New GPS devices continue to hit the market during the summer travel season, providing more premium-level features in basic units and increasingly user-friendly designs. We have been testing GPS units as they become available, buying them at retail stores, then putting them through an exhaustive set of laboratory and real-world evaluations. Our latest test batch includes several Garmin units and a Nextar. (See our GPS buying advice and ratings.)

Last month, we completed testing several new Magellan navigators and added them to our sortable ratings. Known for mid-pack performance, Magellan impressed with devices like the RoadMate 1220 and RoadMate 1440 providing a generous features roster, enhanced graphics, and notably improved ease of use. Now, we can see how they fare against the latest-generation Garmin navigators.

Latest GPS test
Garmin Nuvi 1200 — True to Garmin form, the new 1200 and 1300 series devices provide very good navigation abilities with an easy-to-use interface. As an entry-level navigator, the Nuvi 1200 stands out because of the ability to pronounce proper street names, however it lacks some higher-end features such as reality view and lane assistance.

Garmin Nuvi 1260T — Building on the Nuvi 1200, the Nuvi 1260T includes some uplevel features such as Bluetooth hands-free calling and an included traffic receiver with free lifetime service.

Garmin Nuvi 1300 — With a 4.4-inch screen, the 1300 series is a variation of the 1200, enlarging the display and therefore making it easier to enter information.

Garmin Nuvi 1350 / Nuvi 1350T — This widescreen model has the ability to pronounce proper street names, however it lacks some higher-end features such as reality view and lane assistance.

Garmin Nuvi 1390T — The Nuvi 1390T includes some high-end features such as Bluetooth hands-free calling, an included traffic receiver with free lifetime service, as well as lane assistance and reality view. This model is approaching the premium devices offered by Garmin, but it lacks some of their multimedia features and the quick release mount.

Nextar 43LT — This Nextar combines a GPS navigator with multimedia capabilities and available extras such as games and 3D buildings.
 
Down the road
Looking ahead, our testers anticipate testing new Garmin, Mio, and Nextar units, as well as evaluate downloadable navigation applications for the iPhone when they become available. In addition, we plan to update our handheld hiking GPS ratings with tests on new DeLorme and Garmin devices.

There has been reader interest in golf-oriented GPS devices. We continue to monitor that market, and reader feedback, though we do not currently have plans to test golf units.

—Jeff Bartlett

For more information on portable automotive GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.