Garmin DriveSmart 65 MT-S with Amazon Alexa - 6.95-Inch Sat Nav with Edge to Edge Display

I have used Garmin satnavs for a number of years and it's worth paying extra for a top quality item such as this or a TomTom because they are so much better than the many cheap, low-resolution Chinese rubbish items on the market. This 6.95inch/176mm version has a lovely high-resolution (nearly to the edge) screen which is bright and has pleasant, clear, colourful graphics. It's as easy to set up as expected although it does require an email address and connection to the web initially, which was no problem in my case since it found the hub which was about 50 feet away, immediately. It also updated itself (you have to tell it to) within 45mins even though it stated this would take more than 3 hours. I left it in the car while it was doing this with the ignition switched to the accessory position which may not be practical for some, in which case it would need to be removed and connected to a PC maybe. One feature that is very useful is that an overspeed warning can be activated at both the actual speed limit and 5mph above. The last Garmin satnav could only be set at the speed limit which bonged if you exceeded it by even 1mph - which was very annoying. Power to it is by the standard 'mini' USB port to a PC or by car charger (there is no mains charger supplied). With the larger screen, bright graphics and easy settings, competent and clear instructions and many useful features, I can happily recommend this, especially at the bargain, sub £150 I paid. Whilst the screen is great, the instructions for the BC30 reversing camera are extremely poorly written, with bizarre naming of the various parts of it; example - Item 1 (named) can be a cable, or a bracket, or a transmitter, and '2' looks to be a hole. Complete nonsense!

Ok sat nav is being supplied in many cars now but you still have to input post codes. I’ve had this kit for a while now, its took me to Southern Ireland with no issues at all. I have used many sat navigations over the years, mainly the Tom Tom model but the specs of this one were very good and worthy of a try. I average 35k a year and rely on sat navigation. The voice activation on this kit works very well and saves the faf of entering details. The screen is large and information is clear. Traffic updates are great, it also has a reverse camera option which I have only just got so unable to give a full review on that. It’s been said to be expensive but for what it delivers it worth the extra cash Ok, I’m back, camera review, camera is great, good image quality but a huge drawback for a camera costing silly money. Well it just takes to long to wake up and show an image, by the time it comes on I’m parked. Then there is the problem of a wireless camera, you have to tell it to come on as it’s not wired to reverse lights and it’s just not instinctive to do so, if you do remember and you say Garmin show video and do this well before your ready to reverse so it’s on when you need it, it’s ok. Well for me I just end up not bothering so it sits there not being used. Seriously it’s an ornament that gathers dust and needs expensive batteries when you do decide to blow the dust off.

So I've been with Garmin for over 10 years, through several generations of Satnavs and this week went for the new Drivesmart 65 with Alexa, as I seem to have everything else connected to Alexa. Always there seems to be one hitch or another when starting a new model, but worth it in the end. A lot of it is related to an absolute lack of info from Garmin and often think they would have far less returns if comprehensive start up info was easy to find. I think I actually returned a LM50 last time, as it was dead, and I didn't then know that a 15 second press of the button would reset it. First issue here was around updating the new model - my laptop with Garmin Express wasn't up to it, not close enough to the router. But on the plus side the wireless feature on the satnav, plugged in near the router, worked perfectly. Once you get into it there is actually a basic manual in the Satnav menu, which is useful. But 2nd issue is that my trusty old Smartphone Link app, used for years, won't actually work Alexa and other new stuff on the new models. The secret info kept by Garmin is that you now need to download Garmin Drive, a much more modern App which actually is about ten times better than Smartphone link (which has no Alexa log in). The instructions say to use Garmin Drive to connect to the Satnav - but it wasn't having any of it, even though they were about a foot apart and even using the extra help (which device etc). It would connect to phone by using the satnav itself BUT this didn't seem to connect to Garmin Drive App and left me on the App set-up screen. A restart or two later the App did seem to clock that it was now connected to the satnav and it was fairly downhill from there. One piece of info which IS posted a lot is that if you just use Satnav and phone and don't connect to the car via Bluetooth, you can use the Aux-In on your car system to plug into the 3.5mm jack which is handily located on the power plug to the satnav. I have already received the adaptor lead needed for this and will test it out at the weekend - the major issue may be that my Aux-in is in the glove box of my Audi - so hopefully the closure wont cut the lead in half. Could always try the bluetooth, but it's an older car 2012 and using all 3 on BT can be complex. Once we are up and running it really is good stuff. I can play my Alexa music, do routes to Garmin by voice, turn up my home heating etc etc. It's a level or two up for sure, and unlike the LM50 seems to have decent battery if needed. It's also pretty good so far at understanding my voice and translating into locations and actions , whereas previous Garmin's seemed almost deaf, as I'm sure many will testify - this may be the Amazon Alexa influence as Alexa generations have improved rapidly in comprehending voices. Volume seems quieter than I'm used to though, even on max. Maybe I'm just going deaf? Car radio stations usually drive me nuts, so looking forward to using Amazon music and everything else Would be a 5 star except for all the things you have to find out on start up. Update - my glovebox didn't cut the lead in half and its all hunky dory playing anything from phone to car via Garmin. You just have to work out what you ask Garmin and what you ask Alexa!

