Is there one option that you think is a useless one?

[cprcubed]

10 oz Coke in glass bottles ?

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[jmtapiar]

The molle straps. I have no use case for that.
The bottle opener is a gimmick.
Auto high beams. Never used it, don't know why I should.

I'm with you in all three, the autohigh beams are anonoying, the turn off in thr worst moments

 

[Major Kong]

Mine would be the bottle opener in the back hatch; a novelty perhaps, but how many folks these days buy a beverage that requires a bottle opener?

bottle opener
just a little finesse is all it takes

 

[Glamdring70]

Well, I'm not sure if you mean feature or option. I would call the bottle opener a feature.

If I had to pick the least useful feature I'd pick the door locks. No not the lock itself, or the lock button. I mean the tab that swings out automatically when you pull the door handle. Can you even push it in to lock the door? I never tried. Runner up, the pencil holder in the console. Every other feature is probably a benefit to someone even if not me. I actually use the pencil holder, but without real purpose.

I would say the least useful option Ford sells is either the assistance kit or the graphics package. I mean, the assistance kit is useful if you need something in it, but you don't need to pay the Ford price for the $20 of stuff in it. I can put together a much better kit for $80. The graphics package is probably the more egregiously overpriced item, but maybe someone really digs the factory graphic. I guess every option is probably nice for someone.

 

[davidb1841]

I'm using the center cubby to mount the Garmin GPS I use to cover it up and make up for the fact I can't get Navigation from Ford. The Garmins now provide Weather, Traffic, Traffic Cameras, weather radar, and phone interoperability in addition to Nav....and I can keep my phone on the wireless charger all at the same time!

So am I saying the cubby is useless or useful,.........not sure.....but I am sure using my phone for Nav is a pain in the ass.

 

[davidg4781]

Runner up, the pencil holder in the console. Every other feature is probably a benefit to someone even if not me. I actually use the pencil holder, but without real purpose.

Wait. Pencil holder??

 

[AmazingSieve]

Are we allowed to use it for something other than a phone?

A beer ya just make sure it’s not opened

 

[Bucko]

An option for for me is the NAV. With cell phones, the maps are constantly up to date (not sure how the sync system works with NAV in the way of map updates). I heard that the auto manufactures were going to do away with NAV, and just provide a screen that your phone can blue tooth or direct connect to, like the Ford has now.

I guess for those that live or drive in areas with poor signal strength would have issues though. I'd still pass on the expense of NAV, and buy a portable navigation device. Most come with free map updates.

 

[PugDad]

Rain Sensing Wipers! Wait What? I just look out the window and see if it's raining. Been doing it my entire life, haven't gotten it wrong yet.

 

[Bucko]

Rain Sensing Wipers! Wait What? I just look out the window and see if it's raining. Been doing my entire life, havn't gotten it wrong yet.

I like tis feature though I agree it does not take a rocket degree to identify rain. However, I'm still getting used to finding where all the various operation knobs are for the BS.

 

[Mark S.]

I guess for those that live or drive in areas with poor signal strength would have issues though.

Google maps allows you to download maps for off-line use. If you know you're going into an area with no signal just download the map(s) ahead of time. You can choose the size of the area or areas you want available off line; map data includes everything available while online except traffic. Once downloaded, Google maps will automatically keep your off-line maps up to date for you. Problem solved.

 

[coopny]

Useless features/options:

• Bottle opener (to me) - I’m not a big tailgater or anything and scenarios where I’d drink a bottled beverage that didn’t have a twist off cap I’d have a bottle opener anyways.
• Auto-start stop - Ford has to do this to eke out 1-2 extra MPGs on the EPA fuel efficiency test, but in practice it’s just annoying and doesn’t help mileage. (Auto start/stop eliminator is worth the price - I know some people say “just push the button” but that’s an irritating thing to do thousands or tens of thousands of times over the ownership of the car])
• Phone pouch - phone is too big, I plug it in for CarPlay and charging. I saw others say they use it for a garage door opener but I have that built into the visor.
• Wireless charging - I use CarPlay and have to plug in the phone anyways, which charges the battery faster, with less heat (less wear on the battery).

