UTV trail riding can be an excellent experience if you enjoy the great outdoors. Owning a high-quality GPS for UTV trail riding can be a handy accessory to pinpoint your location and navigate your way through the trail system. A GPS for UTV trail riding includes special features, such as mapping capabilities, storage for additional maps, voice prompts, Bluetooth, an external antenna connector, an external power connection, an internal compass, and an altitude sensor.
With so many modern advancements in technology, the number of choices in today’s market can be overwhelming. Whether you are looking for durability, versatility, reliability, great value, or a user-friendly option, we took a look at the best GPS for UTV trail riding available today. Read on to see which product is the best fit for your outdoor lifestyle.
The Best GPS for UTV Trail Riding
This GPS is exceptionally versatile, and it is available in many different styles, ranging from a base model to one with an antenna, Bluetooth, and United States Topography. It can be used with two traditional AA batteries, or you can use a rechargeable NiMH battery pack, which can even be charged while inside the device. It features a sunlight-readable 2.6-inch color display and an internal memory of 4GB. With a weight of just over eight ounces, this GPS fits easily in your pocket. This model allows you to wirelessly upload data to Garmin Connect and view it on your smartphone as well as share activities as they happen with Live Track.
One downside of the Garmin GPSMAP 64s Worldwide is its download speed: downloading maps can take quite a long time with this model, so make sure you are prepared before heading out on your UTV riding trip.
- Extremely versatile
- Available in a number of different styles
- Can be used with two traditional AA batteries, or a rechargeable NiMH battery pack
- Brand Garmin
- Model 010-01199-10
- Weight 9.3 ounces
NiMH battery pack can be charged while inside device
Sunlight-readable 2.6-inch color display
4GB internal memory
Fits in your pocket
Wirelessly upload data to Garmin Connect
Issues with slow download speed
This product is available at an excellent price point and is a great option if you are looking for just a basic model. It has a preloaded worldwide basemap and a 2.2-inch sunlight-readable color display. This GPS is entirely weatherproof and built to hold up in tough conditions, including rain, sleet, hail, snow, and more. It requires two AA batteries, which can provide up to 25 hours of power. This model allows you to see high and low elevation points or store waypoints along a track. You can easily estimate the time and distance between points on the map.
While this GPS is a great budget-friendly option, it does not contain any special features: it is just a base model, so you can’t add any new maps.
- Excellent price point
- Great option if you are looking for just a basic model
- Preloaded worldwide basemap
- 2.2-inch sunlight-readable color display
- Brand Garmin
- Model 010-02256-00
- Weight 5 ounces
Completely weatherproof
Two AA batteries provide up to 25 hours of power
See high and low elevation points or store waypoints along a track
It does not contain any special features
Just a base model, so you can't add any new maps
This GPS is specifically designed for avid mountain bikers, and the device comes preloaded with maps of bike-friendly trails. However, many of these trails are also perfect for UTV riding and UTV trips. It has a user-friendly 2.7-inch touchscreen. The GPS is fully customizable and can easily be paired with a smartphone and various third-party apps. It will automatically store your riding history and allows you to plan out your next trip with the preloaded features. You can receive emails, text messages, and call alerts from your smartphone while riding. With the live/group tracking feature, you can go online to locate friends who are also out riding in real time.
One issue with this GPS is its maps: the preloaded maps are specifically meant for bike riding trails, so make sure that they are large enough and are UTV friendly before heading out on your trip.
- Preloaded with maps of bike-friendly trails
- User-friendly 2.7-inch touchscreen
- Brand Wahoo Fitness
- Model B07YMBXN79
Completely weatherproof
Two AA batteries provide up to 25 hours of power
See high and low elevation points or store waypoints along a track
It does not contain any special features
Just a base model, so you can't add any new maps
This GPS features a 2.2-inch 65K color sunlight-readable display with excellent resolution. It includes a preloaded worldwide basemap as well as 3.7 GB of internal memory and a microSD card slot that allows you to load a variety of additional maps. Another innovative feature is the built-in three-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass and barometric altimeter, which tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude. You can wirelessly share your waypoints, tracks, routes, and geocaches with other devices. You can even transfer your information by wirelessly connecting to any compatible Garmin device. This device can easily fit anywhere and measures just 2.1 inches by 4.0 inches by 1.3 inches.
