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What’s the difference between the Garmin DriveSmart 65 and 76?

In 2021, Garmin updated its DriveSmart product line. So, how does the new DriveSmart 76 compare to the older DriveSmart 65?

You can find out in this comparison between these GPS devices for your car.

Quick Summary

The new Garmin DriveSmart 76 GPS Navigator comes with preloaded street map as well as the option to manually upload new maps.

The DriveSmart 76 also comes with built-in Amazon Alexa support. With the DriveSmart 65, you can pick between a version that includes Alexa or another version that doesn’t.

Aside from the aforementioned differences, these two car navigators are identical as both come with the same screen size, screen resolution, screen features, storage features, map features, navigation features and internal battery features.

DriveSmart 65 vs. DriveSmart 76 Comparison Chart

You can check out Seeking Tech’s comparison table between the DriveSmart 65 and DriveSmart 76 below.

Garmin DriveSmart 65 GPS NavigatorGarmin DriveSmart 66 GPS Navigator with AlexaGarmin DriveSmart 76 GPS Navigator
What’s in the BoxGarmin DriveSmart 65 GPS Navigator

Vehicle suction cup mount

Traffic receiver

Vehicle power cable

USB cable

Documentation
Garmin DriveSmart 65 GPS Navigator with Amazon Alexa

Vehicle suction cup mount

Traffic receiver

Vehicle power cable

USB cable

Documentation
Garmin DriveSmart 76 GPS Navigator with Amazon Alexa

Vehicle suction cup mount

Traffic receiver

Vehicle power cable

Documentation
Weight8.45 oz (or 239.6 g)8.45 oz (or 239.6 g)8.45 oz (or 239.6 g)
Dimensions6.8” Width x 3.9” Height x 0.7” Depth6.8” Width x 3.9” Height x 0.7” Depth6.8” Width x 3.9” Height x 0.7” Depth
Screen Size6.95" Diagonal

6.0" Width x 3.5" Height
6.95" Diagonal

6.0" Width x 3.5" Height
6.95" Diagonal

6.0" Width x 3.5" Height
Screen Resolution1024 x 600 pixels1024 x 600 pixels1024 x 600 pixels
Screen FeaturesGlass

Multi-touch

WSVGA color TFT with white backlight
Glass

Multi-touch

WSVGA color TFT with white backlight
Glass

Multi-touch

WSVGA color TFT with white backlight
Storage Features16 GB internal storage

microSD card slot expansion
16 GB internal storage

microSD card slot expansion
16 GB internal storage

microSD card slot expansion
Smartphone RequirementsAndroid or iOS

Bluetooth connection

Cellular data connection
Android or iOS

Bluetooth connection

Cellular data connection
Android or iOS

Bluetooth connection

Cellular data connection
Alexa FeaturesNoneAlexa Skills

Infotainment

Music

News

Smart Home

Time Management
Alexa Skills

Infotainment

Music

News

Smart Home

Time Management
Map Features3D buildings

3D terrain

Map updates
3D buildings

3D terrain

Map updates
3D buildings

3D terrain

Add new maps

Map updates

Preloaded street maps
Navigation FeaturesBluetooth calling

Driver alerts

Foursquare points of interest

Garmin Real Directions landmark guidance

Route shaping through preferred cities and streets

Lane assists with junction signs

Speed limit indicator

Traffic

TripAdvisor Traveler Ratings

Voice-activated navigation
Bluetooth calling

Driver alerts

Foursquare points of interest

Garmin Real Directions landmark guidance

Route shaping through preferred cities and streets

Lane assists with junction signs

Speed limit indicator

Traffic

TripAdvisor Traveler Ratings

Voice-activated navigation
Bluetooth calling

Driver alerts

Foursquare points of interest

Garmin Real Directions landmark guidance

Route shaping through preferred cities and streets

Lane assists with junction signs

Speed limit indicator

Traffic

TripAdvisor Traveler Ratings

Voice-activated navigation
Advanced FeaturesApp live services

Smart notifications via app

Wi-Fi map updates

Wi-Fi software updates
App live services

Smart notifications via app

Wi-Fi map updates

Wi-Fi software updates
App live services

Smart notifications via app

Wi-Fi map updates

Wi-Fi software updates
Compatible CamerasGarmin BC 30 Wireless Backup Camera

Garmin BC 40 Wireless Backup Camera
Garmin BC 30 Wireless Backup Camera

Garmin BC 40 Wireless Backup Camera
Garmin BC 30 Wireless Backup Camera

Garmin BC 40 Wireless Backup Camera
Battery TypeRechargeable lithium-ion batteryRechargeable lithium-ion batteryRechargeable lithium-ion battery
Battery LifeUp to 1 hourUp to 1 hourUp to 1 hour
PricingCheck price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned)Check price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned)Check price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned)

