Best Garmin Nuvi Reviews: Tips Choose the Best GPS for Your Vehicle (Update 2023)
Owning a GPS is a necessity especially when you drive. They are cheap, easy to use and very accurate. However, because you can already have your GPS on your smartphones for free, most GPS units aren’t flying off the shelves like how they used to.
Nevertheless, owning a GPS apart from what’s in your phone has a great advantage. It offers more benefits that a phone doesn’t have. That is why there are still a lot of GPS devices you can find in the market.
One example of such is the Garmin GPS products that are really helpful particularly when driving offroad or on huge highways. You can purchase one for your trucks, motorcycles, BMW or Volvo or different kinds of cars, bicycle, or when you go hiking, geocaching and even turn your android into an instant personal GPS navigator.
Continue reading my options so that you can choose the Best Garmin Nuvi GPS that best suits you.
Product Name | Quality | Price | Our Rating | Reviews |
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A | $$ | |||
A++ | $$ | |||
A+ | $$$ |
>>> Need to read: Best Escort Max 360 Radar Detector on The Market 2022
Things to Consider Choosing A Best Garmin Nuvi (Update 2022-2023)
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Garmin makes a very popular choice when it comes to GPS devices and the Nuvi is particularly designed for automobiles. But choosing a model of best Garmin Nuvi (GPS) can be tough especially when you want something that’s right for the money and includes more features like traffic updates, voice activation, and lifetime maps.
- Map: GPS systems contain maps to help us with navigation. And for most part, these maps oftentimes come along when we buy GPS units. But of course, maps and routes do change with time that is why most models of the Garmin Nuvi are loaded with a feature called “Lifetime Maps”. This keeps the unit to have the most recent and updated maps as the routes change.
- Screen size: Since GPS units are usually our visual tools when driving or for geocaching, the screen size of a Nuvi matters a lot. Commonly, Nuvi screens ranges from a small 3.5 inches to an astonishing 7 inch screen.
- Voice Command: The ability to interact vocally with a Nuvi is a huge plus and this could mean you can run the unit hands-free. Not all Garmin Nuvi devices have this option but there are several of it like the Nuvi 2360LT.
- Powered Mount: Most Nuvi units are sold with a mount which can be attached somewhere in the dashboard. However, these mounts are usually unpowered and need batteries to operate. Choose a Nuvi model that has a powered mount for uninterrupted energy.
- Traffic Congestion: Getting stuck in the traffic is a frustrating situation. Good thing, most Garmin Nuvi devices have features that help the driver with traffic problems and even let them plan ahead.
There are actually a lot of features you should consider when buying a Garmin Nuvi. Even so, you don’t have to worry about getting outdated with all the Garmin Nuvi features. Garmin provides frequent system updates and they support various Windows OS like their driver for Windows 7.
Reviews of the 3 Best Rated Garmin Nuvi/GPS update 2022-2023
Product Name | Quality | Price | Our Rating | Reviews |
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A+ | $$$ | |||
A++ | $$ | |||
A | $$ |
* Below, you'll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
1. Garmin Nuvi 2797LMT 7-Inch Portable Bluetooth Vehicle GPS
The Garmin Nuvi 2797LMT is the first 7” navigator of Garmin Ltd. for truckers. Its large screen allows for more info to get displayed through the screen and even makes it easier to see the icons while you are driving. The device has an 800 x 480 screen resolution and uses an LCD, resistive touchscreen. The display is crisp, well lit and sharp, making it easier for the driver to read in any time of the day.
The device is also preloaded with Real Directions, a very nice feature which helps to easier understand a certain direction instructed. For an instance, when you’re making a turn, the unit uses buildings and other landmarks to make it easier for you in knowing when’s the right time to turn.
Through keeping your device updated, you help it identify landmarks better thus helping you too in reaching your destination faster.
![](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/714l4F2D6BL._SL1500_.jpg)
Via Amazon.com
For android and other smartphone users, this Nuvi device can also be connected through the Garmin app or Bluetooth. The Garmin app will allow you to share places and waypoints on your phone, while Bluetooth allows you to answer or make calls using the Nuvi.
The device has over ten million pre-programmed locations of banks, establishments, gas stations, restaurants and other landmarks. You can also create your own point of interest (POI) if you still can’t find what you look for. Aside from this, you can also create 1000 waypoints for your favorite places and the Nuvi 2797LMT can also provide you the easiest and most convenient route for your destination.
2. Garmin Nuvi 2597LMT 5-Inch Portable Bluetooth Vehicle GPS
![](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/716GDA5OghL._SL1500_.jpg)
Via Amazon.com
The Garmin Nuvi 2597LMT is one of the GPS units which can perform both basic and advanced navigations. It comes with all the usual features you will find in a GPS device and it is also preloaded with a majority of most useful and advanced features.
This particular Nuvi can be mounted in your car horizontally or vertically, depending on your preference. The Nuvi 2597LMT device comes with a 5” screen, and a resolution that provides crisp and clear lines at 480 x 272 pixels.
