Garmin nuvi 265WT review
The Garmin nüvi 265WT
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 2×5T 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.
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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 2×5 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 2×5T 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 7×5T series.
Conclusion and recommendation
As the only wide-screen model in the nuvi 2×5T 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
have been posted at Amazon
- More consumer-authored Garmin nuvi 265WT reviews are being posted at GPS Now
- GPS Magazine 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
- Digital Trends gives an 8.5 rating and their Editor’s Choice award in their Garmin nuvi 265WT review
- Al Dente has also posted a nuvi 265WT review
- Even more consumer-authored reviews of the nuvi 265WT have been posted at Walmart.com
- Rick Nakama has also posted a Garmin nuvi 265WT review
- This video highlights the nuvi 265WT and compares it to the Mio Moov 200
- A Garmin nuvi 265WT video review:
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 web page
Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 265WT at these merchants:
- Check the current Garmin nüvi 265WT
- Get a great deal on the Garmin nuvi 265WT Widescreen North America City Navigator GPS
at BuyDig.com
- 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
- Get the Garmin nuvi 265WT
for an amazing price on eBay
- Check out our GPS deals site for current specials and rebates on a wide range of GPS receivers
| Store | Rating | Best Prices |
|---|---|---|
Compare all prices on the Garmin Nuvi 265WT Auto / Road GPS Navigation with Traffic ranging from $129.99 to $967.00. | ||
 | In stock at Kmart | $249.99 |
 |  In stock at The GPS Store, Inc. | $174.95 |
 |  In stock at Sears.com | $209.99 |
 | In stock at Dell.com | $269.99 |
 | In stock at Boscov's | $269.99 |
 |  In stock at circuitcity.com | $209.99 |
| In stock at circuitcity.com | $129.99 |
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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?
If the delay is severe, the nuvi automatically recalculates your route. Otherwise, it’s up to you to pull the trigger on re-routing.
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
I just answered you in the comments here…
http://gpstracklog.com/2008/09/garmin-nuvi-265.html
I’m confused a bit. What would be the advantage of a Nuvi 760 vs. a nuvi 265wt?
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.
I am having a conflict, I hope the you can help me resolve.
I am thinking of purchasing my first GPS, so I did my research and have narrowed down my choices to the Garmin 265wt and the Magillan 4350. I travel primely between Canada and the US. I need a unit that will primally get me from point A to point B as efficiently/timely as possible. Any advice to help me narrowing my selection down to one or recommendations to other devices I should consider will be greatly appreciated
I’d go with the Garmin. It’s quite superior to the Magellan you are considering.
Do you have any recommendations to other units I should consider? Thanks for the advice.
What of the Garmin 500/550 series?
I wouldn’t go with the 500 series unless you’re going to be using it on the trail or geocaching as well, and even then, only if the car is the primary use. Also, they only come in 3.5″ models. I’d have to know more about your uses, feature wish list and budget to make a recommendation. The 265WT is a great unit though, but be sure you have NAVTEQ traffic coverage in your area… http://gpstracklog.com/2008/10/gps-traffic-cov.html
Also, perhaps these will help…
http://gpstracklog.com/2008/12/6-gps-features-worth-paying-extra-for.html
http://gpstracklog.com/2008/12/5-gps-features-you-dont-need.html
I do have NAVTEC coverage, because I have used the 265wt to New York recently. I was pretty pleased with the unit, very user friendly and straight forward, has options for walking and cycling as well. It also has the features you outlined in your link above (features-worth-paying-extra-for). My budget is somewhat flexible, and I will primely be using the unit for long drives to the us or within Canada, which will take me along some rural highways. A GPS in my opinion is an investment, I treat it as such, hence my initial question. So I think I will stick with you initial recommendation of the Garmain 265wt.
Thanks for the advice, it was greatly appreciated.
How reliable is Garmain mobile for Blackberry, and how does it compare to an actual stand alone unit. Will you recommend it?
I haven’t used it, but a search for “garmin mobile review” should turn up a number of reviews.
I am considering a Gamin 255W or a Gamin 275T. We don’t do a great deal of driving but a GPS has been useful at times. Is the major trade-off a wider screen vs the bluetooth and FM traffic or does the 275 also offer additional features. There is a $70 difference in price at the present. Is the 275 that much better?
Arthur
The 275T comes with European maps too, hence the price premium.
This is all new to me. Never had a gps & think if I’m taking the plunge, should I get the best or what the heck, since there’s always changes and new models? My female inability to make decisions on tech stuff is a problem. I’ve read and compared so much I’m really confused. Considering to acquire gps with my reward card points and don’t want to waste them if not a good option. Anyway, narrowed to 265WT which takes 70,000 points for a refurb or the 760 nuvi at 65,000 points. Should I beware of a refurb? 760 being discontinued – should that be a factor. Know if Garmin honors any problems without an origianl “purchase receipt”?? Don’t care about bluetooth or MSN. Traffic alert and lane assist seem cool but only vacation travel 2-3 times yearly. Any input or guidance would be appreciated. Would suit me fine if I could just e-mail for some answers without everyone reading my pathetic questions. Thanks,
I wouldn’t worry too much about the 760 being discontinued — Garmin will continue to support it. A refurb is another matter…
http://gpstracklog.com/2008/11/should-i-buy-a-refurbished-or-older-gps.html
The 265WT is a great unit, but if you don’t need traffic or Bluetooth, the 255W is cheaper. These are normal questions BTW. Nothing pathetic about them. Feel free to follow up with more.
is there softwear to use this unit in costa rica?
