Can't figure out what functions depend on what subscription packages, and whether I use them...

[Escapologist]

Hi folks,

This is initially about the impending expiry of the 2025 Escape packages which look identical to my 2025 Maverick packages, which will also expire in a few months.

Items I know we use...
Remote start, didn't think we would, but this winter got severe.
Check on location, service info in ford app.
(both those say they need modem active, does it go inactive with no subs?)

Voice controlled dialling and texting, not sure how much the phones are handling and if onboard voice assistant is front ending it, and if it is included in connected services.
Voice controlled cabin settings.

Stuff we have occasionally used..
Voice requested directions/navigation in the Ford navigation...... assume that needs Nav subscription for traffic and closures. However, when it says it defaults to moving map and "no routing" when expired, does this mean, no route at all, it forgets how to get from A to B on roads it already knows, or does it mean the advanced routing around problems and best route for traffic stuff???

Stuff used just to see if it worked... watched a youtube vid while parked once.

Usually, we are using google maps through carplay or android auto for nav, however, we have found "weird spots" where google maps gets confused, and also outage issues, and other service dropouts which have caused a problem and used the Ford system for backup. It's also seems to hear place names and roads better when we have a mid-journey change of plan. So I am leaning toward keeping it for backup.

In particular for the Maverick which is my main driver, two considerations, one that it's on a different mobile network than my phone is, Bell vs Rogers so if one network is out of range or one is down, which there have been incidences of due to big tech messups in the last year, then the other may work. Secondly, I get 4x4 trails on my Lariat AWD, which is a nice feature, and I assume that will be impaired, not that I wanna go so far off pavement in it, but the soft road stuff might come in handy this summer.

So I am definitely not doing any audio streaming on the road through the Mav or Escape, don't even like SiriusXM so those are a non-issue. Don't think I am using Alexa, unless it's frontending some stuff I thought it wasn't.

Anyway, I look at the renewal buttons in my Ford account control panel and they are very detail free, just a choice of navigation or connectivity package. Then when I look it up the 2025 connectivity is getting conflated with 2026 premium connectivity and features across models, which I may not have in these vehicles. So with Ford not being especially clear about what is what, (also like when they're trying to sell you copilot grrrr) I am not sure if I can just click renew on connectivity and have nav included or not. I haven't hotspotted through vehicle yet, but it could be a nice option should I be out of Rogers network range but inside bell/telus in some situation. Less of a concern on the Escape that last thing because wifey's cell is on same network as car, so no point.

Anyway, trying to get totally clear about what is what, I don't believe dealers are especially well informed about specifics, or maybe one guy is but it ain't the one you talk to. Never seem to get reliable answers from people selling you something either.

I guess I might boil it down into main questions of..
Does modem stay "active" indefinitely for app use with no subscriptions?
Does navigation work at least as good as a $50 offline handheld GPS with no subscription?
Does "connectivity package" offered for 2025s include nav as well? (For price plus nav price it's not worth it, but if it has nav then the cost increase over nav might bear a little consideration.)

Then of minor interest, trial package gave me 2GB data, does that increase with paid? 2GB is hardly worth considering as "might be useful if camping while rainy" but 10GB+ might be attractive.

So thanks if you can help me sort this out...

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[catrikejoe]

Hi folks,

This is initially about the impending expiry of the 2025 Escape packages which look identical to my 2025 Maverick packages, which will also expire in a few months.

Items I know we use...
Remote start, didn't think we would, but this winter got severe.
Check on location, service info in ford app.
(both those say they need modem active, does it go inactive with no subs?)

Voice controlled dialling and texting, not sure how much the phones are handling and if onboard voice assistant is front ending it, and if it is included in connected services.
Voice controlled cabin settings.

Stuff we have occasionally used..
Voice requested directions/navigation in the Ford navigation...... assume that needs Nav subscription for traffic and closures. However, when it says it defaults to moving map and "no routing" when expired, does this mean, no route at all, it forgets how to get from A to B on roads it already knows, or does it mean the advanced routing around problems and best route for traffic stuff???

Stuff used just to see if it worked... watched a youtube vid while parked once.

Usually, we are using google maps through carplay or android auto for nav, however, we have found "weird spots" where google maps gets confused, and also outage issues, and other service dropouts which have caused a problem and used the Ford system for backup. It's also seems to hear place names and roads better when we have a mid-journey change of plan. So I am leaning toward keeping it for backup.

In particular for the Maverick which is my main driver, two considerations, one that it's on a different mobile network than my phone is, Bell vs Rogers so if one network is out of range or one is down, which there have been incidences of due to big tech messups in the last year, then the other may work. Secondly, I get 4x4 trails on my Lariat AWD, which is a nice feature, and I assume that will be impaired, not that I wanna go so far off pavement in it, but the soft road stuff might come in handy this summer.