Preloaded in the 2597LMT are the features such as Real Directions for easy to understand and precise driving directions, Garmin Traffic, which reads the updates for you in case of a traffic jam or if there is an accident up ahead. This unit is also compatible with Bluetooth and understands voice commands.
All in all, the Garmin Nuvi 2597LMT is capable of providing many different routes, including a number of points of interest or custom waypoints. The device is capable of sorting your destinations in the most organized way for your trip.
It makes a very nice addition to the Garmin Advanced Series because it is very easy to understand and use. Plus, it gives you the freedom to arrive your destination faster and safer through its hands-free navigation capability.
Garmin Nuvi 2797LMT vs. Garmin Nuvi 2597LMT
Basically, these two Garmin Nuvi devices have a lot of similarities than differences.
The Garmin Nuvi 2597LMT is just the smaller version of the Garmin Nuvi 2797LMT and differs only in terms of the screen size, resolution and the battery life. Both of them are preloaded with the same features and includes lifetime map updates and both are Bluetooth compatible.
Garmin Nuvi 2597LMT vs. Garmin Nuvi 42LM
By comparing the Garmin Nuvi 2597LMT vs. Garmin Nuvi 42LM, you will see that they greatly differ in terms of a lot of aspects. The Garmin Nui 42LM belongs to the Nuvi Essential Series while the Nuvi 2597LMT is on the advanced series, which also implies that the 2597LMT Nuvi has a number of features lacking from the 42LM.
The Nuvi 42LM doesn’t have voice navigated activation, lifetime traffic updates, Bluetooth compatibility and other additional features you can find from the Nuvi 2597LMT and Nuvi 2797LMT.
3. Garmin Nuvi 42LM Inch Portable Vehicle GPS with Lifetime Maps
The Garmin Nuvi 42LM is one of the great GPS navigation systems produced by the manufacturer in 2013. The ease of use it provides is one of its neat characteristics that will surely be a great convenience to its users.
It has a modern design which is very pleasing to the eyes and also has useful features to help drivers and passengers find the right way.The best thing about this product is that it includes a free lifetime update of maps in which 22 Western European countries are available for use.
The device has a 4.3-inch multi-touch capacitive touchscreen display which has a resolution of 480×272 pixels. It weighs around 150 grams and it has a dimension of 78mm height, 126mm width and 19mm thickness.Its GPS receiver has a high sensitivity and device is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery which is usable up to a maximum of two hours.
![](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81cMzB7mWoL._SL1500_.jpg)
Via Amazon.com
The Garmin Nuvi 42LM, like other models released the same date that it was, is an entry level, therefore, offers only basic features. Although the features it possesses are quite simple and unsophisticated, it provides a good quality-to-price ratio and also delivers a convenience as it is very easy to use.
Garmin Nuvi 2797LMT vs. Garmin Nuvi 42LM
By comparing both these two Garmin Nuvi products, you will see that the Nuvi 2797LMT obviously has the most useful features compared to the Nuvi 42LM. Aside from the two greatly vary in size, they also differ in resolution, display type, street maps, routes, and other important features, which put the Garmin 2797LMT at the edge over the Nuvi 42LM. That is quite understandable since they also greatly vary in terms of their individual prices.
Top 5 Bestseller in GPS & Navigation on Amazon.com
Garmin Nuvi Questions and Answers (update 2022)
How to update maps on a Garmin Nuvi for Free?
Garmin Nuvi map updates can be downloaded for free provided that you connect your device to a computer and visit this link : www.garmin.com/mapupdates within 3 months or 90 days after using it on your car.
How long is the warranty of Garmin Nuvi devices?
For most, Garmin products are covered in a 1 year warranty from the exact date of your purchase as long as the defects are not caused by misuse or abuse of the device (Review here).
Which Garmin Nuvi is best?
Garmin brand continues to impress the GPS market and one of the top picks for the brand is the Garmin Nuvi 3597LMTHD for its premium design and intuitive interface that’s one of the best in the business.
What is the common Garmin Nuvi problem?
Although the newest Garmin Nuvi today are preloaded with maps of the US and Canada, those who are travelling to Europe will have to purchase the Europe map. And the common complaints from users come from the expensive pricing for the Garmin maps.
How to install Garmin Nuvi?
If you're looking to install a Garmin Nuvi, the process is relatively simple. All you need is a computer with an internet connection and a USB port. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Go to the Garmin website and select the nuvi model that you want to install.
2. Download the software to your computer.
3. Connect your Garmin nuvi to your computer using a USB cable.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
5. Once the installation is complete, unplug your Garmin nuvi from your computer and start using it!
Read detail at here!
Conclusion
Overall, the Garmin Nuvi is an awesome device. But before you consider buying one for your automobile, look for the particular feature you need your Nuvi to have, particularly in your area. Even if they really make a good investment for your money, you need to know if the features will really help you or not. But in most cases, Garmin Nuvi are very helpful when driving and when choosing the best route for you to reach your destination safely, quickly and hassle free.
Feel free to leave your comment on choosing my Best Garmin Nuvi GPS; please tell me what kind you are using?