We tested 23 car navigation devices. The best for most is the garmin drivesmart 65. It impresses with a crisp, sharp screen on smartphone level, extensive features, high ease of use and the excellent targeting. The tomtom go premium finishes close behind the garmin. Only the display and the operating speed of the navi are not as good, otherwise it is fully convincing.
We have reviewed the test and updated the availability of individual products. Our recommendations are still up to date.
We have included the latest test results from the stiftung warentest foundation in the test.
We tested two new navigation devices. the tomtom go discover is a recommendation and displaces the tomtom go essential. For the 9 inch yojetsing it was not quite enough to the recommendation.
We have tested five new navigation devices, one recommendation is not included. Four no-name models have caused, among other things, significant difficulties in receiving the GPS signal and the tomtom go premium X is just a more expensive derivative of the tomtom go premium with more accessories.
We tested four new navigation systems. Our new favorite is the garmin drivesmart 65. We put it under the microscope with a 6.95 and a 5.5 inch display. Also we can recommend the tomtom go premium.
We are constantly testing new products and regularly update our recommendations. We will be happy to inform you as soon as this article is updated.
google recaptcha must be loaded to submit the form.
Google recaptcha privacy policy
With the boom in smartphones, the once-popular car navigation devices are suffering. After all, a cell phone can also be used to guide you comfortably from A to B. According to the home electronics market index germany (HEMIX), sales of portable and fixed navigation devices fell by a whopping 21.6 percent in 2018.
With becker, falk and navigon, several well-known manufacturers have disappeared from the market. tomtom and garmin are now taking the biggest slice of the navigation pie, and there are also a number of new, smaller providers.
In our test, we pitted a total of 23 candidates against each other, 18 of which are currently still available. If you can do without bells and whistles and up-to-date traffic information, you’ll find good alternatives in the affordable segment, too.
Quick overview: our recommendations
Our favorite
Garmin drivesmart 65
Navigation is fun: the 6.95-inch display of the garmin drivesmart 65 makes every detail visible. Operation is easy, even by voice, and the features are extensive. Also full points for reliable route guidance.
Also good
Tomtom go premium
The tomtom go premium impresses with clean route guidance, interference-free GPS reception and free map updates. The tomtom stands out from the competition thanks to its up-to-the-minute and reliable traffic reports. Here the go premium with its live-traffic is the measure of all things.
Very informative
Tomtom go discover
With the tomtom go discover, you are always informed about the current fuel prices at individual gas stations and the parking space offers in parking garages. The mount is top, the 7-inch display bright and sharp, the targeting excellent. In addition, the navi scores with extensive and precise information on traffic jams and traffic disruptions.
Good instructions
Garmin drivesmart 61
The garmin drivesmart 61 also has free map updates for europe. It receives traffic reports via DAB+, which works free of charge and without a mobile radio connection – unlike tomtom. A tidbit is the visually appealing lane assistant.
With camera
Garmin driveassist 51
Another recommendable navigation device from garmin is the driveassist 51. As a special feature, it has a rear camera, so it can also be used as a dashcam. Whether you need it is a matter of taste. The lane assistant is already more useful.