So I am definitely not doing any audio streaming on the road through the Mav or Escape, don't even like SiriusXM so those are a non-issue. Don't think I am using Alexa, unless it's frontending some stuff I thought it wasn't.

Anyway, I look at the renewal buttons in my Ford account control panel and they are very detail free, just a choice of navigation or connectivity package. Then when I look it up the 2025 connectivity is getting conflated with 2026 premium connectivity and features across models, which I may not have in these vehicles. So with Ford not being especially clear about what is what, (also like when they're trying to sell you copilot grrrr) I am not sure if I can just click renew on connectivity and have nav included or not. I haven't hotspotted through vehicle yet, but it could be a nice option should I be out of Rogers network range but inside bell/telus in some situation. Less of a concern on the Escape that last thing because wifey's cell is on same network as car, so no point.

Anyway, trying to get totally clear about what is what, I don't believe dealers are especially well informed about specifics, or maybe one guy is but it ain't the one you talk to. Never seem to get reliable answers from people selling you something either.

I guess I might boil it down into main questions of..
Does modem stay "active" indefinitely for app use with no subscriptions?
Does navigation work at least as good as a $50 offline handheld GPS with no subscription?
Does "connectivity package" offered for 2025s include nav as well? (For price plus nav price it's not worth it, but if it has nav then the cost increase over nav might bear a little consideration.)

Then of minor interest, trial package gave me 2GB data, does that increase with paid? 2GB is hardly worth considering as "might be useful if camping while rainy" but 10GB+ might be attractive.

So thanks if you can help me sort this out...

Watching this thread I'm just confused as you.

 

[Randorita]

My subscription stopped last week and the only thing I noticed was no Ford maps. I had Alexa turned off, because Bezos wants to track everything and record your conversations! if I lose remote start, I will pay, but I don't need all the other stuff.

 

[kidshelleen]

The answer is complicated. You can activate the modem connection from your Ford Pass app on your phone, and then ensure that the connectivity options are selected correctly on the Sync screen. Most dealers offer to help you do this when you pick up the vehicle.

A new vehicle will likely include a trial period, 1 or 3 years, of the available (from Ford) subscription services:

• Ford Connectivity Package: This bundles features like Alexa Built-in, Google Maps/Connected Navigation, and streaming services.
  • Trial: Often 1 year (or up to 3 years for Alexa specifically on some models).
  • Post-Trial Cost: Approximately $14.99/month or $149.95/year.
  • One-Time Option: A $745 one-time payment is sometimes available at the point of sale for 7 years of access.
• Connected Navigation: If purchased separately from a bundle, this typically costs $80/year after the initial trial.

...as well as a dinky trial of the ATT vehicle hotspot service:

Wi-Fi Hotspot: This is a separate data plan managed through AT&T.

• Trial: 3 months or 3GB of data.
• Post-Trial Cost: Approximately $15–$25/month depending on the selected data plan.

You have to enable this on the ATT website. Note that you have flexible options, like a 5-day hotspot pass of $15. I've used this when traveling to be able to use my Macbook, as my cell phone (also work phone) doesn't support tethering.

Then the trial period expires, the modem still works, but only for a limited set of things:

(Ford Pass Connect - ordinarily free for the life of the vehicle)

• even if you never pay for a subscription, an activated modem provides several permanent, complimentary benefits beyond remote start:
  • Vehicle Locator: You can see your Maverick’s exact GPS location on a map in the FordPass app at any time.
  • Detailed Vehicle Health: The app provides real-time data on tire pressure (PSI for each tire), remaining oil life (%), and fuel level/range.
  • Security Alerts (SecuriAlert): If someone opens a door or the hood while the vehicle is locked, the modem sends a push notification to your phone.
  • Roadside Assistance: You can request Roadside Assistance directly through the app. The modem automatically sends your vehicle's VIN and GPS coordinates to the dispatcher so they know exactly where to find you.
  • Recall & Maintenance Notifications: You will receive instant alerts for any safety recalls or "Vehicle Health" warnings (like a check engine light) with specific error codes.
  • Insurance Discounts: In many states, you can choose to share your driving data (tracked via the modem) with carriers like Nationwide to qualify for usage-based insurance discounts of up to 40%.
  • 911 Assist: While technically a SYNC feature, it uses the vehicle's connection to help emergency operators locate you if an airbag deploys, even if your phone isn't paired
  • Remote Start

That's all actually fairly straightforward. It gets more complicated if you want to do additional stuff with no subscription services. For example, to use Alexa to control, say, cabin temperature, you'd need the Ford+Alexa app on your phone. All good if you have an iPhone. There's also a version for Android, but to use it from Android you have to disable Android Auto, and lose the best-of-breed Google Maps, among other things.

As an Android phone user, I wouldn't do this, and just would use the more limited limited built-in Ford Assistant to control the climate system, radio, make phone calls and such.

My truck still has the subscription services trial activated, so I occasionally switch from one assistant to another (Gemini/Alexa/Ford) with the appropriate voice prompts (they're all waiting to serve), depending on what I want to do.