While this is a great versatile GPS option, it’s not as durable as other models: the small screen is prone to scratches, so be careful when storing it or use a screen protector if possible.
- 2.2-inch 65K color sunlight-readable display
- Preloaded worldwide basemap
- 3.7 GB of internal memory and a microSD card slot
- Brand Garmin
- Model 010-01508-10
- Weight 5 ounces
Built-in three-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass and barometric altimeter
Wirelessly share your waypoints, tracks, routes and geocaches
Transfer your information by wirelessly connecting to any compatible Garmin device
Issues with durability
Prone to scratches
This GPS includes 250,000 preloaded worldwide geocaches from Geocaching.com. It also includes a one-year subscription to Birdseye Satellite Imagery with each purchase. This model has a battery life of about 16 hours when using the rechargeable Lithium-Ion one battery, and it can last up to 22 hours on two AA batteries. The GPS can easily locate and pinpoint your position by utilizing a WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, Hotfix satellite prediction, and Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) support. This allows the unit to work functionally even under heavy cover and in deep canyons. It has an 8-megapixel digital camera to capture higher quality images with excellent resolution. The full touchscreen model is very lightweight and can easily fit into your pocket.
Although this device may be out of many people’s budget, it comes with some of the best features and more preloaded geocaches than almost any other product on the market.
- Preloaded with a number of maps and special features
- Includes 250,000 preloaded worldwide geocaches from Geocaching.com
- Includes a one-year subscription to Birdseye Satellite Imagery
- Brand Garmin
- Model 010-01534-11
- Weight 10.2 ounces
Battery life of about 16 hours with rechargeable lithium-ion one battery, and 22 hours on two AA batteries
Easily locate and pinpoint your position by utilizing a WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, Hotfix satellite prediction and GLONASS support
Works even under heavy cover and in deep canyons
8-megapixel digital camera
One of the most expensive models on the market
This GPS features advanced navigation, including new alerts, preloaded maps, and turn-by-turn directions for on- and off-roading. It includes a battery life of up to 15 hours, depending on your specific usage. With a compatible device or smartphone, you can even send messages to other Edge 520 Plus users. You can also use the GroupTrack feature to allow your friends to find you while riding. The device is fully customizable, and you can add various apps through the Connect IQ store. The Trailforks app allows you to download trail maps for use offline from more than 80 countries. The maps include topographic information, points of interest, heatmaps, trail conditions, photos, videos, and much more.
Keep in mind that the screen size is relatively small and can be difficult to read at times, particularly in inclement weather or low visibility.
- Specifically designed for bike trail riding and compatible with numerous UTV trails
- Features advanced navigation, including alerts, preloaded maps, and turn-by-turn directions
- Brand Garmin
- Model 010-02083-00
- Weight 2.08 ounces
Battery life of up to 15 hours
Can send messages to other Edge 520 Plus users
GroupTrack feature allows your friends to find you while riding
Fully customizable
Screen size is fairly small and can be difficult to read at times
This GPS measures 1.7 inches by 7.5 inches by 3.7 inches, but it comes with several great features. The internal antenna with GPS and GLONASS satellite reception allows you to track your position in more challenging environments like caves or deep canyons. Each purchase of this GPS includes a free one-year BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription for real-life terrain views on your device. It comes with a built-in worldwide basemap with shaded relief, and it also supports Garmin topography maps, BlueChart g2 HD marine charts, custom maps, raster maps, vector maps, and more. The GPS is fully compatible with most mobile devices for automatic uploads, smart notifications. The LiveTrack allows you to share your path with your friends.