Comparison table
- Large and sharp display
- High operating speed
- Voice control
- Reliable route guidance
- Lane assistant
- Up-to-date and reliable traffic reports
- Radar warning service
- Voice control
- Supports siri and google now
- Integration into smart home
- Large, sharp display
- Current and reliable traffic reports
- Reliable route guidance
- Live information on parking spaces and fuel prices
- Lane assistant
- Great routine displays
- Helpful announcements
- Lane assistant
- Lane assistant
- Rear camera
- Dashcam function
- Collision warning
- Very large display
- Good value
- Media player
- Easy to use
- Reliable route guidance
- Support for siri and google assistant
- Current and reliable traffic reports
- Radar warning service
- Voice control
- Supports siri and google now
- Integration into the smart home
- Display responds quite precisely to finger input
- Solid operating speed
- Good equipment
- Good value
- Display reacts quite precisely to finger input
- Solid operating speed
- Good equipment
- Display responds quite precisely to finger input
- Solid operating speed
- Good equipment
- Sharp display
- High operating speed
- Voice control
- Reliable route guidance
- Lane assistant
- Reliable guidance
- Helpful announcements
- Lane assistant
- Up-to-date and reliable traffic reports
- Radar warning service
- Very good control
- Very good destination guidance
- Updates via WLAN
- Smartphone notifications
- Quite a bit cheaper than the test winner
- Very inexpensive and completely sufficient for trips in one’s own country
- Europe map with free lifetime updates
- Cheap
- Internal battery drains relatively quickly
- No integrated SIM card for traffic alerts
- Screen resolution should be higher
- Operating speed could be improved
- No integrated SIM card for traffic reports
- No hands-free function
- Tomtom provides better traffic reports
- Traffic information is not as accurate
- No traffic alerts
- Glitches in route guidance
- No SIM card integrated as with the go 5200
- Screen resolution should be higher
- Operating speed could be improved
- Strongly reflective display
- Poor viewing angle stability
- Significant problems with GPS signal
- Wobbly mount
- Voice announcements sometimes too late
- Significant problems with GPS signal
- Highly reflective display
- Poor viewing angle stability
- Voice announcements partly too late
- Display reflects strongly
- Poor viewing angle stability
- Considerable problems with GPS signal
- Wobbly mount
- Voice announcements partly too late
- Internal battery drains relatively quickly
- Mount from tomtom more stable
- Display less brilliant than more expensive garmin-navis
- Reliable traffic information only via paired smartphone
- Functions for pairing with the smartphone could still be expanded
- Display less brilliant than more expensive tomtoms
- Traffic information only via paired smartphone
- No built-in SIM card available
- No updates via WLAN and no connection to siri or google now
Mobile navis are still useful
Classic car navigation devices, which are attached to the windshield with a suction cup and supplied with power from the cigarette lighter, are now having a hard time on the market. On the one hand, integrated navigation systems are now commonplace, even in mid-range cars, and on the other hand, more and more people are using their smartphones as navigation devices.
Smartphones are increasingly replacing navigation devices
Thanks to free navigation apps such as google maps, here wego or apple maps, smartphones are now an excellent alternative to a full-fledged navigation system. More and more often, these apps even offer the option of downloading map material and using it without an internet connection. the best solution is here wego, where you can download street maps for individual countries. It’s a bit more complicated with google maps, because the app only offers smaller map sections for downloading.
With tomtom amigo, apple maps and waze, the user cannot download any map material at all. This saves storage space on the cell phone, but outside europe you will be left out in the cold if you don’t want to pay horrendous fees for data roaming. But many now also have a data flat rate for abroad – and data roaming charges have now been abolished within the EU.
If you prefer to rely on the expertise of well-known navigation manufacturers such as tomtom or garmin, you can also find navigation apps from these providers for your smartphone, whether for android, ios or windows phone.
Which navigation system offers the best route guidance??
The question of whether the permanently installed navigation systems from car manufacturers, navigation apps on smartphones or stand-alone navigation devices from tomtom, garmin or other manufacturers are the best and fastest way to reach your destination is not easy to answer, because even the results of the most complex tests cannot be generalized. The traffic situation changes too quickly for this to happen. If you get stuck at a traffic light and a truck blocks the intersection, this can have a drastic effect on your driving time. And when a traffic jam forms, the first drivers on the alternate route can still be lucky and make fast progress, while a few minutes later the same alternate route is also jammed – because all navigation systems guide their drivers over this route.
Only minor differences in the quality of route guidance
In an extensive test, Stiftung warentest pitted the free navigation apps google maps, apple maps and here wego against the apps from tomtom and navigon as well as the standalone navigation devices tomtom go 5200 and garmin drivesmart 50LMT-D (test 03/2017). The test team put a total of 16.000 kilometers back. The difference between the shortest total driving time and the longest was just 4 percent.
In another test, stiftung warentest again looked at navigation devices and apps (test 07/2021). The classic navis perform a little better in this new test. The differences in the quality of the route guidance are, however, small. No one needs to buy a different navigation system just for better navigation – the free apps will do just as well.
However, there are differences in ease of use, route guidance and the quality of the map material. The most important thing here is how up-to-date the maps are: with a navi whose maps have not been updated for years, route guidance becomes a game of chance.
Why a stand-alone navigation system??
