Ford Vertical Touchscreen: Tips & Tricks

Ford Vertical Touchscreen: Tips & Tricks

The Next Gen Ford Ranger and Ford Everest have introduced a standout feature that has caught the attention of many drivers: the vertical touchscreen infotainment system. While most vehicles still use traditional horizontal displays, Ford has reimagined the driving experience with a sleek, tablet-like screen that’s packed with features. In this guide, we'll dive into tips and tricks for getting the most out of your vertical infotainment system.

Why Vertical?

The vertical design of the touchscreen in the Next Gen Ford Ranger and Everest isn’t just about aesthetics. It brings several practical benefits to your driving experience:

• More Viewable Area: Vertical screens allow for more information to be displayed at once, reducing the need to scroll through menus.
• Better Navigation: A vertical layout aligns better with the shape of a map, making navigation smoother and more intuitive.
• Split-Screen Functionality: It enables effective split-screen functionality, where you can view your maps on the top half and audio controls, climate settings, or other apps on the bottom.

Getting Started with the Vertical Infotainment System

The vertical touchscreen is intuitive, but it’s helpful to know some shortcuts and customizations to enhance your experience.

Home Screen Customization

The home screen can be personalized to reflect the features you use most. Here's how:

• Edit the Tiles: Press and hold a tile (e.g., audio, phone, or navigation) to move it to a different spot or replace it with something else, like climate control or vehicle settings.
• Favorites: You can add frequently used apps or contacts to the favorites bar for quick access. Simply press and hold on the app or contact, and drag it to the favorites bar.

Voice Command

Voice commands can make it easier to control the infotainment system without taking your hands off the wheel.

• "Hey Ford": Start by saying "Hey Ford," followed by a command such as "Call [name]," "Play [song/artist]," or "Set temperature to [number] degrees." The voice assistant is highly responsive and continuously improving with over-the-air updates.
• Quick Tips: Use voice commands to navigate, adjust climate settings, or even control connected smart devices at home while you're on the road.

Using the SYNC® 4A System

The SYNC® 4A system, standard in the Ford Ranger and Everest, powers the vertical touchscreen. Here are some key features to explore:

• Over-the-Air Updates: The system can receive updates wirelessly, meaning you'll always have the latest features and performance improvements without needing to visit the dealership.
• Wireless Connectivity: Sync your smartphone with Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ wirelessly. You’ll enjoy hands-free control of your favorite apps, from messaging to music streaming.
• Split Screen Multitasking: You can keep navigation open on the top half of the screen while controlling your music or accessing other apps on the bottom half. Swipe up or down on the dividing line to adjust the size of the two sections.

Tips for Optimal Use

Maximize Display Use for Navigation

Using the vertical screen for navigation maximizes the amount of map viewable at one time. Here are a few tips for navigation:

• Zoom Controls: Pinch to zoom in and out on maps for more detailed or zoomed-out views.
• Multiple Routes: Use the split-screen feature to display alternate routes on the lower half while keeping the main map at the top.
• Real-Time Traffic Updates: Make sure to enable live traffic updates to always find the quickest route.

Climate Control Customization

Ford has cleverly integrated climate controls into the vertical screen, allowing you to tweak the temperature, fan speed, and air distribution digitally.

• Quick Temperature Adjustments: You can either use the physical buttons or the touchscreen controls to set the exact temperature for driver and passenger zones.
• Auto Climate Mode: For a set-it-and-forget-it option, activate Auto Mode, and the system will automatically adjust to maintain your preferred cabin temperature.

Advanced Settings for Personalization

Driver Profiles

Multiple people driving your Ford? Create individual profiles with customized seat positions, climate settings, and preferred apps.

• Setting Up Profiles: Go into the Settings menu, select “Driver Profiles,” and create a profile for each driver. Profiles can also save radio presets and infotainment preferences.

Ambient Lighting (Available in Wildtrak, Platinum & Raptor trim specs)

Ford allows you to personalize the cabin environment by adjusting the ambient lighting.

• Choose Your Mood: Go into Settings, and under "Ambient Lighting", choose the brightness of your ambient lighting to set the mood for your drive.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The vertical touchscreen also houses access to the vehicle’s driver-assistance features. Familiarize yourself with the following:

• 360-Degree Camera (Standard in Wildtrak, Platinum & Raptor trim specs): Use the large vertical display for clear, detailed views when parking or navigating tight spaces.
• Lane-Keeping System and Adaptive Cruise Control: Access these settings quickly via the touchscreen and customize how sensitive you want the systems to be.

The vertical touchscreen in your Next Gen Ford Ranger or Everest is more than just a stylish upgrade—it’s a powerful tool that enhances your driving experience. Whether it’s maximizing navigation, customizing your home screen, or using hands-free voice commands, this system is designed to make driving more intuitive and enjoyable. Spend a little time exploring its features, and you’ll quickly see how it can improve every journey.

Happy driving!