Type: Premium GPS Sat Nav with smart features Screen: 6.95" edge-to-edge HD touchscreen (1024 × 600) Voice Assistants: Garmin Voice Control + Amazon Alexa Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Garmin Drive app Use Case: Navigation, hands-free calls, smart commands, road trip planning 💥 Why It Deserves Big Compliments This sat nav is a proper upgrade for anyone who wants navigation and smart control in one sleek unit. The 6.95" edge-to-edge display is crisp, responsive, and easy to read—even in bright daylight. You get clear 3D junction views, real-time traffic alerts, and TripAdvisor ratings for nearby stops, all baked into the interface 2 . But the real standout? Alexa integration. You can ask for music, weather, news, or even control smart home devices while driving—no phone fumbling, no distractions . It’s like having a co-pilot that handles your playlist, calendar, and reminders while you focus on the road. Pair it with your phone via the Garmin Drive app, and you unlock live traffic, parking info, and hands-free calling. The voice control is solid, though it may struggle with strong accents . Still, for older vehicles without built-in nav or voice assistants, this unit adds modern cockpit power without the faff. ✅ Big Wins Alexa built-in—music, weather, reminders, smart home control Garmin voice control—hands-free navigation and POI search Live traffic + parking updates—via Garmin Drive app TripAdvisor integration—ratings for stops along your route Edge-to-edge HD screen—crisp, responsive, and easy to mount Bluetooth calling + smart notifications—stay connected safely Wi-Fi updates—no PC needed for map refreshes ⚠️ Minor Trade-Offs Alexa requires phone app running—can’t work standalone Voice control can mishear accents—needs clear commands Standard map view is cluttered—takes getting used to No built-in SIM—relies on phone for live data Premium price—around £230–£300 depending on seller2 🧍‍♂️ Personal Verdict Tested in a Transit and Qashqai—navigation was sharp, Alexa was responsive, and cockpit felt upgraded. For around £250, it’s a proper sat nav that blends smart tech with road-ready reliability. If you want modern features without replacing your head unit, this is the one to grab.

This sat nav is great, for a start the bargain price I got it for but the nav itself does so much like traffic, camera alerts and road speed limit warnings but the best bit is Alexa as I can voice activate the music I want to hear and radio stations, you can also ask it the stuff you ask your home Alexa. Directions on the nav are clear and road/street names clearly displayed, I have this connected through Bluetooth which isn’t a factory car, it’s a basic add on Bluetooth which works perfect, you can also use a 3.5mm aux lead connection which isn’t included from the cigarette charger to your car aux if no Bluetooth available or if you don’t have none of these the speaker on the nav is clear. I really do recommend the garmin drivesmart 65 with Alexa and I hope this review helps anybody when choosing a sat nav.

My previous one was stolen. As I need it for work I bought a new one. Requires a bit of setting up, especially getting rid of the sound alerts. Once up and running - excellent. Love the traffic reports, though not always 100% accurate, and the alternative routes when available.

I was so excited about ordering a SatNav with Alexa built in, but was so disappointed with the product I received. I think I should split this into the SatNav and the Alexa echo The SatNav also has built in voice control accessed with Ok or Hey Garmin, which seems to get triggered a lot when listening to the radio or talking to someone in the car or on the phone. I wont comment too much about this as I did not really use this function much. This unit can be used in the traditional way typing in your destination via post code or search for a type of venue. Which on the whole works well. You are also able to use the app and your calendar to select destinations, which works wells and was very handy. This function I would give a full 5 starts for. The audio guidance leaves a lot to be desired. I came across a number of major junctions where it gave you either confusing or wrong audio guidance. For example when travelling down the M42 approaching the M6 toll it actually tells you to keep right (which is the M6 tool) when it should tell you to keep left to the M42 as I was heading south for the M5. The road graphics even though I had updated the unit were also out of date. Showing incorrect lane layouts at a number of junctions. On the whole thought the SatNav itself is reasonable. I would give it 3.5 stars out of 5 As for the Alexa side of things, this is very poor. You are not able to drop in on other Alexa devices, you cannot make calls using Alexa, you cannot listen to BBC radio using Alexa. You cannot change the wake word either. You have to use Alexa only. There may be other limitations that I am not aware off. So would I recommend or buy again? Well to be honest no. It is not the best SatNav and a pretty much a useless Alexa device. The echo auto or 7 inch fire tablet is a much better alexa device. I can't recommend a better SatNav at present.

