The Best Tech You’ll Find on Used Ford Models

Over a century ago, the Model T replaced the trusty steed as America’s workhorse. Henry Ford’s revolutionary automobile put the world on wheels and gave us the freedom to explore the world beyond our farms and fence posts with confidence. Today, that pioneering spirit remains an integral part of the Blue Oval and plays a significant role in your search for Schenectady used Ford sales. How so?

The Model T dramatically changed how we live, work, and travel with its revolutionary design. Today, Ford embodies that same spirit with its steadfast commitment to improving our experience in the driver’s seat. The most notable example of this is the exceptional array of cutting-edge technology that you’ll find on every Ford model, whether you’re shopping on the new or used lot. This technology spans from smartphone integration and expansive displays to driver-assist features that enhance your focus when you’re behind the wheel.

Ford Co-Pilot 360

Ford is constantly looking for ways to maximize your safety, which is the inspiration behind the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety and driver-assist tools. First introduced in 2019, Ford Co-Pilot360 is a standard feature on most models, whether you’re behind the wheel of a workhorse like the F-150, a spacious SUV like the Expedition, or a sports car like the Mustang. So, what makes the suite so unique?

BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking

Ford Co-Pilot360 is designed to enhance your visibility and actively minimize the potential for collision. The Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert plays an integral role in this by constantly monitoring the traffic in your blind spots, making it easier to navigate your Ford in congested areas whether you’re backing up or changing lanes. In addition, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking keeps an eye in front of your Ford and can automatically bring your Ford to a stop if a collision is imminent.

Evasive Steering Assist and Lane-Keeping System

What happens when you’re cruising down the highway and realize that there is suddenly an obstacle ahead? Ford’s Evasive Steering Assist is designed to help you avoid a potential collision by providing additional steering support as you maneuver around vehicles or objects ahead. Now, let’s say that traffic is flowing normally, which leads you to lose focus since nothing on the road requires your immediate attention. The Lane-Keeping System helps you keep your Ford in its lane by constantly monitoring the vehicle’s position and providing subtle steering cues. If you lose focus too many times, it’ll even warn you that it’s time for a break.

Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control

How much do you rely on cruise control to maintain a safe speed on the highway? Ford’s Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control improves traditional cruise control by making it more intuitive and convenient. For example, rather than constantly setting and resetting your cruising speed based on the flow of traffic, the system continually monitors the flow of traffic and the distance between you and the vehicle ahead, adjusting your speed as needed, even in stop-and-go traffic. In addition, since it works with Lane Centering and Speed Sign Recognition, the tool constantly ensures you’re within the speed limit and in your designated lane.

Active Park Assist 2.0

Parking can be stressful for anyone, especially if you’re trying to parallel park on a crowded street downtown. Ford mitigates this stress with features like Active Park Assist 2.0. When you engage Active Park Assist, the system will help you locate and navigate your Ford into a parking spot. So, what do you have to do? Besides holding the Active Park Assist button down, all you have to do is shift your Ford into neutral and manage the brakes.

Cruising Made Easy: BlueCruise

Were you ever brave enough to ride your bicycle and take your hands off the handlebars? Exclamations like, “Look ma, no hands!” come to mind when reminiscing these childhood feats and when looking at industry-leading technology like BlueCruise. To put it simply, BlueCruise is Ford’s version of taking your hands off the handlebars.

First introduced in 2020 as Active Drive Assist, BlueCruise relies on a driver attention system to ensure your gaze stays on the road. The system uses a series of radars and sensors to determine your location on one of the 100,000 miles of compatible roadways known as Hands-Free Blue Zones throughout North America. When the conditions are right (your focus is ahead and you’re traveling in a Blue Zone), you can engage BlueCruise and take your hands off the wheel. Tools like Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Speed Sign Recognition, and Lane Centering keep the Ford at a safe speed and centered in its lane.

Cutting-Edge Trailering and Towing Tech

Ford knows that best-selling trucks like the F-150 are destined to work hard, and that’s why the automaker offers an expansive suite of trailering technology that makes your job easier. This technology ranges from features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist to Onboard Scales and beyond. So, what can you expect to find on your search for a used Ford that can tow heavy loads without breaking a sweat?

Pro Trailer Backup Assist

Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which debuted in 2015, revolutionizes how drivers tow trailers by leveling the playing field between first-timers and seasoned pros. The feature makes navigating your trailer in reverse as easy as turning a knob. It eliminates the stress of remembering which way to turn the steering wheel, so the trailer goes where you want it. Instead, you can rotate the Pro Trailer Backup Assist knob, and the trailer will go precisely where you lead it.

Onboard Scales

If you’re shopping for a newer used Ford like the 2021 F-150, you’ll find unique features like Onboard Scales. This pioneering technology takes the guesswork out of safely hauling items in the bed. How does it work? The tool calculates the truck’s approximate payload and shows the information via the SYNC 4 infotainment screen, an LED visual display in the taillamps, or the FordPass App. This information is vital to ensure safe towing within the F-150’s capabilities.

Innovative Tech Always at Your Fingertips

When shopping for a used Ford, you’ll find that every model is equipped with features that make your experience behind the wheel more enjoyable. For example, the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite enhances your safety, BlueCruise allows you to take your hands off the wheel, and an array of trailering technology helps you tow heavy loads with confidence. But, believe it or not, Ford’s technology doesn’t stop there.

Depending on the year model, expansive digital displays put vital information within view and essential tools within reach. Models equipped with Ford’s voice-activated navigation system make it easy to navigate from Point A to Point B with a simple voice command. Smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensures you never miss a beat of your life by keeping you connected. Newer technology like Amazon Alexa builds on this connectivity and gives you access to your smart home devices, shopping lists, messages, and more by using a simple “Hey Alexa” to engage your onboard virtual assistant.

So, how do you decide which tech features are a must-have in your Ford? It starts by looking at your driving style and the features that would benefit you the most. For example, would a head-up display enhance your focus when traveling, or would trailering tech take the guesswork out of towing your work-related equipment from one job site to another? Once you discover your must-haves, it’s all a matter of getting behind the wheel for a test drive to see Ford’s innovative tech in action.