Ford announced today that Sync 3 will come first to the 2016 Escape soft-roader and Fiesta subcompact, both of which will be available in dealerships this summer.
The system’s hardware and software are both thoroughly revamped, headlined by a capacitive touchscreen that should make dealing with Sync a little closer to the smartphone experience drivers are now used to. (Older versions of Sync, along with many other automakers’ platforms, use resistive touchscreens that are usually less responsive.) There’s also Siri Eyes-Free support — full-fledged CarPlay isn’t going to be there at launch, though Ford has said that it’s coming (along with Android Auto) and any Sync 3-equipped car will be able to upgrade. Not all of Ford’s vehicles will have cellular connections, but they’ve got Wi-Fi support that will allow drivers to update their cars over-the-air whenever they’re connected to a network.
“SYNC always has been about providing a safer way for our customers to connect their smartphones in order to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford Motor Company vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Customers continue to tell us they want this technology, and they want it to be fast and easy to use – like a smartphone. SYNC 3 delivers on that request.”
As for the rest of Ford’s range, the company says that Sync 3 will come to every vehicle in the North American portfolio by the end of 2016.
