Car sat navs remain one of the most practical navigation tools available, offering dedicated hardware with a large anti-glare screen, pre-loaded maps, and real-time traffic alerts. At ActiveGPS.co.uk, we stock the full range of current Garmin Drive, Garmin DriveSmart and TomTom GO models for cars. Our DriveSmart and TomTom GO models include free lifetime map updates for the UK and Europe; Garmin Drive map updates are included over Wi-Fi.
Screen sizes range from 5 to 8.8 inches to suit every dashboard. All current models support live traffic via a paired smartphone app, and Wi-Fi updates so you never need to connect a cable to keep your maps current.
Need help choosing? Browse our car sat nav comparison table, read our buying guide below, or call us on 01733 777623 (Mon-Fri 9:30am-5pm). Outside these hours, contact us online. We have been selling car sat navs since 2005 and can help you find the right model.
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£299.99 ‣8.8-inch ultrawide edge-to-edge display View Garmin Drive 8.8 |
£259.99 ‣7.1-inch ultrawide edge-to-edge display View Garmin Drive 7.1 |
£349.99 ‣Dual-orientation 8-inch glass touchscreen View Garmin DriveSmart 86 |
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£429.99 ‣7-inch glass touchscreen View Garmin DriveCam 76 |
From £239.99 ‣7-inch glass touchscreen View Garmin DriveSmart 76 |
From £219.99 ‣6-inch glass touchscreen View Garmin DriveSmart 66 |
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£199.99 ‣5.5-inch glass touchscreen View Garmin DriveSmart 55 |
£139.99 ‣5-inch glass touchscreen View Garmin DriveSmart 51LMT-S NOH |
£399.99 ‣7-inch touchscreen |
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£349.99 ‣6-inch touchscreen |
£299.99 ‣5-inch touchscreen View TomTom GO Expert 5" |
Deliveries
We offer UK, Europe and Worldwide deliveries. We despatch orders at 4:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. We need to receive your order on those days by 3:00pm. When possible we may despatch orders received after that time. No orders are despatched on Saturday, Sunday or Bank Holidays in England and Wales.
We offer FREE UK delivery on all orders of £50.00 or more, plus next working day and guaranteed Saturday delivery options. Click here for further info. All options also appear at the basket pages.
Car Sat Nav Buying Guide
Choosing a car sat nav in 2026 is straightforward once you know what to look for. This guide covers everything from screen size and map coverage to traffic services and how to keep your device up to date. We have been selling sat navs since 2005 and have helped thousands of customers find the right device for their needs.
Garmin or TomTom?
Both Garmin and TomTom produce excellent, well-supported car sat navs with live traffic. Garmin DriveSmart models use HERE mapping, include free lifetime map updates, and pull live traffic data through the free Garmin Drive smartphone app. The Garmin Drive range uses the Garmin Drive app for live services, with map updates included over Wi-Fi. TomTom GO models use TomTom Maps with TomTom Traffic, widely regarded as one of the most accurate real-time traffic services available, built directly into the device, and also include free lifetime maps. In practice, both are highly reliable day to day. Garmin tends to offer more choice of screen size and a broader accessories range; TomTom offers world map coverage as standard on GO Expert models.
Which Screen Size Do I Need?
Screen size is the most visible difference between models. A 5 to 5.5-inch screen (DriveSmart 55, DriveSmart 51) suits most compact and medium-sized cars where windscreen space is limited. A 6-inch screen (DriveSmart 66) is the most popular size and provides a comfortable balance between readability and footprint. A 7-inch screen (DriveSmart 76, DriveCam 76, TomTom GO Expert Plus 7-inch) is ideal for estate cars, SUVs, and drivers who spend a lot of time navigating unfamiliar areas. The DriveSmart 86 with its 8-inch dual-orientation screen is the best choice if you want the most readable display available and frequently switch between portrait and landscape orientations. If you want the largest screen overall and do not need dual orientation, the Garmin Drive 8.8 offers an 8.8-inch ultrawide display, with the Garmin Drive 7.1 offering the same ultrawide format at a more compact 7.1 inches.
Free Lifetime Maps - What Does That Mean?
All current Garmin DriveSmart and TomTom GO models sold at ActiveGPS include free lifetime map updates for the life of the device. For Garmin, this covers the UK and Europe (or UK and Ireland on some older models). For TomTom GO Expert models, world maps are included. Map updates are released several times per year and include new roads, changed speed limits, and updated Points of Interest. Updates download automatically over Wi-Fi or via Garmin Express / TomTom MyDrive on a computer. We recommend checking for updates every few months. Garmin Drive models include map updates over Wi-Fi.
Do I Need a Sat Nav if I Have Google Maps?