While this GPS is priced at a premium, if you are into riding your UTV in remote areas, this is a perfect option to fit your needs.
- Measures 1.7 inches by 7.5 inches by 3.7 inches
- Internal antenna with GPS and GLONASS satellite reception
- Brand Garmin
- Model 010-01607-00
- Weight 1 pound
Includes a free one-year BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription
Comes with a built-in worldwide basemap with shaded relief
Supports Garmin topography maps, BlueChart g2 HD marine charts, custom maps, raster maps, vector maps, and more
Fully compatible with most mobile devices
Priced at a premium
This GPS includes a 4-inch color touchscreen with an anti-glare display. It has been sealed and fully weatherproofed, with an IP67 rating for protection against both water and dust. The product can accurately track your speed in miles per hour using the GPS device or wheel sensor. It can also track your temperature, elevation, distance traveled or remaining, engine RPM, and battery voltage. A buddy tracking feature allows you to share your current location with up to 20 members of your riding group. The Bluetooth-enabled device allows you to use the intercom feature, phone dialing, messaging, and media controls while riding.
Priced at a premium, this GPS device may be out of budget for some people. However, if you are looking to use a device exclusively for UTV riding and nothing else, there may not be a more perfect product on the market to fit your needs.
- 4-inch color touchscreen with anti-glare display
- Sealed and fully weatherproofed, with an IP67 rating
- Brand Trail Tech
- Model 922-125
- Weight 1.5 pounds
Track your speed in miles per hour
Tracks the temperature, your elevation, distance travelled or remaining, engine RPM, and battery voltage
Buddy tracking feature allows you to share your current location with up to 20 members
May be out of budget for some people
Best GPS for UTV Trail Riding Buying Guide & FAQ
A GPS for UTV trail riding can be a handy product to pinpoint your location and navigate almost any type of trail system. This type of GPS comes in a wide variety of different brands, styles, and sizes. A quality GPS can help you plan your route ahead of time and find your location should you get lost or turned around while riding an intricate trail system.
The best GPS devices for UTV trail riding are extremely versatile products that can be used to navigate yourself through the great outdoors, whether you are on foot or riding on your UTV. Most of these products are made from durable, waterproof material built to withstand the test of time and hold up in all types of hazardous weather conditions, including rain, sleet, hail, wind, and snow.
The Advantages of Owning a GPS for UTV Trail Riding
There are several key advantages to owning and using a GPS for UTV trail riding. The most obvious benefit is that it can help you navigate intricate trail systems, even in remote areas without cell phone reception.
Most GPS devices are easy-to-use, durable, and feature a reliable satellite reception for use in even the most remote areas. Make sure to refer to our reviews to determine a specific product that best fits your outdoor lifestyle and needs.
- Most GPS devices for UTV trail riding have excellent satellite reception. They utilize the 24 satellites that are owned by the U.S. Department of Defense. Each model has varying reception levels, but most models can pick up your location depending on the number of satellites present in your area.
- It is important for your GPS to be a user-friendly model. Although each model has different functions and features, they are generally easy to use. Whether the GPS is of the touchscreen or button variety, it typically features a large screen that is easy to read or a large keyboard with buttons.
- GPS devices for UTV trail riding are typically built to last. Although they are often relatively lightweight and compact, they come with software updates and are built from completely weatherproof, water-resistant materials that can withstand potential drops or falls.
Types of GPS for UTV Trail Riding
There are three main types of GPS for UTV trail riding. Each type comes with its own set of unique advantages and features. Depending on your lifestyle and specific riding needs, you may require a different GPS type. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the different types before making your final purchase.
Touchscreen
Touchscreen GPS devices are generally easy to use, featuring a large screen for typing and reading your location. This type of GPS can be used in both portrait and landscape modes. It is easier to travel with this type of GPS because it is easy to store and fit in your pocket or attach to your UTV.
