accept them using voice commands. It's that simple! Synchronization with the Foursquare database helps find the nearest shops, cafes, hotels and other infrastructure objects for better road orientation. Garmin Real Directions provide clear guidance, using landmarks, buildings, and traffic lights.
Detailed review of Garmin nüvi 2789LMT Portable Bluetooth Vehicle GPS with Lifetime Maps
Last updated price $509.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B00N41UZHU

VIDEO
nuvi 2789 LMT unboxing - Prairie Geomatics
 

Pumpkin In-dash 2 DIN

Type and Screen

Pumpkin GPS navigation system relates to installable GPS units. This high-end device can be installed only in some cars that have an appropriate 2 DIN slot for certain gadgets (like navigators, car stereo system, etc.). Besides, the in-dash navigation system features an easy-to-use multi-touch display with a resolution of 1024x600 pixels. Thus, this 7-inch GPS device provides superior high-precision long-distance navigation for drivers.
Review of Pumpkin In-dash 2 DIN Universal GPS Navigation System

Maps and Navigation Software

Pumpkin Sygic car navigation system is operated by a new Android 4.4 operating system. This device has an ultra-sensitive GPS module that allows you to use different kinds of online and offline software applications. This pioneer car navigation system is supplied with pre-installed Google maps, Waze, and Sygic, although you can download any software available on Play Market. The GPS informativeness will primarily depend on the navigation app selected in your settings.
Pumpkin In-dash 2 DIN Universal GPS Navigation System in the use

Functionality

Pumpkin GPS navigation system is really a multi-purpose device due to a large number of handy innovative features. Aside from navigation, the GPS unit can be used as a music/video player. In addition, you are able to play games and surf the Internet as you can connect a 3G (WCDMA) dongle or create the HOTSPOT via your mobile device. Among other things, this in-dash navigation system comes with a Hands-free Calling function for safe driving.
Detailed review of Pumpkin In-dash 2 DIN Universal GPS Navigation System
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B0151KNXJ8

VIDEO
Joying In dash android 4.4.4 car stereo double 2 din head Unit GPS navigation system for universal
 

TomTom VIA 1505 M

Type and Screen

TomTom navigation system features a 5-inch touch-screen display with a resolution of 480x272 pixels. In addition to car navigation, this portable GPS device can be used for hiking due to a built-in battery, which ensures autonomous operation for several hours, allowing you to use the device without external power supply. What is more, this GPS navigator for cars has a thin, lightweight body that makes carrying the gadget around easy.
Review of TomTom VIA 1505 M GPS Navigation System

Maps and Navigation Software

TomTom navigation system includes pre-installed high-quality maps of the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Moreover, free daily Lifetime map updates are available from the Map Share community, making the maps even more accurate and informative. This GPS car navigation system offers a number of original software solutions and a smart user interface, providing timely and in-depth information as well as an excellent view of the road while traveling.
TomTom VIA 1505 M GPS Navigation System in the use

Functionality

TomTom car navigation system has the IQ Routes modern intelligent routing technology, which estimates a route based on actual average speeds measured on motorways every day, rather than the speed limits. This technology is based on historical speed data collected over the years by TomTom users. Thus, drivers can be sure that they will be provided with the best route hour-by-hour and day-by-day to save time, money, and gas. Furthermore, the GPS device has Points of Interest and a Roadside Assistance features that provide you with technical support wherever you go.
Detailed review of TomTom VIA 1505 M GPS Navigation System
Last updated price $97.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B004MYFTEW

VIDEO
TomTom VIA 1505M.flv

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

This is a good device for the price. large screen. search by points of interest. does everything you would expect a gps device to do.

Features

The 5-inch screen is easy to see. One of the features of this GPS that I wanted was Lifetime Maps. I had some difficulty downloading the software for the map updates, but TomTom personnel were helpful.
 

Garmin nüvi 2597LMT

Type and Screen

Garmin nüvi 2597LMT car GPS navigation system has a 5-inch display with a screen resolution of 480x272 pixels and a feather-touch control. As for the type, this modern GPS navigator belongs to portable devices. The GPS navigator for cars features a built-in battery, which ensures a decent autonomous operation for up to 2.5 hours without recharging. Therefore, it can be used not only for car navigation but also for long-distance hiking. In addition, dashboard mounts for cars are included in a package.
Review of Garmin nüvi 2597LMT Bluetooth Portable Vehicle GPS

Maps and Navigation Software

Garmin nüvi 2597LMT navigation system uses City Navigator® NT for North America with LifeTime map updates. The GPS device comes with preinstalled detailed maps of all North America. Additionally, apart from navigation, a number of technologies available for route navigation and greater informativeness are used. The Garmin Traffic technology allows you to spend less time on a trip, providing you with detailed information - how much time you need to reach your destination or if there are any side roads available. Besides, special signals and turn-by-turn voice notification help you keep on track. Furthermore, a PhotoReal Junction View displays photo-real pictures of junctions on your route with a realistic detailing of the required area (e.g. road signs).
Garmin nüvi 2597LMT Bluetooth Portable Vehicle GPS in the use

Functionality

Garmin nüvi 2597LMT navigation system has a number of multifunctional features, providing you with much more information. The Smartphone Link application uses your mobile internet (GPRS) for immediate downloading of traffic information. This allows a GPS navigator to track a route more accurately and easily as well as to look for ways to avoid traffic jams. Besides, a GPS device displays real-time weather conditions in your current location as well as other cities. The Smartphone Link function allows syncing contacts with your phone numbers, search history, and your favorite places. Also, there are Garmin nüvi models without Bluetooth and LifeTime Map updates available on the market.
Detailed review of Garmin nüvi 2597LMT Bluetooth Portable Vehicle GPS
Last updated price $224.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00AXX0I88

What customers say about this product

Features

I like the phone bluetooth feature. Hands free when on the phone. Lifetime maps and traffic. It shows on a small map on the right side of the screen about traffic delays and when on a major highway the ramp shows up.