 

[fordvideoguy]

This is a long video but I do go over all the different connected services provided on different models. It was recorded in May of 2025 so it won't include any 2026 models but all the 2026 models received Ford Connectivity Package. @kidshelleen did a wonderful job breaking it out above except that the wifi hotspot is included in the FCP along with navigation and streaming services. Where in 2025 Maverick and earlier the wifi hotspot and navigation were separate from the connected services. I will say that on my 2021 Bronco when I tried to sign up for $80/year navigation, it required that I sign up for the $120/year premium connectivity, so $200/year. I use Android Auto.

 

[kidshelleen]

A minor point (and thanks for the compliment and great video, Tim) - yes, the hotspot option is included, but I needed to enable it on the ATT website (myvehicle.att.com, or some such - there are instructions on the Sync screen). After that under the trial included with a new vehicle, you get a very small data allowance (a few GB). It was enough for my daughter to stream _most_ of a Stranger Things episode on her Macbook. The data allowance is something like 3-5GB. That may be monthly, but it's still not much for long trips. The 5-day (I think - maybe it's 7) pass for $15 is the sweet spot for me.

I'll also be installing a mobile router and _much_ better antenna from mobilemusthave.com. This also gives the option to add Starlink when totally out of cell tower range. The data plan can be turned on an off (as can Starlink), and is monthly (no 5-day) passes, but this certainly rounds out the connectivity options.

 

[catrikejoe]

So If I us android auto which i do no matter what I'll always have navigation display at no charge?

 

[kidshelleen]

That is correct, for Google Maps and other stuff you see on the Sync screen when in the Android view, and you'll always have access through the Ford Pass phone app to stuff like remote start, and such. And you'll be able to use Sync's Ford Assistant (via its voice activation) to be able to change the cabin temp and radio settings, and the like.

It's worth noting that using Ford Assistant to place calls through the phone (which uses Bluetooth) may give better audio quality than using Google through Android Auto, as the latter may wind up with issues with microphone selection (phone or truck). Ford Assistant just uses Bluetooth to send/receive call audio, and the phone microphone stays on the bench. In addition to "Hey Ford", it's also what you get when you push voice command button on the steering wheel.

And when you say "Navigation display", I'm assuming you mean Google Maps from your phone via Android auto. Sync also has its own Nav app which you could switch to, but it's much worse than Google Maps even when the Ford service trial is active and it can access some real time traffic info and the like.

I was impressed a couple of months ago when one morning I asked Android Auto/Gemini to map me directions to to the nearest AAA office. It did, and said, but you know it doesn't open until 10:00AM, don't you? (This was shortly after 9:00).

 

[Bud_B]

So If I us android auto which i do no matter what I'll always have navigation display at no charge?

Yep. Google Maps is so nice on that 12 inch display, I have no urge to ever add any other navigation.

My only gripe is that whenever Android Auto is on, Google Maps takes over most of my screen. So I leave it off by default, and just turn it on when I'm going to navigate with Google Maps.

 

[kidshelleen]

My only gripe with the Android Auto screen is that there's no display of the station the truck's radio is set to. Putting that up on the "instrument cluster" display wastes too much space, and I'd rather have something else there.

 

[fordvideoguy]

A minor point (and thanks for the compliment and great video, Tim) - yes, the hotspot option is included, but I needed to enable it on the ATT website (myvehicle.att.com, or some such - there are instructions on the Sync screen). After that under the trial included with a new vehicle, you get a very small data allowance (a few GB). It was enough for my daughter to stream _most_ of a Stranger Things episode on her Macbook. The data allowance is something like 3-5GB. That may be monthly, but it's still not much for long trips. The 5-day (I think - maybe it's 7) pass for $15 is the sweet spot for me.

I'll also be installing a mobile router and _much_ better antenna from mobilemusthave.com. This also gives the option to add Starlink when totally out of cell tower range. The data plan can be turned on an off (as can Starlink), and is monthly (no 5-day) passes, but this certainly rounds out the connectivity options.

I see why you had to sign up to AT&T for you wi-fi. You have a 2025 Maverick and they had the "Premium Connected Services" and "WiFi Hotspot" separate. On the 2026 Maverick, the WiFi Hotspot is included with the "Ford Connectivity Package".

 

[kidshelleen]

Ah, thanks. Bundling everything into an uber-package is certainly the way toward greater profit for all providers...

...and I should note that the higher-end modem/antenna/Starlink setup I'm planning is to support the camper build-out I'm working on. Free Connect and my phone would be fine otherwise....

 

[Escapologist]

Thanks for all the info so far.

Up here in Canada, they seem to be doing something different with the hotspot, because it's not through ATT, different contract. I turned it off when I got the vehicle, in case I needed the data later, so I haven't tried it, the settings suggested it was available though, I didn't see any sign up.

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