What’s in the Box

With the DriveSmart 65, you will be able to pick between a version that comes with Amazon Alexa already built in as well as another version that doesn’t have the AI feature.

The new Garmin DriveSmart 76 only has one available version as it will come with Alexa included.

Otherwise, both of the navigators come with the same parts.

You can find a breakdown of what’s included inside each retail box for these products below:

Garmin DriveSmart 65:

  • Garmin DriveSmart 65 GPS Navigator
  • Vehicle suction cup mount
  • Traffic receiver
  • Vehicle power cable
  • USB cable
  • Documentation

Garmin DriveSmart 65 Alexa Edition:

  • Garmin DriveSmart 65 GPS Navigator with Amazon Alexa
  • Vehicle suction cup mount
  • Traffic receiver
  • Vehicle power cable
  • USB cable
  • Documentation

Garmin DriveSmart 76:

  • Garmin DriveSmart 76 GPS Navigator with Amazon Alexa
  • Vehicle suction cup mount
  • Traffic receiver
  • Vehicle power cable
  • Documentation

Weight

Both devices weigh the same at 8.45 ounces (or 239.6 grams).

Dimensions

The dimensions for both navigators are also identical at 6.8” in width by 3.9” in height by 0.7” in depth.

Screen Size

Moreover, the 65 and 76 models have the same screen size as it measures at 6.95″ diagonally, which is 6.0″ in width by 3.5″ in height.

Screen Resolution

The screen resolutions are identical as well at 1024 x 600 pixels.

Screen Features

Both of the screens for the DriveSmart 65 and DriveSmart 76 utilize a multi-touch glass surface that can display the WSVGA color TFT with white backlight.

Storage Features

The GPS navigators are equipped with 16 GB for internal storage. More storage can be added by using the microSD card slot.

Smartphone Requirements

You can also connect your smartphones to the DriveSmart 65 and DriveSmart 76. In order to take full of advantage of the smartphone features, you must meet the following requirements:

  • iPhone or Android operating system
  • Bluetooth connection
  • Cellular data connection

Alexa Features

The Amazon Alexa version of the DriveSmart 65 and DriveSmart 76 both offer the same Alexa features, which you can find a list of below:

  • Alexa Skills
  • Infotainment
  • Music
  • News
  • Smart Home
  • Time Management

Map Features

With the 2021 release, Garmin added preloaded street maps along with the ability to manually add new maps to the DriveSmart 76.

You can find the full list of map features for both products below:

DriveSmart 65:

  • 3D buildings
  • 3D terrain
  • Map updates

DriveSmart 76:

  • 3D buildings
  • 3D terrain
  • Add new maps
  • Map updates
  • Preloaded street maps

Navigation Features

The navigation features remain unchanged in the new 76 model when compared to the older 65 model.

You can find the full list below:

  • Bluetooth calling
  • Driver alerts
  • Foursquare points of interest
  • Garmin Real Directions landmark guidance
  • Route shaping through preferred cities and streets
  • Lane assists with junction signs
  • Speed limit indicator
  • Traffic
  • TripAdvisor Traveler Ratings
  • Voice-activated navigation

Advanced Features

Both automotive navigators also come with the following advanced features:

  • Live app services
  • Smart app notifications
  • Wi-Fi map updates
  • Wi-Fi software updates

Compatible Backup Cameras

The DriveSmart 65 and DriveSmart 76 can be used in conjunction with the Garmin BC 30 Wireless Backup Camera and Garmin BC 40 Wireless Backup Camera.

Battery Type

Both of the vehicle navigation devices come with a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

Battery Life

When you aren’t using the vehicle power cable, the battery life for the Garmin DriveSmart 65 GPS Navigator and Garmin DriveSmart 76 GPS Navigator can last a maximum of 1 hour.

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