Hands on Garmin nuvi 52LM review
The Garmin nüvi 52LM
Related units
- The Garmin nuvi 54LM adds maps of Canada and Alaska to the 52LM’s 49 state map set
- The Garmin nuvi 52 has all the 52LM’s features, minus the lifetime map updates
- Or drop down to the nuvi 42LM to get the 52LM’s feature set in a model with a 4.3″ screen
- To see how the 52LM stacks up against other models, use this compare Garmin nuvi chart
What’s new?
The 52LM updates last year’s nuvi 50LM. Here’s what’s new:
Processor upgrade?
There’s not a whole lot new on the nuvi 52LM compared to the previous generation 50LM. I did notice a snappier response though, so it’s quite possible they’ve beefed up the processor a bit.
New style mount
There’s a new style mount and here’s a short video demonstrating it…
New interface style
Garmin has also polished the interface a bit, as you can see below:
Garmin nuvi 52LM main menu
Garmin nuvi 52LM “Where To?” menu
What’s missing?
Why would you move up to one of the Advanced or Prestige series units? To get any of the following features:
- Traffic (you cannot use a traffic receiver with the Essential series)
- Multi-destination routing (with the Essential series you can only add a single via point)
- The Advanced and Prestige series allow for extensive customization of the Where To screen
- Ability to clear the Trip Log (shown below; you can hide it but the only way to clear it is to do a factory reset and clear all user data)
Garmin nuvi 52LM trip log (the thin blue line shows where you’ve been)
There are many other features found on the Advanced and Prestige series, but these are some of the more basic ones. The remaining differences will be covered in my upcoming reviews of those models.
Other Garmin nuvi 52LM features
More data
You can shift the data fields to the right and get two additional fields by selecting Settings > Map (scroll down) > Map Data Layout > More Data.
The “more data” layout
Lane Assist
This feature shows you which lane to be in for upcoming turns, as shown below in the upper left portion of the image below.
Lane Assist on the Garmin nuvi 52LM
Junction View
This split screen view pops up for many limited access highway exits. Note that the junction view images are generic and not the photo-realistic ones found on more advanced models.
Junction View
Garmin nuvi 52LM pros
- 5″ screen
- Lifetime map updates
- Lane assist and junction view
- Speed limit display
- Speedy processor
Garmin nuvi 52LM cons
- While you can hide the trip log the only way to clear it is with a hard reset
Recommendation
Highly recommended. The only trouble I had with my test unit was that it wouldn’t connect to the computer once. But after I used it in the car, I was able to bring it in and connect it with no problem. This is a basic navigator but it has all the features most people will need. An improved mounting system and faster processor mark the most significant updates since the nuvi 50LM.
More Garmin nuvi 52LM reviews
- Consumer-authored Garmin nuvi 52LM reviews
are being posted at Amazon
I’ll be posting links to other reviews as they show up.
Other Garmin nuvi 52LM resources
- Want to see how the nuvi 52LM stacks up against other models? Check out this Garmin auto GPS comparison tool
- Or check out my own comparison chart for links to more reviews of Garmin GPS car units
- There is a dedicated Garmin nuvi message forum at GpsPasSion and another nuvi forum at GPS Review
- Our auto GPS FAQs, which includes quite a few nuvi tips and tricks
- A PDF version of the Garmin nuvi 52LM owners manual
- The official Garmin nuvi 52LM web page
Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 52LM at these merchants:
- Check the current Garmin nüvi 52LM
- Get the Garmin nuvi 52LM at GPS City
- Buy the Garmin nuvi 52LM
direct from Garmin
About Rich Owings
Right now the 52LM is $40 more on Amazon than the 50LM. You highlight especially the snappier response time and a better mount for the newer model. Do you think these differences are worth the extra cost?
No. If I were going to spend $40 more I’d probably try to find the 2555LM on sale.
No going to argue with Rich’s answer, but I’ll give you a bit of a different opinion.
I haven’t had a chance to see the 52LM.
I did test the 2555 against the 50LM. Assuming the processor speed increase is similar – it was significant. I.e. with the 2555, I would start to type in a POI name and it would prompt me with it and route to the address in the same amount of time as the 50LM required me to enter the full name as was still searching for it.
I decided for that GPS to wait for the 2557LMT with active lane guidance and birds-eye traffic, but the 52LM and the 2555LM are roughly the same price now.
If the question is are the 2555LM or the 52LM worth $40 more than the 50LM – they would be to me.
Also look at – these have lifetime map updates, so you won’t have to buy a new GPS b/c of outdated maps, so that $40 increase can be spread over 5 or 6 years of usage rather than one or two years.
Forgot to mention – if you have the opportunity, go to Best Buy or similar where they have a 50LM and a 52LM or 2555LM on display. Doesn’t matter if they can see the satellites or not – pick a nearby POI that is fairly unique – I use my auto repair shop, and enter the name in both GPS’s and decide how much the time lag will bother you.
Will the Nuvi 52LM accept topo maps that would display stream crossings at roads? I could use this for trout fishing access. The Garmin website indicates topo maps are compatible with the 50LM, but doesn’t list them for the 52LM.
Thanks!
Yes it will — their list of compatible units is incomplete. All nuvis will accept topo maps. The Garmin 24K series is your best bet for being able to see topo features and navigate at the same time. Unless you can find a free transparent topo at http://gpsfiledepot.com.
Just got a Nuvi 52LM, now I can’t find a mount & the suctioncup one that came with it won’t work on my KLR650 motorcycle. I noticed it’s only .1 inches deeper than a Nuvi 50, would a ram mount for a Nuvi 50 fit the Nuvi 52?
Not necessarily. I’d wait on a 52 series RAM mount.
You should really contact RAM mount on this.
That said, I’m going to say it probably will work. I’m looking to get a 2557LMT to replace my son’s 205W (I believe that’s what he has).
I noticed in Rich’s review for the 2557LMT that he mentioned a new windshield mount for the 2557LMT and wanted to make sure that the existing Garmin Friction mount that he has for the 205W will work with the 2557LMT.
Basically, I found out that the new friction mount for the 2557 would not work with the 205W (according to Garmin), but the old friction mount for the 205W or the new one will work with the 2557.
So I think the new units are backward compatible (old mounts work with the new units, but new mounts don’t (at least directly) work with the old ones.
YMMV, etc.
It might have been this review and not the 2557LMT review – I just remember reading there was a different mount for the new models and wanting to check if my son’s existing mount was still useable with them and it is.
True for Garmin mounts, but RAM mounts don’t all use the ball systen that stock Garmin mounts use.
I wasn’t aware of that – that is good info to consider. Thanks Rich!!!
The Garmin mount (the gball on the back) is a 17mm ball, won’t work with Ram ball set up. I was looking at the ones that clamp onto the gps, kinda like a bracket assembly.