Useful:

• Cubby in the middle of the dash below the screen - I’ve put the key there, my wallet, parking garage slips etc. and everything stays.
• Factory navigation - 99.9999% of the time I don’t use this, but in a case where you end up in a very remote region and don’t have the entire US downloaded on your phone GPS app, it can be worth it alone. I wouldn’t have bought it separately, but it came included in my trim with the B&O audio.
• Auto high beams - makes it easier to not blind people. Actually most of the Copilot and Copilot 360++ features I like, although I don’t have them all on all the time.
• Moonroof. As others have said, this is a polarizing one. I generally have it open for extra light, and sometimes, for fresh air. Unlike some smaller cars, the BS has a lot of headroom already, so the adaptations to make the moonroof fit (lower headliner) isn’t drastic like it is in some other vehicles (which will irritate taller drivers.)
• Liftgate button in the vehicle. Yes, it’s not a power liftgate, but if you pop the lift gate for someone to load their bags (passenger) or groceries/whatever (curbside pickup), they will hear the mechanism and just lift the lift gate open. Without it you have a 50/50 chance that they’re going to open the glass by mistake, and since it requires a decent non-intuitive amount of force to close without the “liftgate/glass ajar” message in your dash, likely having to call them to repeat opening and closing the glass.
• Rain sensing wipers can be useful when rain is really wacky. It’s definitely not a necessary feature, but it is nice to have, and like the ambient lighting, I don’t know why the Badlands doesn’t have it.

No opinion:

• B&O audio. It’s okay. It’s definitely lackluster compared to other upgraded premium sound systems, but I can’t judge it against the stock BS sound system as I’ve never heard it.

No strong opinion:

• Ambient lighting. I had it in my last car and enjoyed it, I’m puzzled why the Badlands doesn’t have it. I’ve heard that it’s weaker lighting and that newer cars ship without cupholder lighting too.

An option for for me is the NAV. With cell phones, the maps are constantly up to date (not sure how the sync system works with NAV in the way of map updates).

Map updates are done via USB. I've heard that Ford generally does 1-2 updates free, then charges. It's all a moot point because Syn3 Updater (not made by/endorsed/etc. by Ford) can get the latest maps and create the USB free of charge for you, but Ford hasn't put out new Sync 3 maps since May of 2021.

I heard that the auto manufactures were going to do away with NAV, and just provide a screen that your phone can blue tooth or direct connect to, like the Ford has now.

GM is going back in the opposite direction and removing Carplay support in EVs 2024 onwards in favor of Android Automotive. They said something like Google Maps navigation would be free for 8 years. I see it as a way for automakers to get a stranglehold on controlling the radio and making you buy a new car to get new tech features (vs. a smartphone that people generally upgrade every 1-3 years and having it drive the screen). I will resist this strongly - Carplay support is make or break on a vehicle purchase for me.

I guess for those that live or drive in areas with poor signal strength would have issues though. I'd still pass on the expense of NAV, and buy a portable navigation device. Most come with free map updates.

For price you can't beat a standalone GPS on sale, but for the strength of the GPS signal (larger GPS sensor), dead reckoning (taking last position and extrapolating potential location from steering wheel movement, speed, etc. when in a tunnel or other no signal situation), and being cleanly integrated into the radio, it is nice to have factory nav. I wouldn't buy it separately, but it was included in the premium package on the Badlands with other features I wanted.

(It is also possible to upgrade the APIM - the module that is the "brains" of sync 3 - to a navigation version. A new APIM programmed for your vehicle with nav is like $899 from 4D Tech, but if you were to acquire a cheaper navigation enabled APIM [perhaps eBay for one pulled from a totaled BS], they would do the required programming via email for $40 to make it work in your car. However, this requires some substantial dashboard disassembly to actually swap the part, and even if you found a cheap nav enabled APIM, a standalone GPS with lifetime map updates would be cheaper.)

 

[Bucko]

Useless features/options:

• Bottle opener (to me) - I’m not a big tailgater or anything and scenarios where I’d drink a bottled beverage that didn’t have a twist off cap I’d have a bottle opener anyways.
• Auto-start stop - Ford has to do this to eke out 1-2 extra MPGs on the EPA fuel efficiency test, but in practice it’s just annoying and doesn’t help mileage. (Auto start/stop eliminator is worth the price - I know some people say “just push the button” but that’s an irritating thing to do thousands or tens of thousands of times over the ownership of the car])
• Phone pouch - phone is too big, I plug it in for CarPlay and charging. I saw others say they use it for a garage door opener but I have that built into the visor.
• Wireless charging - I use CarPlay and have to plug in the phone anyways, which charges the battery faster, with less heat (less wear on the battery).

