Garmin dēzl LGV720 Truck GPS Sat Nav Review: The Professional Driver’s Co-Pilot Examined

I remember the moment vividly. It was a crisp autumn afternoon, and I was navigating a fully-loaded 44-tonne artic through the winding backroads of the Cotswolds, a detour forced by a sudden motorway closure. My standard car GPS, blissfully unaware of the behemoth I was piloting, confidently chirped, “Turn right in 200 yards.” The turn in question was a hairpin bend onto a single-track lane flanked by ancient stone walls, with a charming but perilously low-arched railway bridge looming just beyond. It was an impossible manoeuvre. The sinking feeling in my stomach, the frantic search for a safe place to turn around, and the hour lost backtracking—that’s a feeling every professional driver knows and dreads. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a costly, stressful, and potentially dangerous reality. Relying on consumer-grade navigation in a commercial vehicle is a high-stakes gamble with low bridges, weight restrictions, and unsuitable roads. The need for a dedicated, intelligent co-pilot has never been more critical.

What to Consider Before Buying a Truck-Specific GPS Unit

A truck-specific GPS unit is more than just an item on a dashboard; it’s a key solution for professional logistics, safety, and efficiency. It’s a specialised tool engineered to solve the unique challenges faced by HGV drivers. Unlike car sat navs that prioritise the shortest or fastest route for a standard vehicle, a truck GPS calculates paths based on your vehicle’s specific dimensions—height, weight, length, width, and even hazardous material classification. The main benefits are profound: avoiding costly fines from entering restricted zones, preventing catastrophic bridge strikes, saving fuel by eliminating unnecessary detours, and significantly reducing driver stress. It’s about proactive planning, not reactive problem-solving. A device like the Garmin dēzl LGV720 Truck GPS Sat Nav transforms the cab into a mobile command centre, providing foresight that a simple map app could never offer.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a professional long-haul or regional HGV driver, a fleet manager aiming to optimise routes and ensure compliance, or even a motorhome or caravan owner navigating a large recreational vehicle. They are individuals facing the daily complexities of restricted roads, tight delivery windows, and the constant need for real-time information on traffic and available services. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who only drive standard passenger cars or small vans. For them, the detailed truck-specific features would be superfluous, and a standard GPS or smartphone app would suffice. For those who need navigation for other pursuits, like hiking or running, dedicated devices for those activities would be a far better investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Screen Size: In a truck cab, visibility is paramount. A larger screen, like the 7-inch display on the Garmin dēzl LGV720, allows for at-a-glance comprehension without taking your eyes off the road for long. Consider the mounting options and where the unit will sit; it must not obstruct your view but needs to be easily accessible. The clarity and brightness of the display in direct sunlight are also non-negotiable features.
• Routing & Performance: The core of the device is its routing engine. How quickly does it calculate or recalculate complex, truck-profile-based routes? Look for systems that offer custom routing based on vehicle size and weight, and provide clear warnings for upcoming hazards like bridge heights, sharp curves, and steep gradients. Live traffic data is essential for dynamic re-routing to avoid costly delays.
• Specialised Features & Durability: A professional tool must be robust enough to withstand the vibrations and temperature fluctuations of a truck cab. Beyond basic navigation, evaluate the value of specialised features. Does it include a directory of truck-specific points of interest (POIs) like truck stops, repair services, and weigh stations? Advanced features like BirdsEye Satellite Imagery for arrival planning or environmental zone warnings can be game-changers for efficiency.
• Ease of Use & Connectivity: The user interface should be intuitive, with large touchpoints and clear menus that can be operated quickly and safely. Voice control is a massive plus, allowing for hands-free operation. Consider its connectivity options—how does it receive live data? Typically, this is via a Bluetooth connection to a smartphone app, so ensure compatibility and be mindful of mobile data usage.

Understanding these elements will ensure you invest in a tool that doesn’t just show you the way, but actively makes your job safer, easier, and more profitable.

While the Garmin dēzl LGV720 Truck GPS Sat Nav is an excellent choice for HGV professionals, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition in the broader navigation market. For a comprehensive look at top models designed for different types of vehicles, including two-wheelers where space and durability are just as critical, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Garmin dēzl LGV720 Truck GPS Sat Nav

Opening the box of the Garmin dēzl LGV720 Truck GPS Sat Nav, the first thing we noticed was the unit’s substantial, professional feel. This isn’t a flimsy, lightweight gadget; it has a reassuring heft and a build quality that speaks to its intended environment inside a working truck cab. The 7-inch capacitive touchscreen is the star of the show—bright, crisp, and immediately responsive. The bezels are reasonably slim, maximising the screen real estate without making the unit itself overly bulky. Included in the box is a very robust vehicle suction cup mount with a magnetic attachment point. We found this to be incredibly satisfying; the GPS clicks into place with a powerful magnetic grip, making it easy to mount and remove without fumbling with clips. The power cable is a 12/24V CLA adapter, designed for commercial vehicle power sockets. Setup was straightforward, guiding us through language selection, map updates via Wi-Fi, and the all-important step of creating a custom truck profile. Entering our test vehicle’s height, weight, length, and cargo type was intuitive, and the device immediately began tailoring its behaviour to these parameters. It’s clear from the outset that this is a purpose-built tool designed with serious functionality in mind, a notable step up from more generic navigation devices. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its capabilities.

