Ford offering Navigation after trial - is it worth it?

[RR25HB]

I've used the built in nav on my Bronco a couple of times out of desperation. I went out exploring, and used Waze...which was great until I lost signal before I got to the trail I was looking to check out. I ended up having to pull up the build in nav so I could at least see what the roads looked like around me and find my way the rest of the way. Had to fall back on dead maps a couple of times out exploring.

I just turned it back on, going to use it for a coming trip to illinois and see if it will take the the route I want to use

I use Waze or Google maps for on road driving, and onX for off-road driving.

onX allows for the download of off-road maps for constant reference, in case of signal loss.

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[crzyhawk]

I use Waze or Google maps for on road driving, and onX for off-road driving.

onX allows for the download of off-road maps for constant reference, in case of signal loss.

I use waze and onx too. There are places out here when there's no cell signal for waze to use.

 

[Blackcat]

My F150 has it and I never use. My phone connects automatically, so I just use that.

 

[demos1970]

My F150 has it and I never use. My phone connects automatically, so I just use that.

My Raptor also has it installed locally and Ford wants $1,500-$2,000 to update it. I use it sometimes because my crappy phone does heats up on long trips.

 

[dougcjohn]

My Raptor also has it installed locally and Ford wants $1,500-$2,000 to update it. I use it sometimes because my crappy phone does heats up on long trips.

What year? The nav system in newer Sync 4, and I think Sync 3 just need the subscription to remain updated.

It’s only about $80 yearly subscription for the full navigation system.

 

[RR25HB]

What year? The nav system in newer Sync 4, and I think Sync 3 just need the subscription to remain updated.

It’s only about $80 yearly subscription for the full navigation system.

 

[dougcjohn]

https://www.ford.com/support/how-to...oPQa0k-ChGyDOkxm0PQCT3HdDR3pmjnSY_vySGw4leKB2

web site shows $80, think I paid $80 too… $80-100 both long ways off $2000.

 

[demos1970]

What year? The nav system in newer Sync 4, and I think Sync 3 just need the subscription to remain updated.

It’s only about $80 yearly subscription for the full navigation system.

I have a 2018 F-150 Raptor. There’s no subscription because I need to download it directly to the truck.

What year? The nav system in newer Sync 4, and I think Sync 3 just need the subscription to remain updated.

It’s only about $80 yearly subscription for the full navigation system.

Mine is 2018. I would need to purchase a USB and it’s just a one time fee. No subscriptions.

 

[ac360]

I had the lux pacakage option.
The only features worth having is the adaptive cruise control and heated steering wheel. B&O sound system was subpar for the price. The worst is the built-in and connected navigation. It gave me the wrong direction on two occasions in unfamiliar areas. After my warranty expired this past March, I now have only the built-in navigation remaining. It will only serve as a backup to Google map. Don't plan to renew either.

 

[demos1970]

I had the lux pacakage option.
The only features worth having is the adaptive cruise control and heated steering wheel. B&O sound system was subpar for the price. The worst is the built-in and connected navigation. It gave me the wrong direction on two occasions in unfamiliar areas. After my warranty expired this past March, I now have only the built-in navigation remaining. It will only serve as a backup to Google map. Don't plan to renew either.

Same here. It’s good as a backup for a general area but definitely not for new.

 

[dougcjohn]

I have a 2018 F-150 Raptor. There’s no subscription because I need to download it directly to the truck.
Mine is 2018. I would need to purchase a USB and it’s just a one time fee. No subscriptions.

Yep, that makes perfect sense!
I don’t know when the change was… but I had a few Jeeps and GM’s that needed a CD or USB purchased every year to get the updates and they were generally $250-300 yearly.

Replaced them with a Garmin Navigation system with lifetime updates. The Garmin's easily outperformed the Phone in display and clarity and superior to the phone Apps in quality of product and performance. I remained with Garmin, getting a few new ones over the years (I like new improved, thinner smaller faster devices).

For the F450, got the Garmin 10” RV Navigation system… outstanding product. Bridge heights, narrow roads, dump stations, etc on top of excellent road & navigation.

When I got my ‘24 F450 Limited… (10 month waiting after order)… I ran both Garmin RV and the Ford Navigation. I knew the quality of the Garmin as the benchmark. The Ford Navigation was extremely good… reaction & reroute, exit assistance, etc all worked excellent. Even coming through Indian reservation and non-primary routes… it held equal to the RV Garmin. I now only use the Garmin RV if towing for bridges primarily.

When 1st year trial was up… I subscribed to both connectivity and navigation services. It’s continued to be accurate. I have encountered 1 construction area changing bridges and roads that wasn’t in the Ford Navigation on one trip… but was included when I took same route 4 months later.

Nothing is perfect with roads and navigation; all the data is dependent on each State sharing their database. But for $80 a year, it’s excellent and so much better for “my needs” with large Screen and voice interaction.

Older OEM In-Dash Navigational systems weren’t great… and phone apps have clearly outpaced them mainly due to ability to update software & hardware. Although a Phone App vs a Garmin Navigation… Garmin wins easily! A Garmin sitting on a dash mount (beanbag for me) is always on, very similar to In-Dash.

 

[Marc L]

Android/Apple is subject to cell strength or offline maps. Ford's is AT&T network based so it doesn't even fill in the gap for when you are really in the middle of nowhere. Now I have T-Mobile and the UP Michigan and anywhere away from an interstate is sketchy, but AT&T has big holes in their coverage also.

 

[wakblak]

Declining, just using my phone

 

[Philvis77]

I paid for one more year, but then didnt renew because it just wasnt worth $100/yr for navigation that wasnt as good as Google. I really enjoyed having it integrated, but noticed a difference in the routes I'd take, and it wasn't for the better.

 

[dougcjohn]

I paid for one more year, but then didnt renew because it just wasnt worth $100/yr for navigation that wasnt as good as Google. I really enjoyed having it integrated, but noticed a difference in the routes I'd take, and it wasn't for the better.

Ford Navigation uses Cellular for live traffic & weather, uses Cellular for map "updates", Not for map navigation... Uses known onboard maps and GPS for navigation.

Many benefits of all Nav platforms... enjoy the one or several you like the best. That's what counts!
At $8 bucks a month, it's worthwhile to have on hand... Garmin, Ford Nav, Phone App all available. I will admit I no longer carry a hard copy Map... normally can look up on Internet any detailed map.

T-Mobile... terrible in midwest, seems to have gotten worse with merge of US Cellular too.
VzW has consistently been my cellular choice.

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