Despite the huge competition from smartphones, there are still good arguments for a standalone navigation device.
For one thing, the entire map material is already stored locally in the device, so you don’t need a data connection to the Internet for navigation and you don’t have to download anything beforehand either. The higher-quality navigation devices already have preinstalled street maps for all of Europe. Only those who also need maps for the rest of the world have to download and install them.
The biggest advantage is that you don’t need an internet connection
The one-time purchase price already includes everything you need: the navigation device itself, the power cable for the cigarette lighter, updates for the map material, a holder for the windshield and, in some cases, even a traffic jam detector with the latest traffic information that suggests alternative routes in case of emergency.
Another argument in favor of a stand-alone navigation device is the ease of use. A navi is designed for only one task, which facilitates user guidance. For many people, using a navigation system is easier than using a map app on a smartphone.
To make it as easy as possible to use, navigation manufacturers have taken a few steps back in recent years and reduced the functionality and complexity of their navigation devices. Watching TV via DVB-T(2), listening to music, watching videos – you can’t do any of that with most modern navis, or only to a very limited extent. And that’s a good thing.
Above all, a navigation device usually remains permanently installed in the car. If several drivers share a car, they can all use the navigation system. And because it’s always plugged in, you don’t have to worry about the battery level. On the other hand, you don’t want to give up your own smartphone.
Test winner: garmin drivesmart 65
The best navi for us is currently the garmin drivesmart 65. The 6.95-inch display is huge, and the resolution is crisp and clear. Impressive range of functions, operation and navigation.
Our favorite
Garmin drivesmart 65
The garmin navigation system is also available in a 5.5-inch version (drivesmart 55), which we also tested. However, we find the screen diagonal with 17.7 centimeters and the resolution of 1.024 x 600 pixels even better – so you won’t miss a single detail. The garmin is reminiscent of a small tablet, the display can be set super bright to be easily readable even in direct sunlight. The look of the flat device is modern, the edge is nice and small.
the garmin mount is functional, but tomtom’s is much more stable.
Like all other navigation devices, our test winner is attached to the windshield via a suction cup. The ball-and-socket joint snaps into place cleanly and sits firmly – so the screen can be bent to the desired position without any problems, and without it slipping in the set position afterwards. However, we like the mechanism of the high quality tomtom models better, this seems even more stable, here is also a clever twist mechanism used, which facilitates the disassembly of the navi.
Maps for 46 european countries are pre-installed. Can be updated regularly via WLAN. You no longer need a computer to make the updates. Also the software of the garmin-navi can be brought up to date in this way.
Fast and fluid operation
Garmin has given its drivesmart 65 a dual-core processor. The extra power has a positive effect. After less than 20 seconds the navi is ready to use. Even complex route calculations with several intermediate stops succeed quickly. Menus can be changed quickly. in this discipline garmin is superior to the competitor tomtom.
You can find your way around the menu right away. Due to the large display it is almost impossible to make a typo. The start screen is divided into the areas "destination entry", "map", "stop", "apps", "volume" and "settings". So there are no surprises what you will find.
We were convinced by the voice control. Commands are recognized very reliably, even if you have the window open and ambient noise is audible. the keyword is "OK garmin", for example to enter the desired destination. Especially while driving, this is much safer than navigating directly via the display.
New is the integration of amazon alexa. If the drivesmart 65 is paired with the "garmin drive" app, you can, for example, get route information, news or weather information or browse the calendar.
Useful extras
The garmin gets its power from the cigarette lighter like the competitors. A lithium-ion battery is on board for short periods of autonomy. It should last up to one hour. However, when we set the screen brightness to 70 percent in the test, the lights went out after less than half an hour.
The navigation system is usually powered by the cigarette lighter, as the internal battery quickly wears out.
If the navigation device is paired with the smartphone via bluetooth, the smartphone acts as a hands-free device. If you want, you can be informed about upcoming speed cameras. A navi with a corresponding function is not prohibited. However, anyone caught by the police using the radar warning function while driving can be fined. Law enforcement officers may also confiscate the device, but this rarely happens in practice. Because of the uncertain interpretation, which varies from country to country, drivers use the service at their own risk.
the various warnings are practical: the garmin indicates changes in the speed limit and alerts you to sharp curves, school zones, wildlife crossings and railroad crossings. In addition, it informs you when you should take a break on long journeys. Smartphone notifications such as e-mails or appointments can be shown on the display and read out by the navigation system. the navi can optionally be operated with a rear view camera.