A Deep Dive into the Garmin dēzl LGV720 Truck GPS Sat Nav’s Performance

A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a device like this, you have to live with it on the road. We spent extensive time putting the Garmin dēzl LGV720 Truck GPS Sat Nav through its paces on a variety of routes, from motorways to challenging A-roads and complex industrial estates. This is a tool that reveals its true value not in the first five minutes, but over hundreds of miles, where its specialised features actively work to mitigate the daily challenges of professional driving.

The Core Function: Custom Truck Routing & Safety Alerts in Practice

This is the absolute cornerstone of the device, and we found it to be impressively robust. The initial setup of our truck profile was simple but detailed, allowing us to input precise dimensions (13.6m length, 4.2m height, 44 tonnes gross weight). Immediately, the map began to reflect these constraints. Roads with restrictions were visibly marked, and route planning fundamentally changed. We plotted a course designed to fail a standard sat nav—one that passed under a notorious 4.0m bridge and through a village with a 7.5-tonne weight limit. The Garmin dēzl LGV720 Truck GPS Sat Nav didn’t just avoid these hazards; it intelligently routed us on a parallel A-road that was fully compliant, adding only minimal time to the journey. The alerts are what truly elevate the experience. Long before approaching a sharp bend, a steep gradient, or a potential crosswind zone, a clear, audible, and visual warning appears on screen. This proactive information allows the driver to adjust their speed and prepare, enhancing safety immeasurably.

However, no system is infallible. We noted some user feedback suggesting that on rare occasions, the device might choose a route that seems longer or slower than a known local alternative. We experienced this once, where it preferred a major dual carriageway over a slightly shorter, but perfectly viable, truck-friendly A-road. This often comes down to the routing preferences selected in the settings (e.g., “Fastest Time” vs. “Shortest Distance”). As one user aptly put it, it’s a top-tier navigator, but “you have to know how to use it.” Taking the time to properly configure these settings is crucial to getting the best performance. The power here lies in its customisation, and for professionals who invest that initial time, this feature alone justifies the investment by preventing a single costly mistake.

Final-Mile Precision: BirdsEye Satellite Imagery and dēzl Community Insights

For many drivers, the most stressful part of the journey is the final 500 metres. Arriving at a massive, unfamiliar distribution centre with multiple gates, loading bays, and no clear signage is a recipe for delay and frustration. This is where the BirdsEye Direct Satellite Imagery feature becomes an absolute game-changer. As we approached our test destinations, we could call up a high-resolution, top-down satellite view of the entire facility. We could clearly identify the truck entrance versus the staff car park, locate the specific numbered loading dock we were assigned to, and see the layout of the yard for manoeuvring. This can be downloaded directly to the device via Wi-Fi and overlaid on the map, allowing you to plan your approach with surgical precision before you even arrive. It transforms arrival from a stressful guessing game into a confident, planned procedure.

This is brilliantly complemented by the dēzl community insights. When searching for a place to park for a legally mandated break, the map displayed popular truck stops along our route, often with user-submitted ratings on cleanliness, food quality, and security. We could even see community-shared information about specific loading docks—things like “gate 3 is for inbound deliveries only” or “watch out for the tight turn after security.” This layer of crowd-sourced, real-world data from fellow truckers is invaluable. It’s the digital equivalent of getting a helpful tip over the CB radio, and it fosters a sense of community while providing practical, actionable intelligence that makes the job significantly easier.

Beyond Navigation: A Connected Cockpit with Live Services

The Garmin dēzl LGV720 Truck GPS Sat Nav truly shines when paired with the dēzl smartphone app via Bluetooth. This connection unlocks a suite of live services that are genuinely useful. The live traffic data was accurate and timely, offering us intelligent reroutes around congestion on the M25 that saved us a significant amount of time. What impressed us more, however, were the more specialised live features. The Wind Speed overlay is a brilliant safety addition. On a particularly blustery day crossing the M62, an on-screen alert popped up warning of high crosswinds, prompting us to be more cautious. Similarly, the environmental zone warnings are essential for modern European driving, providing clear alerts when approaching Low Emission Zones (LEZs) so you can ensure compliance or route around them if necessary.

