Garmin nuvi 2360LT GPS unit

The Garmin nuvi 2360LT is a mid-range GPS navigation unit that provides a rich feature list for a reasonable price. In addition to now-standard features like lane guidance, built-in live traffic updates and Bluetooth hands-free, Garmin's nuvi 2360LT also boasts a dedicated pedestrian mode and voice commands.

The Garmin nuvi 2360LT is a compact yet straightforward GPS, like most of the models in Garmin's nuvi range. The matte black plastic and round edges won't win any design awards, but the nuvi 2360LT feels relatively well constructed. It has a 4.3in widescreen display that is easy to read, but its performance in direct sunlight could have been improved. On a bright summer's day, the nuvi 2360LT screen's poor viewing angles made it difficult to read.

The Garmin nuvi 2360LT's user interface is simple and very effective; menu items are accompanied by either large boxes with text or clearly labelled icons, the map screen is clear, and the touch screen is responsive. The key navigation features are all top notch — street names on the map are clear, safety alerts include an audible alert and voice warning, and voice guidance is excellent. The Garmin nuvi 2360LT includes an Australian text-to-speech voice that pronounce most street names accurately, while the unit is quick to find a GPS signal, and reroutes swiftly when you take a wrong turn.

Garmin promotes its pedestrian mode as one of the nuvi 2360LT's key features, and it can be used in both portrait and landscape modes. A nifty built-in compass aids navigation, and the map screen is clear and has a top-down view. We're not sure this is such an important feature given the prevalence of navigation-equipped smartphones, but the nuvi 2660LT remains excellent at pedestrian navigation.

Garmin uses Whereis maps for its nuvi units, and although the nuvi 2360LT missed a few 'no right turns', the maps warned of all the red light cameras we passed during testing. Like most GPS units the nuvi 2360LT prefers to use main roads rather than faster back streets, but it has maps of both Australia and New Zealand preloaded.

The Garmin nuvi 2360LT allows you to begin a route by simply speaking to the unit. Use the default "voice command" phrase (which is customisable) to initiate the feature and the nuvi 2360LT will display a clear list of command options on the screen. Employing the feature to find a specific address is a drawn out process, but it is reasonably accurate and effective for simpler destinations, such as a saved home address or recent locations.

Garmin's advanced lane guidance is the best we've seen on any GPS unit. Called Real View Advanced Lane Guidance, the nuvi 2360LT displays an image of the road and its surroundings, along with road signs identical to those used in the real world. The static image appears on the screen in the lead up to turn offs and is especially useful on busy freeway and motorway junctions.

The Garmin nuvi 2360LT also includes a lifetime subscription to the SUNA Traffic Channel. However, you'll need to have the included car charger plugged in to receive traffic information, as this includes an FM receiver that powers the SUNA service.

Bluetooth is included for hands-free calling and once the nuvi 2360LT is paired with your mobile phone you can browse your phonebook, read and send messages, use voice dialling and access your call history. Like most GPS units, the built-in microphone has questionable quality.

The Garmin nuvi 2360LT also provides an "ecoRoute" feature. This function can display a fuel report and choose an economical route. After entering the cost of fuel and your car's rated fuel economy, the nuvi 2360LT presents a report detailing the cost of fuel used, the carbon footprint and your average fuel economy based on your trips. When in use, ecoRoute will also preview your route before it begins by displaying the total fuel cost — this information is calculated based on the fuel price, type and fuel economy entered into the vehicle profile menu. ecoRoute also has a "Driving Challenge" feature that tests your driving habits, in particular your ability to smoothly accelerate and decelerate. For business users, a mileage report is great for keeping a record for tax purposes.

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