The Garmin nuvi 255W is one of Garmin's newest entry level navigators and, as part of the nuvi 2x5 series, it's loaded with features previously unavailable in the nuvi line or found only in high-end models. More about that in a moment; first the basics.
The 255W sports a 4.3" wide touch screen (hence the "W") and includes pre-loaded maps of the U.S. and Canada. It also has text-to-speech, so you'll hear "drive one-half mile, then turn left on Oak Street." instead of just "drive one-half mile, then turn left."
Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 255W
Dropping down to the nuvi 255, you'll get the same features on a smaller, 3.5" screen. The nuvi 205W is identical to the 255W, except that you lose text-to-speech and maps of Alaska.
I've been very impressed with the nuvi 2x5 series. The 255W is the nicest model in the series, which I dubbed the best entry-level GPS on the market in my hands-on review of the nuvi 205W. The next portion of this review is adapted from there.
Advanced features found on the Garmin nuvi 255W
None of the features below are found on this unit's predecessor, the Garmin nuvi 250W.
Redesigned map screen
New to the map screen are the direction of and distance to next turn indicator in the upper left corner of the screen, which when pressed brings up a detailed turn preview as the unit speaks the next turn instructions. Moving this to the upper left freed up the bottom left data field which now shows your current speed. You can see all this in the screen shot below.
Speed limit
Speed limit icons display the speed limit for many roads, as shown above. I really like the proximity of this to the current speed display.
Trip log display
Trip log, or as I prefer to call it ;-), tracklog display, can show where you've been and can be downloaded to your computer (tracklogs can be cleared and the feature disabled for those of you with something to hide!). The tracklog is the thin blue line trailing behind the car / current position icon, in the screen shot above.
Recent cities and streets
This feature was first seen on the nuvi 700 series. Tap the folder icon, as shown below, and a list of recent entries comes up.
Where am I?
This emergency location feature provides your exact latitude and longitude coordinates, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and fuel stations.
Photo navigation
Though it's not a feature that I find useful, you can download Google™ Panoramio™ pictures via Garmin Connect™ Photos and navigate to them.
Terrain modeling
The nuvi 2x5 series includes a built-in digital elevation model, allowing you to visualize the surrounding terrain, as shown below. Unfortunately, this only works in 2–D mode when zoomed out to at least 8 miles. The result is a nice piece of eye-candy, as shown below, but one that you are unlikely to really use.
MSN Direct or FM/TMC traffic option
You can buy an MSN Direct or FM/TMC traffic receiver as an add-on. This is often a better deal than buying a unit with MSN or FM/TMC, since the add-ons come with a full year subscription, rather than the 3 month trial included with a high-end nuvi. Physically, you end up with the same receiver.
Garmin nuvi 255W pros
- High-end features (see above) at an entry-level price
- Fast startup and satellite lock
- The speaker is quite loud; I had no trouble hearing it under any circumstances
- The ability to delete individual Favorites using the "My Data" feature
- In addition to the above, you get a quality product and intuitive interface, as we've come to expect from Garmin
Garmin nuvi 255W cons
- The power cord is not integrated into the mount, so you have to attach the power cord each time you mount the device
Recommendation
The Garmin nuvi 255W is a joy to use. I recommend it, or any other member of the nuvi 2x5 series, without hesitation. Garmin has set a new standard with this product line; the nuvi 2x5 series is the best entry level GPS on the market.
More Garmin nuvi 255W reviews
- Consumer-authored Garmin nuvi 255W reviews have been posted at GPS Now
- More user-written Garmin nuvi 255W reviews have been posted at Amazon
- GPS Lodge has posted their own nuvi 255W review
- TidBITS has posted a full Garmin nuvi 255W review
- And here's another consumer review of the nuvi 255W
I'll be posting more hands on GPS reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some...
Other Garmin nuvi 255W resources
- A PDF version of the Garmin nuvi 255W owners manual.
