Written by Jonna
Edited on
28 December 2022
·
11:19
Compare the Garmin Drive, DriveSmart, and DriveAssist
You are planning to purchase a Garmin navigation system. But what requirements must your device meet? In terms of appearance they look alike, but if we compare the functions with each other there is indeed a difference. Do you want a basic navigation system or do you prefer an advanced device? In this article you read what the most important functions are per product line.
The differences
| Garmin Drive | Garmin DriveSmart | Garmin DriveAssist | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking information | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Environmental warnings | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Useful points via Tripadvisor / Foursquare | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smartphone notifications | No | Yes | Yes |
| Hands-free calls | No | Yes | Yes |
| Integrated dash cam | No | No | Yes |
| Updates via WiFi | No | Yes | Yes |
Garmin Drive
The Garmin Drive is Garmin's basic model. The navigation system has the most important functions to get safely from A to B. Along the way, you'll get various notifications that make you more aware of your surroundings. This way, the device warns you of approaching sharp bends, speed cameras, school zones, or traffic jams. If you sit behind the wheel too long you will receive a fatigue message. Time for a coffee break? On your screen you see popular restaurants, hotels, or places of interest in the neighborhood. Almost at your final destination? The Garmin Drive models offer suggestions for parking spaces including rates.
Garmin DriveSmart
The Garmin DriveSmart goes a step further than the Drive. In addition to making your more aware of your surroundings, you won't miss messages and phone calls while you're driving. The device has Bluetooth to connect your smartphone. Notifications are displayed on the screen of your car navigation system and you call hands-free. The navigation system also has built-in Wi-Fi, so you automatically get new map updates as soon as you are near a Wi-Fi network.
Garmin DriveAssist
Special about the Garmin DriveAssist is the built-in dashcam that records your ride. If you have an accident, the camera footage is saved automatically. Fortunately, the navigation system also helps you to prevent accidents by warning you when you unexpectedly change lanes. Are you near your destination? The system switches to real-time camera feed, so you see exactly where you have to drive.
Article by Jonna
GPS System Expert.
