Ford Navigation worth it?

[scott_77]

I have been between Google Maps and Apple Maps - the native Ford navigation works but I prefer CarPlay which Ford nav doesn't support. I tend to download offline area maps from both when traveling to areas I am not too familiar with in advance in case no signal.

The issue I really do not like with Apple Maps (which Ford nav might allow) is that we can't set the zoom level. Meaning your driving in unfamiliar territory and it directs you to exit highway, for example, where it would zoom in and direct to use the two left turning lanes only to discover your next turn is immediately right - but it was out of view on map so you got to try and get over to the right left turn lane to make the turn or carry on and reroute... drives me nuts... so i always have to take eyes off road and zoom out (as it auto zooms back in over time) or I select the overall route view which is often a bit too far out.

Similarly, you're driving on highway, and there is dead stop traffic ahead out of view both in car and on navigation that you can avoid by exiting before its too late only to then not take the exit and hit the gridlock. I would think we would have ability to set a minimum zoom level and/or it would auto zoom out when there is a quick succession of left right lefts and/or traffic ahead before your next turn.

Google maps is similar in that regard but not as extreme. But it also lacks the SOC feedback I like. However, I do like it ability to showcase red yellow green so you know traffic is an issue on route.

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[OH2AZ2OH]

I use Apple Maps most of the time, with occasional use of Google Maps. Google tends to be better about predicting traffic an hour or two out. I have found one instance where I preferred the Ford Nav: If you are going to arrive home at less than 10% charge, Apple will desperately try to route you to a charger, but Ford knows your home address is a charging location.

 

[Boselka]

Ford Connected Nav Vs Apple CarPlay Maps is all dependent on use case in my opinion. If you don’t do large road trips (or to remote areas) it is probably not worth the money. I keep ours active because we do 4-5 1,000 plus mile yearly and I have done tons of testing on this overall Apple Maps works great now that preconditioning is included that is one more notch in its hat. But still for long trips I have found:

• The cell connection in the Mach-E is more reliable than the iPhone, in rural areas our iPhones almost always drop signal before the car does and some times for hundreds of miles (there is a particular Supercharger in Amarillo, TX within 3 miles of that station our iPhones have no signal and can’t pull up the Tesla app on the phone or do anything at the station)
• Apple Maps is far too conservative on routing (Ford. As you can set how conservative your want it to be) I personally am okay getting slightly under 10% remaining range as long as I know the stop I am going to is within range and has 4+ stalls working.
• The Ford Connected nav is far more accurate at range predictions. It recalculates estimated range as soon as it knows where you are going based on conditions and driving habits. I find that Apple requires more driving on the current trip before it begins adjusting.
• The Ford Connected navigation re-routes for charging issues (charger goes down, or your range is no longer sufficient) faster than Apple Maps.
• Ford’s connected navigation is better at predicting estimated

Now all of this assumes your on the 2026 model or you got the recent updates to include superchargers with your adapter, etc. This is also learned experiences from road trips with 4+ charging stops all over the country.

 

[JustSomeQuickGuy]

I'll never get over the fact that my car (and plenty of other brands too) has features locked behind a paywall.

 

[ChehRob]

It is cheaper to install those features, but not activate them. The car can be sold for less, but future owners can pay for the feature if they want it.

 

[moritzes]

I never use it. But the way it works provides a level of protection in case you lose cell phone coverage for whatever reason. Ford’s Connected Navigation uses GPS satellite tracking and pre-loaded maps. Compared to your cell which of course uses the mobile carrier’s cell towers.

It’s an edge solution vs a cloud one for those of you in the know.

Google Maps will also download offline maps, you just have to do it manually (usually--sometimes it will ask you).

 

[JustSomeQuickGuy]

It is cheaper to install those features, but not activate them. The car can be sold for less, but future owners can pay for the feature if they want it.

Cheaper for Ford? Great!

I'm still paying for all the hardware/sensors, but can't use them unless I keep giving them more money.

 

[Lohugo]

Cheaper for Ford? Great!

I'm still paying for all the hardware/sensors, but can't use them unless I keep giving them more money.

You will pay more if there don't do it, everything is an pre assembly. It's cheaper to but parts in the trash then keep it in stock.

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