- Confused about so many models and choices? Use this Garmin nuvi comparison tool or check out my own Garmin nuvi comparison chart.
- There is a dedicated Garmin nuvi message forum at GpsPasSion.
- The official Garmin nuvi 255W web page.
Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 255W at these merchants:
- Find the low price on a Garmin nuvi 255W at GPS Now, where shipping is free on orders over $99 (and the upgrade to overnight shipping is dirt cheap!). Order by 5 p.m. Central Time for same day shipment.
- Check the current Garmin nuvi 255W price at Amazon.
- Get the Garmin nuvi 255W, Preloaded City Navigator for an incredibly low price at BuyDig.com
- Find the Garmin nuvi 255 Wide GPS at REI.com, where satisfaction is guaranteed and members get 10% back on eligible purchases.
- Buy the Garmin nuvi 255W Wide-Screen Automotive GPS System with North American Maps at TigerGPS, where you get free shipping on orders above $250.
- Get the Garmin nuvi 255W for an amazing price on eBay.
Related posts:
I've been considering the Garmin Nuvi 250 - anyone know if this is any good for the UK?
Posted by: mile wilder | November 13, 2008 at 05:26 AM
If you want one for both sides of the pond, go with a nuvi x70 or x75.
Posted by: Rich Owings | November 13, 2008 at 08:47 AM
The comment is made in the review that the tracklog can be downloaded to a PC. I have just bough a 255W on this basis but I can't find out how to do this. There is nothing that looks like a track file (no GPX, csv, xml, etc.) when the unit is viewed as a mass storage device.
Please help.
Posted by: Andrew | November 19, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Aha! Just worked it out.
The current.gpx file holds the track log and can be converted using GPSbabel.
Thanks.
Posted by: Andrew | November 19, 2008 at 08:44 AM
There should be a GPX folder in the "Garmin" directory, with a current .gpx file in it. Or if you have a copy of Garmin MapSource you should be able to import it.
Posted by: Rich Owings | November 19, 2008 at 08:47 AM
Hey, you beat me to it!
Posted by: Rich Owings | November 19, 2008 at 08:49 AM
I just bought the 255W and really like it. I travel to Mexico and would like to purchase the map software for the unit. I believe you can download the maps or buy the SD card. Besides the obvious of having the card, is there any other benefit?
Thanks in advance for your responses.
Posted by: John | November 22, 2008 at 06:59 PM
The card can be used in any compatible Garmin unit, letting you move it from one device to another, or take it with you should you get a new Garmin unit.
The download would probably be locked to one unit, as is the CD. You can use the CD for trip planning on your computer too, and you may be able to get a discounted upgrade with the CD, should you choose to do so in the future.
There are other Mexican maps options too...
http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2007/12/international-m.html
(scroll down to the Mexico maps section)
Posted by: Rich Owings | November 22, 2008 at 07:14 PM
I'm looking for a nice GPS for my girlfriend for x-mas. Nothing too fancy as she really wouldn't utilize all the bells & whistles. I was thinking that the 255W would be nice because of the text-to-speak feature, but Costco also has the 750 for $199.
What would you recommend?
thanks
Posted by: Scott | November 28, 2008 at 11:23 AM
If she's got a lead foot, I'd go for the 255W, which shows current speed on the screen. It also shows the direction of the next turn in the upper left corner. It shows the next turn direction on the 750 too, but only on the map. Unless one of those features is real important, I'd go for the 750.
Posted by: Rich Owings | November 28, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Thanks for the info. Would you recommend any other model(s) priced around $200-$250 (or less) that would be a better option for her? or would these 2 be the best bang for my buck?
Posted by: Scott | November 28, 2008 at 11:59 AM
I think the 255W is the best thing going without bells and whistles. Amazon has the nuvi 265WT, which has live traffic for major cities, for $234 right now. Could be worth considering, although traffic reports can often be wrong. If it were me, I'd go with one of those two.
