What Infotainment Subscriptions Do I Need To Consider?

[tjnoffy]

Just received my SiriusXM offer in the mail. Free trial ends in January. A couple of bucks for 3 more months, then $23/month thereafter, which I understand I should be able to talk them down from.

But, this begs a broader question: What features in the Bronco infotainment system require ongoing subscriptions?

Obviously, SiriusXM does. What service(s) give you navigation? Wifi hotspot? Any other pay-to-play features?

I'm not impressed with the built-in navigation as compared to Google Maps on my phone via Android Auto, so I won't pay for that one. I just need to determine what infotainment features I want to keep based on its value to me and the cost.

Thanks!

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[Boston182]

Just received my SiriusXM offer in the mail. Free trial ends in January. A couple of bucks for 3 more months, then $23/month thereafter, which I understand I should be able to talk them down from.

But, this begs a broader question: What features in the Bronco infotainment system require ongoing subscriptions?

Obviously, SiriusXM does. What service(s) give you navigation? Wifi hotspot? Any other pay-to-play features?

I'm not impressed with the built-in navigation as compared to Google Maps on my phone via Android Auto, so I won't pay for that one. I just need to determine what infotainment features I want to keep based on its value to me and the cost.

Thanks!

The built in nav is free until 2026. (I checked). And while it isn't great with live updates, it IS infinitely nicer on the ears than Google Maps on Android Auto. I did a road trip and used both and it bothered the shit out of me. Not to mention being able to use the split screen option with Spotify and Nav is doable when you use Ford nav.

Also, I think that's the only automatic subscription. You can do the wifi hotspot, but that's the only other I know of.

 

[604Bronco]

The built in nav is free until 2026. (I checked). And while it isn't great with live updates, it IS infinitely nicer on the ears than Google Maps on Android Auto. I did a road trip and used both and it bothered the shit out of me. Not to mention being able to use the split screen option with Spotify and Nav is doable when you use Ford nav.

Also, I think that's the only automatic subscription. You can do the wifi hotspot, but that's the only other I know of.

Does Ford Pass require any subscriptions?

On some of my past vehicles the phone app was only free for XX years. I’ve never owned a Ford, so just curious. I think the remote start feature from the app is likely my biggest concern.

 

[Boston182]

Does Ford Pass require any subscriptions?

On some of my past vehicles the phone app was only free for XX years. I’ve never owned a Ford, so just curious. I think the remote start feature from the app is likely my biggest concern.

To my understanding, it is free and standard with any newer, compatible vehicle.

 

[604Bronco]

To my understanding, it is free and standard with any newer, compatible vehicle.

Good to know; thank you.

I guess it’s the least Ford could do for all the information they gather from us when using it…

 

[JediMcMuffin]

I'm unsure about FordPass Connected. My FordPass app and the owner website indicates my Ford Connected Nav expires in January, and I think there is a $79/yr subscription for that which I found referenced by many other Sync4 owners in 2021 F-150s. My hope is that either includes or for very little money also gives me FordPass Perfomance Off-Road NAV. Either way, I'm renewing that.

SiriusXM I had written off for streaming, that is until I was out in the desert camping and blasting howard stern. So yeah, I guess I'm in for that too.

 

[zombie]

If you want to enable the wireless hotspot (uses the fordpass modem) that will cost you a subscription fee, but other than SirusXM (which offers no value for me) I don't think there's anything else?

 

[WuNgUn]

If you want to enable the wireless hotspot (uses the fordpass modem) that will cost you a subscription fee, but other than SirusXM (which offers no value for me) I don't think there's anything else?

From what I understand, it's a bargain (with regards to Canadian data prices!) at $20 unlimited.
I was able to start a free trial with (I think it's ATT) from up here in Ontario, using a fake US address, and it works on our network.
I will definitely use then when I travel south!

 

[JediMcMuffin]

Here's what I'm seeing at owner.ford.com under "Connected services":

It won't let me make any adjustments or apply a credit card to this until it expires it seems.

So then the full list of subscriptions could be:

FordPass Connected Navigation
FordPass Performance (hopefully this included in the above)
4G Wifi HotSpot
SiriusXM

 

[HotdogThud]

I was an long time subscriber of Sirius, signed up for it the day they announced it, and loved it.

But their programming has gone so far to awful anymore that I haven't had it for probably 7 years now.
Spotify/Pandora/whatever for life now. Sirius does have the advantage of working everywhere, but I just keep a bunch of playlists cached on my phone anymore anyways.

I mean, maybe I'm wrong and the programming has gotten some variety now, so by all means take the free trial and see what you think.

 

[zombie]

Spotify/Pandora/whatever for life now. Sirius does have the advantage of working everywhere, but I just keep a bunch of playlists cached on my phone anymore anyways.

Wireless Android Auto/Carplay makes Spotify a no-brainer for me. I tried SiriusXM the first day I had my Bronco and got bored of the limited music selection, I think they're just riding Howard Stern's popularity over anything else.

 

[da_jokker]

I actually opted for the more expensive built-in navigation, so that it will continue to work even after the subscription is over.

Ironically Ford talked about having Alexa built in as well, which I would imagine would need some sort of data plan. But I don't know, I'm confused about the whole thing because what Ford is promised and what they're delivering hasn't been consistent.

 

[John Auer]

Just received my SiriusXM offer in the mail. Free trial ends in January. A couple of bucks for 3 more months, then $23/month thereafter, which I understand I should be able to talk them down from.

But, this begs a broader question: What features in the Bronco infotainment system require ongoing subscriptions?

Obviously, SiriusXM does. What service(s) give you navigation? Wifi hotspot? Any other pay-to-play features?

I'm not impressed with the built-in navigation as compared to Google Maps on my phone via Android Auto, so I won't pay for that one. I just need to determine what infotainment features I want to keep based on its value to me and the cost.

Thanks!

Spotify, great service and sound quality.

 

[tjnoffy]

Spotify, great service and sound quality.

Yes, I have Spotify and use it on my phone. One reason I probably don't need SirusXM. Plays well on Android Auto!

 

[tjnoffy]

The built in nav is free until 2026. (I checked). And while it isn't great with live updates, it IS infinitely nicer on the ears than Google Maps on Android Auto. I did a road trip and used both and it bothered the shit out of me. Not to mention being able to use the split screen option with Spotify and Nav is doable when you use Ford nav.

Also, I think that's the only automatic subscription. You can do the wifi hotspot, but that's the only other I know of.

Good to know nav is free until 2026. Google Maps doesn't bother me any. I've been using it on my phone to navigate for years. And Android Auto can split screen with the other apps, like audio, for instance.

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