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Garmin DriveSmart 55 Review – Traffic GPS Navigator – Buying Guide [UPD]

Advanced Navigation with Smart Features Stay connected with Garmin DriveSmart 55. This GPS navigator features built-in Wi-Fi for easy software and map updates. Includes voice-activated navigation, Bluetooth handsfree calling and onscreen smart notifications so your hands remain on the wheel. Enjoy free lifetime map updates plus TripAdvisor data, helpful driver alerts, and live traffic and parking information.

Used with FunTreks GPS Data Cards this is the best way to watch your progress as you move along the trail.

You may also like: Garmin DriveSmart 65 Review.

Pros:

  • Featuring simple menus and easy-to-read maps;
  • Included with traffic and map updates;
  • Provides helpful driver alerts to encourage safer driving.

Cons:

  • Comes in a 5.5″ edge-to-edge touchscreen display.

GARMIN DRIVESMART 55 & TRAFFIC GPS NAVIGATOR

GPS Navigator with 5.5” Display

For drivers who love new adventures while traveling, the Garmin DriveSmart 55 GPS navigator is the ultimate road trip companion.
Featuring simple menus and easy-to-read maps, Garmin DriveSmart 55 lets you view turn-by-turn directions at a glance on a bright 5.5” edge-to-edge touchscreen display.

Traffic and map updates are included along with helpful driver alerts to encourage safer driving. Also have voice-activated and ability to pair with a compatible smartphone for hands-free calling.

Don’t Hate Traffic — Avoid It

Outsmart traffic jams or slowdowns by avoiding them altogether with timely alerts that suggest alternate routes to help you steer clear of construction zones or accidents ahead. Garmin Traffic comes ready to use right out of the box, thanks to the included traffic cable; no need to pair your navigator with a smartphone for traffic information. If desired, live traffic¹ information is available when paired with your phone.

Access Real-time Features

Pair this smart navigator with your phone, and download the Garmin Drive app. This gives you access to real-time information¹, including live parking² and photoLive traffic cameras (where available) that show live traffic and weather conditions. When connected, text messages and other notifications¹ from your phone will display right along the side of your navigation screen.

Sites From the HISTORY Network

you’ll find plenty to see and do with points of interest from the History Network

To make traveling more enjoyable, you’ll find plenty to see and do with points of interest from the HISTORY network. It features pictures and descriptions of notable parks, monuments, museums and historic sites.

Works with Garmin Backup Camera

For a complete navigation solution, pair this navigator with the BC 30 wireless backup camera (sold separately; professional installation recommended). Once connected, you can easily see vehicles, pedestrians and other obstacles right on the navigator’s display as you reverse.

Live Services for Your Drive

Outsmart traffic jams with time-saving alternate routes or by avoiding them altogether. Then, with live information, spend less time circling the block to look for parking. For traffic alerts, relevant rerouting directions and up-to-date weather forecasts, download the Smartphone Link app, which connects your Garmin DriveSmart with your compatible smartphone. As you near your destination, take the stress out of parking by viewing pricing and availability trends for on-street public parking. The Smartphone Link app also enables LiveTrack, which lets drivers share their location so friends can track your whereabouts whether you are running errands around town or taking a long road trip.

Driver Alerts: Know Your Surroundings

Driver Alerts: Know Your Surroundings

To encourage safer driving and increase situational awareness, Garmin DriveSmart provides driver alerts for sharp curves, speed changes, railroad crossings and animal crossings. Additionally, the navigator will warn you when driving the wrong way on a one-way street and alert you to nearby schools and school zones. Receive notifications for nearby red light cameras and speed cameras, and even get fatigue warnings that suggest potential rest areas after several hours of driving.

In The Box

  • Garmin DriveSmart 55 & traiffic;
  • Preloaded maps of the U.S. or U.S. and Canada, depending on the model selected;
  • Vehicle suction cup mount;
  • Vehicle power cable;
  • USB cable.

Specs of Garmin DriveSmart 55

General

PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS 13.72 x 7.62 x 1.78 cm
DISPLAY SIZE 12.1 x 6.8 cm; 5.5″ diagonal (13.9 cm)
DISPLAY RESOLUTION 1200 x 720 pixels
DISPLAY TYPE Multi-touch, glass, HD colour TFT with white backlight
WEIGHT 150.5 g
BATTERY TYPE Rechargeable lithium-ion
BATTERY LIFE Up to 1 hour

Maps & memory

PRELOADED STREET MAPS +
DATA CARDS MicroSD card (not included)
3-D BUILDINGS AND TERRAIN +
INCLUDES MAP UPDATES +

Camera features

BACKUP CAMERA COMPATIBLE Yes, includes external video input for Garmin backup cameras (sold separately)

Navigation features

GARMIN REAL DIRECTIONS LANDMARK GUIDANCE +
MILLIONS OF FOURSQUARE® POINTS OF INTEREST +
TRIPADVISOR® TRAVELLER RATINGS +
ROUTE SHAPING THROUGH PREFERRED CITIES/STREETS +
VOICE-ACTIVATED NAVIGATION (OPERATE DEVICE WITH SPOKEN COMMANDS)
FULL EUROPE VERSION ONLY
+
TRAFFIC UPDATES +
LANE ASSIST WITH JUNCTION VIEW (DISPLAYS JUNCTION SIGNS) +
BLUETOOTH® CALLING +
SPEED LIMIT INDICATOR (DISPLAYS SPEED LIMIT FOR MOST MAJOR ROADS IN THE U.S. AND EUROPE) +
DRIVER ALERTS FOR SHARP CURVES, SCHOOL ZONES, RED LIGHT AND SPEED CAMERA WARNINGS AND MORE +

Advanced features

SMART NOTIFICATIONS VIA APP +
WI-FI® MAP AND SOFTWARE UPDATES +
ACCESS TO LIVE SERVICES VIA APP +

Video review on Garmin DriveSmart 55

Final Thoughts

The Garmin DriveSmart 55 and Traffic device have several features and functions that extremely easy to use. The screen of this navigation system are responsive and provides concise and clear information. This makes Garmin DriveSmart 55 some of the best navigation systems of 2021 for moving you from one point to another.

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Alex Anderson
Alex Anderson
Our lead experts-analyst, Alex Anderson, has reviewed hundreds of electronics devices, automotive gadgets, and other products in more than 10 years. He a journalist, software trainer, and sometimes Web designer. Alex writes news stories, columns, and reviews for us and other popular sites and publications.
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