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In Garmin automotive model names, EX means “exclusive or dealer exclusively sold devices.” It does not identify one universal product series or guarantee a particular set of maps, traffic features, connectors, or accessories. Check the full model name and regional configuration before buying.
What does EX mean on a Garmin GPS?
Garmin Support defines the label this way: “NOTE: Garmin automotive models labeled EX stands for Exclusive or dealer exclusively sold devices.” Garmin’s dealer-exclusive automotive GPS models page gives examples, rather than describing EX as a single standardized product family.
For example, Garmin says the DriveSmart 55 EX is comparable to the DriveSmart 55. Other EX-labeled models have their own model-specific notes, including differences in map regions, traffic support, connectors, and package contents. The letters EX alone therefore do not tell you what a particular device includes.
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EXO is a separate term used for the stainless-steel antenna on Garmin’s discontinued fēnix 3 GPS sports watch. Garmin says that antenna supports GPS and GLONASS reception. It is not evidence of an “EX series” of outdoor watches or navigators. Garmin’s fēnix 3 product page describes the watch and its EXO antenna.
#1 Best Overall
- Bright, high-resolution 5” glass capacitive touchscreen display lets you easily view your route
- Get more situational awareness with alerts for school zones, speed changes, sharp curves and more
- View food, fuel and rest areas along your active route, and see upcoming cities and milestones
- View Tripadvisor traveler ratings for top-rated restaurants, hotels and attractions to help you make the most of road trips
- Directory of U.S. national parks simplifies navigation to entrances, visitor centers and landmarks within the parks
What to check on an EX-labeled navigator
Compare the precise device and package, not just the EX suffix. Garmin’s support listing documents differences among EX models, so verify these details against the listing for the exact model and region. Garmin’s EX model listing
- Full model name and part number: Confirm that the seller’s listing matches the Garmin model you intend to buy.
- Maps and region: Check which countries or map region are included; some EX entries specify regional map differences.
- Traffic method: Look for a compatible receiver, phone-based traffic option, or no traffic capability. Availability depends on the model and region.
- Connector, power cable, and box contents: Check the connector type and included items for that exact unit. Garmin identifies USB-C and cable or adapter details for certain newer DriveSmart EX models.
- Storage-card compatibility: If you need a microSD card, confirm the supported size and type for the specific device rather than relying on a generic Garmin compatibility claim. Garmin’s automotive SD-card guidance
How Garmin traffic support varies
Traffic features depend on the navigator, the traffic service available in your area, and how the device receives data. Garmin’s DriveSmart 50/60/70 traffic documentation describes these options for the models covered by that manual:
Rank #2
- 7” high-resolution navigator includes map updates of North America .Special Feature:Easy-To-Read Display; Voice Assist; Hands-Free Calling; Live Traffic and Weather; Traffic Cams and Parking; Smart Notifications,Driver Alerts; Tripadvisor; National Parks Directory; Find Places by Name; Garmin Real Directions Feature.
- Hands-free calling when paired with your compatible smartphone with BLUETOOTH technology and convenient Garmin voice assist lets you ask for directions to places you want to go
- Road trip–ready features include the HISTORY database of notable sites, a U.S. national parks directory, Tripadvisor traveler ratings and millions of Foursquare POIs
- Driver alerts for things such as school zones, sharp curves and speed changes help encourage safer driving and increase situational awareness
- Access live traffic, fuel prices, parking, weather and smart notifications when you pair this navigator with your compatible smartphone running the Garmin Drive app
- Models ending in LT or LMT include an FM traffic receiver.
- Models ending in LMT-D or LMTHD include a digital traffic receiver.
- Traffic may also be available through Smartphone Link as a subscription service.
These suffix details apply to the manual-covered DriveSmart 50/60/70 models; they should not be assumed for every EX navigator. Garmin also notes that traffic is not available in all areas or on all models. Receiver traffic requires a supported device, the appropriate cable and vehicle power, as well as signal coverage.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 6” high-resolution navigator includes map updates of North America
- Hands-free calling when paired with your compatible smartphone with BLUETOOTH technology and convenient Garmin voice assist lets you ask for directions to places you want to go
- Road trip–ready features include the HISTORY database of notable sites, a U.S. national parks directory, Tripadvisor traveler ratings and millions of Foursquare POIs
- Driver alerts for things such as school zones, sharp curves and speed changes help encourage safer driving and increase situational awareness
- Access live traffic, fuel prices, parking, weather and smart notifications when you pair this navigator with your compatible smartphone running the Garmin Drive app
Rank #3
- Explore confidently with the reliable handheld GPS
- 2.2” sunlight-readable color display with 240 x 320 display pixels for improved readability
- Preloaded with Topo Active maps with routable roads and trails for cycling and hiking
- Support for GPS and GLONASS satellite systems allows for tracking in more challenging environments than GPS alone
- 8 GB of internal memory for map downloads plus a micro SD card slot
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
