Navigation Options with SYNC 4 for 2025 Models

[thomasm23]

All 2025 Bronco Sport vehicles are equipped with SYNC 4. However, your navigation options are limited by model and option packages.

In-car navigation is called Connected Navigation and is only available on Outer Banks equipped with optional Outer Banks Tech Package+ and Badlands equipped with the optional Badlands Tech Package.

Connected Navigation is a fee based, cloud based system. The system uses an AT&T system that utilizes satellite communication. It is not reliant on a cell phone tower.

Ford offers a 1-year subscription with Connected Navigation. After that period, the yearly fee is $80.

My understanding is that without a valid paid subscription, the display will indicate and show your movement and position on a map, but will not offer directions. If someone can add to the functional capability of the system, please do.

All 2025 Bronco Sport models can utilize Apple CarPlay running navigation apps such as Apple Maps, Google Maps or Waze. Android Auto can also be used running navigation apps such as Google Maps or Waze.

CarPlay and Android Auto can be utilized with a USB cable or wirelessly via Bluetooth. There is only one USB-A port in the vehicle. All other USB ports are USB-C ports.

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[thomasm23]

If owners of 2025 vehicles could add some input, please do.

 

[Dude]

@DWG posted this 2025 information:

Per the 2025 order guide the 25 Bronco Sport comes with sync 4 and optional
Connected Navigation with 1-Year Subscription included, Pinch-to-Zoom Capability, Live Traffic, Predictive Destinations and Route Guidance, and One Box Search

After the subscription expires the navigation will revert to just a moving map as indicated below. After that you will need to either pay for the annual subscription or use another navigation service through car play.

It is interesting that the 2025 BS order guide mentions a 1 year subscription and the Ford support website say 90 days trial. I checked a 25 Badlands window sticker with the Tech Package (which includes the navigation) but I did not see the navigation trial period listed so I am assuming 1 year unless someone with a 25 with navigation has some additional information.

The Connected Built-Navigation was on earlier models with sync 4. I believe this version's map will still work without a subscription but you will need the subscription to access map updates. I do not believe this option is available on current models. Doesn't really matter on this forum since the connected built-in version is not available on the 25 Bronco Sport.

Connected Built-in Navigation (3 Years of Service)**
Begins a 3-year free trial on the vehicle's Warranty Start Date, not the date the modem is activated
Reverts to Embedded Navigation with no Connected Navigation services (e.g., live traffic) if a subscription is not purchased after the trial ends
Updates full map yearly and "home zone" quarterly while service is active
Provides navigation in "cellular dead zones"

Included on 25 Bronco Sport:
Connected Navigation (90-Day Trial)†
Begins a 90-day free trial on the vehicle's Warranty Start Date, not the date the modem is activated
Reverts to a "moving map" with no destination routing functionality if a subscription is not purchased after the trial ends
Updates full map yearly and "home zone" quarterly while service is active
Provides navigation in "cellular dead zones"

 

[wireman]

I need help here. If you are using the built in nav, explain what the phrase "provides nav in cellular dead zones" means.

My 77 year old brain bucket is having a hard time deciphering all the built in nav options and what really included.

It seems even Ford can't get their ducks in a row either.

Thanks.

 

[Dude]

Here is general info but all of this is not applicable to every Ford model like Bronco Sports

Ford's Connected Navigation systems rely on a cellular network for features like real-time traffic updates and online navigation, but it also provides navigation capabilities in cellular dead zones using recently downloaded map details.

Here's a more detailed breakdown but keep in mind this info does not entirely apply to Bronco Sports:

Connected Navigation:
This system uses a cellular network (AT&T) for real-time traffic updates, online search, and other connected services.

FordPass Connect:
Ford vehicles use a FordPass Connect modem and the FordPass app to enable connected services, including navigation.

Navigation in Cellular Dead Zones:
Even without a cellular network connection, Ford's Connected Navigation system can continue to work using recently downloaded and saved map details, ensuring navigation continues even if cell coverage drops.

Ford Connectivity Package:
The Ford Connectivity Package includes features like Connected Navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot, and entertainment apps, all of which rely on a cellular network connection.

AT&T Network:
Ford's connected services rely on the AT&T network for cellular connectivity.

FordPass App:
The FordPass app is required for activating and managing Connected Services, including navigation.

Wi-Fi Hotspot:
The Ford Connectivity Package includes a Wi-Fi hotspot that uses the vehicle's cellular connection to provide internet access for up to 10 devices.

Connected Built-In Navigation:
Ford also offers a Connected Built-In Navigation system, which includes a 3-year free trial with yearly updates to the full map and quarterly updates to the "home zone".

 

[wireman]

A lot of pieces to the puzzle.

So, if I'm not paying the yearly " thank you for your money fee" but using Apple CarPlay for nav, if I am in a dead one (no cell service) I would still be able to see my route on the Sync 4 map?

 

[DWG]

A lot of pieces to the puzzle.

So, if I'm not paying the yearly " thank you for your money fee" but using Apple CarPlay for nav, if I am in a dead one (no cell service) I would still be able to see my route on the Sync 4 map?

If you are using the Ford Navigation system and were past the initial free 1 year subscription and did not want to continue the subscription, you would see the map moving but no directions to a destination. If you are using car play through your phone you should see the navigation map of the app that you are using on the sync 4 screen with directions and turn by turn voice guidance. What is nice about car play with sync 4 is that it is a wireless connection.

 

[thomasm23]

A lot of pieces to the puzzle.

So, if I'm not paying the yearly " thank you for your money fee" but using Apple CarPlay for nav, if I am in a dead one (no cell service) I would still be able to see my route on the Sync 4 map?

If you are using CarPlay with a navigation app you are not using SYNC 4. Yes, SYNC 4 and CarPlay use the same screen but they exist in their own worlds.

Let’s say you have CarPlay up on the screen and ask Siri for directions to a location. Your default navigation app opens and the route appears on your vehicle's screen.

The route will continue if you loose cellular signal because it is stored in memory or cached. If you have no cellular signal, you cannot add or charge the route until you again have a cellular connection.

 

[Mt Goat]

If you are in a dead zone for apple maps/google maps, it still shows the map, route, directions, etc. I live in Colorado with plenty of dead zones and as long as you loaded/imitated in a service area where it can download maps it will carry you through dead zones.

 

[Dude]

And one other point, with Google Maps, Apple Maps, Gaia GPS (maybe other map apps on your phone) you can download maps of an area ahead of time

These Map apps automatically switch to the downloaded map when the cellular signal is lost

 

[wireman]

Thanks to everyone for a lot of clarification on my questions.

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