Garmin indicates that Anna is waiting in the cafe.
Traffic information
The drivesmart can pick up traffic reports via digital radio (DAB+) using an antenna integrated into the charging cable. This works well, at least in germany. If you are traveling abroad, where digital audio broadcasting is not yet available or only available to a limited extent, the navigation system works with TMC messages, which are sometimes not as precise and are displayed with a delay.
Another option is to link the navi to the garmin app and get real-time information on traffic, parking, weather and speed cameras. This works flawlessly. In terms of handling, however, tomtom is still superior to the higher-priced navigation devices with its built-in SIM card.
34 minute delay – the instructions can of course also be displayed in german.
Destination entry and guidance
The quickest way to enter new destinations is by voice. In addition, garmin offers various options. You don’t have to enter a complete address in the search field. A city and then a keyword such as "harbor" or "olympia" are all you need to choose from the olympiahalle, the olympiapark, the olympia shopping center, neighboring hotels and car rental agencies in munich, among others.
Under "pois" (points of interest) you can find restaurants, gas stations, shopping facilities, parking lots, ATMs, various public facilities and so on. Tripadvisor helps when searching for hotels, activities or restaurants. Foursquare also proves cooperative in finding the nearest places to refuel, stay overnight or eat nearby.
Destination guidance is simple and intuitive
Guidance is both visual and audible. The friendly female voice indicates when you should turn right after a traffic light, for example, and tells you the name of the street, indicates exits and reads out traffic information. It all fits. The map display is pleasing. Garmin displays 3D objects such as the eiffel tower, contrasts and rich colors are convincing. Current speed, expected arrival time and remaining kilometers can be read off without any problems.
three-dimensional intersection views and an active lane display make orientation even easier. Even in heavy highway traffic, you can keep a cool head if you have to change lanes several times. In the test, we always got to our destination the fastest way possible. All commands were given on time. If we deliberately took a wrong turn, the route correction came promptly.
The drivesmart 65 convinced us all along the line. The large and sharp display with high luminosity is easy to read, the equipment is lush, but the ease of use does not suffer from it. The route guidance is very reliable.
Garmin drivesmart 65 in the test mirror
The garmin drivesmart 65 scored very well not only with us, but also with our colleagues in the trade press.
stiftung warentest (07/2021) has rated the garmin drivesmart 65& digital traffic also declared test winner.
In the trade magazine connect (6/2019), the garmin won the test. Among other things, the capacitive touchscreen, the good equipment and the route guidance are praised.
"the optics are in no way inferior to the very good acoustics: the drivesmart 65 scores with precise and well-timed announcements such as "in 150 meters, before the traffic light, turn left"". The strategy in traffic jam situations is also convincing – especially since the user can define whether the system decides on a detour independently or always asks for the driver’s okay. With this outstanding performance, the garmin drivesmart 65 achieves a real dream result and, as a route guide, offers hardly any room for improvement."
The testers of pocketnavigation emphasize the performance of the dual-core processor and the optimized calculation of routes.
"when it comes to visual guidance, garmin is still very good at its job. In our test, it was never difficult to orient ourselves on the real road network with the help of the virtual map view. Especially highway descents are super easy to master thanks to the unique garmin real junction view, instead of spreading adrenaline and fear in the driver. The night view is also always a pleasure, because it also includes the menu and automatically adjusts itself with dimmed brightness. What would be really helpful, but is missing so far, is a button within the map view, with which you can quickly switch between the 2D and 3D view."
The holder is criticized. The editors would have liked an active magnetic holder here.
The SFT magazine (6/2019) likes the very large range of functions, helpful directions and the simple operation. The only drawbacks are the occasional reflections on the screen.
Alternatives
Although our test winner produced the best results in most points, there are navigation devices that are almost as good or come with a lower price and slightly fewer features.