Useful:

• Cubby in the middle of the dash below the screen - I’ve put the key there, my wallet, parking garage slips etc. and everything stays.
• Factory navigation - 99.9999% of the time I don’t use this, but in a case where you end up in a very remote region and don’t have the entire US downloaded on your phone GPS app, it can be worth it alone. I wouldn’t have bought it separately, but it came included in my trim with the B&O audio.
• Auto high beams - makes it easier to not blind people. Actually most of the Copilot and Copilot 360++ features I like, although I don’t have them all on all the time.
• Moonroof. As others have said, this is a polarizing one. I generally have it open for extra light, and sometimes, for fresh air. Unlike some smaller cars, the BS has a lot of headroom already, so the adaptations to make the moonroof fit (lower headliner) isn’t drastic like it is in some other vehicles (which will irritate taller drivers.)
• Liftgate button in the vehicle. Yes, it’s not a power liftgate, but if you pop the lift gate for someone to load their bags (passenger) or groceries/whatever (curbside pickup), they will hear the mechanism and just lift the lift gate open. Without it you have a 50/50 chance that they’re going to open the glass by mistake, and since it requires a decent non-intuitive amount of force to close without the “liftgate/glass ajar” message in your dash, likely having to call them to repeat opening and closing the glass.
• Rain sensing wipers can be useful when rain is really wacky. It’s definitely not a necessary feature, but it is nice to have, and like the ambient lighting, I don’t know why the Badlands doesn’t have it.

No opinion:

• B&O audio. It’s okay. It’s definitely lackluster compared to other upgraded premium sound systems, but I can’t judge it against the stock BS sound system as I’ve never heard it.

No strong opinion:

• Ambient lighting. I had it in my last car and enjoyed it, I’m puzzled why the Badlands doesn’t have it. I’ve heard that it’s weaker lighting and that newer cars ship without cupholder lighting too.

Map updates are done via USB. I've heard that Ford generally does 1-2 updates free, then charges. It's all a moot point because Syn3 Updater (not made by/endorsed/etc. by Ford) can get the latest maps and create the USB free of charge for you, but Ford hasn't put out new Sync 3 maps since May of 2021.



GM is going back in the opposite direction and removing Carplay support in EVs 2024 onwards in favor of Android Automotive. They said something like Google Maps navigation would be free for 8 years. I see it as a way for automakers to get a stranglehold on controlling the radio and making you buy a new car to get new tech features (vs. a smartphone that people generally upgrade every 1-3 years and having it drive the screen). I will resist this strongly - Carplay support is make or break on a vehicle purchase for me.



For price you can't beat a standalone GPS on sale, but for the strength of the GPS signal (larger GPS sensor), dead reckoning (taking last position and extrapolating potential location from steering wheel movement, speed, etc. when in a tunnel or other no signal situation), and being cleanly integrated into the radio, it is nice to have factory nav. I wouldn't buy it separately, but it was included in the premium package on the Badlands with other features I wanted.

(It is also possible to upgrade the APIM - the module that is the "brains" of sync 3 - to a navigation version. A new APIM programmed for your vehicle with nav is like $899 from 4D Tech, but if you were to acquire a cheaper navigation enabled APIM [perhaps eBay for one pulled from a totaled BS], they would do the required programming via email for $40 to make it work in your car. However, this requires some substantial dashboard disassembly to actually swap the part, and even if you found a cheap nav enabled APIM, a standalone GPS with lifetime map updates would be cheaper.)

Very good write up

 

[Glamdring70]

Wait. Pencil holder??

Like, I totally couldn't just put this in the console tray...

 

[magicbus]

Like, I totally couldn't just put this in the console tray...

Whoa!! I never noticed that. I o had a dollar for every time my wife rooted around the glove box for a pen my BS would have been free . I hope remember next time she asks!

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