It’s almost impossible to look at the history of the Ford Motor Company and not be impressed with its strides in engineering and technology. From a completely linear perspective, it appears that they’ve always been ahead of the curve. From the Mustang to the Bronco and beyond, there appears to be nothing the blue brand can’t accomplish.
Among the many accolades that Ford has received over the many years of its existence are the many implementations of technology in its vehicles. To break down every feature and patent that’s come to fruition since its inception would be the length of a manuscript. Ford has never let its focus waver, and even today, they continue to impress critics and consumers with new features and developments that defy convention. The future is now, and it’s a distinctive shade of blue. These features are available from just about any Ford dealership you can find.
Ford Pass
We live in a world where all the items we need to enjoy life are available with the click of an app. It’s only natural that our vehicles would integrate into our smartphones’ interfaces. That’s the basis behind Ford Pass. By placing control of the vehicle in the palm of your hand, Ford has made vehicle and owner information more accessible than ever. From a distance, you can lock and unlock your Ford, initiate a remote start, and even utilize the interface to check your current levels of both fuel and oil—all with your smartphone or tablet.
Ford has continued to streamline and improve upon their app-based technology. As recently as 2021, navigation and trip planning services have been integrated to provide drivers with complete oversight of their journeys.
Ford Sync
The infotainment center has shifted the entire paradigm of accessibility. Similar to the implementation of smartphone technology, the apps made to make life easier are now at your fingertips while you drive. Many infotainment centers are compatible with Apple and Android technology, meaning that no matter which cellular service you choose, access is granted with ease.
Ford Sync is technology that allows you to take full advantage of entertainment, navigation, and more. First launched in 2007 and made available in the entire fleet after the 2015 model year, Sync 3 is this technology fully realized and refined for the average consumer.
Some unique features that make Sync 3 so premium include climate control, navigation, and smooth smartphone app integration. You’ll have access to the forms of entertainment you enjoy most, from podcasts to music, all streamed from your phone to the stereo. Ford emphasizes making a user-friendly interface that allows you to personalize how it’s operated, including voice commands. With an 8.0” screen and crisp visuals, you can navigate Sync 3 without difficulty.
Ford Co-Pilot 360
One of the biggest accomplishments for Ford in recent years, Co-Pilot 360, is a comprehensive suite of driving assistance features that offer more peace of mind to the millions of drivers who rely on Ford daily. While driving assistance features aren’t exclusive to Ford, the manufacturer has grouped various features together to provide their customers with the best. To better understand what Co-Pilot 360 contains, check out the different aspects of the package.
Hill Descent Control
Many drivers who prefer Ford to the competition are avid practitioners of off-roading extracurricular activities. Thanks to vehicles such as the Ford F-150 Raptor, the path less traveled can be traveled—and even tamed. Off-roading can sometimes include elevated terrains, and going downhill can be difficult for even the most experienced off-roader. Hill Descent Control helps your vehicle maintain a set speed and apply brake pressure whenever necessary.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist
Trailering and towing are activities that Ford drivers can enjoy to the fullest. Regardless of your level of experience, backing up to disembark or connect with a trailer can present itself with a certain degree of difficulty. This feature makes the process easier and can help prevent accidents.
BLIS with Trailer Coverage
Changing lanes can sometimes be difficult, especially in bustling urban traffic. When there’s a trailer attached to your vehicle, these maneuvers can present a potential danger to the other vehicles you share the road with. This feature makes changing lanes easier, not to mention safer.
Automatic High Beams
Low visibility can be very dangerous to navigate. As such, high beams might be necessary to get to your destination in one piece. High beams can alleviate problems with visibility, but they can also be a potential hazard for other drivers. Automatic high beams change their brightness in conjunction with traffic patterns, ensuring everyone stays safe.
Active Park Assist 2.0
Parallel parking: it’s one of the hardest parts of learning how to drive. No matter what your skill level might be, parking can still be somewhat of a challenge. Active park Assist makes the process simple and eliminates stress from the equation.
Rear View Camera
Operating at 6 MPH or lower speeds, the rearview camera exists to ensure you back out simply and safely. By watching pedestrians, animals, and other obstructions, you’ll be doing your part to keep others safe.
Evasive Steering Assist
Reacting in time to the unexpected is a skill that drivers develop over time with experience. Still, the unexpected can happen anytime, leaving little time to react. While this feature doesn’t steer for you, it does provide extra steering support when and where it’s needed most.
Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control
One of the biggest achievements in driving assistance technology to emerge in years, adaptive cruise control takes driving features to new levels of capability. By monitoring traffic patterns and road conditions, your Ford can maintain a safe distance and consistent speed when you’re on long stretches of highway.
Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
The moment between when you see a collision about to occur and the moment of impact might seem like a lengthy period of time, but it happens quickly—giving you only a slim opportunity to react. This feature issues a warning when a potential collision seems imminent and applies braking assistance to help prevent an accident.
Lane-Keeping System
Many of us are attentive and responsible drivers. But even the best can make mistakes from time to time. Swerving out of your lane happens to everyone occasionally, and this feature will alert you when that occurs.
Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert
There’s an old expression that applies to highway safety: “It’s the other drivers you have to look out for.” In this case, the fabled “other driver” happens to be you. The blind spot has long been a dangerous place where many accidents occur. This feature helps provide extra vision where it’s needed most to keep all drivers safe.
BlueCruise
If adaptive cruise control shifted the paradigm of what driving assistance technology could do, BlueCruise completely rewrites the textbook. Allowing you to operate your vehicle hands-free over 130,000 miles of pre-programmed roads, it’s a massive leap forward in technology that’s now available to consumers.
The Future of Ford Is Now
With a keen eye for innovation at a low price point, Ford has helped guide the industry for generations. What we’re witnessing is further proof of the blue brand’s desire to adhere to consumers’ growing needs—and the manufacturer’s responsibility to keep their drivers as safe as possible. The future is now, and Ford has given it to us.
