Garmin nuvi 2370LT Portable GPS Satellite Navigation Device Review

Garmin’s nuvi 2370LT model packs the majority of the advanced navigation features available from Garmin without the new capacitive multi-touch display of the 3700 series. The nuvi 2370LT comes with transatlantic maps, an FM traffic receiver and lifetime traffic updates. It has a widescreen 4.3 inch touch display for easy viewing of maps and navigation instructions. As well as Bluetooth for hands free phone calls the 2370LT has a voice-activated command capability. Other highlights are lane assist with junction view, trafficTrends historical traffic, myTrends predictive routing and ecoRoute.

Garmin nuvi 2370LT GPS Navigator

While the nuvi 2370LT 4.3 inche resistive touch display is of an excellent size it is of lower resolution at WQVGA (480 x 272 pixels) compared to the capacitive touch display WVGA (800 x 480 pixels) of the 3700 series. While the nuvi 2370 display is just as functional, it does not have the same sharpness.

Voice Control – nuvi 2370LT

Starting voice-activated navigation begins with a customizable wake-up phrase. Using voice commands to navigate menus improves safety by allowing the driver to keep his/her eyes on the road ahead.

Voice Control Video nuvi 3790T

Although the video below is for the nuvi 3790T, model it demonstrates the voice activated navigation.

Hands-Free Calling – Bluetooth Wireless Technology

Another feature of the Garmin nuvi 2370LT which improves safety by allowing drivers to keep their eyes safely on the road is Bluetooth technology for hands-free phone calls. Calls can be made using the nuvi’s large touchscreen keypad, the personalized phone book or your own phones call history log.

Garmin trafficTrends and myTrends

Garmin’s trafficTrends is a method of route computation based on historical traffic data including any recurring trends for time of day. This feature will likely become more accurate as historical data accumulates from the data updates which are piggybacked on software updates.

Garmin myTrends is an intuitive feature which uses clues such as the time and location you turn on your GPS to predict what the intended destination may be from stored frequent destinations. Creatures of habit could save time with this functionality.

Navigating with the Garmin nuvi 2370LT

Many destination selection options are available with the 2370LT. The touchscreen keyboard can be used for address entry or the map used for browsing and double tapping to select a destination directly. The searchable, 6 million entry POI database is the choice for locating services, retail, ATM and other such locations. You can even create and store your own POI for later use. Geotagged photos of your own or downloaded from Garmin Connect Photos can also be used to select a destination. One can also make use of a feature available with Google Maps and Mapquest which lets you to download a destination you have found (GPS coordinates and address) directly to your Garmin GPS navigator.

Maps can be displayed in either 2D or 3D perspective views depending on preference.

The 2370LT has two useful features which assist drivers in staying on route through complicated multi-lane intersections; Lane Assist which indicates the correct lane to be in for and upcoming turn and Junction View which provides a larger, more detailed view of a junction.

In an emergency, the Where Am I? emergency locator can find the closest hospitals, police stations, fuel stations and the nearest address and intersections.

Routing Calculation Options

There are numerous options for setting route calculation priorities including;

Route avoidance (avoid highways, tolls etc.)
Choice of route setup (shorter distance, faster time, off road and less fuel)
Auto sort multiple destinations (up to 10 destinations – ideal for delivery runs)
Auto re-route (fast off-route and detour recalculation)

ecoRoute

A relatively new feature with Garmin nuvi models, ecoRoute assists drivers in saving fuel by determining suitably optimized routes when the Less Fuel routing option has been chosen. The route calculation takes into consideration; fuel consumption rates, estimated driving speeds and vehicle acceleration data. Efficient driving skills can be strengthened with feedback from ecoRoute’s Fuel Report and Mileage Report can help with the development of more fuel efficient driving skills.

Built-in Traffic Receiver with Lifetime Traffic Subscription

The Garmin nuvi 2370LT has a FM TMC (Traffic Message Channel) traffic receiver allowing it to provide driver alerts and plot routes around traffic delays. TMC data provides quick, accurate notification of situations impacting traffic such as accidents, road construction, police and emergency services. Read our technical guide on FM Traffic for more detailed information. It might also be worth considering the advantages provided by Gamin’s new wireless 3G transmitter/receiver enabled nuLink! facility on the Garmin nüvi 1690 which delivers a number of live information services including: traffic, Google Local Search, White Pages, gas prices, Ciao!, weather, movie times and local events.

Pedestrian Navigation Mode

As the Garmin nuvi 2370LT is ideal for pedestrian mode navigation, it’s well worth considering purchasing the compatible cityXplorer maps. They have enhanced pedestrian navigation features including; directions for where to walk, where to catch the bus, subway, tram or other transportation. In some cities, transit schedules, such as subway or bus times, are available. cityXplorer maps are available for select cities throughout North America and Europe for a very reasonable price of about $10.
It is worth noting that the battery life is 4 hours so it needs to be managed when in pedestrian mode.

Read our technical guide to GPS III and discover how the soon to be launched next generation of GPS satellites will significantly enhance pedestrian navigation.

Other Features

Included with the nuvi 2370LT are some useful travel tools including; a picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, calculator, currency converter and measurement converter. Garmin Lock, an anti-theft feature, and is compatible with Garmin Garage where you can download free vehicles and voices. It should be noted that the 2370LT does not play audio files (MP3) or incorporate an audio book player. For loading photos and maps there is a microSD slot for which one might need an adapter for a standard size SD card from a digital camera.

Garmin Nuvi 2370LT – In the Box

nuvi 2370T
Preloaded City Navigator NT North America (U.S. , Canada) and Europe (maps vary with country of purchase)
Vehicle suction cup active mount
FM Traffic Receiver with vehicle power cable
Lifetime traffic
USB cable
Dashboard disc
Quick start manual

Summary

As mentioned, the Garmin 2370LT has most of the advanced Garmin navigation features. So for the GPS navigation shopper, it is offering a less expensive choice to the higher end Garmin nuvi 3700 models which have the latest, sharpest resolution capacitive multi-touch display with a thinner, lighter form factor.