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CoPilot Truck vs Garmin dezl: Navigation Comparison

82Very Good

CoPilot Truck

Average Score

VS
84Very Good

Garmin dezl

Average Score

Winner: Garmin dezl (primary) / CoPilot (backup/budget)

Category Breakdown

Routing Accuracy

Garmin dezl wins
CoPilot Truck82
Garmin dezl90

Garmin dezl provides more accurate truck routing with a more comprehensive and frequently updated database of truck restrictions (low bridges, weight limits, no-truck zones). CoPilot's truck routing is good but drivers report more instances of being routed onto questionable roads. For a driver's primary navigation tool, Garmin's accuracy advantage matters.

Offline Maps

CoPilot Truck wins
CoPilot Truck92
Garmin dezl88

CoPilot stores complete maps offline on your phone or tablet, providing full functionality without cell signal. Garmin works offline by default as a dedicated device with built-in maps. Both work in areas without connectivity, but CoPilot's approach is slightly more flexible since you can download and manage map regions independently.

Cost

CoPilot Truck wins
CoPilot Truck90
Garmin dezl65

CoPilot is dramatically cheaper: a one-time purchase of $20-30 for the app versus $300-600+ for a Garmin dezl device. If you already have a tablet or smartphone with a good screen, CoPilot provides truck navigation at a fraction of the cost. Garmin's free lifetime map updates offset some of the upfront cost over time.

Screen & Mount

Garmin dezl wins
CoPilot Truck70
Garmin dezl90

Garmin dezl devices are purpose-built for truck cabs with bright, glare-resistant screens, secure magnetic mounts, and large displays visible in direct sunlight. Running CoPilot on a phone or tablet means dealing with phone mounts that may not be secure, screens that wash out in sunlight, and the distraction of notifications from other apps.

Truck-Specific Features

Garmin dezl wins
CoPilot Truck78
Garmin dezl88

Garmin dezl includes truck-specific features like fuel price display, truck stop database, parking availability integration, and weigh station information. CoPilot focuses primarily on routing and navigation. Garmin's broader feature set makes it a more complete trucking companion beyond just navigation.

Score Summary

CategoryCoPilot TruckGarmin dezlLeader
Routing Accuracy8290Garmin dezl
Offline Maps9288CoPilot Truck
Cost9065CoPilot Truck
Screen & Mount7090Garmin dezl
Truck-Specific Features7888Garmin dezl
Overall Average8284Garmin dezl

Our Verdict

Garmin dezl wins as the primary navigation tool for professional truck drivers. Its routing accuracy, purpose-built hardware, and truck-specific features create a more reliable and comprehensive navigation experience. When you depend on your GPS to avoid low bridges and restricted roads, the accuracy advantage is worth the price premium.

CoPilot Truck is an excellent backup navigation tool and a great primary option for budget-conscious drivers. At $20-30, it is a no-brainer to have installed on your phone as a secondary navigation source even if you use a Garmin as your primary. CoPilot also works well for hotshot operators and occasional truck drivers who cannot justify a $400+ dedicated GPS.

The smart setup is a Garmin dezl as your primary navigation and CoPilot installed on your phone as a backup. This gives you redundancy (critical when your primary GPS fails mid-route) and a second opinion on routing when your Garmin suggests something that does not look right.

Frequently Asked Questions

CoPilot uses the same PC*MILER/ALK truck routing database used by professional logistics companies, so the underlying data is trustworthy. The concern is more about the phone itself: notifications are distracting, screens wash out in sunlight, and phone mounts are less secure. As a backup or supplement to a dedicated GPS, phone apps work well.
Both update their restriction databases regularly, but Garmin's updates tend to be more frequent due to their larger user base reporting errors. CoPilot's underlying data source (ALK/Trimble) is professional-grade but updates may take longer to reach the consumer app. Report any routing errors you encounter through either platform's feedback system.
ELD navigation features (from Motive, Samsara, etc.) are generally basic and should not be your primary navigation. A dedicated truck GPS or CoPilot provides more comprehensive routing, better truck restriction databases, and features like fuel price displays. Use ELD navigation as a last resort, not your primary tool.

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Published March 24, 2026