Top 10 Car GPS Systems

The days of stopping by a gas station for a road map or a local’s directions are over, thanks to the arrival of affordable GPS navigation systems for cars. There’s no need for backseat drivers with these handy devices, which can plot your route and alert you to hazards along the way in just about any country and language. If you’re looking for the best auto GPS systems on the market, here are 10 we recommend.

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1. Garmin DriveSmart 65 & Traffic: GPS navigator with a 6.95” display

Garmin DriveSmart 65 & Traffic: GPS navigator with a 6.95” display, hands-free calling, included traffic alerts and information to enrich road trips Buy on Amazon

This Garmin model has easy-to-read maps and menus and displays turn-by-turn directions on a touchscreen display.

Pros:

  • It can be voice-activated and paired with a smartphone for hands-free calling.
  • Includes built-in WiFi connectivity for map and software updates.
  • Garmin Traffic suggests alternate routes when streets are congested.

Cons:

  • Users report a distracting glare on the screen when driving in bright conditions.
  • A good power adaptor is suggested because the battery life is limited.

Final thoughts: The Garmin DriveSmart 65 is a stylish device with an impressive and large display. Despite a few minor quirks, it’s still among the leading car GPS systems available.


2. Garmin DriveSmart 55 & Traffic: GPS navigator with a 5.5” display

Garmin DriveSmart 55 & Traffic: GPS navigator with a 5.5” display, hands-free calling, included traffic alerts and information to enrich road trips Buy on Amazon

The DriveSmart 55 is smaller than the 65 model, but it offers many of the same features including easy-to-read menus and turn-by-turn directions.

Pros:

  • Comes preloaded with Foursquare information on new and popular places along the route.
  • Connects to a smartphone through Bluetooth technology.
  • Renders buildings and terrain in 3D.

Cons:

  • Map and street updates have to be updated on a computer then transferred to the GPS via USB cable.
  • Screen is smaller than ones on newer models.

Final thoughts: Garmin has long produced great GPS systems – this is a good one for most drivers.


3. Arova GPS Navigation for Car, Lifetime Maps Update Car Navigator

GPS Navigation for Car, LTTRBX 7” Touch Screen 8GB Real Voice Spoken Turn-by-Turn Direction Reminding Navigation System for Cars, Vehicle GPS Satellite Navigator with Free Lifetime Map Update (Black) Buy on Amazon

This GPS from Arova supports maps from more than 40 countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico and Australia.

Pros:

  • This device also supports 40 languages.
  • Offers four route options: fast, green, short and easy.
  • A built-in FM transmitter can provide the GPS audio to your car stereo.

Cons:

  • Device’s speaker isn’t very loud but thankfully you can use the car stereo.
  • Some users report the GPS stand is not sturdy enough.

Final thoughts: If you’re often traveling – especially internationally – this GPS from Arova is very attractive for its extensive map and language offerings.


4. CARRVAS GPS Navigation for Car, Truck, 7 Inch Voice Turn Direction Guidance

CARRVAS GPS Navigation for Car,Truck,7 Inch Voice Turn Direction Guidance,Support Speed and Red Light Warning Pre-Installed US, Mexico,Canada + South America Maps Buy on Amazon

This model from CARRVAS offers a large screen – 7 inches – that’s also easy to read even in bright sunlight.

Pros:

  • Comes with North American maps pre-installed.
  • Great for use in trucks, taxis and buses because you can set the length, width and weight of the vehicle to avoid road limits.
  • Use the FM transmitter to send GPS audio to the car stereo.

Cons:

  • Built-in battery has a 3-hour limit.
  • Setup instructions are not easy to follow, some users report.

Final thoughts: This GPS has two great features that can’t be over-appreciated – the larger screen and vehicle mode settings for bigger vehicles.

5. CarGad GPS Navigation for Car, Latest 2020 Map 7 inch Touch Screen

GPS Navigation for Car, Latest 2020 Map 7 inch Touch Screen Car GPS 256-8GB, Voice Turn Direction Guidance, Support Speed and Red Light Warning, Pre-Installed North America Lifetime map Free Update… Buy on Amazon

This GPS from CarGad has the latest North American maps preinstalled and features a 7-inch, high-def touch screen.

Pros:

  • Maps for Europe, South America and other regions are available for download.
  • Offers upcoming sharp turn alerts, reminders on speed limits and height limit warnings.
  • Comes with 8GM of memory, but can be upgraded.

Cons:

  • Includes 40 languages but Chinese isn’t among them.
  • Some users report setup can be challenging.

Final thoughts: There’s a lot to love with the CarBad GPS, including the pre-installed maps and language selection. The large screen wins our applause too.

