Kamilya - July 21, 2023

Navigation Systems - A Guide

Do you remember the times when you had to laboriously find your way on a cumbersome map or ask a stranger by the roadside for help? Thanks to modern navigation systems, those days are long gone. You simply enter your starting point and destination into the system, and your route is calculated and ready to go. The device tells you when to turn and which lane to take. The best navigation systems, including those from BMW, Skoda, Renault, and Volvo, warn you about traffic jams, roadworks, and detours, and even show you where the nearest gas station is. This makes Navis indispensable travel companions, but which ones are particularly good? We at CARIFY took a closer look. This article will show you the current navigation systems in comparison.

Integrated vs. Mobile Navigation Systems

There are navigation apps available for smartphones as well. While these are budget-friendly navigation systems, they don't offer the same advantages as integrated vehicle Navis. It starts with the size of the display. Another affordable option is to use mobile navigation systems that you can attach to your car. Both mobile and integrated systems have their advantages and disadvantages. Here's an overview.

Price:

  • Integrated Navigation Systems: Over 1,000 Swiss francs

  • Mobile Navigation Systems: Under 200 to 600 Swiss francs

  • Handy App: Low annual fee or free

Installation:

  • Integrated Navigation Systems: No installation is required

  • Mobile Navigation Systems: Simple installation with supplied mounting materials

  • Handy App: Simple installation with optional extra phone holder

Position:

  • Integrated Navigation Systems: Determined by the manufacturer

  • Mobile Navigation Systems: Freely selectable where space is available

  • Handy App: Freely selectable where space is available

Safety:

  • Integrated Navigation Systems: Integrated into the dashboard, fixed installation

  • Mobile Navigation Systems: External holder

  • Handy App: External holder

Display:

  • Integrated Navigation Systems: Large touch display

  • Mobile Navigation Systems: Large touch display

  • Handy App: Smartphone-touch display

Operation:

  • Integrated Navigation Systems: Quick access via steering wheel, voice control, touch display

  • Mobile Navigation Systems: Touch display, occasionally voice control

  • Handy App: Touch display, smartphone voice control

Flexibility:

  • Integrated Navigation Systems: Bound to a specific vehicle

  • Mobile Navigation Systems: Usable in different vehicles

  • Handy App: Usable in different vehicles

Compatibility:

  • Integrated Navigation Systems: Optimally integrated into the car's info and multimedia system

  • Mobile Navigation Systems: Not connected to the vehicle's info and multimedia system

  • Handy App: Not connected to the vehicle's info and multimedia system

GPS Signal:

  • Integrated Navigation Systems: Stable GPS signal with built-in antennas

  • Mobile Navigation Systems: Interruptions between buildings, in tunnels, parking decks, or on bridges possible

  • Handy App: Interruptions between buildings, in tunnels, parking decks, or on bridges possible

Power Supply:

  • Integrated Navigation Systems: Internal

  • Mobile Navigation Systems: External via charging cable

  • Handy App: External via charging cable

Route Calculation:

  • Integrated Navigation Systems: Fast

  • Mobile Navigation Systems: Occasionally delayed

  • Handy App: Occasionally delayed

Maps:

  • Integrated Navigation Systems: Often paid map updates, elaborate map installation (in a garage)

  • Mobile Navigation Systems: Updates via PC software

  • Handy App: Updates via app operator

Traffic Warnings:

  • Integrated Navigation Systems: Often subscription-based

  • Mobile Navigation Systems: Mostly included

  • Handy App: Mostly free

User-Friendliness of the Navigation System

What good is the best navigation system if it's difficult to use? User-friendliness includes a large, easily readable, and responsive touch display. Route planning functions should be clearly visible and easily accessible. The position of the navigation system in the vehicle also matters. Fixed systems cannot be moved, while mobile Navis or your smartphone require a suitable place and are often attached with a suction cup to smooth surfaces like the windshield. You should be able to reach the display easily and view it comfortably from both the driver's and passenger's seat.

