The 5 Best Car GPS Navigators to Find Your Way on the Road

GPS navigation was introduced back in the early aughts, limited to a few high-end vehicles. These days, the feature comes standard in most new models, but there are still plenty of older cars on the road that don’t have access. As a fix, drivers use smartphones and a compatible mount for navigation—though that isn't the best solution.

That's where portable GPS navigators comes in.

A phone that’s constantly tracking loses battery quickly, plus it can have a negative impact on long-term battery life. And if you journey anywhere without a decent signal and get lost, you're basically out of luck. Another downside is that phones have a tendency to overheat if left running under the sun for long periods of time.

Alternatively, stand-alone car GPS navigators are more reliable in remote areas, like the desert or woods, because they use satellite information as opposed to cell tower data. Their batteries last multiple hours on one charge, some up to three hours. And, they’re arguably safer to use while driving than a smartphone.

Ahead, check out our reviews and recommendations for the best car GPS navigators worth considering, along with expert advice on the most important things to help you find the right device.

For more automotive electronics, check out our pieces on the best backup cameras, phone holders, and interior MagSafe mounts.

Best Car GPS Navigators

• Best Overall: Garmin DriveSmart 65 GPS Navigator
• Best Value: Garmin Drive 52 and Traffic GPS Navigator
• Best Upgrade: Garmin DriveSmart 86 Car GPS Navigator
• Best for World Travelers: TomTom Go Supreme 6-Inch GPS Navigation Device
• Best for Outdoor Adventurers: Garmin Overlander Multipurpose GPS Navigator

What to Consider

Models like the Garmin Overlander are purpose-built for outdoor activities like off-roading and hiking, and come with extensive weather sealing. Most GPS devices provide national map data right out of the box, and some models, such as the TomTom GO Supreme, contain full international map information as well.

Although they can be used without updates, most of these devices are able to download new map data to maintain accurate directions, usually through a cable tethered to your PC or a Wi-Fi connection. GPS units with smartphone compatibility can also be used as a hands-free receiver to easily take calls on the road.

Below, we've outlined a few other important points to think about before buying.

Screen Size and Resolution

One of the first things to consider while picking out a car GPS navigator is screen size and resolution. A larger high-resolution screen can make information more legible, but it can also take up extra space around your car’s dashboard. Most screens available are about five or six inches across, but the Garmin DriveSmart 86 boasts an eight-inch screen for greater clarity. A larger screen may also make it easier to access onscreen touch menus.

Installation

Most car GPS navigators mount to the windshield of the vehicle using a simple suction cup arm. However, depending on the size of your dashboard and personal preferences, it may be worth springing for a third-party mount to increase reach and functionality. There are also devices with magnetic suction cups for a stronger mount.

Charging and Battery Life

Suction-mounted devices feature a built-in battery, which can be charged using your vehicle’s 12V outlet. If you plan to take the GPS with you outside of the vehicle, battery life may be a concern. Car GPS navigators hold a charge from roughly 30 minutes to three hours. For durations longer than that, handheld survival GPS devices demand much lower power consumption.

Extra Features

Pricier GPS devices may add bonus features like lifetime map updates, real-time traffic data, and integrated media apps. Some include access to databases with restaurant and hotel recommendations and points of interest, which is a nice extra if you're on a road trip.

How We Selected

I cover the automotive space and write about vehicles and car accessories, and use first-hand experience with products during my research. Over the last five years, I've had my hands on built-in vehicle navigation systems, as well as standalone GPS units. When selecting car GPS navigators, we focused on highly-rated models and looked for devices across for a wide variety of price points to suit as many needs and budgets as possible. We compared the devices' screen sizes and resolution, along with key attributes like built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for smartphone pairing, easy onscreen menu navigation, and driver alerts so you can anticipate things like road blocks and sudden speed changes.