Top 5 BEST Car GPS Navigation of [2022]

Many drivers still swear by a dedicated portable GPS navigation system, and for good reason. A portable GPS, or portable navigation device (PND), leaves your phone free for other uses. Portable GPS doesn’t deplete the phone data plan because the maps are stored in the device and there are no rude surprises trying to create a trip in an area with no cell service.

Any of these five tested models provide accurate on-screen and spoken directions and free lifetime map updates. Onboard batteries keep them running in case the power cord detaches. The best are more helpful and easier to use. Some model variants of these five may offer–at different prices–varying screen sizes, map locations, traffic info, Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or a backup camera connection. We selected the best combinations of features and prices.

Number 5.  Garmin DriveSmart 66.  

Pros.  

The 6.0-inch capacitive touchscreen is super sharp and allows easy multi-touch zooming

• Includes intuitive voice control, Bluetooth for connecting with Garmin’s smartphone app, and Wi-Fi for easy updating.  

• Pairing it with Garmin’s smartphone app lets you see live traffic info, weather, fuel prices, and parking.  

 Cons.  

• More expensive than most smaller GPS models.  

• As with all dashtop GPS devices, the 66’s traffic info isn’t up to what you get from Google Maps or Apple Maps.  

• Map updates for countries outside of North America can be pricey. 

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Number 4.   Garmin Drive 52.  

Why We Picked It

The Garmin Drive 52 provides the same great navigation as the DriveSmart 66, but without the extras. If you just want to save some bucks, it’s a great choice. And if you want traffic alerts, Drive 52 & Traffic is about $40 more.  

Pros.  

• Very good visual and audible navigation at a lower price.  

• Like the DriveSmart 66, it also gives you several handy navigational extras, like driver alerts, TripAdvisor ratings, FourSquare data, US National Park info, and a guide to historic sites.  

• Can be connected with a Garmin backup camera.  

Cons.  

• Its display is smaller and less crisp than the DriveSmart 66’s.  

• You don’t get traffic info, voice control, Bluetooth connectivity or Wi-Fi updating.  

• Can't be paired with Garmin’s smartphone app for live information. 

Number 3.  TomTom GO Discover 7.  

Why We Picked It

TomTom’s top-of-the-line model, available with a sharp 7.0-inch display, provides many of the same features as Garmin’s DriveSmart models. And it will save you money on new maps when navigating overseas. But it’s not up to the DriveSmart 66 overall.

Pros.   

Provides free “world” map coverage (with most other models, you need to pay extra for maps outside North America).  

• Has Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi updating, a multi-touch display, and a slick powered magnetic mount.  

• Provides real-time traffic, fuel prices, and parking info via the TomTom smartphone app.  

 

 Cons.  

• It lacks many of the handy nav extras of the Garmin models.  

• After the first year, you have to pay for live fuel prices and parking info.  

• More expensive than most of our other recommended models.  

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