For years, we’ve known that Ford was working on a new, Google-based infotainment system, which was originally slated to begin launching in 2023 model year vehicles. However, that wasn’t the case, though what’s now known as the Ford Digital Experience (or Lincoln Digital Experience) has debuted in vehicles like the redesigned 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, along with the refreshed 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Lincoln Aviator. During a recent media drive event for the 2025 Ford Explorer, Ford Authority was able to take an in-person, in-depth look at this new software.
Here, we get a good look at the new 13.2-inch center infotainment screen present in the 2025 Ford Explorer, but more notably, this is the very first Ford-branded product to run the company’s new software. It’s flanked by a totally redesigned dash area and front portion of the cabin, which adds some additional legroom, to boot. The home screen is relatively simple and features an array of controls, including the driver’s profile (which can be set up for different users and stores all kinds of settings), quadrants for things like audio and navigation, plus HVAC controls, which replace the old physical buttons.
The controls on the screen are very responsive, which is nice to see, and one can slide their finger across the screen to expand certain controls and menus as well. Clicking on certain controls – like the fan – opens more detailed screens as well. Changing things like audio source can be done easily, which is also the case with skipping songs, while clicking on individual quadrants opens up full screens for those controls, plus other functions like navigation.
Overall, the whole thing functions much like a smartphone – using the same gestures, such as pinching to zoom in or out on Google Maps – which should make it easy for most to figure out quickly. The voice controls seem quite solid as well, with no lagging or delays involved in the entire process. While some may not be thrilled with the removal of physical controls, this new software seems to be pretty intuitive and easy to use, which should come as a relief to many concerned with that pivot – especially since the Ford Digital Experience will soon be heading to more models in The Blue Oval’s lineup.
We’ll have more on the 2025 Ford Explorer soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford Explorer news and comprehensive Ford news updates.
Comments
This is yet another reason to avoid certain current Fords. Sync4 is a lame duck and won’t be supported for long. I know, once Sync4 debuted, my Sync3 was ignored.
That’s literally how all technology works. At a certain point new features are limited by outdated hardware so it would be impossible to continue to release new features without upgrading the hardware. People use carplay and Android auto anyways which is run off your phone so your point is kind of invalid.
I really like the new Explorer ST, but at the end of the day, the lack of physical HVAC controls feels like they missed the mark (on this and the new Aviator). I see other automakers going back to actual buttons for such controls, and the #1 thing I hate about my current 2019 Lincoln Nautilus is the lack of a dedicated and physical heated steering wheel button. The heated and vented seat buttons are easy to access without thought, as is the auto climate, dual climate, and climate temp controls. Ultimately, I think the lack of buttons will make me hang onto my Lincoln for a while longer.
Ford still hasn’t fixed all the problems with the infortainment system problems tha have persisted at least seven years and probably longer. We traded in the wife’s 2018 Edge because of blank screens and radio coming on randomly for a 2021 Bronco Sport and still more of the same problem’s that Ford just can seem to get fixed so we traded it for a 2024 Honda Passport.
.. you first mistake, was buying a Bronco Sport.
your ..
I have a 2021 Bronco Sport and have no problem with SYNC 4, no blank screens or radio coming on randomly. I also have 2 other Fords with that system (Escape & Mustang) and they have been fine and stable.
Sync 4 was not available in the 2021 bronco sports. Those still had sync 3.
Ford has the worst infotainment systems ever produced by an OEM. My Ford Touch was a total disaster, then SYNC3 wasn’t much better, Ford bailed on supporting that system as they have done with SYNC4. Stellantis U Connect and GM MyLink is far superior to anything Ford has ever produced. The APIM that controls these systems has always been underpowered and poorly designed. The software is a sloppy, sluggish, lazy design that’s coded like its 1988. Its enough to bail on the brand especially when you compare it to what GM and Stellantis are doing. Explorer has a 10″ screen and the Rear View Camera window is 2″ X 2″ WTF? My 21 Explorer ST SYNC3 is a disaster and I cant wait to flush this vehicle after lease ends.
The sync 4 system in my escape works just fine. So does the sync 2 system in my mustang. Sounds like user error my dude.
This looks like a disaster. Please say there is time to change the whole set up.
The 2025 Explorer ST was high on my list to replace my aging (but excellent) Durango R/T. No longer. The reliance on that new screen to run all the regular functions of the vehicle, and the absence of physical buttons for HVAC is a killer for me. And what happens when that screen goes down, or the system itself locks up? Scratch this one off my list.
The HVAC controls stay along the bottom of the screen at all times so it’s not that big of a deal. I rarely ever touch mine anyways. I set to to auto and 70° so I literally only have to turn it on and off. If the screen goes down you take it to the dealer to get it fixed just like if anything else in your car breaks 🤦
….. I’m only 5’11, but I traded in my ’22 Timberline this past Apr ’24. I was tired
of having to duck to get into the driver seat. Yeah, the Sync 3 on that was pitiful.
I bought an end of year ’23 F150 STX with Sync 4 and couldn’t be happier. The
ride is incredible, has all the physical knobs, and Sync 4 has wireless, hands-free
Alexa, Nav and Settings work smooth as silk.
The Ford Digital experience is another dog whistle to California class action lawsuits. False advertising on navigation & hands free controls. Nothing works without your phone.