I own a 2019 Ford F150 XLT and just updated my Sync3 system to the latest version of 3.4.23188. This was a free update via the Ford website for Update Ford Sync and Navigation Maps. I started investigating updating my navigation maps and found that the latest version of the maps is version NA 2.23. From what I understand, this version was updated through Q2 2023. I want to update my maps, but the cost of the update from Ford is $149 if they send you the update on a flash drive. Due to the cost associated with the newest update, I want to make sure I have the latest and greatest version. So...my question is...."When would I expect the next version of the update to come out? Do they do annual updates...and if so, when do they become available?". Trying to determine if I just go ahead and purchase the most recent NA 2.23 version or wait until the next version is available. My existing version is NA 1.17........so, I am quite delinquent on my updates. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

If you like Fords maps ( I do not) I'm pretty sure you can go to CyanLabs website and get updates for free.

 

Even the newest ford maps are usually 5-6 years out of date. I would (if possible) use Android auto/ Car play and use google maps. It will be up to date every time you turn on your truck.

 

The updates are annual, usually come out mid-year, and updating every year may or may not be necessary depending on your usage. The 2.23 nav update came out within the last couple months - there is a thread on here about it. If you frequently search nav for local businesses, and/or live in a new part of town that's still being developed, an annual update is probably useful. If not, you could probably go a few years and not notice many changes when you install an update. Existing roads just don't change that much. Your nav has never been updated since it was built, so if you use the nav, it's probably time to update it. You should contact Ford about updating - your truck should have been sold with 2 free nav updates and it doesn't appear anyone used them. You might be able to arrange a freebie or a discount.

You don't need to purchase the flash drive from Ford (which is an extra $40). You can probably use almost any flash drive you have laying around, or purchase one for a few bucks, and download the update. I think it needs to be 16GB or larger. Format the flash drive first. The download and installation are pretty easy. Be sure to follow the download and installation instructions to the letter, step by step - the process is not forgiving of files in the wrong folder or the installation being interrrupted. The 2.23 nav update was big and took about 2.5 hours to install in my truck, so save it for a road trip. You can install while you're driving, although your Sync screen may not be fully functional for that time and Sync will reboot at least twice before installation is complete. You'll know it's done when you get a *persistent* pop-up message on your Sync screen telling you installation is complete, you can remove the flash drive, and the update will finish the next time the vehicle is started. If you remove the flash drive or shut off the engine before you get that message, you will have to start the nav installation again from the beginning (I did that once, not fun).

 

B.S.

 

Thanks for all the useful information. I ended up just ordering the USB Flash Drive for the NA 2.23 update to avoid the hassle of downloading and then uploading the files. I did talk to Ford Customer Relations to validate that the NA 2.23 was indeed the latest version and that it was just recently released, so I feel much better about spending the $$$ now rather than waiting for next years version (if they put an update out next year). Thanks again.

 

I use google as well. Seems they are more current with construction and traffic etc than Ford maps. The couple times I gave my Ford maps a chance they failed me. I also find the search less friendly.

 

Cyanlabs for the win after 1.5 hour download/ USB/ installation

 

Definitely 3+. Mine is a 2016 and was missing a major highway that was completed 3 years before.

 

So? I live near a major highway that was rebuilt and the changes showed up on the next update, in addition to the streets in new subdivisions. One who doesn't use an app is not in a position to knowledgably comment on its accuracy or utility. Obviously it has value to some, and those who use it don't care why someone else doesn't.