That being said, they are not necessarily meant for off-roading only, and thanks for the portability of today’s technology, multifunction is ever present. Moreover, these devices come with handy features such as social media connectivity, smart tracking, messaging, and recognizing other devices. With that in mind, let’s shed some light over the best GPS for UTV trail riding.
Comparison Table
GPS FAQ
Image source: Pixabay
What Makes a GPS Device Fitting for UTV Trailing?
What Are Some of Those Wanted Functions?
How Do They Work?
Is It Really Necessary To Have A Dedicated GPS?
How We Reviewed This List
Trying to achieve a realistic standard in this quest for the best GPS for UTV trail riding, we’ve balanced features and affordability. We also detailed a pros & cons list for each item, with options that are unique or remarkable to each device. Following is the affordability rating, going from $, $$, or $$$, followed by a link for the product. Hopefully, these handpicked items will add up to your personal research and help you with your journeys!
Overall Price Range
From $ to $$$, the investment in a serious GPS tracker can be considered low if the benefits are taken into consideration. Costing roughly the same as a smartphone, some of them actually reproduce functions also found on those, such as backup cameras, one-touch navigational systems, use of backup memory cards, and social media sharing and messaging options. There’s also 3D or 2D monitors with different levels of colors, textures, and pinpoint time response and accuracy, mostly based on having access to internet signal (ANT) or to the Russian GLONASS satellite constellation.
Best GPS for UTV Trail Riding – What We Reviewed
With all that in mind, let’s follow up with these 10 best GPS for UTV trail riding, compared side by side:
Features
This features a medium 2.6″ screen, 250k pre-loaded caches, TOPO US 100K, 1-year BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription, and a 2.6″ display. The rechargeable battery holds up to a respectable 16 hours of life. It comes with a stock 8 GB memory and 160 x 240 resolution. Works with 2 AA packs, too. It’s one of the most praised devices on the current market and a strong contender for best GPS for UTV trail riding.
PROS
CONS
Features
Built for off-road usage and having a sideways screen, this rugged one was meant to be mounted and can withstand a motorcycle engine’s temperature and vibration without getting scrambled or losing signal. It also tracks its temperature. It has a 400 x 240, 2.7″ LCD display and a joystick-based interface that yells “retro,” and can be considered classy or outdated, depending on your taste.
PROS
CONS
Features
With a slightly bigger 3″ screen, pre-loaded TOPO U.S. 100K, and 3D location sharing capabilities, this is a very strong contender for group rides as it’s possible to track and message with other nearby devices, making it also a great option for work uses, such as patrolling or hunting.
PROS
CONS
Features
With a 2.2″ display capable of reproducing up to 65k colors in a 240 x 320 resolution, this handheld GPS is a good call if you’re looking for functionality and customization options, as it comes ready to access your own files but is not really well adapted for instant use right out of the box. If that’s not an issue for you, it certainly figures among the best GPS for UTV trail riding.
PROS
CONS
Features
With a 4″, richly color-textured and responsive touchscreen, this model may be bulkier but it surely pays off when it comes to the extra functions, such as an 8-megapixel camera that automatically tags geo-locations. With multiple and simultaneous location systems, the result is a fast, accurate signal response that altogether provides a seamless experience for the user.
PROS
CONS
Features
This 7″ display unit comes with an HD, 5-megapixel camera capable of recording video, and a water and dust resistant housing. It works both for city and off-road use, making it a viable option but not exactly cheap.
PROS
CONS
Features
As the name states, this device was meant to be used on a bike but also works on a UTV which creates a more versatile and maybe daily use for the purchase. The processor on this GPS is remarkably fast and is perhaps the best GPS for UTV trail riding.
PROS
CONS
Features
As another cheaper and more affordable biking GPS, the 520 Plus is a good, small option if a big screen is not a must. With its simple user interface and a respectable battery life, the 520 is a practical but not necessarily fancy tool.
PROS
CONS
Features
It may be small but it packs a punch. The eTrex 20x comes with GLONASS recognition and it’s known for being extremely resistant to wear and tear; this is a great option if you’re looking for the best GPS for UTV trail riding but not really interested in side functions.
PROS
CONS
Features
This intuitive, 5″ screen buddy comes with over 6.6 million interested points pre-loaded and over 115k off-road trail maps and it’s a good call for shorter trips. The price of having a big display is a rather short battery life, so this device is ideal for little adventures but not necessarily for long hours in the wilderness.
PROS
CONS
The Verdict
Image source: Pixabay
As hard as it was, it’s clear, before nothing else, that Garmin has an edge on the current market, offering several models. As much as their downloadable software has created certain controversy among heavy users of these best GPS for UTV trail riding, it’s still regarded as the top company for the moment. The best bang for the buck goes for their model Garmin eTrex 20, with access to GLONASS and waterproof features for just $150.
The first place goes to the Garmin 1030. It may be meant for cycling but is so versatile, well-built, and has a long-lasting battery life (over 40 hours!) that it’s impossible not to list it – however, it costs almost 3 times as much as the cheaper models, which can be considered anything but entry-level. The 2nd and 3rd places go respectively to the Garmin 64st, as it reaches a good price-feature balance, and to the Magellan TR7X for its additional features that could be considered unnecessary for more practical drivers. Safe travels with your future best GPS for UTV trail riding!
