With more and more passenger cars coming on the road with on-board navigation systems, and smartphones with the ability to navigate apps like Google Maps, it may seem a little silly to consider buying a separate GPS unit, turn by turn. And you might be fine if you stick to paved roads and freeways — but if you’re someone who finds yourself four-wheeling on unimproved roads, old cart paths, and off-road trails, the Garmin Tread 2 might be one of the best investments you make this year.
In this review, I will talk about the last three months of my life with Tread 2 Overland. We’ll discuss its on-road features, as well as the benefits of superior weather protection and off-road capabilities. As a guy who has relied on Google Maps for the past decade, I can now say with confidence that its accuracy and alerts are nothing compared to what Tread 2 offers. But all that comes with a few changes from what I’m used to.
The Garmin Tread 2 is a stand-alone satellite-mounted GPS unit that comes in six different versions, depending on what type of trip you’re into. The Powersport, SXS, XL Baja Chase, and XL Baja Race versions have features and accessories designed for ATV, UTV, and powersport-based adventures. The Overland system is packed with features, but it’s geared more towards on- and off-road fun that doesn’t require a roll cage, helmet, goggles, and a line of Red Bull IVs strapped to your neck.
All standard models have an 8” touchscreen while the XL models have a 10.1” touchscreen. They’re also rated IP6X and IPX7, which means they’re sealed tightly so no dust or debris can get in, but they’re not rated for submersion. Don’t worry, you can still get them wet – just don’t take them swimming. This protection comes right down to the wires and holes that are designed to withstand the elements.
Additionally, each model is good for up to 7 hours of battery life, features 10 Hz Multi-GNSS satellite positioning with incredible accuracy, and can pair with Garmin’s inReach devices. XL versions are built into the InReach.
I chose the Overland version because it includes twist-and-turn navigation on roads and highways, as well as unpaved roads, trails, etc. This includes US Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Maps and Adventure Roads and Trails map content by state. Accessible in different map layers, these features show all those roads and paths that don’t have a street name or a route number that require you to open the tasty traffic, switch to four-wheel-drive, and go smoothly and down the mud and walls. There are also the added benefits of having over 46,000 campsites across the US pre-loaded on the unit.
Garmin Tread 2 vs. Garmin Tread
With these Tread 2 units starting at $1000, they are an investment to say the least. If you’re someone who already owns the original Tread, you’re probably wondering if it’s worth upgrading. So, I will say this – although there is not much difference between the first Tread and Tread 2, it is very important.
- Standing: Tread 2 features multi-band GNSS. What does this mean? Many satellites! This allows direct tracking without delay. Besides directions, this improves both traffic and weather alerts.
- Maps: Tread 2 has high-detail maps, advanced mapping tools, and easy editing and sharing capabilities. Using both the Explore and Tread Apps on your phone creates unparalleled navigation and mobility.
- USB-C charging: As the world does its best to integrate charging, I’m glad Garmin jumped on the USB-C bandwagon because those are the only cables I carry.
These features don’t make the original Tread obsolete, but they make the Tread 2 even more attractive. I don’t know if it’s enough for someone to upgrade to 2 from the original Tread, but if someone wanted to buy one of them, I’d tell them to ignore the crazy deals you can get on the original Tread and go straight to the next one.
Navigation, Generally
The convenience of having the ability to call your destination on an app or navigation unit alone has made us dependent on their benefits. Is this a bad thing? Well, no – at least until you get in and find yourself worried, you should check the road signs and memory.
While most of us are familiar with Google Maps for its reliability and usability, I can’t sing the praises of Tread 2’s navigation interface and software. And a lot of that has to do with the traffic and weather alerts I get when I’m NOT using navigation.
A few weeks ago, I was coming home from my friend’s house without the need for assistance to walk. With the Tread 2 installed in my 4Runner, it alerted me to a potential hazard that would have kept me stuck in traffic for half an hour.
Additionally, the Tread 2 allowed me to unsubscribe from a popular off-road navigation service. I’ve been using that service for years to create routes, and it’s been great. However, it depends on the mobile service and, in this case, it would require me to have two different services that are not connected to each other to do the same thing. With Garmin Explore, I can seamlessly share anything and everything I’ve done between Garmin Devices. Which means I can see my hiking trails on both devices – some of which coincide with my off-road trails.
