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Garmin DriveSmart 86 Review
Last updated - March 18, 2025
Verdict overview
- Precision 8.4
- Simple to use 8.4
- Touch Screen 9.1
- Voice Recognition 8.4
- Vacuum strength 8.6
- User interface 7.9
Pros
You can ask Alexa for directions, music, audiobooks, news, and more while youre driving.- Driver alerts help encourage safer driving and increase situational awareness.
- Built in Wi Fi connectivity allows easy map and software updates without a computer.
Cons
Poor spoken direction.
Tech specs
| Vehicle Service Type | Car |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. included |
| Product Dimensions | 6.8 x 4.2 x 8 inches |
| Special Features | Large Display Voice Assist Hands Free Calling Live Traffic and Weather Traffic Cams and Parking Smart Notifications, Driver Alerts Tripadvisor National Parks Directory Find Places by Name Garmin Real Directions Feature |
| Device interface primary | Touchscreen |
| Special Feature | Large Display Voice Assist Hands Free Calling Live Traffic and Weather Traffic Cams and Parking Smart Notifications, Driver Alerts Tripadvisor National Parks Directory Find Places by Name Garmin Real Directions FeatureLarge Display Voice Assist Hands Free Calling Live Traffic an |
| Model Name | DriveSmart 86 |
| Screen Size | 8 Inches |
| Color | Bluetooth, Wi Fi, USB |
| Mounting Type | See more |
| Connectivity technologies | Bluetooth, Wi Fi, USB |
| Display resolution | 1280 x 800 |
| Wireless communication technologies | Bluetooth, Wi Fi |
| Other display features | Wireless |
| Map Type | Large Display Voice Assist Hands Free Calling Live Traffic and Weather Traffic Cams and Parking Smart Notifications, Driver Alerts Tripadvisor National Parks Directory Find Places by Name Garmin Real Directions Feature |
| Item Weight | 10.4 ounces |
| Connectivity Technology | Large Display Voice Assist Hands Free Calling Live Traffic and Weather Traffic Cams and Parking Smart Notifications, Driver Alerts Tripadvisor National Parks Directory Find Places by Name Garmin Real Directions FeatureLarge Display Voice Assist Hands Free Calling Live Traffic an |
| color | Black |
Product Overview
The Garmin DriveSmart 86 is an 8 inch navigator that comes with a host of features to make your road trips more enjoyable and hassle free. It has a high resolution, dual orientation display with map updates of North America, Europe and other countries. What makes the Garmin DriveSmart 86 really stand out is its hands free calling feature when paired with your compatible smartphone via BLUETOOTH technology. Combined with the convenient Garmin voice assist you can ask for directions to places you want to go without ever touching your phone.
The Garmin DriveSmart 86 also comes with road trip ready features such as the HISTORY database of notable sites, a U.S. national parks directory, Tripadvisor traveler ratings, and millions of Foursquare POIs. To ensure that you stay safe on the road, it also offers driver alerts for things such as school zones, sharp curves and speed changes which help encourage safer driving and increase situational awareness. With its built in Wi Fi connectivity you can easily update maps and software without needing a computer.
In addition to all these features, it can also access live traffic information, fuel prices, weather, parking and smart notifications when you pair this navigator with your compatible smartphone running the Garmin Drive app. The interesting part is that it also has Alexa Built in so you can ask for music, listen to audiobooks, hear the news and more all while keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road!
Overall I would highly recommend this product for anyone who enjoys long drives or travels often by car. It makes driving easier by providing accurate directions and timely updates about traffic conditions so you never get lost or stuck in traffic jams again. The Alexa Built in feature is especially useful since it allows you to stay connected while driving without having to take your eyes off the road or lose concentration while navigating. The 8 inch screen size also provides great visibility even during night time drives making it perfect for any journey!
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Frequently asked questions
- What features does this product offer?
- Does this product support hands free calling?
- Is there a U.S. national parks directory included?
- Does this product include Alexa Built in?
- What type of connectivity does this product support?
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