TomTom ONE XL Review

What the reviewers like:
Some reviewers like the large display on the TomTom ONE XL. They say that GPS reception and voice quality are very good. The TomTom ONE XL is capable of multi-destination routing. Reviewers appreciate the time-saving text-entry features, the elegant user interface, and the excellent customization options.

What the reviewers don't like:
The TomTom One XL is not as easily portable as the TomTom One; it’s also more expensive. Reviewers say they expect text-to-speech capability at this price (for another $50, that feature is added in the TomTom ONE XL-S). The TomTom units use Tele Atlas mapping data, so reviewers say their routing is often not as accurate as Garmin and Magellan GPS routing. Reviewers also point out that the TomTom One XL can be slow to respond to entries.

TomTom ONE XL review highlights

The TomTom ONE XL is simply a larger version of the TomTom ONE (*est. $200), with a 4.3-inch display and a higher price tag. Reviews of the smaller unit also apply to the XL in many regards, yet the TomTom ONE is top-rated by eight reviewers, while only TrustedReviews gives the XL such a high rating. Most reviewers aren’t as pleased with the XL as they are with its smaller sibling, but a minority think bigger is better. GPS Magazine convincingly demonstrates that the NAVTEQ maps used by other brands of auto GPS receivers are better than the Tele Atlas maps used by TomTom. In its review, GPS Magazine found that Garmin and Magellan GPS units provided more accurate routing than the TomTom ONE XL. This unit lacks text-to-speech capability, which can pronounce street names, but confusingly, the TomTom ONE XL-S (*est. $350) adds that feature.

The most comprehensive review of the TomTom ONE XL auto GPS appears in GPS Magazine.com; its testing and comparisons are unmatched. GPS Lodge.com and TrustedReviews.com have very good reviews. Pocket GPS World.com and Lordpercy.com contribute some information for consumers to ponder. We also found numerous short reviews that are worth reading if you want to see every professional opinion of the TomTom ONE XL. Additionally, Amazon.com readers have contributed well over 100 ratings and reviews, sometimes in great detail, of the real-world performance of the TomTom ONE XL.

Also see full report: Auto GPS

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. GPSMagazine.com
TomTom ONE XL Review
Fletch
22-Jun-07

Reviewer Fletch conducted three road tests with the TomTom One XL, Magellan's Maestro 4050, and Garmin's nüvi 680; he found the TomTom ONE XL produced the worst routes despite having the newest map data. The review includes long lists of pros and cons, photographs, screen shots, and additional documentation.

2. GPSLodge.com
TomTom ONE XL Full Review
Scott Martin
10-Jun-07

GPS Lodge provides a comprehensive and objective review of the TomTom ONE XL, evaluating performance, usage, and features. The review only makes one comparison, but it is very significant. Martin publishes periodic buying guides in which he identifies the best units in various categories; the TomTom ONE XL is one of two widescreen auto GPS models listed in Martin’s most recent guide.

3. Trusted Reviews
TomTom One XL Europe
Jonathan Bray
9-Jul-07

This British website provides overly generous ratings in some product categories, but its GPS reviews and ratings are remarkably well balanced. Jonathan Bray tests the TomTom ONE XL throughout the U.K. He reports how successful the unit was in providing timely, accurate, directions. Features are described and evaluated, too. The review makes some direct and decisive comparisons.

4. PocketGPSWorld.com
Review of the TomTom ONE XL
Tim Buxton and Mike Alder
3-May-07

In this review, the TomTom ONE XL is compared only with the original TomTom ONE. More performance evaluation would be very helpful, and the British perspective is a minor disadvantage, as graphics, maps, and navigation are different in the U.S. Pocket GPS World reviews car GPS units infrequently, and it does not rate or rank products. A forum follows this review.

5. Lordpercy.com
TomTom ONE XL Review
Lord Percy
13-May-07

Lordpercy.com is an English gadget review site. The reviews are idiosyncratic to the point that readers will find them charming or time-wasting, but Lord Percy details his experience with each GPS device. This review of the TomTom ONE XL is typical: It is brief and far from comprehensive, and road testing isn’t even mentioned. Yet, Lord Percy’s nitpicking will be valuable for some prospective buyers.

6. Amazon.com
TomTom ONE XL Reviews
Contributors to Amazon.com

Amazon.com is by far the best source for owner-written, hands-on reviews of auto GPS units, and the TomTom ONE XL is the subject of over 100 write-ups by current owners. Its rating overall is good, but falls a bit short of average scores for Garmin auto GPS units.

Also see full report: Auto GPS

TomTom ONE XL Review