In general, route input while driving is only possible if you deactivate the automatically activated lock during driving. You should only do this if a passenger takes over this distracting task. For solo trips, it's optimal to use voice control to operate the navigation system, allowing you to change your route without having to stop. Most available navigation systems offer this option. Many integrated Navis have important functions accessible through quick access buttons on the steering wheel, making them particularly convenient to operate.

Current Maps and Traffic Information

Only with up-to-date maps will you be aware of new or renamed roads. The maps show you the next rest areas along your route, gas stations, charging stations, and even hotels. Almost all navigation systems, including those from VW, have a traffic jam warning system. It receives current traffic information via TMC receiver (Traffic Message Channel) and warns you about traffic jams, roadworks, and other traffic disruptions. The Navi then calculates the optimal detour route. If your Navi has a lane change assistant, it will inform you about necessary lane changes, e.g., in roundabouts, construction zones, or intersections. If it is also equipped with intelligent navigation, it will remember your favorite routes and know how fast you drive on them. Be cautious with navigation systems that warn you about fixed-speed cameras while driving. If you get caught by the police in Switzerland with such a Navi, you may face fines.

Regular Software Updates

Your Navi will only work reliably with regular software updates. For integrated systems, this is done via an SD card or USB stick, which vehicle manufacturers usually provide for free. However, you may need to pick them up at the dealer or garage or even have them installed there. For external devices, you download updates via WiFi. Ideally, you set up the mobile Navi to install new updates automatically. This way, you won't miss any updates and won't have to worry about anything else.

Seamless Integration

Fixed antennas ensure a stable GPS signal in integrated systems. High-quality integrated navigation systems are connected to the sensitive sensors and driver assistance systems of your car to precisely determine its position and speed, even when the GPS signal is weak. If you're listening to music, the radio, or audiobooks while driving, the integrated system won't miss any navigation announcements: It lowers the volume of the media player. If you're using an integrated hands-free system, you can suppress the Navi's announcements during the call. Important controls for many integrated Navis can be found on the steering wheel for convenient quick access.

External devices determine your location via GPS signal received by a portable mini-antenna. If you drive through urban canyons or inside buildings, the signal may be disrupted.

The 5 Best Mobile Navigation Systems on the Market

Smartphones are now competing with manufacturers of mobile navigation systems. The mobile devices from TomTom and Garmin offer several advantages over mobile apps. They are known for better functionality, maps, and ease of use. These are the currently best mobile navigation systems on the market:

  1. Garmin Drivesmart 65

  2. TomTom Go Premium

  3. TomTom Go Discover

  4. Garmin Drivesmart 55 MT-D

  5. Garmin DriveAssist 51 EU LMT-D

Conclusion

Whether integrated or mobile - the best system for you depends on your driving performance and the vehicles you drive. If you frequently change cars, a mobile Navi, including those from Opel, allows you to take your stored routes with you. However, you'll enjoy more convenience on the road with an integrated system and its reliable GPS signal. If you opt for a CARIFY car subscription, you can look forward to having a built-in navigation system in many vehicles. Even for our offers without an integrated system, you can quickly find the ideal mobile navigation system with our tips. Whether you need a short-term subscription starting from 1 month or a long-term subscription for 48 months - you'll always have your mobile navigation system on board.

FAQs:

1. Which navigation system is currently the best?

Mobile Navis from TomTom and Garmin are consistently ranked among the top performers. Your favorite depends on your personal preferences. We listed five of the best devices on the market above.

2. What's better: Garmin or TomTom?

Both manufacturers have a dedicated fan base and try to outdo each other with new features in their devices. TomTom currently excels in route guidance, while Garmin's DAB+ connection is more stable. Additionally, Garmin is better at connecting with devices like smartphones or smartwatches.

3. Which Navis have lifetime map updates?

Garmin and TomTom have led the way: to remain competitive, almost all mobile Navi providers now offer lifetime free map updates. With up to four annual updates, you can rely on your Navi's route planning.

4. Which Navi is good and easy to use?

When it comes to user-friendliness, modern Navis leave little to be desired. Once you get used to a system, you'll find it easy to operate. The best Navis even offer a voice assistant, allowing you to operate them without even looking.

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In partnership with Zurich Insurance Zurich Insurance

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