I Miss my Knobs!

[mdecillis]

Problem is the Sync 4 15" navigation is on another level compared to the Sync 3 12". Using Google maps with Car Play IMO is OK but would rather not have to be tethered to my phone. The sync 4 navigation is better than Google or Apple Maps. Never thought a Car Manufacturer could do this but Ford did.

They both have the same nav and still prefer Google Maps and Waze over it. Wireless AA is awesome. I just throw the phone on the wireless charger and don't ever have to touch it.

 

[BSarchet]

I LOVE the BlueCruise (I do a lot of freeway driving) and I love the 15.5 screen (with the dial-controlled functions in the coming update I'll have no complaints whatsoever).

I've been really happy using Google Maps navigation which is always spot-on accurate on directions, distances, and arrival time (regardless of traffic conditions it is always literally exact or within a couple minutes — it must use some kind of sorcery or black magic). I use the 'satellite' view which shows green/yellow/red/dark-red traffic congestion, and which I think shows more detailed info on the local view of where you are. I haven't used the built-in Sync nav; I was curious what you preferred about it over the other options.

One thing I really like about the built in Navbis the integration with the dash for lane level directions. The Ford Nav is great for this and Apple Maps also uses it.

 

[rd618]

You cannot get BlueCruise without a Platinum, and you cannot get a Platinum without Sync4a(15 Inch). So your statement is partially incorrect.

You can’t get massaging seats or the different trim pieces, or the “upgraded leather”
My statement is correct though. If you want the platinum experience, even for blue cruise,
You can get a Navigator Reserve which calls it ActiveGlide, and it’s roughly the same price point.

 

[5280tunage]

"ActiveGlide". Who comes up with these feature names? lol, sounds like something you might buy at an adult store, not on a $100k vehicle.

 

[Deadman]

I considered trading my 18 for a 23, but no way I'll give up my buttons for that stupid screen. Another sale lost.......

 

[Rob6805]

Ford should have just stuck with the 21 F150 dash/display setup for the 22 Expedition refresh. So much better...

 

[rd618]

"ActiveGlide". Who comes up with these feature names? lol, sounds like something you might buy at an adult store, not on a $100k vehicle.

They are likely going to rebrand it bluecruise similar to what GM does across the lineup. It’s too confusing to customers and ford has higher volume sales so the association is stronger with bluecruise feature name.

 

[rd618]

Ford should have just stuck with the 21 F150 dash/display setup for the 22 Expedition refresh. So much better...

I don’t know why more doesn’t carry over from F150. Like the shifter too. It’s a better design in my opinion, and would cut down on SKUs they need to manufacture

 

[Stsysar]

Yeah, I specifically ordered my 22 with the smaller screen just so I could keep my knobs. Just because they CAN make everything touch controls, doesn’t necessarily mean they SHOULD.

And as a related problem, occasionally owners will have issues with their touch screen going black or not booting properly. At least with the knobs you can still control the basics like the A/C even if the screen goes out.

I did the same. The smaller screen is large enough to see everything i need too see and yes, I love my physical controls.

Don't get me wrong, I embrace the technology, but I think there comes a point when manufacturers use it more for marketing than functionality.

Same goes for smartphones, new phons get faster with better cameras etc, but a two year old phone does the same job for me just fine. A lot of is marketing so we keep on buying. It is not the same as when the first IPhone came out which was a game changer.


Anyways...., just my 2 cents.

 

[DeafBringer]

I take it people who do not like the Big Screen still have a flip phone. If that's the case then OK. But if you have a smart phone at some point you embraced the new technology.

Changing the AC temp is quick and easy. Why do you need a dedicated knob for the few times you change the temp?
A big screen is clean and easy to maintain. Look at airlines its all glass cockpits. I think people like to whine and do not want to embrace the future. In that case they will be left behind when all manufacturers go glass dash. Some just complain because they wish they had the Big Screen and have the older screen and they bust on the big screen to feel better. Others cite some tactile feel BS keeping the eyes on the road. Total BS as you look at your cup holder, drinks, phone and everything else. You mean to tell me your eyes never leave the road.

People need to quit complaining and start embracing the Glass Cockpit. Its inevitable and the future for a million reasons. just like your flip phone is now a glass buttonless screen.

There should be a new update sometime to match the Mach E. When you click the fan speed once or temp you can then use the rotary knob.

I wouldn't be so sure about that...

Dumb phones are on the rise in the U.S. as Gen Z looks to limit screen time

A resurgence in dumb phones in the U.S. may be tied to concerns about the mental health impact of smartphones, especially among younger generations.

www.cnbc.com

 

[sjwhiteley]

Problem is the Sync 4 15" navigation is on another level compared to the Sync 3 12". Using Google maps with Car Play IMO is OK but would rather not have to be tethered to my phone. The sync 4 navigation is better than Google or Apple Maps. Never thought a Car Manufacturer could do this but Ford did.

