The international market next gen Ford Ranger was revealed nearly a month ago with some edgy new styling and a host of interesting new tech features. That includes a more traditional shifter instead of Ford’s requisite rotary dial, a change that was made during the development process following customer feedback. It also includes a pair of vertical Sync 4 touchscreens similar to the units present in the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, Ford F-150 Lightning, and 2022 Ford Expedition, which is big news for the mid-size pickup.
The website Ford Authority has covered Ford’s latest Sync 4 operating system extensively in recent months, including its basic features and how to use them. That coverage also includes Sync 4A, which is exclusively used on models that have vertical infotainment screens. Recently, they ran a reader poll asking their readers what they think about these new vertical screens, and around 60 percent of respondents (as of this article) prefer them over horizontal-style screens.
The next gen Ford Ranger will be available with either a standard 10.1-inch or optional 12-inch infotainment screen, both of which are vertically-oriented and apparently run Sync 4 – not Sync 4A, as is the case with other Ford Motor Company products equipped with vertical screens. Many of the Ranger’s physical controls have been replaced with on-screen controls, including drive mode selection. It’s worth noting, however, that these features may or may not apply to the U.S. market next gen Ranger.
Currently, the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Ford Edge come equipped with Sync 4A, while the 2022 Ford F-150 Lighting, 2022 Ford Expedition, and 2022 Ford E-Transit will when those new models launch in the coming weeks and months. Meanwhile, the Ford F-150, Ford Bronco, and Ford Super Duty offer the regular Sync 4 – designed for horizontal infotainment screens. Sync 4 is closely related to 4A, as the names suggest, though there are a few notable differences between the two.
Both Sync 4 and 4A feature available enhanced conversational voice recognition, cloud-based connectivity, Ford Power-Up software update capability, wireless Sync AppLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and customizable touchscreen options. However, 4A adds adaptive dash cards and automatically places frequently used dash items at the top of the screen.
Adaptive dash cards are interactive cards that take the place of traditional menus, that allow users to do things such as pause or skip songs directly by using the audio card, operate the GPS navigation, and make calls or hang up the phone using the hands-free communication card. Dash cards are personalized based on which ones owners use the most, as well as the ones that were used most recently, while the card currently in use will appear at the top of the screen for easy access.
Source: Ford Authority
