Ford Authority has covered Ford’s latest Sync 4 operating system extensively in recent months, including its basic features and how to use them. That coverage also includes Sync 4A, which is exclusively used on models that have vertical infotainment screens, such as the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E that Ford Authority is spending some time with this week. And that had us thinking – what, exactly, do our readers think about the vertical Sync 4A system?
Currently, the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Ford Edge come equipped with Sync 4A, while the 2022 Ford F-150 Lighting, 2022 Ford Expedition, and 2022 Ford E-Transit will soon join those models. Meanwhile, the Ford F-150, Ford Bronco, and Ford Super Duty offer the regular Sync 4 – designed for horizontal infotainment screens. Sync 4 is closely related to 4A, as the names suggest, though there are a few notable differences between the two.
Both Sync 4 and 4A feature available enhanced conversational voice recognition, cloud-based connectivity, Ford Power-Up software update capability, wireless Sync AppLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and customizable touchscreen options. However, 4A adds adaptive dash cards and automatically places frequently used dash items at the top of the screen.
Adaptive dash cards are interactive cards that take the place of traditional menus, that allow users to do all sorts of things such as pause or skip songs directly by using the audio card, operate the GPS navigation, and make calls or hang up the phone using the hands-free communication card. Dash cards are personalized based on which ones owners use the most, as well as the ones that were used most recently, while the card currently in use will appear at the top of the screen for easy access.
If nothing else, Sync 4A is certainly different, as are the vertical screens present in select new Ford vehicles. Thus, we’re curious to hear whether our readers prefer a traditional horizontal screen, or vertical screens running slightly different software. So be sure and vote in the poll below!
We’ll have more on Sync soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for 24/7 Ford news coverage.
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A pretty cool tailgating rig, we'd say.
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It didn't top every category, but was the best all-around.
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When are they going to address distracted driving with these big screens ??
I agree
The vertical screen displaces physical buttons to the screen, don't like it!
Ordered it for our 22 Expedition. Wish it had more features or apps. Seems silly to have to install a separate dash cam when the truck already has cameras and a computer (sync) which could record it.
I really dislike the move to larger screens. I'm happy my Escape's screen is only 8" big and has a dark color scheme mode, but I still have to turn it off at night some times because the LED screen strains my eyes. Looks like I'm going to have to buy fabric to cover the screens whenever I buy a new vehicle in the future.
That’s exactly what turned me off about Tesla’s. No big screens for this Potential Customer.
I didn't like it in my Mach-E GT. The navigation screen seemed too condensed and while in the HOME screen part of the entertainment choices would be missing because they all didn't fit. Furthermore, there's too much empty space around the edges, the cameras weren't large enough, (also condensed instead of filling the screen) and have you ever tried to adjust the temp/fan speed while driving down a less-than-perfect street? If we can't make a return to physical knobs, can the volume knob be used for other features; changing functions via the dial's center power button? The old Sync 3 system with knobs worked MUCH better.
I don’t like it for the reasons already stated (loss of physical buttons, distraction, and night glare), plus the disappointment of frail/small fonts on such a large screen.
I don’t like the larger vertical screen sticking up above the dash, much prefer the horizontal.
Will be ordering my new 2022 lighting soon & like the Lariat but will likely get the XLT because I don’t like the larger vertical screen (doesn’t look correct for a truck) on the lariat & platinum!
Best,
Curtis
I like the big screen. To bad my 2020 Edge doesn't have it. I wonder how much the upgrade would cost
Not a fan of the larger vertical screens either. Have an Explorer with one and it looks out of place in the dash. Functionally, the home screens should be able to be programed to what the user uses most. Having the Nav on the top of the home screen all the time is a bit silly. Should have made it just a little smaller to flow with the interior. between that and the "island" in the center of the windshield (rear view mirror, driver watcher, and forward looking apparatus) the view to right of the vehicle is from the drivers position is limited/broken up and reduced.