The one downside of the touchscreen is that it can be challenging to use in cold weather when wearing gloves on your hands.
Buttons
GPS devices with buttons are the more common and original type of GPS. Many of the more premium and highest-rated models still feature buttons. A GPS with buttons typically functions better than touchscreens during inclement weather conditions or extremely cold weather.
However, devices with buttons are bulkier than touchscreens, so if you are looking to travel with your GPS on long-distance rides or carry your GPS at any point inside your pocket, then a touchscreen may be the better option.
GLONASS
A relatively new technological development allows your GPS to connect to the GLONASS satellite system. If your GPS features GLONASS capabilities, it can improve GPS performance in deep canyons and under heavy coverage. It also allows your GPS device to work better in the northern latitudes.
You will need to turn on the GLONASS setting to use it and note that it will drain your GPS battery considerably quicker when the setting is enabled.
What to Consider When Buying a GPS for UTV Trail Riding
Consider all three types of GPS devices and different models from various reputable manufacturers. Reliability, durability, ease of use, and versatility are important features to consider before purchasing. Also, keep in mind what kind of situations you will use your GPS in and what kind of weather conditions.
Make sure to familiarize yourself with the different types, brands, and features of each GPS for UTV trail riding before making your final purchase.
The Most Important Features of GPS for UTV Trail Riding
If you are an outdoor enthusiast who frequently uses your UTV throughout the year, it is imperative to find a high-quality GPS for UTV trail riding that offers maximum reliability and safety while navigating intricate trail systems in the most remote locations. You should consider several key features to find the best GPS for UTV trail riding to best fit your outdoor lifestyle.
Speed
The speed of your GPS is an important consideration. The best way to determine if the speed will be enough for you is to visit a store and try out the GPS in person, if possible. If you are choosing between a few models, try them out by searching for your location to see which one works the fastest. Most modern models are quite fast, although some are known to have longer processing speeds than others.
Display
The type of display and display quality are other important features to consider. Whether you have a touchscreen or button type of GPS, there are several key display features to look at when making a decision. A backlit display can be important for reading your GPS in direct sunlight or during twilight hours. The display’s size can also be an important factor, particularly if you are considering the touchscreen variety.
Maps
The mapping software and the number of maps included are both extremely important factors to consider for your GPS device. Many modern GPS devices have software that includes smartphone app integration and compatible with your computer’s operating system. Some GPS models come with many maps included, while others require you to purchase a map subscription to keep your maps updated.
Best GPS for UTV Trail Riding FAQ:
Understanding the different types of GPS for UTV trail riding and the one that is the best fit for your needs is the key to ensuring proper protection and safety while navigating various trail systems. You may still have questions when it comes to choosing the right product, and we have answers.
Our top-rated GPS for off-road riding is the Garmin GPSMAP 64s Worldwide, but there are also several other great models available. Make sure to read all of our reviews before deciding on the best GPS to fit your needs best.
There are several great trail systems for UTV riding in the U.S. Before setting out on your trip, make sure that your GPS is fully charged and programmed with trail systems for the specific location where you will be riding.
We highly recommend wearing long pants and a breathable long sleeve shirt for a UTV trail ride. You also must wear a helmet, goggles, and a bandanna or mask to fully protect your face.
Our Top Pick
The Garmin GPSMAP 64s Worldwide is our choice for the best overall GPS for UTV trail riding. This GPS is exceptionally versatile and is available in many different styles, ranging from a base model to one with an antenna, Bluetooth, and United States Topography maps.
Final Thoughts
For the best overall GPS for UTV trail riding, consider the Garmin GPSMAP 64s Worldwide, featuring a sunlight-readable 2.6-inch color display and an expanded internal memory of 4GB. Or, consider the budget-friendly Garmin eTrex 22x, featuring a preloaded worldwide basemap and a 2.2-inch sunlight-readable color display.
Final Thoughts:
- All-terrain Vehicle – Wikipedia