Garmin launched the MARQ Gen 3 on 13 October 2026 for $2,500. It’s based on the Fenix 9 Pro inReach, but each of the six new editions adds five features the Fenix 9 lacks. Garmin lists three of them on its own pages, and DC Rainmaker reports the other two in his review. Will they come to the Fenix 9?
Garmin recently confirmed that Fenix 9 features will come to the Fenix 8 series and the Forerunner 970 and 570. Four of today’s five features are software features the Fenix 9 could run. The fifth probably needs more storage, so it can’t pass to the Fenix 9.
My call is that anything Garmin passes down will go to the Fenix 9 Pro only in order to justify its Pro moniker. Garmin needs to give buyers reasons to pay more for the Pro, and holding back software is the simplest way to do that.
The five MARQ-only features
1. ClimbPro without a loaded course
ClimbPro on watches has historically shown how steep, how long, and how high current and future climbs are on your pre-loaded route. Garmin says the MARQ Gen 3 shows climbs “without the need to preplan”, and DC Rainmaker reports that it works on runs, hikes and rides with no course loaded. Garmin’s Edge bike computers already do this on rides, but it’s a first for a watch.
To show climbs you haven’t planned, the watch needs climb data for every road and trail near you, plus the ability to predict your likely route ahead to decide which to show. That’s probably why the MARQ has 128GB of storage and the Fenix 9 and 9 Pro have 64GB, which may not be enough for all those climbs.
2. Address search on the watch
Garmin says the MARQ Gen 3 lets you “search and navigate by address around the world”. You type a street address on the watch, and it takes you there. The Fenix 9 can take you to a cafe, a landmark or another point of interest, but not to an address like you would on a Satnav or some bike computers.
It uses the maps the Fenix 9 already has for your region, so it’s the most likely of the five to work. I expect it only on the Fenix 9 Pro.
3. Predictive text
DC Rainmaker reports that the MARQ’s keyboard suggests words as you type, which makes entering an address on a small screen quicker. It would be easy to add to either Fenix 9, but I expect Garmin to keep it for the Pro.
4. Lume mode
DC Rainmaker also reports a lume mode, which makes the screen glow like the luminous dial of a traditional watch at night. It’s off by default, and you can set it to turn on at a chosen time, such as after sunset. The Fenix 9 could run it.
5. MARQ-only watch faces
Every MARQ Gen 3 edition has watch faces you can’t get on other Garmin watches, and DC Rainmaker reports more style and colour options for each one. They’re exclusive on purpose, so I don’t expect them on the Fenix 9.
What else MARQ Gen 3 has over Fenix 9 Pro
The other differences are hardware and maps rather than new features:
- Maps for the whole world come preloaded. The Fenix 9 preloads maps for your region, and you download the rest.
- Grade 5 titanium, a ceramic bezel, a screen that runs to the edge, and buttons with a tactile click.
- Four editions add tools from Garmin’s specialist watches: the Aviator for flying, the Commander for tactical use, the Diver for diving and boating, and the Golfer for golf.
The MARQ Gen 3 specifications list what it adds over the Fenix 9 Pro inReach, the Fenix 9 specifications cover the base model, and Garmin’s launch announcement covers the whole collection. I’ll update the Garmin Fenix hub if any of the five come to the Fenix 9. If you’re weighing Gen 3 against Gen 2 instead, see MARQ Gen 3 vs Gen 2.
Quick answers
Will Fenix 9 get the new MARQ Gen 3 features?
Garmin hasn’t said. Both Fenix 9 models could get search, predictive text, and lume mode, but I expect Garmin to give them only to the Fenix 9 Pro. ClimbPro without a course needs stored climb data, which is probably why the MARQ has twice the Fenix 9’s storage.
Can Garmin Fenix 9 navigate to an address?
No. The Fenix 9 can take you to a point of interest, such as a cafe or a landmark, but not to a street address. The MARQ Gen 3 can find an address on the watch and take you there.
Does MARQ Gen 3 ClimbPro need a course?
No. Garmin says it shows climbs without needing a pre-planned course, and DC Rainmaker reports it works on runs, hikes, and rides with no course loaded. Earlier Garmin watches need a course for ClimbPro.
What is lume mode on Garmin MARQ Gen 3?
DC Rainmaker reports that lume mode makes the screen glow like the luminous dial of a traditional watch at night. It’s off by default and can come on automatically at a chosen time.
How much does Garmin MARQ Gen 3 cost?
The MARQ Gen 3 costs $2,500 for the Athlete, $2,700 for the Adventurer, $2,800 for the Golfer, and $3,100 for the Aviator, Commander, and Diver. Garmin has not yet listed UK prices.
Last Updated on 13 October 2026 by tfk the5krunner
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Kineon MOVE+: Red light therapy for niggles. It works.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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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
