When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
It depends on which navigation type the trim came with. Ford does not make it easy with almost identical sounding versions. I do agree that gps apps over Android Auto or CarPlay are generally superior - except with the use case of trailer navigation where I have yet to find a good app alternative to a dedicated RV/trucker GPS. Ford now has that type of functionality baked in to the connected nav which means potentially no more gps on the windshield when towing.
You still get HUD/Dash navigation indicators from Apple Maps and Waze is supposedly working on it, or has already released it to integrate with that. Hopefully there are options coming in the 3rd party space that can replicate that trailer/RV/Propane stuff. It's typical of everything these days - subscription models are a great way to make money, just like the all you can eat buffet is for companies. $44 a month for unlimited car washes? That would take quite a few washes just to break even, and most aren't doing it every week, much less twice a week to break even.
i agree, its a money grab that sucks, these trucks should have a superior built in navigation system with lifetime updates for what they cost. sticking in a garmin for little cost would do that, seems like they should have made one like that or even made a deal with garmin
All the hardware was installed in anticipation of being able to turn one time buyers into perpetual subscribers.
In my older Ford sedan I just run my phone paired to a bluetooth FM dongle that casts to my FM radio, works as well as anything car company can offer. I just don't see the point of having navigation in the infortainment center when I already have a phone that does the same thing.
What gets me is the fact that they charge you and then collect your data. If you read the small print on the Ford Pass app, which is needed to activate these features, you end up agreeing to release your data. If I have to pay you, you shouldn't be allowed to collect my data. I know some will say Apple and Google do it, etc, etc. This doesn't make it ok, especially when you are being charged for a service.
It doesn’t reroute for traffic or road closures anyway so for directions I use CarPlay
Connected Nav, with an active trial or subscription, will indeed have live streaming route details such as traffic, construction, and weather to be used in routing/re-routing.
You still get HUD/Dash navigation indicators from Apple Maps and Waze is supposedly working on it, or has already released it to integrate with that. Hopefully there are options coming in the 3rd party space that can replicate that trailer/RV/Propane stuff. It's typical of everything these days - subscription models are a great way to make money, just like the all you can eat buffet is for companies. $44 a month for unlimited car washes? That would take quite a few washes just to break even, and most aren't doing it every week, much less twice a week to break even.
It would be awesome if Apple would take into consideration RVs or trailers. They'll need a demand for it though, which I'm sure is there but most people just don't think about it.
And the subscription car washes? I'd actually do it if there was one big enough nearby for my trucks. Drive-thru car washes for the 'good' wash around here is getting close to (and some places has exceeded) $20 every time. Sure you can get out and hand-spray for $2.50-$3, but when that icy wind comes ripping through that's COLD, and the water tends to just freeze to the vehicle. Being able to drive through a wash once a week at those prices, that $44/month would be a heck of a deal, and it would be mostly dry at least when it came out the other side.
If I decide not to renew, I'll treat the Nav button just like the AM Radio button. I'll just never hit it. Not that big of an issue IMO.
That's how I'm viewing it. Yeah, it would be nice if it worked (and it looks like for my '25 it will revert to built-in nav for me), but it's not something I'm going to routinely use anyway - I primarily use CarPlay. I don't think I've looked at a built-in nav system other than that brief time before CarPlay connects in quite a while.
except with the use case of trailer navigation where I have yet to find a good app alternative to a dedicated RV/trucker GPS. Ford now has that type of functionality baked in to the connected nav which means potentially no more gps on the windshield when towing.
I have been using RV Life, it gives you customized routing using the specs you program for your trailer.
Originally Posted by Tib
Hopefully there are options coming in the 3rd party space that can replicate that trailer/RV/Propane stuff. It's typical of everything these days - subscription models are a great way to make money, just like the all you can eat buffet is for companies. $44 a month for unlimited car washes? That would take quite a few washes just to break even, and most aren't doing it every week, much less twice a week to break even.
I must be one of the weird ones... I wash both my vehicles usually twice a week. Well worth the $25 a month per vehicle.
Ford will chase everyone away from their built in cr@pware with increasing annual fees and then roll out fees just to connect your Android/Apple phone.
Ford will chase everyone away from their built in cr@pware with increasing annual fees and then roll out fees just to connect your Android/Apple phone.
Where are they going to run to? GM, who is taking away Carplay/Android Auto altogether and requiring an OnStar subscription for navigation functionality?
Where are they going to run to? GM, who is taking away Carplay/Android Auto altogether and requiring an OnStar subscription for navigation functionality?
Didn't mean chase people to other brands. By chase away, I mean chase people from Ford built in Nav (for a fee) to using their Android/Apple on their Ford SYNC (for free). Then when Ford thinks they aren't collecting enough fees, they'll roll out Android/Apple connect fees, or perhaps as you suggest do away with that ability all together.
I see no reason to pay for navigation, my 1-year subscription ended a couple of weeks age. Bought the truck in Iowa and used Apple Car Play Maps to drive back to the West Coast. I don't think we've used Ford Navigation once in the year it was active.
Now if I lived in an area without good cell reception I would most likely be back in a corner and pay the subscription fee.
I see no reason to pay for navigation, my 1-year subscription ended a couple of weeks age. Bought the truck in Iowa and used Apple Car Play Maps to drive back to the West Coast. I don't think we've used Ford Navigation once in the year it was active.
Now if I lived in an area without good cell reception I would most likely be back in a corner and pay the subscription fee.
That makes sense! Apple CarPlay Maps are a solid option, especially with reliable cell service. It's great you're able to use a free alternative that works for you. I agree, if you’re in an area with poor cell coverage, a built-in navigation system might be worth the subscription, but otherwise, it’s tough to justify the cost when the alternatives are just as effective! I think I’ll be skipping the subscription as well. If it had been an option when I bought the truck, I might have considered it, but paying for a lifetime subscription upfront would be ideal—too bad that’s not an option.
I do love the truck, though. The performance is incredible, but these unexpected additional costs are frustrating, especially since they weren’t clearly mentioned when I purchased the 2024 F350. Ford's Alexa Built-In comes with a free 3-year trial, and then it’s around $149.50 per year or $749 for seven years, which is a bit much. I’m thinking of reaching out to Ford or the salesperson to see if they can work something out for a lifetime subscription. If not, I’ll be passing on both the navigation and Alexa features. Honestly, I’m just over this whole subscription thing at this point.
Got an email from Ford today wanting more money for a Connectivity subscription renewal. Except my telematics "connectivity" module has been bricked since the November OTA update and dealer and corporate still have no clue how to fix it. Android Auto Waze still works, it's 'free', and it's way better than SYNC Nav. Pound sand Ford.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
