What’s the difference between Garmin DriveSmart 65 and 86?

The Garmin DriveSmart 86 is a new GPS navigator released in 2021. So, how does this new gadget compare to the older DriveSmart 65?

You can find out in this comparison between these vehicle navigation devices.

Quick Summary

The Garmin DriveSmart 86 features a bigger screen and higher resolution than the Garmin DriveSmart 65.

The DriveSmart 86 is also the only one out of these products to support landscape and portrait orientations as the DriveSmart 65 only supports landscape.

When it comes to maps, the 86 model includes two new features as it comes with preloaded street maps in addition to supporting manually uploaded maps.

Garmin DriveSmart 65 vs. Garmin DriveSmart 86 Comparison Chart

You can find Seeking Tech’s comparison table for the DriveSmart 65 and DriveSmart 86 below.

What’s in the Box

There are two editions available for the DriveSmart 65 as you can pick between one that comes with built-in Alexa support and one that doesn’t.

The DriveSmart 86 only comes in one edition, which features Alexa support.

You can take a look at a breakdown of the content included inside each new 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 86:

• Garmin DriveSmart 86 GPS Navigator with Amazon Alexa
• Vehicle suction cup mount
• Traffic receiver
• Vehicle power cable
• Documentation

Weight

The DriveSmart 86 weighs in at 10.41 ounces (or 295.2 grams), which is heavier than the DriveSmart 65’s weight of 8.45 ounces (or 239.6 grams).

Dimensions

The 86 model of the DriveSmart is also bigger all around than the 65 model.

You can find the measurements for both devices below:

• DriveSmart 65: 6.8” Width x 3.9” Height x 0.7” Depth
• DriveSmart 86: 7.6″ Width x 4.7″ Height x 0.77″ Depth

Screen Size

The Garmin DriveSmart 86 uses a larger screen as well.

You can take a look at the screen size measurements below:

DriveSmart 65:

• 6.95″ Diagonal
• 6.0″ Width x 3.5″ Height

DriveSmart 86:

• 8″ Diagonal
• 6.8″ Width x 4.2″ Height

Screen Resolution

The new 86 model also displays at a higher resolution as you will get a sharper image than the older model:

• DriveSmart 65: 1024 x 600
• DriveSmart 86: 1280 x 800

Screen Features

You can check out the screen features for both car navigators below:

DriveSmart 65:

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

DriveSmart 86:

• Glass
• Multi-touch
• WXGA color TFT with backlight

Screen Orientation

With the DriveSmart 65, you are limited to using the landscape orientation. With the DriveSmart 86, you can use either landscape or portrait.

Storage Features

For storage, these GPS navigation devices are equipped with 16 GB of built-in internal storage. You can also add more storage through the microSD card slot.

Smartphone Requirements

You can also pair your smartphone with the DriveSmart 65 and DriveSmart 86.

In order to do so, you need either an iPhone or Android phone that features Bluetooth and cellular data connections.

Alexa Features

You can use the Alexa voice artificial intelligence with the DriveSmart 86, as well as the Alexa Edition of DriveSmart 65, for the following features:

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

Map Features

When it comes to maps, Garmin added preloaded street maps to the DriveSmart 86. The newer model also supports the ability to add new maps.

You can find a breakdown of the map features included for these devices below:

DriveSmart 65:

• 3D buildings
• 3D terrain
• Map updates

DriveSmart 86:

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

Navigation Features

The Garmin DriveSmart 65 and Garmin DriveSmart 86 offer the same navigation features, which you can find the full list of below:

• Driver alerts for school zones, sharp curves, red light, speed camera warnings and more
• Bluetooth calling
• Garmin Real Directions landmark guidance
• Foursquare points of interest
• Route shaping through preferred cities and streets
• Lane assists with junction signs
• Speed limit indicator
• Traffic
• TripAdvisor Traveler Ratings
• Voice-activated navigation

Advanced Features

These two car navigation devices also offer 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 86 are both compatible with the Garmin BC 30 and BC 40 Wireless Backup Cameras.

Battery Type

These car navigators come with a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

Battery Life

When not connected to a power source, the batteries of these devices can last a maximum of 1 hour.

Resources:

• http://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/612620/pn/010-02038-02
• https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/720310/pn/010-02471-00