Many owners find the process painfully slow, and on some models, we agree. However, downloading updates can be frustrating. You might save a few bucks by not having this feature, but for us it's a no-brainer. Also, areas that are thoroughly mapped change frequently, hence the value of lifetime map updates. Big cities have more detail than rural towns, but mapping of even the most remote areas is getting better all the time.

Maps and journey planning Staying up to date Voice command can be safer than touch screen, but responsiveness and quality of the voice control system are very important. Several of our top choices mirror smartphone and tablet technology by offering voice controls. Before selecting a navigation system, check whether any display issues are indicated frequently across a significant number of customer reviews. Models that offer a night mode automatically adjust display contrast for better viewing in the dark. Changing the mounting angle of the screen often resolves these issues. Reviews can also indicate that a model isn’t bright enough. Some owners complain that bright sunshine decreases visibility on a particular model, or that the screen is too reflective. That pixel density can make a big difference. Older models deliver 480 x 272 pixels, while many newer ones offer 800 x 480 pixels. Screen clarity depends greatly on display size, but clarity is also affected by resolution. A 7” display in a smaller vehicle might seem to block too much of the view through the windshield! If possible, test drive a navigation system with your car to determine which size display is best for your situation. On the other hand, a big-screen GPS may not be the best choice in a compact or subcompact car. The latter are particularly popular with professional truckers. A 6' or 7' model would be a better choice. Dashboard layout and driving position in those vehicles cause the navigation system to be mounted farther from the driver’s eyes than in a smaller sedan. Most people with average vision find a 5' screen quite comfortable, but that opinion changes if the unit is mounted in a larger vehicle, such as a van or RV. Is screen size really a significant factor? However, models as small as 3.5” are widely available. The most popular sizes for a navigation system’s display are 5', 6', and 7'. BestReviews Display and controls Display size

Subaru navigation system review 2017