Garmin’s Tread SxS Edition is built for UTV riding, with an 8‑inch screen, IP67 resistance, and Group Ride Radio that tracks up to 20 riders.
One wrong turn on a remote trail can turn a great ride into a long headache when cell service drops and the terrain all starts to look the same. A Garmin GPS for UTV trail riding solves that with purpose‑built navigation, preloaded land‑ownership data, and group tracking that no phone app can match. Whether you choose the dedicated Tread SxS Edition or a rugged Montana handheld, the right Garmin unit keeps you on course when you’re miles from pavement.
What Does the Tread SxS Edition Offer?
The Tread SxS Edition is Garmin’s purpose‑built GPS for side‑by‑side vehicles. Released in 2023, it packs an 8‑inch display with IP67 water and dust resistance — built to survive the mud, dust, and rain you meet on the trail. Its standout feature is Group Ride Radio, which lets you track up to 20 riders in your group directly on the map screen, a genuine advantage when you’re spread across a sprawling trail system.
The unit ships as a complete kit: the GPS, fist mic, antenna, locking mounting hardware, power cable, and USB‑C cable. The locking mount is critical — it secures the 8‑inch screen during high‑vibration UTV operation where generic mounts would shake loose. Beyond navigation, the Tread works with Garmin Powerswitch, a Bluetooth‑connected controller for accessory lights and electronics, and supports a backup camera that feeds live video to the display — especially useful when reversing with a helmet on. It also supports inReach satellite messaging (subscription required) and pairs with Garmin dog trackers like the Aero and Alpha.
Is the Montana Handheld a Good Alternative?
For riders who want a GPS that works both on and off the vehicle, the Garmin Montana 710i — released in 2024 — is a capable alternative. Its 3.5‑inch touchscreen is far more compact than the Tread’s 8‑inch display, and the military‑grade construction handles drops and foul weather. Battery life reaches up to 24 hours in GPS mode with the high‑capacity 4350mAh battery, a clear advantage for multi‑day trips where vehicle power isn’t available.
| Feature | Tread SxS Edition | Montana 710i |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 8‑inch display | 3.5‑inch touchscreen |
| Water Resistance | IP67 rated | Military‑grade construction |
| Battery Life (GPS mode) | Vehicle‑powered | Up to 24 hours |
| Group Ride Radio | Tracks up to 20 riders | Not available |
| Preloaded Maps | Topographic + land ownership | TopoActive |
| Satellite Messaging | inReach (subscription) | inReach (subscription) |
| Dog Tracking | Compatible (Aero, Alpha) | Supported |
The Montana 710i also offers direct‑to‑device BirdsEye Satellite Imagery downloads — no computer needed — plus a tri‑axial compass and barometric altimeter. While it lacks the Tread’s built‑in Group Ride Radio, its portability makes it a better fit for riders who also hike, hunt, or explore on foot. If you’re still weighing your options,
Setting Up Your Garmin GPS for the Trail
Getting the most from your Garmin UTV GPS comes down to three habits that riders often overlook until they need them.
Plan routes before you leave. Use the Garmin smartphone app to plot waypoints, check land ownership boundaries (public vs. private land is a key feature of both the Tread and Montana), and load the route to the device while you still have cell service. A few minutes of planning at home saves a lot of guesswork on the trail.
Always record your track. On unfamiliar trails, enable track recording from the start. This creates a breadcrumb trail you can follow back if you get turned around — a step many riders skip and later regret when they can’t retrace their route.
Mount it right. Use only the included locking mount on the Tread. Generic mounts won’t hold an 8‑inch GPS during rough terrain, and a loose unit is a distraction at best and a hazard at worst. For the Montana, use a RAM mount or Garmin’s own vehicle cradle to keep it secure.
Watch your battery. The Montana 710i offers up to 24 hours with the high‑capacity 4350mAh battery, but verify which battery tier your unit has before a long ride and carry a power bank or USB vehicle charger. The Tread, being vehicle‑powered, doesn’t have this concern — but it does need proper wiring to your vehicle’s electrical system.
FAQs
Can I use a standard automotive GPS for UTV riding?
A standard car GPS lacks the rugged build, preloaded topographic maps, and land‑ownership data needed for off‑road riding. It also won’t survive moisture and vibration the way the Tread SxS or Montana handhelds do, making a purpose‑built unit a safer investment for trail use.
Do I need a subscription to use satellite features on these Garmin units?
Satellite messaging and SOS functions through inReach require an active subscription, but standard GPS navigation, topo maps, and group‑ride radio on the Tread work without one. BirdsEye Satellite Imagery downloads on the Montana may need a separate subscription for premium layers.
Which Garmin model works best for group trail rides?
The Tread SxS Edition is the clear winner for group rides because its built‑in Group Ride Radio shows the location of up to 20 riders on the map. The Montana handhelds don’t offer that feature, so they’re better suited for solo riders or pairs who rely on pre‑planned meeting points.