Key Specs

Upgraded from a Nuvi 550. Wow. Things have changed. Bigger screen, clearer graphics, incredibly detailed voice navigation
 

Carelove Car GPS

Type and Screen

Carelove Atlas navigation system has a large 7-inch touch-screen display with a screen resolution of 800x480 pixels. This car navigation system refers to portable navigation devices, but it's reasonable to use only for car navigation. It should be mentioned that this GPS device is not practical for hiking since it's too big and consumes a lot of energy. However, smaller GPS navigators with 5-inch screens are also available so you can choose the best suited size for your particular needs.
Review of Carelove Car GPS Navigation System

Maps and Navigation Software

Carelove Atlas navigation system comes with the pre-configured Windows CE 6.0 operating system. Besides, the navigation system has pre-installed new maps of the USA and Europe with free Lifetime map updates. The GPS device displays in-depth information not only about the route, but also about the speed cameras, speeding, restricted roads multiple searching options, and POI, providing the instructional voice prompts to navigate your way.
Carelove Car GPS Navigation System in the use

Functionality

Along with navigation, Carelove Atlas navigation system offers a number of helpful extra features. The GPS device supports MP3 and WAV audio formats, as well as multiple photo and video formats (RMVB, WMV, AVI, MP4/MP5, JPG, BMP, JPEG). So, you can enjoy reading E-books or playing simple, entertaining games like Backgammon, Snake and others while stuck in a traffic jam. Additionally, there are models with larger storage space - up to 8GB.
Detailed review of Carelove Car GPS Navigation System
Last updated price $59.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01AJOKJIY

VIDEO
Carelove 7 inch GPS
 

What Is a Navigation System?

Everyone faced the situation when it was necessary to get from point A to point B, choosing the shortest and the most convenient route. Previously, this task was solved with the help of large paper maps. Firstly, you had to find your current geographic location on the map and only then calculate and pick your route. Yet, it was not very convenient since you had to keep track of the turnings and have at least some knowledge of topography. However, with the appearance of GPS (Global Positioning System) a problem with determining the location and finding a route has been successfully solved. Nowadays, advanced satellite navigation systems provide information not only about a route, but also about all famous landmarks and public institutions that you might be interested in. In this review, you will find the best navigation systems currently available on the market. Look through the information presented and decide on what model to choose from a wide range of car GPS navigators to suit your needs and lifestyle.

By the way, car owners may be also interested in purchasing the car GPS trackers, which help keep track of your car in case of theft.

What Features to Compare

When choosing a car GPS navigation, such features as the Type and the Screen require the most significant consideration as they give you an idea of how the device can be used. According to the type, GPS navigators are divided into portable and installable devices. Portable GPS navigators are traditional GPS units, which can be easily removed to carry around, or mount to another vehicle if needed. These GPS units are generally mounted inside the passenger compartment by means of a special suction cup attached to the dashboard, or the windshield. What is more, portable GPS navigators are powered from a cigarette lighter adapter via a micro USB cable. Although, a GPS navigation device features a built-in battery, which provides autonomous operation for some time. Regarding the installable GPS navigation devices, they are produced as traditional car radio tape recorders with GPS navigation and fitted with a center console with a radio slot. On the contrary, they are powered from the in-vehicle electric circuit. Accordingly, it's hardly possible to install a car GPS navigation system properly without the help of a specialist. Besides, these GPS navigation devices cannot be mounted to another vehicle. Also, GPS navigators can be classified into subtypes according to their screen resolution. For instance, GPS navigation devices with large screens (5" and more) are designed to be used in cars while GPS navigators with smaller screens (4" or less) can also be used for hiking and the devices with average screen sizes (from 4" to 5") are designed for both. It should also be mentioned that large-screen GPS navigators provide more readable information and higher image detail.

Another important feature that should be considered is surely Maps and Navigation Software, including navigation apps, operating system, and map software packages. Typically, GPS navigation units are supplied with map software packages for proper operation. Therefore, even if you know exactly your current coordinates, it will hardly help navigate a route until it's loaded. For this very reason, before making a purchase, you should be aware of the features of standard maps and make sure they include all towns and districts you need.

The final criterion you should bear in mind is the Functionality. Modern advanced GPS navigation systems come with a large number of extras. If you have an idea about additional features your device offers, it gives multiple opportunities for its use. Apart from navigation, the device can be used as the music/video/photo player. Usually, medium and high-class GPS navigators support all popular media formats (JPEG, MP3, AVI). This can be useful when you stuck in a massive traffic jam. You can listen to your favorite music or watch an interesting movie, whiling away some time with pleasure. In fact, you can even upload movies on its microSD card. The majority of cutting-edge GPS navigation units are fitted with a standard USB port so that you are able to connect a USB flash drive to your device. Moreover, GPS navigators feature a built-in FM transmitter, which broadcasts audio to your car radio. Besides, some GPS devices are provided with backup cameras that display an image directly on the navigation screen. The importance of a backup camera cannot be overestimated since this handy feature makes parking on narrow streets much easier and more convenient. Even though your car navigator comes without a backup camera, you can buy it separately and easily install on your vehicle. However, make sure that your navigation system is equipped with a standard video input. By the way, the device supports video cameras or portable DVD-players. Furthermore, some GPS navigators come with a Hands-free Calling function, which can be easily paired with your phone via Bluetooth wireless technology. This function will be useful especially for those car owners who dislike using standard behind-the-ear (BTE) devices.

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