Posted by: Rich Owings | November 28, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Thanks again. So you like both these 200 series over the 750 then, right? And if the traffic is something she might want to go with the 265WT, correct?
Posted by: Scott | November 28, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Yes, I like the 2x5 series models more than the 750. I can't say whether she'd like the traffic feature or not, but it can be helpful. Here's the coverage info...
http://www.navteq.com/rdstraffic/
Posted by: Rich Owings | November 28, 2008 at 12:36 PM
I have the Nuvi 360, does the 255W also have the button for nearby restaurants? This is a nice feature when traveling.
Posted by: Chuck | November 30, 2008 at 07:32 PM
Yes, all nuvis have this.
Posted by: Rich Owings | November 30, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Here is an easy way to get the tracklog out of the 255W:
As mentioned, copy the current.gpx in the GPS folder to your PC. Open it in the free program G7toWin. This file has your tracklog and favorite waypoints. When you open the file you will see the favorites listed. Strip them out by: File>Clear>Waypoints. Then click Track>List and you will see a spreadsheet with all the track points. You will see the segments which are at every time the unit goes on and off.
Save as a GPX file and you can view your track in Google Earth. Run this file through GPSVisualizer online, and you can create a KML file for G.E. with the track colorized for elevation (the tracklog records altitude.)
If you took photos on your trip, combine them with your tracklog file in a program such as GPicSync and you can geotag your photos in bulk. (Note: the tracklog file records time in UTC.) You can now create a G.E. KMZ file which will have your track and photo thumbnails at location taken. Click on the thumbnails for larger photo.
And we haven't gotten into the things you can do with photos in the unit...
Posted by: GPT | December 06, 2008 at 01:17 AM
Ah, another GPS addict! ;-)
Posted by: Rich Owings | December 06, 2008 at 07:27 AM
hi~ i want to buy a gps - mostly for local travel in NE US. i have been unable to find a comparison btw Nuvi 255W and 265W. can anyone point out the major differences? there was some mention of ads popping up on the 265w - anyone have experience of how and when these pop up? and how distracting they are?
Thanks so much!
Posted by: kathy | December 14, 2008 at 05:52 PM
The 265WT adds Bluetooth and lifetime traffic. The ads aren't too bad. You can read about them in this review...
http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2008/10/garmin-nuvi-265.html
Posted by: Rich Owings | December 14, 2008 at 07:08 PM
I am looking at purchasing a GPS and trying to understand the differences between Garmin 750 and the Garmin 255W. Can anyone provide some insight?
Posted by: Kurt Beck | December 19, 2008 at 07:12 PM
Here are some of the key features found on one but not the other...
The 255W displays your current speed on the map screen.
The 750 has Bluetooth and does multi-destination routing.
I'd go with the 255W, as I've never found much of a need for the latter. The 255W will let you set a destination and a via point, and it's easy to use Favorites and Recent searches to go from destination to destination.
Also, I think the Bluetooth implementation is weak and not worth having on most nuvis except the new 7x5T series.
Posted by: Rich Owings | December 20, 2008 at 08:08 AM
I've had a nuvi 360 for over a year now and love it. i was thinking about the 255w. does the 255w show the satellite screen with the altitude ? (i can access this on the 360 via the main screen by touching the signal strength)
thanks... I enjoy your reviews an find them very helpful
Posted by: Jim | January 10, 2009 at 12:39 AM
Yes, it does. Glad you like the site!
Posted by: Rich Owings | January 10, 2009 at 01:08 AM
I have a nuvi 255 Please could so tell me if i can upgrade to have TMC traffic updates and if so how do I do this.
Many Thanks in advance
Posted by: Jimi | January 10, 2009 at 09:23 AM
Yes, just buy the proper traffic receiver (it will replace your existing power cord) from Garmin or a third-party vendor. It can use NAVTEQ lifetime traffic, MSN Direct and probably TMC. Be sure to check coverage maps if there is any question about that service being offered in your area.