A vast improvement on my previous Garmin with which you had to pay for updates!!!?????? Bigger,better,clearer,and easier to use,sometimes the logic seemed to go AWOL ,and attempt to send me on a journey of 600 miles from Aberdeen,were I was to some back of beyond hamlet in England??? But that might have been caused by me pressing something unwittingly,,but or use of use this has to be top ranked,and better Than TOM-TOM satnavs.

Ich mag mein recht kleines Handy nicht fürs Navigieren im Auto, und habe kein eingebautes - wobei die ja manchmal am *rsch der Welt sitzen und nicht zu neigen sind, wo man also nicht gut draufschauen kann. Jedenfalls sollte also das alte Nüvi ersetzt werden und ich hab dieses als eines der letzten seiner Art bekommen. Bin vollauf zufrieden. Gute Einstellmöglichkeiten, der ziemlich große Bildschirm ist auch als "split screen" super lesbar (also bspw. wenn 1/3 den Fahrspurverlauf anzeigt und 2/3 die üblichen Infos) und überhaupt entspiegelt mit gutem Kontrast und Farben auch bei Helligkeit gut ablesbar. Bedienung wie bekannt und in der Voreinstellung schon absolut praktikabel - man muss den Bildschirm schon wirklich berühren, es kommt selten mal zu einer Fehleingabe, doch manbraucht auch nicht auf das Gerät einhämmern. Änderungen unterwegs sind immer etwas frickelig, das kenne ich aber auch bei anderen Geräten nicht besser. Es gibt etliche Optionen, auch zu verschiedenen Routenführungen - die könnten einfacher einseh- udn auch in Echtzeit veränderbar sein. Ansonsten aber ist das auch top. Die Routenplanung geht relativ schnell, ist mit den updates (für die ich es immer in die Wohnung mitnehmen muss, die dann via WLAN aber meist unkompliziert automatisch gehen) immer auf neuestem Stand, auch fürs EU-Ausland, top! Außerdem werden Umgehungen schnell und in Echtzeit Eingebaut und haben mich schon öfter positiv überrascht. Die Alexa-Steuerung benutze ich nicht, auch kopple ich nicht das Handy mit dem Teil - also keine BEwertung in dieser Kategorie. Alles in allem bin ich top-zufrieden (bis auf einmal ärger beim Updaten), froh, dass ich das Gerät habe, und es ist nach wie vor den Apple oder Google-Maps m.E. überlegen.

Germin con alexa e arrivato oggi montato peccato per la lingua e inglese.aspetto un,aggiornamento in italiano.comunque le mappe sono europee in 3d.anche le istruzioni di lingua sono italiane solo alexa e inglese.per ora metto solo 3 aspetto un aggiornamento per italiano.

Aunque hoy en día con el móvil se puede apañar uno, tener este Garmin se viaja mucho más cómodo.

Dit toestel vervangt mijn vroeger : Garmin Nuvi 2699. Het nieuwe toestel heeft duidelijk een veel snellere processor want de reacties werken een stuk sneller. Ook zijn er heel wat functies bijgekomen, o.a. hoeveel meter de snelheidsbeperking nog aanhoudt, handig ! De layout is wat moderner geworden en de bluetooth koppeling met de smartphone werkt naar behoren en is duidelijk. ... Dus, tevreden met de aankoop. Juist nog opmerken dat Garmin iets sneller zijn kaartupdates moet bijwerken (het toestel stuurde me een straat in waar enkele richting gold ! )

Ein Super Gerät das sehr wertig wirkt und bis jetzt ausgezeichnet funktioniert. Die Navigation über Sprachsteuerung funktioniert sehr gut. Das Touchdisplay lässt sich sehr gut bedienen. Die Zielfindung war bis jetzt ausgezeichnet und das bei wirklich vielen verschiedenen Zielen. Die Freisprecheinrichtung ist ebenfalls sehr gut und man kann einfach Telefonate annehmen oder per Sprachsteuerung Anrufe ausführen. Eine App ermöglicht es zudem Routen auch vorab über das Handy zu planen. Hab das Gerät als es im Angebot war für 188,-€ erstanden. Absoluter Preis Leistungshit. Aber selbst zu dem momentanen Preis würde ich es vorbehaltlos empfehlen. Auf Alexa kann ich bei dem Navi verzichten, aber wer es mag, warum nicht. Dafür gibt es ja auch Versionen mit und ohne Alexa. Aber das ist ja auch Geschmackssache Hatte vorher mehrere Geräte von einen anderen namhaften Hersteller die teuerer waren und nicht mal annähernd an die Qualität des Garmin Drive Smart herrankamen. Absolute Empfehlung meinerseits.