What’s the difference between the Garmin DriveSmart 55 and 65?

Garmin has two similar automotive GPS computers with the DriveSmart 55 and DriveSmart 65 GPS. You can follow this guide to find what the main differences are between these devices.

Quick Summary

When compared to the Garmin DriveSmart 55, the Garmin DriveSmart 65 is bigger and heavier. The DriveSmart 65 also features a bigger screen.

On the other hand, the DriveSmart 55 uses a screen with a higher display resolution.

If you want a bigger screen, then we recommend getting the Garmin DriveSmart 65.

If you want the sharpest image quality for the screen, then the DriveSmart 55 is the better choice.

Aside from the display differences, the two automotive GPS computers have the same battery life and features.

DriveSmart 55 vs. DriveSmart 65 Comparison Chart

You can take a look at Seeking Tech’s comparison table for the Garmin DriveSmart 55 and 65 below.

What’s in the Box

In addition to the main GPS unit, both products include a suction cup mount, power cable, USB cable and documents.

You can find a breakdown of the content included inside the retail boxes below:

DriveSmart 55:

• Garmin DriveSmart 55
• Vehicle suction cup mount
• Traffic receiver/vehicle power cable
• USB cable
• Quick start manual

DriveSmart 65:

• Garmin DriveSmart 65
• Vehicle suction cup mount
• Traffic receiver/vehicle power cable
• USB cable
• Documentation

Weight

The DriveSmart 65 is heavier when compared to the DriveSmart 55.

You can find the weight specifications for both car GPS devices below:

• DriveSmart 55: 5.31 oz (or 150.5 g)
• DriveSmart 65: 8.45 oz (or 239.6 g)

Physical Dimensions

The 65 model is longer in width, height and depth when compared to the 55 model.

You can find the measurements below:

DriveSmart 55:

• Width: 5.4” (or 13.72 cm)
• Height: 3.0” (or 7.62 cm)
• Depth: 0.7” (or 1.78 cm)

DriveSmart 65:

• Width: 6.8” (or 17.30 cm)
• Height: 3.9” (or 9.90 cm)
• Depth: 0.7” (or 1.90 cm)

Display Size

The DriveSmart 65 also features a bigger display screen with a longer width, height and diagonal measurements:

DriveSmart 55:

• Width: 4.8” (or 12.1 cm)
• Height: 2.7” (or 6.8 cm)
• Diagonal: 5.5” (or 13.9 cm)

DriveSmart 65:

• Width: 6.0″ (or 15.2 cm)
• Height: 3.5″ (or 8.9 cm)
• Diagonal: 6.95″ (or 17.7 cm)

Display Type Features

When it comes to the type of display, the DriveSmart 55 uses a HD display while the DriveSmart 65 uses a WSVGA display.

You can find the list of display features for both Garmin automotive GPS computers below:

DriveSmart 55:

• Glass
• Multi-touch
• HD color TFT with white backlight

DriveSmart 65:

• Glass
• Multi-touch
• WSVGA color TFT with white backlight

Display Resolution

Although it has a smaller screen, the DriveSmart 55 does feature a higher display resolution when compared to the DriveSmart 65.

As a result, you will get a sharper image with the 55 model than the 65 model.

You can find the resolutions below:

• DriveSmart 55: 1280 pixels x 720 pixels
• DriveSmart 65: 1024 pixels x 600 pixels

Battery Type

Both GPS devices in this comparison guide are equipped with an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

Battery Life

The Garmin DriveSmart 55 and 65 have the same battery life of up to 1 hour.

Maps and Memory Features

Both products also have the same memory and map features, which you can find a list of below:

• 3-D buildings and terrain
• 16 GB internal storage
• Expandable memory via microSD slot
• Map updates
• Preloaded street maps

Navigation Features

The Garmin DriveSmart 55 and Garmin DriveSmart 65 will also support the following navigation features:

• Bluetooth calling
• Driver alerts
• Foursquare points of interest
• Garmin Real Directions landmark guidance
• Lane assist with junction view
• Route shaping for cities and streets
• Traffic
• TripAdvisor Traveler Ratings
• Voice-activated navigation
• Speed limit indicator for U.S. and Europe

Advanced Features

Furthermore, both car GPS computers offer the following advanced features:

• Live Services via Garmin Drive App
• Smart notifications via Garmin Drive App
• Wi-Fi map and software updates

Compatible Devices

You can take a look at the compatible devices for the Garmin DriveSmart 55 and Garmin DriveSmart 65 below:

DriveSmart 55:

• Garmin BC 30 Wireless Backup Camera (010-12242-10)
• Garmin BC 40 Wireless Backup Camera (010-01866-00)
• Garmin BC 40 Wireless Camera with Tube Mount (010-01866-12)
• Garmin AC Adapter Cable Kit (010-11478-02)
• Garmin AC Adapter Cable, Europe (010-11478-05)
• Garmin Dual Port USB Power Adapter (010-13023-01)
• Garmin High-Speed Multi-Charger (010-10723-17)
• Garmin USB Cable (010-10723-01)
• Garmin Vehicle Power Cable (010-11838-00)
• Garmin 5- and 6-inch Universal Carrying Case (010-12101-00)
• Garmin Universal Carrying Case (010-11793-00)
• Garmin Universal Carry All Case (010-12101-01)
• Garmin FMI 15 Data Cable (010-11232-10)
• Garmin FMI 45 Data and Traffic Cable (010-11796-00)
• Garmin FMI 65 Data and HD Traffic Cable (010-12374-00)
• Garmin Air Vent Mount (010-11952-00)
• Garmin Universal Bracket Mount (010-11983-02)
• Garmin Suction Cup Mount (010-11983-00)
• Garmin Suction Cup (010-10747-00)
• Garmin Portable Friction Mount (010-10908-02)
• Garmin Portable Friction Mount (010-11280-02)
• Garmin GTM 36 (010-01009-02)
• Garmin GTM 60 HD Digital Traffic Receiver (010-01031-00)

DriveSmart 65:

• Garmin BC 30 Wireless Backup Camera (010-12242-10)
• Garmin BC 40 Wireless Backup Camera (010-01866-00)
• Garmin BC 40 Wireless Camera with Tube Mount (010-01866-12)
• Garmin AC Adapter Cable Kit (010-11478-02)
• Garmin AC Adapter Cable, Europe (010-11478-05)
• Garmin Dual Port USB Power Adapter (010-13023-01)
• Garmin High-Speed Multi-Charger (010-10723-17)
• Garmin USB Cable (010-10723-01)
• Garmin Vehicle Power Cable (010-11838-00)
• Garmin Universal Carrying Case for Up to 7-inch (010-11917-00)
• Garmin FMI 15 Data Cable (010-11232-10)
• Garmin FMI 45 Data and Traffic Cable (010-11796-00)
• Garmin FMI 65 Data and HD Traffic Cable (010-12374-00)
• Garmin Suction Cup Mount (010-11932-01)
• Garmin Suction Cup Mount (010-11983-04)
• Garmin Portable Friction Mount (010-10908-02)
• Garmin Portable Friction Mount (010-11280-02)
• Garmin Universal Bracket Mount (010-11983-02)
• Garmin GTM 36 (010-01009-02)
• Garmin GTM 60 HD Digital Traffic Receiver (010-01031-00)

Resources:

• https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/666927/pn/010-02037-02
• https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/612620/pn/010-02038-02