Garmin nuvi 265WT review

The Garmin nuvi 265WT is one of the new second-generation models in the nuvi 2x5 series, which I dubbed the "best entry level GPS on the market." This new series offers more mid-line features though; in addition to everything that made the 2x5 series a hit, the 265WT adds lifetime traffic and Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone use. It includes pre-loaded maps of the U.S. and Canada, has a 4.3" wide touch-screen and comes with 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."

Step down to the nuvi 265T, and you'll sacrifice the wide screen for a 3.5" model. The nuvi 275T also has a 3.5" screen, but includes maps of Europe in addition to the U.S. and Canada.

Ad-supported lifetime traffic

The most controversial feature on the nuvi 2x5T series is the ad-supported lifetime NAVTEQ traffic. Yet not only have I found the ads to be low key and unobtrusive; for whatever reason, they actually showed up less on the 265WT than on the 755T that I recently tested. In fact, I saw so few on the 265WT that I was unable to capture a screen shot of them! Therefore, the next couple of screenshots below are taken from my nuvi 755T review.

On the 755T, I only saw ads appear when my vehicle was stopped; they showed up in the following places:

• On startup at the top of the main menu (the only place I ever saw them on the 265WT)
• At the bottom of the traffic menu screen
• On the map once you have reached your destination

If you touch the ad, you'll go to a screen showing the nearest locations for that advertiser. Selecting a location will take you to the detail screen. In the case of the BP gas ad below (seen on the 755T), a click on the coupon gave me a number to text to enter the contest.

The ads are so low key that I would much rather have them and free lifetime traffic than pay extra for traffic service. The biggest problem I have with the ad-supported traffic is the limited coverage (see image below). With data for only 50 U.S. cities, NAVTEQ Traffic coverage lags far behind that of other traffic services. Detailed coverage maps are available on the NAVTEQ website.

There is also an option to add MSN Direct traffic service (which includes gas prices, weather and more), but you'll need to buy the receiver, which comes with a one year subscription.

Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 265WT

If you enable the traffic map, the moving map screen goes to greyscale, so that traffic flow (indicated in yellow or red) will show up better.

Here's an incident detail screen...

Bluetooth

The nuvi 265WT easily connected to my phone, an LG VX8300. However, I was unable to pair it with my wife's Motorola V325i.

I remain less impressed than with the Bluetooth sound quality though. It's fine for the person in the car, but it's a mediocre experience for the one on the other end of the call. It's got a bit of a tunnel effect and I found myself asking the caller to repeat themselves sometimes when I couldn't understand them.

Other nuvi 265WT features of note

As I mentioned earlier, the nuvi 265WT has all the great features already found on the first generation nuvi 2x5 series. These include:

• A redesigned map screen that provides a third data field showing your current speed (screen shot below)



• Speed limit display (the number of roads with this coverage seems to be increasing dramatically too)
• Tracklog display to show where you've been (can be disabled and/or erased); this is the thin blue line in the image above
• A "Where am I" safety feature that gives your current location, nearest address, nearest intersection, along with quick access to POIs for the nearest hospitals, police stations and gas stations (screenshot below)



• Recently searched for cities and streets can be accessed from search screens (screen shots below)





• While 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 is a nice piece of eye candy, though it only works in 2–D mode when zoomed out to at least 5 miles (see screenshot below)

What's missing

The nuvi 2x5T series does not include an MP3 / audio book player or an  audio out jack. If these features are important to you, I suggest you consider the nuvi 700 or 7x5T series.

Conclusion and recommendation

As the only wide-screen model in the nuvi 2x5T series, the 265WT is sure to be popular. It is best suited for (a) those in an area served by NAVTEQ traffic and /or (b) anyone wanting a Bluetooth GPS at a reasonable price. If you don't fall into one of those categories, I'd suggest the Garmin nuvi 255W instead. Don't get me wrong; the 265WT is a great device, but this specific feature set limits its appeal.

More Garmin nuvi 265WT reviews

• Consumer-authored Garmin nuvi 265WT reviews are being posted at GPS Now
• More user-written Garmin nuvi 265WT reviews have been posted at Amazon
• GPS Magaine does their typically thorough job in reviewing the nuvi 265WT
• CNet gave 3-1/2 out of 5 stars in their Garmin nuvi 265WT review
• Consumer Reports has posted a brief first impressions of the nuvi 265WT

I'll be posting more hands on GPS reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some...

Other Garmin nuvi 265WT resources

• The Garmin nuvi 265WT owners manual, in the language of your choice
• 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 265WT

Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 265WT at these merchants:

• Find the low price on a Garmin nuvi 265WT 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 265WT price at Amazon
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• Check out our GPS deals site for current specials and rebates on a wide range of GPS receivers

Related posts:

• Our GPS reviews
• Auto GPS buyers guide
• Top ten auto GPS

Comments

[Marty]

Rich, on the Garmins with free lifetime traffic, are traffic flow and incident data from the traffic service factored into the route calculation? Or is the traffic data just shown on the map, and it is left up to the driver to hit the Avoid button?

[Rich Owings]

If the delay is severe, the nuvi automatically recalculates your route. Otherwise, it's up to you to pull the trigger on re-routing.

[David]

2 questions: 1. Does the Nuvi 265wt have an option for Attention Tone before turns, and 2. When navigating, does it name the current road on top? Not just the next turn. On my Streetpilot, for example, while driving a road, it will tell me the current road (eg. Elm Street to Main St.) until I get close to the turn. Then will tell me the next turn. This is very helpful

[Rich Owings]

I just answered you in the comments here...
http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_tracklog/2008/09/garmin-nuvi-265.html

[Mark]

I'm confused a bit. What would be the advantage of a Nuvi 760 vs. a nuvi 265wt?

[Rich Owings]

I'd prefer the 265WT, but the 760 does multi-destination routing, marks your position when you remove it from the cradle, has an MP3 player, FM transmitter and audio line out. None of that is on the 265WT.