The Truck & Trailer Services directory is another standout feature. It’s far more than a simple POI list. We could filter searches by specific amenities. Need a stop with a shower, HGV-specific fuel pumps, and a particular brand of café? The directory allows you to find exactly what you need, where you need it. The voice control also worked remarkably well, accurately interpreting commands like “Find truck parking” or “Show route overview” even with the typical background noise of a truck cab. This hands-free control is not just a convenience; it’s a critical safety feature. All these connected elements work together to create a cohesive ecosystem that provides the driver with a complete, real-time picture of the road ahead, making the Garmin dēzl LGV720 a feature-rich powerhouse for the professional driver.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment for the Garmin dēzl LGV720 Truck GPS Sat Nav is overwhelmingly positive, especially from seasoned professionals who understand its purpose. One Italian user described it as an “absolute top-of-the-range navigator,” but crucially added, “Obviously, you have to know how to use it.” This echoes our own findings that its powerful customisation options require a bit of initial setup to unlock its full potential. On the other hand, some feedback points to areas for improvement. A German user, commenting on a similar dēzl model, expressed frustration with routing choices that were sometimes “slower and longer” than expected, highlighting that even advanced algorithms aren’t always perfect. This is a valid point and a reminder to always combine technology with professional judgement. Another piece of practical feedback came from a user who, while finding the navigator and its screen size “optimal,” lamented the bulky 24V power plug. They wished for a more compact USB-style connector, which would free up space and potentially allow for charging other devices simultaneously—a small but very relevant real-world critique of its physical design.

How Does the Garmin dēzl LGV720 Truck GPS Sat Nav Compare to the Alternatives?

While the Garmin dēzl LGV720 Truck GPS Sat Nav occupies a very specific niche, it’s helpful to understand how it differs from other GPS-enabled devices on the market. If your navigation needs extend beyond the professional driving world, or if a dedicated HGV unit is more than you require, you might consider other types of products. These alternatives are not direct competitors but serve to highlight the specialised nature of the dēzl by catering to entirely different activities.

1. Garmin eTrex 32x Rugged Outdoor GPS Handheld

The Garmin eTrex 32x is a world away from the dēzl. This is a compact, rugged, handheld GPS designed for the great outdoors—think hiking, geocaching, and mountaineering. Its focus is on portability, long battery life (on AA batteries), and durability against drops and water. It features a much smaller 2.2-inch screen and relies on button controls rather than a touchscreen. While it provides excellent topographical mapping and navigational tools like a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, it lacks any road-routing capabilities, let alone the complex vehicle-profile algorithms of the dēzl. A hiker or outdoor enthusiast would choose the eTrex 32x for its go-anywhere self-sufficiency, whereas a truck driver would find it entirely unsuitable for their needs.

2. SUUNTO 9 Peak Pro GPS Sports Watch Long Battery

The SUUNTO 9 Peak Pro represents another category entirely: the GPS sports watch. Built for athletes, its primary function is to track performance metrics like heart rate, distance, pace, and elevation during activities such as running, cycling, and swimming. It uses GPS to record your route and provide basic navigational cues, but its screen is tiny and designed for displaying data fields, not complex maps for vehicle navigation. Its strengths are its extreme durability, long battery life (lasting days or weeks), and deep integration with fitness apps. An athlete would choose the SUUNTO 9 for training and health monitoring, making it completely different in form and function from the dashboard-mounted, route-planning powerhouse that is the Garmin dēzl LGV720 Truck GPS Sat Nav.

3. Garmin Forerunner 45 GPS Running Watch

Similar to the SUUNTO, the Garmin Forerunner 45 is a GPS watch, but it’s specifically tailored for runners. It’s lightweight and focuses on providing essential running metrics, smart notifications from a paired phone, and access to Garmin Coach training plans. It uses GPS to accurately track runs but offers only the most basic “back to start” navigation. It’s an excellent, accessible tool for anyone from a beginner to a seasoned marathoner looking to track their progress and improve their running. It highlights the specialisation within the GPS market; you wouldn’t use a Forerunner to guide a 44-tonne truck, just as you wouldn’t wear the dēzl on your wrist for a 10k run.

The Final Verdict: Is the Garmin dēzl LGV720 Truck GPS Sat Nav Worth It?

After extensive testing, our conclusion is clear: the Garmin dēzl LGV720 Truck GPS Sat Nav is an exceptional, professional-grade tool that is absolutely worth the investment for any serious HGV driver or fleet operator. Its core strength lies in its highly accurate and customisable truck-specific routing, which reliably navigates around physical restrictions and hazards that would foil any standard GPS. Features like the BirdsEye Direct Satellite Imagery for arrival planning and the suite of live services are not mere gimmicks; they are powerful, practical solutions to the real-world problems drivers face every day, saving invaluable time, fuel, and stress. While it’s not without minor flaws, such as the occasional quirky route suggestion and a bulky power adapter, its benefits far outweigh these drawbacks. This is not a device for the casual user; it is a dedicated co-pilot for the professional who understands that the cost of one wrong turn, one low bridge, or one compliance fine is far greater than the price of this unit. For peace of mind and unparalleled logistical intelligence in the cab, we can recommend it without hesitation.

If you’re ready to upgrade your cab with a tool that truly understands the road from a trucker’s perspective, we highly recommend you check the latest price and availability for the Garmin dēzl LGV720 and take control of your route.