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 Navigator | Garmin DriveSmart 66 GPS Navigator with Alexa | Garmin DriveSmart 76 GPS Navigator | |
---|---|---|---|
What’s in the Box | Garmin 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 |
Weight | 8.45 oz (or 239.6 g) | 8.45 oz (or 239.6 g) | 8.45 oz (or 239.6 g) |
Dimensions | 6.8” Width x 3.9” Height x 0.7” Depth | 6.8” Width x 3.9” Height x 0.7” Depth | 6.8” Width x 3.9” Height x 0.7” Depth |
Screen Size | 6.95" 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 Resolution | 1024 x 600 pixels | 1024 x 600 pixels | 1024 x 600 pixels |
Screen Features | Glass 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 Features | 16 GB internal storage microSD card slot expansion | 16 GB internal storage microSD card slot expansion | 16 GB internal storage microSD card slot expansion |
Smartphone Requirements | Android or iOS Bluetooth connection Cellular data connection | Android or iOS Bluetooth connection Cellular data connection | Android or iOS Bluetooth connection Cellular data connection |
Alexa Features | None | Alexa Skills Infotainment Music News Smart Home Time Management | Alexa Skills Infotainment Music News Smart Home Time Management |
Map Features | 3D buildings 3D terrain Map updates | 3D buildings 3D terrain Map updates | 3D buildings 3D terrain Add new maps Map updates Preloaded street maps |
Navigation Features | 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 | 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 | 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 | App live services Smart notifications via app Wi-Fi map updates Wi-Fi software updates |
Compatible Cameras | Garmin 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 Type | Rechargeable lithium-ion battery | Rechargeable lithium-ion battery | Rechargeable lithium-ion battery |
Battery Life | Up to 1 hour | Up to 1 hour | Up to 1 hour |
Pricing | Check 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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