Vehicle Profiles / Navigation / Pitch & Roll
Tread 2 allows users to create vehicle profiles, which include vehicle type, width and height, ground clearance, and other information that will influence the driver’s recommended routes. Those routes can also be modified depending on how aggressive you want your ride to be.
This also helps with the Pitch & Roll feature. On the surface, it looks cool to see the angles your car is at, but at its core – this helps Garmin’s software determine which route is best for you. Considering the type of vehicle, height, and ground clearance, it may recommend a safer route, rather than one to roll your vehicle over.
It’s the little things that make a big difference.
Transfer Between Vehicles
The Tread 2 features a magnetic mount that attaches to the ball mount. This allows you to create a RAM arm mount that works for your specific vehicle. The magnetic mount also makes it easy to transfer your unit from your passenger car to an ATV or UTV. All you need to do is change your car’s profile to match what you’re driving, and your navigation experience is automatically adjusted to that car’s capabilities.
Display size, touch screen, and relationship
One thing I like about the Tread 2 Overland is the 8″ touchscreen display, which also comes with gloves. The images on the screen are large, allowing you to make adjustments and selections while driving without completely taking your focus off the driving.
You can switch between maps and weather, and access in-depth information about traffic and weather alerts easily. Garmin has done a good job of matching the features of its software with the capabilities of the touchscreen. You never have to hunt for buttons to try to find something. You can also change what you see on your screen based on the information you want. I like knowing where I’m going and what the altitude is, but seeing where the sun goes down is also a nice addition. For me, it creates a symbiosis between Garmin’s mobile and wearable products.
Echoing what I said earlier about the convenience of having these types of navigation services and not having them, all of a sudden, familiarity is a big part of that. Standard connections eliminate maintenance times and learning curves. The Tread 2 works similarly to the Montana 710, which also has the same connectivity as the Instinct 3 smartwatch. That connectivity is enhanced by the all-inclusive Explore app, allowing you to share information across devices. Using all three together created an all-encompassing experience that I really benefit from.
Other Notable Features
There’s no way I can cover everything the Tread 2 has to offer in this review, but there are a few other features I want to mention.
- Group Rides: If you are driving with a group of friends, you can always keep in touch with them with this feature. This can be accomplished via Bluetooth or by adding a Group Ride Radio, turning the Tread 2 into a really cool CB-style radio.
- Media Player: Music turns a good time into a good time. The Tread 2 has a built-in music player that allows you to play music via Bluetooth or off a microSD card that you can insert into the area near the USB-C port. With a 256GB card capacity, you might want to limit those Grateful Dead jams to a few of your core favorites.
Outdoor Maps+
If you’re someone, like me, who owns multiple Garmin products, you’ll enjoy the added benefits of Garmin’s Outdoor Maps+ subscription. This service allows you to unlock multiple map layers, such as public and private land boundaries, well-known wildlife hotspots, and additional features to enhance your navigation experience.
I bought the annual plan, and it was a pleasure to add the aforementioned enhancements – as well as more detailed topo map layers.
In conclusion
Don’t tell my editor, but sitting down to write this review was HUGE in editing. I have a lot to say about the benefits of having the Tread 2 guide my 4Runner on all kinds of on- and off-road adventures, so I needed to choose which ones to write about.
That said, in an effort to wrap this up, I’ll leave you with this: not only does Tread 2 have basic turning directions, but it also has the ability to add maps and layers to zero in on your needs. It has premium features like weather, and weather alerts. It also has traffic alerts – which don’t require you to navigate to receive them. For those with a lead foot, the Tread 2 can alert you when the speed limit changes on established roads and highways.
Additionally, there are road-specific features such as pitch and roll, and height, all of which take their cue from your vehicle’s profiles. Considering its portability and ability to withstand the elements, Tread is not only the right choice for your truck or SUV, but also for your ATV or UTV.
If you are a fan of Garmin products, especially if you are someone who uses their other devices, you are the type of person who will benefit from the Tread 2 Overland or other available versions of the Tread 2.
Garmin Tread 2 – Ports. Photo: Nick LeFort