Also good: tomtom go premium
Whether tomtom or garmin is a similar question of faith as mercedes or BMW. Both brands have their fan camps. So the tomtom faction should not be very happy now that after our navi update we award garmin the test victory and tomtom must be satisfied with a recommendation. The tomtom go premium is an excellent navigation device, in many aspects on par with the garmin drivesmart 65 or even a tad better. But two elementary things caught our eye. That’s why, for once, we’ll start with the weaknesses of the go premium.
Also good
Tomtom go premium
First, there is the 5-inch display (a 6-inch version is also available). The resolution of 480 x 272 pixels is no longer up to date for us. When you look at the screen, you get the impression that nothing has happened here for years. The display is slightly pixelated – just like on an older smartphone. The drivesmart from garmin resolves the 5-inch model with 1200 x 720 pixels. The difference is immense. The resolution is much finer, the detail work better, the overall impression more brilliant. This is the look you expect in 2019.
Immediately recognizable as a tomtom: the casing of the go premium is visually unsurprising.
The other point is the speed of operation. The top models from garmin have the edge here, respond more quickly and calculate the destination faster. don’t worry, even the tomtom go premium is not a lame snail and does its job reliably. In a direct comparison, however, you notice that garmin runs more smoothly.
The new model doesn’t make any mistakes when it comes to route selection; it reliably guides you to your destination and provides timely voice prompts. The 3D-buildings and the additional information on the right side (arrival time, remaining kilometers etc.) are very nice.). A special feature is the built-in SIM card. With this, the tomtom receives very reliable and detailed real-time traffic data. there are no additional costs – not even abroad.
Tomtom provides very reliable and detailed real-time traffic data
Alternatively, you can install the tomtom app on your smartphone and pair it with the navi. Traffic and speed camera information can also be received this way, although this is not necessary thanks to the SIM card on board. The "my-drive" app only makes sense if you have to walk the last few meters to your destination, for example because you can’t find a parking space nearby. In this case, the smartphone automatically takes over the final destination guidance.
When it comes to entering addresses, tomtom has moved away from google maps& co. inspiration: the navigation device does not ask for street, house number, postal code and city individually, but you simply type everything in one line. This also applies to POIs (points of interest) such as "supermarket" or "ATM". After entering just a few letters, the available addresses appear, which can then be selected with a simple tap of the finger.
With points of interest (pois), you can navigate in the vicinity of your current location or – if you are already on the road or in the vicinity of your current location. already planned a route – search along the route. The latter is extremely practical when, for example, you urgently need a gas station. A voice search, which can also be started with a voice command if desired, is also available.
compatible with siri and google now
The go premium is compatible with siri voice control and google now. Features include hands-free calling and regular worldwide map updates. the suction cup mount is very stable. The integrated battery theoretically lasts up to one hour, but it ran out much sooner in the test. A tomtom novelty is hidden behind the IFTTT integration (if this then that). How to integrate the navi into a smart home. Directly from the car you can, for example, control thermostats or open the garage.
The tomtom go premium’s range of functions is convincing; you are guaranteed to reach your destination and can look forward to excellent and always up-to-date traffic information. We would just like to see a higher-resolution display and somewhat faster operation.
very informative: tomtom go discover
the new tomtom go discover dispenses with a lot of unnecessary bells and whistles and impresses with lightning-fast navigation, a high level of user-friendliness, excellent traffic information and practical live information on fuel prices and free parking spaces in parking lots.
very informative
Tomtom go discover
In the size of 7 inches (just under 18 centimeters diagonally), the display is really nice and big. Alternatively, the go discover is available with 6 and 5 inches, but the resolution is then reduced from 1.280 x 800 on 1.280 x 720 resp. 800 x 480 pixels. Our 7-inch display is pleasantly sharp, even when viewed from the side, the colors retain most of their brightness. In addition, the display has a fairly good anti-reflective coating.
With its 7-inch display, the tomtom go discover provides an informative map view.
The holding mechanism is super stable and fits tightly. the holding arm locks securely into place, a ball-and-socket joint allows the display to be moved into the desired position and locked in place, and nothing knocks the suction cup off the windshield either. Here the higher purchase price pays off at the manufacturer tomtom.
The back of the display is also adorned with a large, two-part loudspeaker.
The tomtom mount is a dream – absolutely stable and wobble-proof.
