Last week, Ford Authority reported that the 2022 Ford Maverick XL and XLT do not offer SYNC 3, which is available on Lariat-trimmed Mavericks equipped with the optional Lariat Luxury Package. The standard infotainment system otherwise looks essentially identical to the SYNC 3 system, and both feature 8-inch touchscreens as standard equipment. As it turns out, we discovered that not only does the standard unit feature more capability than released materials and Ford’s online configurator might suggest, but it also has a name – Connected Touch Radio.
Ford simply refers to the Maverick’s standard infotainment system as an 8-inch center stack screen, but while clarifying its capabilities to Ford Authority, Ford also corrected us on the specifics of the system. Contrary to what other official documents state, the Connected Touch Radio does in fact come equipped with 911 Assist – which automatically dials 911 if the airbags are deployed – and Applink, which is Ford’s software architecture that allows certain apps to run on the automaker’s infotainment systems. These features work in conjunction with connected phones via Bluetooth, which is a core component of the Connected Touch Radio.
Additionally, as Connected Touch Radio contains Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, a long press of the voice button will activate either’s phone voice assistant feature for hands-free calling.
Having said that, it’s worth noting that there are still a few differences between the Maverick’s Connected Touch Radio and SYNC 3 in regards to native voice recognition. SYNC 3 gives users the ability to change radio stations, Sirius XM channels, and climate settings using their voice, and users can do the same with dedicated media devices like an iPod or iPod Touch.
Users can also use their phones wirelessly to make calls and have text messages read back to them. However, the base system does not have this capability, and neither Connected Touch Radio nor SYNC 3 offer wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
We’ll have much more on the Maverick soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Maverick news and 24/7 Ford news coverage.
Long-term financing offered on The Blue Oval's best-selling van.
A way to deal with worn out physical controls.
It's in great condition, too.
The automaker showed off six different potential body styles.
It's a cheap and quick repair, thankfully.
The facility is set to undergo a major transformation.
View Comments
That infotainment setup is nothing new, it's called sync 2.5 in other countries and has been around for some time.
HD Radio standard on the Maverick?
Why not have wireless android auto and apple car play that’s all I ask for.
Very much interested
The Maverick name is A Economy car from the 70's other than that will see !
love the looks and the price is not bad for a truck but is it 4x4 and what are the color options
I am a Maverick owner. I LOVE my 22 Maverick XLT AWD 2.0 EcoBoost.
There really is only 1 complaint that I have with it.
The radio sucks.
The touchpad requires too much precision.
The radio lacks Sirius capability.
It lacks HD capability.
It drops bluetooth very often. CarPlay requires Siri to be enabled, but sometimes getting carplay to hook up takes disconnecting/reconnecting the USB several times.
It spies on you by collecting your data and sending it to Ford and God knows who else.
The sound quality is mediocre at best, and lousy when you try to crank it up (easily distorted bass, etc).
All of the above are bad, but the WORST thing about it is that it CANNOT BE REPLACED because NOTHING ELSE FITS.
We are STUCK with this POS.
I'm having a problem with the cars blue tooth. I can only get it sometimes with aggravation b
My 2023 Maverick stereo will only play a few minutes after you turn the key off. Is there a way that you can get it to play when you’re sitting and waiting on someone say at the doctors office without having to turn your key back on?
I beg to differ in SYNC 3 and UConnect as I have both. SYNC 3.4 in a 2019 Ranger Lariat and UConnect in a 2020 Chrysler 300 S. Have never had issues with the SYNC system but the UConnect has been a different story. I’ve had to reset the UConnect system twice now since I took delivery in October, 2000.
UConnect basically stops recognizing my voice and gives me a bunch of gibberish when seeking navigation directions - UConnect works flawlessly once the system is reset. This, and some other issues are pushing me to buy an extended warranty on the 300 - Ranger has been completely trouble free - will probably avoid the extended warranty.
Yes, make everything standard. Next headline, Maverick XL starts at $37k.
I have two cars with Sync 3.5 and wireless carplay adapter and they work great. Also the Mach E with Sync 4 (which is a pain in the back) with wireless carplay built in. I have rented both GM and Chrysler and I like the Ford better. I glad ford got rid of Microsoft for Sync