Yes…
http://downloads.cloudmade.com/north_america/costa_rica#breadcrumbs
I travel mostly East coast I just got my first gps, really 2nd I took the TomTom back. I just got a Garmin 1350T and only had it two days and now I’m thinking of features I want; such as car locator lol. Which Garmin has this with all the features that this model has? Blue tooth not a factor as my car has it.
Newer units with a powered mount have this feature — the 7×5 and 8×5 series, and the 1690 (review coming early next week!).
Have a Nuvi 265WT and it is in a foreign language. How do you change to English if I cannot understand what I am reading?
Tools > Settings > Language
Just wondering about your thoughts on whether I’d be better off with the 265WT or th 755T? Thank you for such a comprehensive review. It was great for me because it hit all of the salient points with little to no confusion!
I’d go with the 755T for Lane Assist / Junction View and the powered mount.
I am trying to decide between the 265wt and the 1390t Garmin. The lane assist is about the only extra option I notice on the 1390t. It appears to be a nice feature, but did notice your comment on it being limited. Which unit would you recommend. Price is not an issue.
Between those two, I’d take the 1390T. If you want an alternative model, check out the nuvi 765T which, IMHO, has better Bluetooth sound quality.
Garmin novi 265T need to change to english and now it is in Russian I think Please help!!
I have a garmin 265 wt. I would like to be able to use it in my boat. Is there a lake map I can download and use? Or is there a chip that can be used?
Yes, follow this link and scroll down to “on the water”…
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134&pID=13430#mapTab
I received two different Garmin GPS as gifts and don’t know which one I should keep. I got the Nuvi 1300 and the 265WT. Any suggestions which one is the best unit? Need to make a decision in order to get registered by the 30 days. Thanks!!
Probably the 265WT which has traffic, speed limit display, and maps of Alaska & Canada, none of which are found on the 1300.
The latter might be more attractive to an urbanite who uses mass transit, since it supports Garmin’s CityXplorer maps.
Hope this helps!
I am new to GPS units.
I received a Garmin 265WT as a gift and am pleased with the way it works in my truck. I do plan to use it mostly for road travel.
Is it reasonable to think that I might be able to download and use a free (not Garmin) topographical map of the area around here?
Will the maps coexist together or do I need to change the maps each time I go from one to the other?
I did download a new map update from Garmin. The part where it loaded the map into the 265WT did take a fair amount of time.
Could the topographical part be put on a SD Card, then removed later?
Thanks for answering my 20 questions.
Chris
Yes, you can use free topo maps made for Garmin units. Here’s a great source: http://gpsfiledepot.com
And yes, these can go on your SD card. Unless you can find a transparent topo map, you’ll only be able to view one map at a time. You’ll need to go into map setup in the menu to enable or disable the topo map.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have more questions.
Wow, that’s slick!
I downloaded a topographical map file for my area from the above site. Then I followed their online tutorials using the “Map Source” software to put the maps on the SD card.
It took a little while to manipulate all of the data and download it. But, once it was on the SD card and in the 265WT, changing the display is very fast.
I used a 1gb SD card because the datafile said it was 500 megs. Some of the files said they were over 1gb, so choose your card accordingly.
Thanks for the advice and help.
Chris
Glad you got it working!
Rich, can pick up a 265W not T for cheap, under $80. I like some other features of lane assist and city use, but WOuld it be worth it on this? Is city/xplor available on this one?
Thanks!
Jim
Haven’t seen that one. A 265WT without the traffic receiver cable, huh? Is it used? If so, make sure you get a charger. The 265 series does not have Lane Assist and is not compatible with the advanced pedestrian/mass transit CityXplorer features. Hope this helps.
no, it’s not the T just the 265W. WIthout the other features I’d like and being used, would it be worth $70 bucks?
Thanks again!
Jim
If it’s new, yes. It should add Bluetooth to the 255W feature set, and that unit is > $130 at Amazon right now, and is commonly $119 on sale.
ok, picked up for 65 so feel pretty good. Now a product questions on this one. Is there a way to select a/several POI’s so they show on the map? Used to have a tom tom one, and you could do this so you could see as you were driving.
Thanks!
Jim
No, the only way to do this is to create custom POIs.
Rich, what is your recommendation on the best Garmin and other GPS’s right now? ALso was looking at the 765t.
Thanks again!
Tough question! Check out the”What’s missing (or “Is this the top of the line nuvi?”)” section near the end of my nuvi 1690 review: http://gpstracklog.com/2009/11/garmin-nuvi-1690-review.html.
I really like the 765T, but see lots of reports of screen input errors that appear to be hardware related. I’m not sure if this has been fixed in later production batches or not.
Let me know if you have more questions.
Rick. I am looking at this unit and the Magellan 1475T. What do you think? Thanks.
I haven’t tried the 1475T myself, but with 220 comments, this post should give you an idea how owners feel about it…
http://gpstracklog.com/2009/06/magellan-roadmate-1475t-with-lifetime-traffic.html
Rich, I definintely took time to read the comments, but most are about the fact that folks are getting the 1470 in the 1475 box. That being said, it seems like those that get the 1475 are pretty happy. I looked at it yesterday at Costco and it seemed more intuitive than the Garmin. That being said, my main concerns are:
- Speed – recovery/re-routing time
- Multiple stop trips (as I am in sales)
- reliability
I was hoping to hear YOUR opinion since you have a lot more experience in this matter. Thank yoU!
- Speed – recovery/re-routing time
Don’t know.
- Multiple stop trips (as I am in sales)
The nuvi 265WT does not support multi-destination routing but would do fine if you want to enter them ahead of time and then pick them one or two at a time. The 1475T does support multi-destination routing.
- reliability
I’d still give Garmin the edge here.
Hope this helps!