The menu structure of the navi is simple and self-explanatory. You know right away what is hidden behind the entries "search", "add hometown", "last destinations", "my locations" and "my routes". Convenient: with the command ""hello tomtom", the go discover reacts immediately and guides its owner to a specific address, to the home address, to a parking lot or to the next gas station. All possible voice commands are stored. So you can always keep your hands on the steering wheel.
tomtom also responds to finger inputs at lightning speed. The processor is powerful, with 2 gigabytes of memory on board. According to Tomtom, the new navi has increased the speed fourfold, panning the map and zooming in with fingers is completely instantaneous.
the manufacturer also promises more speed when updating maps thanks to the integrated 5-ghz wifi frequency band – this is now supposed to work three times faster. Already installed is worldwide map material for all relevant destinations.
We really like the live information on current fuel prices and the parking situation in multi-storey parking lots. If the fuel type of the vehicle is stored in the navigation system, the currently valid price for diesel, gasoline and other fuels was displayed at almost all gas stations in the test. Displayed. Charging stations for electric cars can also be found this way. Too bad: the services mentioned can only be used free of charge for one year.
As soon as navigation starts – the go discover doesn’t need much time to calculate the route – you get the forecast arrival time to the right of the map, and you can see the next gas stations and the current roadworks. These are also embedded in the map with notices like "avoid" and "busy traffic, construction, 1.6 kilometers". The traffic information is tomtom-specific top, for this the navi must have access to the mobile data of the smartphone paired via bluetooth. In the test all traffic jam information was very precise, the tomtom is not stingy with alternative routes.
Informative and clear map display
The map display with dynamic lane assistant is great. it is informative and clear, but not overloaded. the driver is provided with all relevant details without being distracted from the essentials. The voice is clear, easy to understand and sufficiently loud. The GPS signal was immediately available and permanently stable in the test, route recalculations were prompt, announcements with sufficient lead time. If you want, you can be warned when you exceed the speed limit.
To create routes via the smartphone, you have to install the "mydrive" app (available for ios and android). A hands-free function is not available.
the tomtom go discover convinces with its large and sharp screen, the excellent holder, the high ease of use, the excellent route guidance and the live additional information on fuel prices and free parking spaces.
Good instructions: garmin drivesmart 61
The world market leader and tomtom’s biggest competitor is the U.S. manufacturer garmin. The garmin drivesmart is a recommendable and even slightly cheaper alternative to the top models from tomtom, which are available with a 5 or 6 inch display (drivesmart 51 or 61).
Good instructions
Garmin drivesmart 61
the garmin drivesmart 61 also comes with free map updates for all of europe – like tomtom, that’s 45 countries. However, the user has to pay for additional country maps. However: as with tomtom, the entire new garmin model series can now also be updated conveniently via WLAN.
traffic jam reports are received via DAB+
In addition, there is a traffic service. Unlike tomtom, however, the navigation device receives traffic reports via DAB+, an upgraded version of the digital radio standard. This works free of charge without a mobile phone connection and without a smartphone. To receive additional traffic information or for journeys in regions without DAB+ reception, garmin offers the option of pairing the navigation device with a smartphone. This is then again at the expense of the own cell phone contract.
However, the traffic information is not as precise as that from tomtom. Garmin gets its data from the provider here, which also offers the navi-app here wego. As pocketnavigation writes in its review of the garmin drivesmart, "the here traffic reports can’t quite keep up with tomtom’s congestion information."
The great advantage of garmin over the competition has long been the skillful presentation of the route and driving instructions on the display. intersections and freeway exits are displayed almost photo-realistically and are underlaid with an extremely helpful lane assistant. "photo real junction view" is what garmin calls this feature.
In addition, there are the so-called "garmin real directions": instead of just announcing street names, the voice from the navigation system instructs the driver to "turn left after the gas station". This is often much easier than desperately looking with eagle eyes for the signs at intersections and crossroads.
In addition, garmin has always offered a hands-free function in its top and mid-range navigation devices. Thanks to smartphone link, the navigation devices can also be paired with the cell phone and messages from the cell phone can be displayed directly on the navigation screen. However, the voice assistants siri and google now cannot be started and controlled via the navigation device.
With camera: garmin driveassist 51
With the driveassist 51, garmin also offers a navigation system with a camera on the back. This navigation device is only available with a 5-inch display – and apart from the camera and the resulting functions, it’s just like the drivesmart.
