Expert TomTom VIA 1515M Review 2019

Features of the TomTom VIA 1515M

Choosing the TomTom VIA 1515M will give you the best navigation system for those who do not want to spend too much money. This entry-level unit comes with a 5-inch screen, not too big but not too small either. The touch screen is less responsive than those on higher-end systems, but it remains responsive enough to prevent frustration in an auto GPS review. The screen has a 480 x 272-pixel resolution, an average display for entry-level GPS systems. The unit itself has 8 GB of internal memory and there is a microSD slot that lets you expand this storage. There is support for 28 languages on the user interface and for spoken instructions.

This GPS for cars already has millions of different points of interest preloaded for ease of use right out of the box. It also comes preloaded with maps. When you first turn it on, you will notice maps of each of the states in the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. There are 10 million points of interest already there, the most you will find in any GPS reviews 2019. The GPS also comes with free updates for the maps throughout the lifetime of the device. These updates not only include the United States but Canada and Mexico as well.

Using the TomTom VIA 1515M involves receiving the information you expect from an automotive GPS navigation system. You will not only see upcoming turns but get a warning so you can get in the right lane. The device also maintains a display of your current speed plus the speed limit. The default display is a split-screen with one image showing an overhead of the route. The other has additional detail, such as the distance until your turn, the exit you need (name and number), and the lane to be in. If you prefer, you can also set up this VIA 1515M to show landmarks on-screen.

The IQ Routes are a nice feature from TomTom that adds value to the GPS unit. This feature calculates the route that will get you to your destination quickest. The unique part of this feature is that the calculations depend on the current speed of traffic, not average speed limits like most competitors would use.

You can connect the TomTom VIA 1515M with your smartphone for added functionality. This is also the best GPS in terms of battery life, lasting three hours, a particularly strong point considering its low price. There is also a useful Map Share feature on the VIA 1515M, designed to stay up-to-date even with frequent road changes. Map Share includes Daily Map changes like dynamic updates to blocked roads and new speed limits. This feature can help you avoid road construction and detours to reduce your travel time and frustration.

Because of the lifetime map updates throughout North America, the TomTom VIA 1515M is best for those who regularly take road trips or like to explore. It will also do well on local commutes and errands, but the up-to-date maps across three countries make it a real winner for international road trips.

As mentioned, the VIA 1515M from TomTom is highly affordable, typically costing around $200 to $270. This makes it one of the most budget-friendly options you will find when you compare GPS systems. The price includes a great value via those free lifetime updates to maps. To add value, the TomTom VIA 1515M comes with a one-year warranty, the average for the industry. You can contact support via email or phone.

Conclusion

The TomTom VIA 1515M is among the best GPS entry-level choices, offering all that you truly need plus a few features that will surprise you given the price point. The screen is just five inches, which is usual for the price, but the battery life lasts a full three hours. This is even better than many more expensive models. Those who want to be able to go anywhere will find this to be among the best GPS navigation system for a car thanks to its preloaded maps for the full United States, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. While some competitors offer lifetime map updates for the United States, this TomTom does one better by also including lifetime updates for Mexico and Canada. To top it off, there are 10 million points of interest already in the device, the same amount as the best GPS you will find.

The split-screen functionality of the VIA 1515M is also a very nice feature that drivers will appreciate as it lets you get both an overhead and a detailed view at the same time. It even includes lane guidance so you do not have to suddenly change lanes to reach a turn. Starting to use this TomTom is also easy thanks to the inclusion of the car charger and USB cable plus the reversible integrated mount.