Fresh off – well, a refresh for the 2023 model year, the Ford Escape is a relatively new product that was treated to a host of updates for the last model year, inside and out. However, the 2024 Ford Escape is set to receive at least one more, as The Blue Oval has changed up the Connected Navigation subscription option for the small crossover, a move that comes shortly after the automaker also switched up factory navigation options for the 2024 Ford Bronco.
For the 2023 model year, the factory navigation option for the Escape consisted of three years of service. With the 2024 Ford Escape, the term has been reduced to one year. This change will impact a host of trim levels, as Connected Navigation is included in the Tech Pack #1 on the Active, ST-Line, and ST-Line Select, and is standard equipment on the ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and PHEV models.
In addition to this change, the 2024 Ford Escape is also receiving a few more updates for the new model year. That includes the elimination of the SecuriCode Keyless Entry Keypad, a feature that has disappeared from a number of other Blue Oval models recently – except for the Escape’s platform mate, the Lincoln Corsair, at least.
Aside from those updates, the 2024 Ford Escape also features some typical exterior color change ups, in this case, the addition of Race Red, which is only available on the Base and Active trims. However, as Ford Authority reported earlier this month, the Base trim is no longer available to order for retail customers, as it’s become a fleet-only offering for the new model year, leaving the Active as the new entry-level trim in the Escape lineup.
We’ll have more on the 2024 Ford Escape soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Escape news and 24/7 Ford news coverage.
Comments
What is not mentioned in this article is the entire Navigation system is subscription based. This is a MAJOR change from the Connected Built-In system in the past. No subscription == no map, no navigation, no directions, no nothing.
Personally, I could live without map updates, and traffic updates…but this change literally means no GPS is the car if you don’t pay the subscription. Terrible, terrible choice by Ford.
You always can get Garmin maps. They are free and in my experience more reliable.
They don’t integrate into your massive touchscreen. I don’t want “alternatives”…I want Ford to not change something they already had working just fine.
That said, if Ford could integrate Garmin nav into their systems, that would be awesome! Would gladly pay 1k more for that feature to be BUILT-IN to my vehicle
I think the previous “Connected Built-In system” was, indeed, subscription based. It’s just that no one noticed because of the complimentary 3-year service. I remember having to sign up to activate it when I bought my 2021 Bronco Sport Badlands. I no longer have that vehicle so I can’t say what the subscription renewal cost would be, but I doubt I would have renewed because Apple Car Play and Android Auto are just as good as the Ford Nav system (IMO).
So no loss to me that they’re shortening the complimentary subscription time. In Farley’s own words, it’s a second-rate system anyway. (You can search for that topic on this Forum)
I also believe that the GPS tracker in the vehicles without Nav is still active. How else will Ford follow your every move and send you “opportunities” to shed more money on things you may not want.
This is incorrect. See the precise definition on Ford’s website: https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/sync/sync-4/what-are-the-sync-4-navigation-options/
Connected Built-In Navigation:
“Reverts to Embedded Navigation with no Connected Navigation services (e.g., live traffic) if a subscription is not purchased after the trial ends”
Connected Navigation:
“Reverts to a “moving map” with no destination routing functionality if a subscription is not purchased after the trial ends”
This is incorrect. See the precise definition on Ford’s website…throw this into Google: “what-are-the-sync-4-navigation-options”
Connected Built-In Navigation:
“Reverts to Embedded Navigation with no Connected Navigation services (e.g., live traffic) if a subscription is not purchased after the trial ends”
Connected Navigation:
“Reverts to a “moving map” with no destination routing functionality if a subscription is not purchased after the trial ends”
I did not know that. Thanks for the info. I didn’t keep my ’21 Bronco Sport long enough for the subscription to expire. It was Sync 3, if that made any difference.
Anyway……I learned something here. It’s a good day.
I’m fairly certain Sync 3 didn’t have “Connected Navigation”…that is new to Sync 4. Likely you are talking about SiriusXM Travel Link? Which gives similar features.
Who is using embedded Ford Navigation in 2023…let alone paying for it? CarPlay and Android Auto deliver far better Navigation choices and connectivity for free!
Ford Nav is perfectly fine. CarPlay and AA integrate like garbage into Sync. AA does not have heading up 2D view. Traffic isn’t an issue in rural areas.
Ford Nav is great if you only need the basics. CarPlay and AA both work just fine with Sync 4. I don’t have problems with either one. AA doesn’t have any headings in any view, AA simply connects your map application to the display. If your map application doesn’t have the features you want, choose a different one. Pretty simple. With Ford Nav, you’re stuck with Ford Nav.
Nothing was wrong with Ford Nav, so I’d love to be stuck with what the 2023’s had
For serious trips, I use a dash-top Garmin. Around town, I use Apple play. I have two Mustangs with built-in navigation and I rarely use either. They can keep their subscription.
So basically you are paying for something you won’t use…makes perfect sense