The Garmin DriveSmart 86 MT-S is Garmin’s all new sat nav device and comes with a range of new features and upgrades that help to give users a better experience. Whilst our favorite model is the DriveSmart 5.5 which comes with a 5.5-Inch edge-to-edge screen, the range DriveSmart 86 MT-S comes with a massive 8-inch screen providing some of the best driving information possible from a portable satnav unit on the market today. We have tested the DriveSmart extensively over the last few months and whilst the screen, menu interface, maps and directions have only been slightly improved, what has really improved is the overall experience.
Garmin
Garmin Ltd. is a multinational technology company known for its innovative GPS (Global Positioning System) technology and various other navigation products. The company was founded 1989 by Gary Burrell and Min Kao and released its first device in 1990 being the Garmin GPS-100 which was a handheld GPS receiver primarily designed for marine and outdoor use.
Garmin’s first car navigation system, known as the “StreetPilot,” was introduced in 1998. The Garmin StreetPilot was a pioneering device that made GPS-based navigation accessible and practical for use in automobiles. It featured a compact design with a monochrome LCD screen and provided turn-by-turn directions and mapping data for drivers.
Today, Garmin manufactures a wide range of GPS and navigation products, including devices for automotive, aviation, marine, fitness, outdoor activities and has built a strong reputation for the quality and reliability of its products, making it a trusted brand in the navigation and outdoor technology industry.
Garmin DriveSmart 86 MT-S
The DriveSmart 86 is the largest Navigator in the Garmin range, the largest design they have ever made. The unit comes with an impressive 8-inch, high-resolution, touchscreen display that provides ample real estate for clear map visuals, turn-by-turn directions, and additional information. Whether navigating city streets or unfamiliar motorways, the larger screen size makes it easy to see important details at a glance, minimizing the need to zoom in and out.
The core downside, the larger screen also means a bulkier device compared to its smaller siblings. While the included friction mount holds the device securely, it takes up more windshield space than some drivers prefer. The DriveSmart 86 boasts a user-friendly interface. Menus are well-organized with large, easy-to-read icons, making navigation through features and settings a breeze. The touchscreen responsiveness is excellent, allowing for smooth interaction with the device.
At its core, the DriveSmart 86 excels as a navigation tool. Garmin’s trusted mapping software ensures accurate directions and real-time traffic updates, with a smartphone connection. The system efficiently recalculates routes if detours are necessary, keeping you on track even with unexpected road closures. Users also praise features like Garmin Real Directions that provide clear voice-guided instructions using landmarks and recognizable buildings, making navigation more intuitive.
While the navigation performance is impressive, the DriveSmart 86 goes beyond basic navigation. Built-in Bluetooth® connectivity allows for hands-free calling and receiving smartphone notifications directly on the device’s screen, minimizing distractions while driving. Perhaps the most valuable connected feature is the ability to pair the DriveSmart 86 with a smartphone using the Garmin Drive™ app. This unlocks the power of live traffic updates, helping you avoid gridlock and find time-saving detours. Additionally, the app allows for finding and saving interesting points of interest (POIs) along your route, making road trips more enjoyable.
While these connected features are a plus, it’s important to note that they require a smartphone connection and potentially an active data plan. This might be a consideration for users who prefer a completely standalone GPS experience.
Navigation:
- Large 8-inch Display: This bright, high-resolution touchscreen display offers clear visuals for maps and turn-by-turn directions in both landscape and portrait modes.
- Garmin Voice Assist: Enjoy convenient voice control for finding destinations and making hands-free calls, keeping your focus on the road.
- Detailed Maps: Preloaded street maps for Europe (specific region may vary) with map updates ensure you have the latest information at your fingertips.
- Live Traffic (with smartphone connection): Avoid delays and find timesaving detours with real-time traffic information when paired with your compatible smartphone running the Garmin Drive™ app.
- Environmental Zone Routing: Receive guidance and warnings about environmental zones on your route, helping you navigate restrictions smoothly.
- Driver Alerts: Stay informed and enhance situational awareness with alerts for upcoming sharp curves, speed changes, school zones, and more.
- Preloaded Foursquare® data: Easily find new shops, restaurants, and millions of other popular places along your route.
- TripAdvisor Traveler Ratings: Discover highly-rated restaurants, gas stations, and attractions based on TripAdvisor user reviews.
- Bluetooth Wireless Technology: Sync your compatible smartphone to make hands-free calls and receive smart notifications like text messages directly on the navigator’s screen.
- Wireless Updates: Keep your maps and software up-to-date with convenient wireless updates.
- Garmin Real Directions™: Get clear and detailed voice-guided directions using landmarks, buildings, and traffic lights that are easily recognizable.
- PhotoReal Junction Views: Receive realistic images of upcoming junctions, making unfamiliar intersections easier to navigate.
- Compatible with Garmin Wireless Rear View Cameras: Enhance your safety by adding a compatible rear view camera for a clear view behind your vehicle