This is a good point: GM will be eliminating Android Auto and Apple carplay, because they believe they can do it better.

(I have a BMW and like their navigation better, also - don't have it in the Expy '19).

However, today, the phone is 'you'. The majority of the people have the phone with them, with everything that entails for that individual. It doesn't start and end with navigation. Music, messaging, and so on, not even considering the features that Waze, for example, gives.

Further, just because Ford makes this specific thing good now, it will change in the future: buy-in becomes locked-in.

 

[sjwhiteley]

I wouldn't be so sure about that...

Dumb phones are on the rise in the U.S. as Gen Z looks to limit screen time

A resurgence in dumb phones in the U.S. may be tied to concerns about the mental health impact of smartphones, especially among younger generations.

www.cnbc.com

Gramophones have made a bit of a comeback, also. From a technical perspective, all these things are superior...but humans do what humans to.

 

[nationalgallery]

Gramophones have made a bit of a comeback, also. From a technical perspective, all these things are superior...but humans do what humans to.

Vinyl has made more than a bit of a comeback; check the industry sales data for the past several years. There are many turntables costing several $hundreds of thousands, and cartridges $tens of thousands. Many people feel analog is superior to digital, especially those with that kind of gear. (Disclaimer: I haven't spent $350K on a turntable + cartridge to do any comparisons...).

 

[LazSlate]

This is a good point: GM will be eliminating Android Auto and Apple carplay, because they believe they can do it better.

(I have a BMW and like their navigation better, also - don't have it in the Expy '19).

However, today, the phone is 'you'. The majority of the people have the phone with them, with everything that entails for that individual. It doesn't start and end with navigation. Music, messaging, and so on, not even considering the features that Waze, for example, gives.

Further, just because Ford makes this specific thing good now, it will change in the future: buy-in becomes locked-in.

Its depends on how much tied to your phone you are. I personally want to get away from it only have it for emergencies.
I want to get in my Expy and have Maps without my phone. I do not want my phone ringing through the car play when I have guests in the car. This entire connected to the phone is some dystopian umbilical cord that is not good in the long run.

So many studies where people have nervous breakdowns when they are away from the phone for minutes. You pull up to a traffic light and everyone in the other cars are looking at these screens. A society of non social zombies.

A few weeks ago I went to pick up something and forgot my phone. Still had my radio and nav and life went on as usual.
In fact it was nice not to have this constant email, text, apps and other BS trying to resolve my boredom at a traffic light. Instead look out the window at the world and think for a change instead of having a smartphone entertain me.

Smartphones are cool at first, like MySpace or social media but at some point the negatives surface.

 

[JExpedition07]

GM makes silly stupid decisions all the time, this is just another added to the litter

 

[5280tunage]

Vinyl has made more than a bit of a comeback; check the industry sales data for the past several years. There are many turntables costing several $hundreds of thousands, and cartridges $tens of thousands. Many people feel analog is superior to digital, especially those with that kind of gear. (Disclaimer: I haven't spent $350K on a turntable + cartridge to do any comparisons...).

Just look at some of the more popular DACs around today. Some really good ones can run $3k or more, some in to the 10's of thousands, to convert digital, even lossless, into analog. I can attest, and my system is nothing like these, and when I'm playing a well printed vinyl, vs. listening to even an adac or flac, it can tell a difference. Even it's not as pure for an spectrum analyzer (often that's because digital modifies sound to make it more pleasing to audible spectrums), it just sounds real. Anyway, sorry to diverge.

 

[mdecillis]

I considered trading my 18 for a 23, but no way I'll give up my buttons for that stupid screen. Another sale lost.......

Then get a Limited without the big screen.

 

[KetMalice]

I just got my 23 Expedition and love it (they really have done a nice job on the design, interior etc.). Having said that, my god I find the sliders for adjusting temperature, fan level, etc. super annoying on the Sync system. I really wish they'd include a knob/dial option as well. Anyway, rant over lol!

Just wait until you start having all of the issues like everyone else. Just got a new transmission on my 22 last week.

 

[KetMalice]

Us, too. Wanted the physical controls and happy so far. I actually wish there was a physical knob for the Rear temp control since we have younger children, but it's a fairly minor annoyance.

On the 15” screen, the rear blows through I’m not sure which vent, I guess floor by default (literally no air flow). You cannot change the vent it blows out of from the front using the screen. My 5 year old can’t reach the controls, and my wife is pregnant. So now I have to reach back and hit the button to blow out if the top vents.