Posted by: Rich Owings | January 10, 2009 at 09:31 AM
How decent does the computer generated street name voice sound? I am in between a 205W and 255W for this reason. I don't want to be annoyed if the names get constantly butchered. Also, can you switch to different types of voices or accents? Please let me know. Thanks.
Posted by: hsb | January 12, 2009 at 07:47 PM
I think the Garmin units are pretty good at it, but they too can mangle them occasionally. And yes, you can change voices and choose something like a British voice, for example. I do think text to speech is a nice feature worth paying extra for BTW.
Posted by: Rich Owings | January 13, 2009 at 11:28 AM
i just recieved my firts gps ( 255w ) and noticed on the screen that there was this tiny red dot on it i dont know if this should be a concern
Posted by: Kevin O'Connor | February 11, 2009 at 07:43 PM
I haven't heard of that. Is the dot showing your location? Does it stay in the same place on the screen?
Posted by: Rich Owings | February 12, 2009 at 09:39 AM
it's on the LCD it could be a tiny scratch
Posted by: Kevin O'Connor | February 12, 2009 at 01:27 PM
Yeah, and I'm wondering about dead pixels.
Posted by: Rich Owings | February 12, 2009 at 01:34 PM
i just recieved in on 2-10-09 You think it should be returned.
Posted by: Kevin O'Connor | February 12, 2009 at 02:08 PM
I would call Garmin support and see what they say. They are typically very responsive with short wait times. Or if you got it locally you could just exchange it.
Posted by: Rich Owings | February 12, 2009 at 02:16 PM
Amazon Purchace
Posted by: Kevin O'Connor | February 12, 2009 at 02:30 PM
You could go either way. One or the other might be cheaper on shipping. I suppose Garmin might ship out a unit now, before yours arrives.
Posted by: Rich Owings | February 12, 2009 at 02:54 PM
this is my second nuvi 250 unfortunatly my first one was stolen from my car....
I have one question how do I load maps to this gps machine...I do extensive traveling in canada mainly ontario province it suppose to have maps for all of north america and I can't operate this in canada when going through to michigan from new york state...any help would be appreciated...
Posted by: Jimmie Sorrento | March 12, 2009 at 07:13 PM
It should have Canadian maps. What map package does it list when you go into map settings?
Posted by: Rich Owings | March 13, 2009 at 07:07 AM
Can you use the 255W for Geocaching?
Posted by: Dave | March 22, 2009 at 03:20 PM
It's far from ideal, but it can be done. The biggest drawback is the lack of a compass screen. A better nuvi would be the 500 or 550. But here are some geocaching macros for other nuvis...
http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=193374
http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=195389
Posted by: Rich Owings | March 23, 2009 at 07:37 AM
I'm a first time GPS traffic navigator purchaser. I just want the best basic model without any bells and whistles such as bluetooth, and just for US driving. Is it worth going for the Garvin 760, or would the 255W or 265W suffice? Of the latter what's the main difference between the two?
Thanks much.
Posted by: Chris Garcia | April 04, 2009 at 07:13 PM
If you want traffic, I would go with the 265WT, which is not found on the 255. Make sure you're in an area with NAVTEQ coverage though... http://www.navteq.com/rdstraffic/
Posted by: Rich Owings | April 05, 2009 at 07:26 AM
Does the Garvin 750 direct you to intersections or just addresses?
Posted by: Alan Krob | April 10, 2009 at 09:42 PM
Yes, all Garmin nuvis allow you to find intersections.
Posted by: Rich Owings | April 13, 2009 at 07:35 AM
I asked this question before, and you answered it, but now I can't find it.
So here it goes again:
Does this unit automatically change time zones? My current 750 does not, and I'm ready to get rid of the 2620 and get a newer unit.
Great site, and excellent answers!
Thanks
Derrill
Posted by: Derrill | May 02, 2009 at 06:41 PM
Yes, it does. I think this was the first series to do so.
Posted by: Rich Owings | May 03, 2009 at 09:53 AM