When the 2022 Ford Maverick was revealed last month, there was one curious omission from Ford Maverick XL and XLT trims – the infotainment system in those vehicles – all equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen – was not listed as SYNC 3, though that has been Ford’s default software choice for its infotainment systems for some time now. However, sources familiar with the Maverick and its technology explained to Ford Authority why that is the case.
2022 Ford Maverick XL and XLT models lack native voice recognition capability and are therefore unable to change radio stations, temperature, or govern media players through simple verbal commands. Thus, Ford chose not to refer to this software as SYNC 3, even though it’s similar in most other ways to the SYNC 3 software present on virtually every new Ford vehicle (that isn’t running the newer SYNC 4). Of course, there could also be some hardware changes involved as well. Regardless, the base touchscreen is very aesthetically similar to SYNC 3.
It is worth noting, however, that the Maverick order guide (which can be found here) points out that SYNC 3 is available in conjunction with the Lariat Luxury Package. In that application, the infotainment system does include the aforementioned voice recognition capability, and thus, is qualified to carry the SYNC 3 distinction.
Even if Ford Maverick XL and XLT trims don’t technically come with SYNC 3, they do offer a few welcome features including 911 Assist, Applink, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay have their own voice assistants that can be accessed by pressing the voice button on the steering wheel, which should still allow drivers to send texts while on the road and to initiate phone calls, two functions that Sync 3 can perform on its own, wirelessly. All models also come with a host of standard FordPass Connect features too, including an embedded 4G LTE WiFi hotspot that can connect up to 10 devices. Owners can also schedule times to remote start their trucks, find their trucks, check the fuel level, and lock or unlock the doors via the FordPass app as well.
Regardless, prospective Maverick buyers that must have all of the features offered by SYNC 3 will need to opt for Lariat or First Edition trims with the Lariat Luxury Package (which is required on the First Edition) to get them.
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.
After this article was published, Ford reached out to clarify that the standard infotainment system does in fact feature 911 Assist, Applink, and hands-free calling, the latter feature being enabled if connected phones are running Android Auto or Apple CarPlay on the Maverick’s screen.
Comments
For the price of the XL or XLT trims, who cares if you are missing infotainment features. Chances are, if you are like me, you would never use them anyways.
The reason they are not offering the Sync 3 system is it is a piece of junk. My S3 began malfunctioning early on, then became really balky at around 60000 miles. Almost unusable. It would never accept the updates, even when the dealership tried. The APIM module is shot.$ 1300.00 to replace. They don’t even stock it. Had to pay for it just to be ordered. Still don’t have it. You watch. They will stop putting it in all new vehicles and they should have years ago. $50000 truck with crappy infotainment system. Then there is the cam phaser rattle issue. Look it up. I have been a Ford customer, business fleet and personal vehicle, all my life. I’m 70 years old. Never buy another Ford. Ever.
😂🤣😂
I need sirius xm. So id have to spend over 30,000
Get it through your phone. I just did and use Bluetooth to get it my vw Jetta.
Ford needs to tone down that stuff and improve rustproofing protection since Maverick is a unibody. There will be lots of places for corrosion to start on vehicles operated in northern USA where salt is used on the roads in wintertime.
I have 6 of these in the order bank…when I explain that the only way to get Sync 3 is the lariat luxury…the reply is as long as we have Andoid Auto and a large screen…they dont care
I want a small work truck – extended cab, longer bed. Not a chick-mobile which is what most trucks are now.
Need AWD and the hybrid.,Guess I will pass on this truck.
I like the small trucks, I am 5 foot and have a hard time getting in the big ones, I am a chic in her seventys so a small truck is ideal, this maverick is something i can see my self driving
As long as there is a way to connect your I phone or Smart Phone hands free I am good with this. The Maverick as pictured is the what I would order like this color.
Hello Karen. I am with you on the small part. Unfortunately trucks have devolved to where they cars with open trunks. Not work vehicles(longer bed). Ladies wanting to be ‘cool’ in a truck but with all the amenities bare much of the blame. In the past you paid extra for a truck with luxuries, now you cannot buy a plain small truck.
we need a truck just big enough to haul things around ,we just bought a door for the house and we had to leave it stick out the back fo our suv ,I really had to drive real slow , so it wouldnt fall out the back, I get your idea of the work truck but some people just can use a smaller one