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Navigation requires subsciption. Really?

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Old Mar 31, 2025 | 12:13 PM
  #1  
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Navigation requires subsciption. Really?

I hope you're all doing well. I am the proud owner of a 2024 F350 Diesel 6.7 HO.

I went for a drive this past weekend and tried to use the navigation system in my truck, but I received a message stating that it needs to be activated. I’ve attached a screenshot for reference.

It seems somewhat frustrating that, after purchasing a high-end truck with a built-in navigation system, I'm being asked to pay an additional $80 per year to use the navigation feature. Additionally, I recently discovered that I can make a call to my wife using the steering wheel button—but that requires a separate subscription as well.

Was there something I missed during the purchase process? I was under the impression that the truck's navigation and related functionality were included in the purchase price. I would have expected to order the new truck with the navigation system and Alexa built in as part of the deal.

The truck itself is fantastic, and its performance is beyond impressive, but these unexpected additional costs are somewhat frustrating, especially since they weren’t clearly outlined when I purchased the F350.

Looking forward to hearing from members for clarification and any other thoughts one may have


may have.
 
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Old Mar 31, 2025 | 12:30 PM
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Different trims have different length trial periods.

https://www.ford.com/technology/connected-navigation/#connectednavigation5

My 24 Platinum is 1 year. Right from my window sticker:




 
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Old Mar 31, 2025 | 12:33 PM
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Did you activate your truck in the Ford Pass app? That's about the only thing I could see that would limit the phone call functionality. That, so far as I know, isn't a subscription.

I have read that the Connected Nav, once you're outside the free trial, it should revert to standard built-in navigation (at least on Lariat trims according to the 2025 information). You'll lose some functionality but the nav should still work.

My real question is, though, why use either? Apple or Google maps are far superior navigation systems, and I would rather press and hold a bit longer and wait for Siri (not sure how it works for an Android/google phone) to make a phonecall. Works better than the factory system.

Otherwise, welcome to the latest money grab by all corporations - everything is becoming a subscription. Heck even my kid's PS5 (which was a gift from our old neighbors) requires a subscription to play most games, even if you actually buy the game.
 
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Old Mar 31, 2025 | 12:44 PM
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Originally Posted by 99powerstrokedF250
Did you activate your truck in the Ford Pass app? That's about the only thing I could see that would limit the phone call functionality. That, so far as I know, isn't a subscription.

I have read that the Connected Nav, once you're outside the free trial, it should revert to standard built-in navigation (at least on Lariat trims according to the 2025 information). You'll lose some functionality but the nav should still work.
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.


 
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Old Mar 31, 2025 | 12:56 PM
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Navigation requires subsciption. Really?


Yes Really!
 
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Old Mar 31, 2025 | 01:06 PM
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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
 
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Old Mar 31, 2025 | 01:12 PM
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Other vehicles with built in navigation that I own/owned require constant map updates to keep current with new roads and routes. The latest update for my wife's car was over $130. Best part is that they stopped updating the maps for this vehicle in 2021, so no more updates for that vehicle. At $80/year for the Ford updates, it's a little steep, but hopefully allows for a longer supported timeline. Navigation via Carplay or Android Auto is free, so it's really just another option and not a forced purchase go get in car navigation. Nothing special about the Ford Nav that I've found so far unless the RV routing turns out to be a positive experience this summer.
 
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Old Mar 31, 2025 | 01:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Tsax6010
Different trims have different length trial periods.

https://www.ford.com/technology/conn...tednavigation5

My 24 Platinum is 1 year. Right from my window sticker:


No way! That's not what I wanted to hear. I looked at my window sticker, and it said the same CNCTD NAV (1-YR TRIAL). What about Alexa Built-in? That's a separate subscription, too. So that button you push on your steering wheel to make a phone call asks Alexa to do something. Yup it is a subscription. Yes I called the phone number and confirmed too! Confirmed and complained to Ford directly.
 
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Old Mar 31, 2025 | 01:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Tsax6010
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.
Ya the height, weight & length limitation functionality is the biggest feature I see, along with the general convenience of not needing another device or having your phone to do other things.
 
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Old Mar 31, 2025 | 01:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Tsax6010
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.

I confirmed that I have a moving map that I cannot use to navigate to an address or save a location. I called Ford Connect/Marketing to complain and ask if they could just remove the button or remove Navigation altogether. You cannot just be stuck with a Navigation that only shows you your location and follows you around, Or pay 80 bucks.
 
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Old Mar 31, 2025 | 02:16 PM
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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.
 
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Old Mar 31, 2025 | 02:25 PM
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Originally Posted by swej2006
I hope you're all doing well. I am the proud owner of a 2024 F350 Diesel 6.7 HO.

I went for a drive this past weekend and tried to use the navigation system in my truck, but I received a message stating that it needs to be activated. I’ve attached a screenshot for reference.

It seems somewhat frustrating that, after purchasing a high-end truck with a built-in navigation system, I'm being asked to pay an additional $80 per year to use the navigation feature. Additionally, I recently discovered that I can make a call to my wife using the steering wheel button—but that requires a separate subscription as well.

Was there something I missed during the purchase process? I was under the impression that the truck's navigation and related functionality were included in the purchase price. I would have expected to order the new truck with the navigation system and Alexa built in as part of the deal.

The truck itself is fantastic, and its performance is beyond impressive, but these unexpected additional costs are somewhat frustrating, especially since they weren’t clearly outlined when I purchased the F350.

Looking forward to hearing from members for clarification and any other thoughts one may have


may have.

Is this a brand new truck or used? Brand new, the dealer is supposed to activate everything before it leaves the lot.
 
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Old Mar 31, 2025 | 05:35 PM
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its funny of sorts
my 21 f250 nav was 3 years free, then you had to buy a usb update if you wanted..
my 22 f150 king ranch nav and alexa were free for 3 years

my 24 king ranch its one year
i will pay, as i like the setup

 
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Old Mar 31, 2025 | 05:49 PM
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Brand new or exactly one year old, as it just happened to expire. One year trial, or as was indicated on my window sticker: l CNCTD NAV (1-YR TRIAL). I missed that one, but I suppose it would be nice to have the option to purchase the NAV system when purchasing the auto. I could understand the blue cruise if it was available to add to a subscription, but not NAV.
 
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Old Mar 31, 2025 | 05:50 PM
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it brand new one year to date

Originally Posted by acdii
Is this a brand new truck or used? Brand new, the dealer is supposed to activate everything before it leaves the lot.
Brand new or exactly one year old, as it just happened to expire. One year trial, or as was indicated on my window sticker: l CNCTD NAV (1-YR TRIAL). I missed that one, but I suppose it would be nice to have the option to purchase the NAV system when purchasing the auto. I could understand the blue cruise if it was available to add to a subscription, but not NAV.
 
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