Brighter and more advanced than ever: the new Garmin Varia RearVue 820 radar has been unveiled

Garmin has officially announced the launch of the new Varia RearVue 820, the latest evolution of its well-known rear radar with integrated light for road and gravel cycling. The new device comes with more powerful and precise radar technology, greater autonomy, and a brighter rear light, aimed at improving safety and awareness of approaching traffic from behind.

Garmin presents the Varia RearVue 820, its most advanced and brightest rear radar to date

The Varia RearVue 820 introduces an advanced vehicle tracking system capable of identifying not only the approach of cars but also their size, lateral movement, and level of threat. All this information is displayed on compatible cycle computers or in the Varia app for smartphones, providing the cyclist with a clearer reading of what is happening behind them while riding on the road.

Thanks to the new generation of radar, the Varia RearVue 820 can detect vehicles at a distance of up to 175 meters, even in multi-lane scenarios. The system is capable of classifying vehicles by size—small, medium, or large—and assessing their danger level based on speed and approach trajectory.

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Additionally, the device can alert cyclists to vehicles traveling at the same speed behind them or those waiting to overtake, a situation particularly relevant on narrow roads or in heavy traffic. Alerts are received visually and audibly on the Edge cycle computer, the Varia app, or, on certain compatible models, directly on Garmin smartwatches, even through vibration or audio notifications (a feature currently in beta).

One of the major advancements of the RearVue 820 is in the lighting. It is the brightest rear light that Garmin has developed to date, visible from over two kilometers in favorable conditions. The device offers several operating modes: daytime, nighttime, steady, or peloton mode, and allows for the creation of custom patterns from the Varia app, adjusting brightness and flash frequency.

As a notable new feature, the radar incorporates a brake light function: upon detecting a reduction in speed or a stop, it activates a specific flash pattern to alert approaching vehicles from behind, enhancing visibility in critical situations.

Battery life has also taken a step forward. Garmin announces up to 24 hours of use in daytime flash mode and up to 30 hours using only the radar, allowing for long rides or multiple training sessions without the need to recharge. The new USB-C port facilitates charging and is accompanied by a redesigned, more compact seat post mount compatible with most road and gravel bikes.

Price and availability

The Garmin Varia RearVue 820 is now available at a recommended retail price of €299.99. All technical information and the rest of the models in the Varia range can be found on Garmin's official website.