6. TomTom Go 520 5-Inch GPS Navigation Device

TomTom Go 520 5-Inch GPS Navigation Device with Free Lifetime Traffic & World Maps, WiFi-Connectivity, Smartphone Messaging, Voice Control and Hands-free Calling Buy on Amazon

TomTom’s GPS uses WiFi to download and update maps from around the world at no cost. It’s also able to learn from your driving habits so it can plan routes more effectively.

Pros:

  • Compatible with Siri and Google Now commands.
  • It can read text messages from your smartphone.
  • Attaches firmly via a magnetic mount.

Cons:

  • At 5 inches, the screen is smaller than many competing systems.
  • A smartphone is required for traffic updates and safety camera alerts.

Final thoughts: An endless supply of map downloads is a great tool to have if you’re hoping to use this GPS year after year.


7. AWESAFE GPS Navigation for Car 9 inch Touch Screen Car 

AWESAFE GPS Navigation for Car 9 inch Touch Screen Car GPS North America Lifetime Map Update Buy on Amazon

A 9-inch screen? That’s pretty awesome, AWESAFE. Maps for the United States, Canada and Mexico are preloaded too on this impressive GPS system.

Pros:

  • This GPS offers “flash up” birds-eye views of junctions to help you orientate yourself during journeys.
  • It has voice notifications for upcoming sharp curves, school zones and other hazards.
  • The GPS offers seven-vehicle modes: car, truck, pedestrian, bicycle, emergency vehicle, bus and taxi.

Cons:

  • The built-in battery only offers 30 minutes of operation without charging, so keep it in charging mode at all times.
  • The GPS is a bit heavy so it’s advised you install it on the dashboard instead of the windshield.

Final thoughts: We’re still drooling over the screen size and birds-eye views of upcoming junctions.


8. LTTRBX GPS Navigation for Car, 7” Touch Screen

GPS Navigation for Car, LTTRBX 7” Touch Screen 8GB Real Voice Spoken Turn-by-Turn Direction Reminding Navigation System for Cars, Vehicle GPS Satellite Navigator with Free Lifetime Map Update (Black) Buy on Amazon

This GPS from LTTRBX has maps for 101 regions in 58 languages. Still not impressed? It comes with a lifetime of free map updates too.

Pros:

  • The touchscreen is impressive at 7 inches and is clearly visible even in bright sunlight.
  • Voice alerts signal drivers to speed limit changes, upcoming school districts, high-speed cameras and more.
  • The FM transmitter can transfer the GPS audio to a car stereo.

Cons:

  • This GPS doesn’t offer traffic or accident updates.
  • The battery lasts only about 30 minutes, so you’ll want to keep it plugged into a charger.

Final thoughts: This GPS is a bargain considering all the features – including that huge screen – that pricier models usually offer.


9. Mksutary GPS Navigation for Car, Navigation system 7inch Highly-brightness capacitive Touch Screen GPS

GPS Navigation for Car, Navigation system 7inch Highly-brightness capacitive Touch Screen GPS,8 GB Lifetime Map Update, Turn-by-Turn Direction Reminding Real Voice Spoken Navigation System for Car GPS Buy on Amazon

Here’s another GPS system with a generously large screen at a budget-friendly price. The unit can also serve as a photo album, music player, e-Book reader and more.

Pros:

  • North American maps come pre-installed. Other regions can be downloaded.
  • The map is 2D and 3D changeable.
  • Among the displays are current driving speed, the route speed limit and the surveillance camera.

Cons:

  • Voice alarms won’t warn if you’re over the speed limit.
  • Some users remark the unit’s speaker volume is too low.

Final thoughts: It’s a nice twist to have a GPS unit that can play games, music and serve as an e-Book reader. For the price, the screen size and quality is exceptional.

10. Ineed GPS Navigation for Car, GPS Navigator System with Free Lifetime Maps

GPS Navigation for car, GPS Navigator System with Free Lifetime Maps, 7 Inch HD Touch Screen, 8GB Voice Broadcast Function, Driving Alert. Buy on Amazon

This GPS from Ineed has many of the features of pricier models, including a 7-inch screen, preloaded maps of North America and real-voice alerts.

Pros:

  • Voice alerts notify drivers of sharp turns, speed limit changes, school zones and more.
  • Route suggestions are customized according to the driver’s habits and vehicle usage.
  • Users rave about the easy installation and setup.

Cons:

  • No FM transmitter to connect with the car stereo.
  • Some users say the unit can be easily knocked off the mounting bracket.

Final thoughts: This is a good starter unit for those still learning about GPS navigation. It has the most popular features, including a large display screen.