With camera
Garmin driveassist 51
It offers a function called "real vision" in which the image from the camera is displayed on the screen shortly before the end of the journey and the destination is marked with a small flag. But this doesn’t seem to be more than a nice gimmick.
At first glance, the lane assistant seems to make more sense: the camera keeps an eye on the lane markings and warns the driver if he touches or drives over them. However, the experts at pocketnavigation rightly note that in practice it too often triggers false warnings if the camera is not aligned precisely enough. Therefore this function is deactivated ex works. In addition, the camera warns you if you are driving too close to the car in front of you. But whether a collision warning without independent braking of the vehicle is at all useful?
navigation system and dashcam in one: the garmin driveassist 51.
The integrated camera is also used as a classic dashcam: it continuously films what is happening in front of the hood and saves the recordings as one-minute videos on the memory card. When the camera is full, older videos are deleted. If an incident occurs (heavy braking, collision), the current video is stored permanently, so that it can be used later to reconstruct an accident, for example.
Also tested
Yojetsing navigation device
When we unpack the yojetsing navigation device, we have to smile: with its 9-inch display (just under 23 centimeters diagonally), the navigation device looks more like a tablet than a route guide. It is therefore not suitable for small cars. Even in the largest volvo SUV, we have to mount the yojetsing on the windshield, clearly offset to the right, in order not to restrict the view of the road too much. In trucks, however, the navi should feel right at home.
It is attached to the windshield by means of a suction cup or on a plastic plate that is glued to the dashboard (included). Due to its size and weight, the 9-inch device naturally moves back and forth slightly, but this does not restrict readability. In direct sunlight, however, we wish for a bit more brightness, and the lateral viewing angle stability could also be better. The display is also very reflective.
52 european countries are pre-installed, the provider promises free lifetime map updates. The display resolves with 800 x 400 pixels, the representation is not crisp, but is sufficient without problems. The 2.100 mah strong battery allows a short self-sufficient use, but to be on the safe side, it is better to connect the navi to the cigarette lighter right away.
The operating system is wince 6.0 to use. The interface is designed quite intuitively with colored tiles. The equipment includes various dispensable gimmicks such as unit converter, calculator, trip overview, the display of sunrise and sunset as well as music player, video player and image viewer. The picture viewer even works quite quickly, but the display quality is very pixelated due to the low resolution of the display, and the quality of the loudspeakers when playing MP3 songs is atrocious. Connections include a headphone jack and a slot for microsd cards.
The yojetsing’s overall speed of operation is decent, but not comparable to the performance of a more expensive brand-name device. To navigate, you can either type in an address or search for special destinations. When planning a route, you notice that the processor is not the fastest, it takes some time here. The satellites were found after about one minute in the test.
The voice announcements are not exactly crystal clear and in older cars possibly a bit too quiet, but came on time on all test routes. Using the FM transmitter function, the sound can also be brought to life via the car speakers. When planning a route, you can choose between the fastest and shortest route and avoid toll roads, a 2D and 3D map view is available, in larger cities, prominent buildings are displayed. Even if you set the "viewing angle" to "high", it doesn’t change the fact that the readability from the side, especially in sunlight, is rather poor.
We were satisfied with the navigation for a long time in the test. several destinations were reached without any problems, the route guidance was plausible. However, several times we were complained that we were too fast, despite lower speeds on country roads – this feature can be deactivated. The yojetsing was nevertheless on the verge of earning a recommendation. a 9 inch navi for less than 90 euro would be a bargain. But then the navigation device made several mistakes. We drove deliberately wrong to test how the yojetsing reacts.
A new route was calculated quickly. But at two exits the navigation device surprised with nonsensical suggestions. We were supposed to drive over field paths – and actually only had to stay on the paved country road in order to make up for our turning mistake in no time at all. If we had been unfamiliar with the area, we would not have wanted to imagine where our journey would have ended. These may have been one-off glitches in the cheap navi, but even in the driving test, a big bump is enough to fail. Therefore, we can not in good conscience a recommendation pronounce.
the yojetsing does not show traffic jam information and traffic reports. an instruction manual in german in very small letters is included, but it only gives an overview of some functions.
