Find Your Way with Our Range of 4x4 GPS Navigation
Not all GPS units are built for what's beyond the black top. The real difference between a standard on-road GPS and a genuine 4x4 GPS navigation unit comes down to the mapping data: one gets you to the servo, the other reads terrain, tracks and points of interest the way a paper map would. Whether you're upgrading your dash, kitting out for a lap of Australia, or want a backup for when you're on foot, our offroad GPS range runs from vehicle-specific head units through to handheld satellite communicators.
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With a standard on-road GPS you get turn-by-turn directions and not much else, which is fine for the daily commute but leaves you short once the sealed road runs out. An off-road GPS is built differently. It's loaded with topographic mapping data showing elevation, terrain features and remote tracks that a standard road map doesn't carry, so you can read the country around you instead of just following a line on a screen. Most off-road GPS units handle everyday road driving just as well too, so you're not giving anything up by choosing one.
Portable GPS or an in-dash head unit — which suits you?
A portable GPS is a standalone unit you mount on the dash or windscreen and can move between vehicles. An in-dash head unit replaces your factory stereo and stays fitted to one vehicle. Both do the same core job of off-road navigation; the choice comes down to how permanent you want the setup to be.
- Want a unit that moves with you between cars, caravans or a mate's rig? Go portable like the Garmin Tread or Drive range, or a Hema HX-2+.
- After a factory-look upgrade with a bigger screen built into the dash? Our Polaris head units are made to fit specific vehicle models, so check the listing matches your make and model before ordering.
- Heading out on foot rather than on wheels? A satellite communicator is a different category again, covered below.
Screen size is worth thinking about too. Portable units in our range run from a 5-inch Garmin Drive up to a 7-inch RV-specific screen, while Polaris in-dash head units come in 9-inch, 10.1-inch and 13-inch options depending on the vehicle.
Head units built for specific vehicles
Our Polaris head unit range covers fitments for Toyota (LandCruiser 70, 76, 78, 79 and 200 Series, Prado, Hilux), Nissan (Patrol GU, Navara), Mazda BT50 and Volkswagen, plus universal options for vehicles without a listed model-specific unit.
Tough units for off-road, powersport and hiking
For anything that's going to cop a hiding, the Garmin Tread range is built for it. The Garmin Tread 2 GPS Navigator | Overland Edition and the Tread 2 Powersport model are both designed for serious off-road and ATV work, and Hema's HX-2+ is built specifically for Australian touring and remote travel.
If you're leaving the vehicle behind, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 and inReach Explorer+ are satellite communicators rather than road navigators. They use satellite coverage rather than mobile phone signal, so they can send two-way messages and trigger an SOS alert even well outside phone range, which makes them a genuinely different tool to a vehicle GPS.
Browse by GPS type using the filters (or the filter menu on mobile) to narrow things down to portable or in-dash units, or check out our GPS accessories for mounts, cases and screen protection. If you're not sure which unit suits your vehicle or your trip, reach out and we'll help you sort it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a normal GPS and an off-road GPS?
A standard GPS is built for road navigation only, giving you turn-by-turn directions between set points. An off-road GPS adds topographic mapping, showing terrain, elevation and remote tracks, so you can navigate by what's actually around you when you're off the sealed road.
Will an off-road GPS still work for everyday driving?
Yes. Most off-road GPS units handle standard road navigation just as well as a dedicated on-road unit, so you're not giving up everyday usability by choosing one built for touring.
What's the difference between a portable GPS and an in-dash head unit?
A portable GPS is a standalone unit you mount and can move between vehicles. An in-dash head unit is fitted permanently and typically matches a specific vehicle model, so it's worth checking fitment for your make and model before you buy.
Do off-road GPS units need phone signal to work?
No. Dedicated GPS units navigate using satellite GPS signal and maps stored on the device, not mobile data, so they keep working in areas with no phone reception.
What is a satellite communicator like the Garmin inReach?
It's a handheld device that sends two-way messages and can trigger an SOS alert over satellite coverage rather than mobile phone signal. It's built for hikers and travellers heading off-grid, and it's a different tool to a vehicle GPS.
Can I fit an in-dash head unit myself?
Some people do fit these themselves, but professional installation is recommended to make sure the wiring and any vehicle-specific features are integrated correctly.
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