Garmin Off-Road GPS | Tread 2 vs Montana 710

Garmin’s current off-road GPS lineup centers on the Tread 2 series for powersports and the Montana 710 handhelds for rugged trail navigation.

You will find a Garmin Off-Road GPS in one of two current families — the Tread 2 series for vehicles and the Montana 710 handhelds for mixed use — and choosing between them comes down to how you ride or explore. Each family serves a different kind of off-road navigation, and the wrong pick means paying for features you do not need or missing the ones you do.

The Tread 2 Series: Powersport Navigation

The Tread 2 family launched in late 2024 and is built specifically for vehicles: motorcycles, side-by-sides, snowmobiles, and overland rigs.

All three ship with topographic maps and trail routing designed for off-highway use. The Overland and SxS editions differ mainly in included mounting hardware and preloaded vehicle profiles — the core navigation hardware and software are identical. The 8-inch screen on the Overland and SxS models makes a real difference when you are reading a trail map at speed, and the IP6X rating means dust and rain will not shut it down.

The Montana 710 Series: Rugged Handhelds

The Montana 710, 710i, and 760i are handheld GPS units that also work in a vehicle when mounted on a powered cradle. They target hikers, backpackers, and overlanders who need a GPS that leaves the cab and goes in a pack.

The critical difference inside the Montana line is satellite communication. All three models are waterproof and rugged, and they support topographic maps with worldwide elevation data. For solo travel or deep backcountry journeys beyond cell coverage, the inReach-equipped models add a safety net the Tread 2 family simply does not offer.

Which Garmin Off-Road GPS Fits Your Ride?

If you navigate almost exclusively from a vehicle — motorcycle, side-by-side, or truck — the Tread 2 family delivers a larger screen, vehicle-specific routing, and mounts built for your ride. The Overland and SxS editions share the same hardware, so pick the one whose bundled mount and profile matches your vehicle type. If you need a GPS that works both in a vehicle and on foot, the Montana 710 series is more versatile. The inReach-equipped models are the only Garmin off-road units with built-in satellite SOS, which matters for anyone traveling alone or far from roads. For a full comparison of what is available across brands, check our tested roundup of off-road GPS models.

Garmin’s off-road GPS lineup has narrowed into two clear families: the Tread 2 series for vehicle-first adventurers and the Montana 710 series for those who need a handheld that can also mount in a cab. The choice comes down to whether you ride or hike — and how far from help you plan to go. The Tread 2 gives you screen size and vehicle routing; the Montana gives you portability and an optional satellite SOS that can be a literal lifeline.