Suunto July Update: 200 Routes, Richer Maps, Contour Shading
Suunto has released a software update for the Race 2 and Vertical 2. The update centres on navigation, with more map detail, layer controls, tide data, and a large increase in on-watch route storage.
Route storage rises to 200
The watch now holds 200 routes, up from 15. The old limit was tight for a navigation-first watch, and the higher ceiling removes most of the route housekeeping that a trip or a race weekend used to require.
More map detail, with layer control
Map rendering gains labels for mountain peaks and water features, alongside place names, street labels, and points of interest. A new map layer selection lets the rider or runner choose which of these appear, including contour lines, so a small display can remain readable when detail is not needed.
Tides arrive for outdoor use. The forecast is held in the Suunto app and synced across to the watch, so the phone needs to be within range for the data to refresh.
Vertical gain as a training target
On training, the watch adds vertical gain as a workout target. A runner or hiker sets a climb goal for a session, such as 800 or 1,000 metres, and tracks their progress against it during the activity.
Daily use
Two smaller changes affect daily use. The watch pairs with services using QR codes. SuuntoPlus apps are compressed to speed up syncing, which matters as the community catalogue has grown past 40 apps in the three months since Open SuuntoPlus launched.
Older Suuntos are left out
Only the Race 2 and Vertical 2 receive this release. The Race and Race S were included in the April update but not this one. The Vertical was included in January and has had nothing since. Both watches that qualify in July launched within the past year.
Owners of earlier models now have a reasonable question about how long their watch stays on the update track, and so does anyone weighing a Suunto purchase against the alternatives. Coros has continued to push new firmware to previous-generation hardware. Garmin ties most new features to current models. This release puts Suunto closer to Garmin.
Quick answers
Which watches get the July Suunto update?
The update covers the Suunto Race 2 and Vertical 2.
Does the July Suunto update work on the Race, Race S or Vertical?
No. The July release reaches only the Race 2 and Vertical 2. The Race and Race S received the April 2026 update, and the Vertical received the January 2026 update, but none of the three is included in July.
How many routes can the Suunto Race 2 and Vertical 2 store now?
The watches now store 200 routes, increased from the previous limit of 15.
What map features are new in the Suunto update?
The maps add labels for mountain peaks, water features, place names, street labels and points of interest, plus a layer selection that controls which of these and contour lines appear.
Does the Suunto update add tides?
Yes. Tide forecasts are stored in the Suunto app and synced to the watch, so the phone must be in range for the data to update.
What is the vertical gain target on Suunto?
The vertical gain target lets a user set a climb goal for a session, such as 800 or 1,000 metres, and track progress during the activity.
Related reading
- Suunto Race 2 Review
- Open SuuntoPlus at Three Months: 40 Apps and a Credible Ecosystem
- Suunto Run Review
Last Updated on 14 July 2026 by the5krunner
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