Smartphone apps such as Google Maps and Apple Maps are excellent for occasional use, but a dedicated sat nav offers several advantages for regular or long-distance driving. A sat nav has a larger, dedicated screen designed to be read in bright sunlight without draining your phone battery. Pre-loaded maps mean it works reliably in areas of poor mobile signal. Garmin and TomTom devices offer spoken lane guidance, realistic junction views, and speed camera database alerts that many free apps do not provide. A dedicated device also means your phone stays free for calls and music.
Sat Nav and Speed Camera Alerts
Garmin DriveSmart models include a built-in speed camera database covering fixed cameras across the UK and Europe. However, for live alerts covering mobile speed cameras, temporary roadworks cameras, and average speed zones, a dedicated speed camera detector from Snooper, Road Angel, or similar provides much more comprehensive coverage. Many customers run a sat nav and a speed camera detector together; the sat nav handles routing and the detector provides real-time speed camera intelligence.
Adding a Dash Cam to Your Car
If you are also considering a dash cam, the Garmin DriveCam 76 combines a full DriveSmart 76 sat nav with a built-in front-facing dash cam in a single unit. Alternatively, we stock a wide range of dedicated Garmin dash cams and BlackVue dash cams that can be fitted alongside your sat nav. A dedicated dash cam generally offers higher resolution footage and more recording features than a built-in solution.
Garmin Model Number Guide
Older Garmin models use a suffix system in their model numbers to indicate included features. LM = Lifetime Maps. LMT = Lifetime Maps and Traffic. LMT-D = Lifetime Maps plus Digital Traffic (more frequent updates via a DAB-style receiver). LMT-S = Lifetime Maps, Traffic, and Smartphone-linked services. All current DriveSmart models have moved to smartphone-based live traffic and Wi-Fi map updates, making these suffixes largely historical for new purchases.
Looking After Your Older Sat Nav
If you already own an older Garmin or TomTom sat nav and are not yet ready to upgrade, we stock a comprehensive range of Garmin map update cards and Garmin accessories including replacement mounts, power cables and screen protectors. TomTom owners can find TomTom accessories in our dedicated accessories section. Keeping your maps current extends the useful life of any sat nav significantly.
Car Sat Nav Questions and Answers
Question: What is the best car sat nav to buy in 2026?
Answer: The Garmin DriveSmart 86 is our top recommendation for 2026. Its 8-inch dual-orientation touchscreen, free lifetime UK and Europe map updates, environmental zone routing, and Bluetooth hands-free calling make it the most capable model in the current Garmin DriveSmart range. For the best value combination of features and screen size, the Garmin DriveSmart 66 at 6 inches is an excellent everyday choice.
Question: Do I need to pay for map updates on my sat nav?
Answer: No. All current Garmin DriveSmart and TomTom GO models sold at ActiveGPS include free lifetime map updates included in the purchase price. Updates are downloaded via the device's built-in Wi-Fi or via Garmin Express / TomTom MyDrive on a PC or Mac. Garmin Drive models include map updates, delivered over Wi-Fi.
Question: Can a sat nav tell me about low bridges and congestion charge zones?
Answer: Yes. Garmin DriveSmart and TomTom GO models include Environmental Zone Routing, which alerts you to clean air zones, congestion charge zones (including the London ULEZ and Congestion Charge), and low-emission zones across the UK and Europe. Low bridge alerts are included as part of the road database, particularly on routes that would take you towards a known restricted bridge. If you drive a van or taller vehicle and need more comprehensive vehicle dimension-based routing, consider our dedicated truck sat navs.
Question: Can I use a car sat nav abroad?
Answer: Yes. All current Garmin DriveSmart models include full UK and European maps pre-loaded. TomTom GO Expert models include world maps. The Garmin Drive range is preloaded with street-level maps of the UK and Europe and can also be used abroad. When travelling in Europe, the sat nav will continue to provide live traffic via your smartphone data roaming connection and will alert you to local speed limits and driving restrictions. No additional map purchase is required for European destinations.
Question: What is the warranty on a Garmin sat nav bought from ActiveGPS?
Answer: All Garmin products purchased from ActiveGPS.co.uk come with a full Garmin UK manufacturer's warranty. As an authorised Garmin Internet Retailer, we sell only genuine products sourced directly from assigned Garmin UK distributors. This means your warranty is fully supported by Garmin UK. If you purchase Garmin products from non-authorised sources, your warranty may not be valid.
Why Buy from ActiveGPS?
ActiveGPS.co.uk is an official Garmin Authorised Internet Retailer. We sell genuine Garmin products, accessories, and maps purchased directly from assigned Garmin UK distributors. We do not source from the grey market and we do not sell counterfeit products. Purchasing from ActiveGPS.co.uk means you receive the full support of Garmin UK and a valid manufacturer's warranty on every product.
We have been helping customers choose the right sat nav since 2005. Our team has hands-on experience with every model we stock and can advise on the best choice for your vehicle, journey type, and budget. Call us on 01733 777623 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5:00pm) or contact us online.
This page was last updated on: 2nd October 2026
