BlueCruise to come to Bronco, Ranger, and Mustang

[rmc523]

Ford BlueCruise Coming To Three Additional Models

 

As Ford Authority reported earlier this week, The Blue Oval recently opted to merge its next-generation FNV4 (fully-networked vehicle) electrical architecture learnings with that of its existing architecture, called FNV3, to create one unified setup called FNV3.X. The idea behind this shift is to create an architecture that can be used not only in EVs, but also, traditional ICE models, reducing complexity and costs at the same time. However, this piece of news also revealed that Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free highway driving assist feature will soon be available in three new models as well.

Those models are the Ford Bronco, Ford Ranger, and Ford Mustang, according to Ford EV design head Doug Field, who specifically named those vehicles as ones destined to get the Ford/Lincoln Digital Experience software that’s already available in a variety of products in its lineup. This update comes courtesy of the automaker’s newer FNV3 architecture, which gives it the capability to deliver software updates “quickly,” according to Field, as well as “deliver improvements in vehicle quality.”

“Having a small number of core platforms is a key part of any software-driven engineering team,” Field said. “Without platforms, software engineers face having to re-develop the same features for different customers and vehicles. And we want our Ford digital experience to be recognizable whether you’re in a Bronco or a Mustang Mach-E or an F-150 with a snowplow attached. Having a new electrical architecture on some vehicles and a legacy architecture on other vehicles and maintaining them all at the same time, is not a good strategy for this new world.”

 

 

It's about time.  I was disappointed that Bronco didn't have it available.  The article doesn't mention a timeline, though, and considering Ranger (and Mustang) just came out, I'm guessing it'll be a few years before it makes its way to those models - probably for refreshes of them if I had to guess.  I wonder if we'll see it come to Bronco first since it's an older product, but it'll likely have longer product cycles if it's anything like Wrangler.

[Sherminator98]

27 minutes ago, rmc523 said:

It's about time.  I was disappointed that Bronco didn't have it available.  The article doesn't mention a timeline, though, and considering Ranger (and Mustang) just came out, I'm guessing it'll be a few years before it makes its way to those models - probably for refreshes of them if I had to guess.  I wonder if we'll see it come to Bronco first since it's an older product, but it'll likely have longer product cycles if it's anything like Wrangler.

 

The Ranger and Bronco aren't all that different when it comes to electronic subsystems.
 

The bigger gripe I have is the Bronco (and I think Ranger) doesn't have automatic lane keeping and distancing like the Bronco Sport has. I've used it a couple times on my wife's Bronco Sport and even on a short hour drive or so, it cuts down on the amount of "fatigue" of just keeping the vehicle in the lane. 

Yeah I know it sounds lazy, but noticed when I was done with the drive, I wasn't as mentally or physically tired as if I had to do most of the "driving" myself-it cut the amount of effort by 50% or more. You set the cruise control, and just keep your hand on the wheel and keep aware of the traffic around you, instead of doing all of that plus keeping the vehicle centered in the lane and accelerating/decelerating. I was slightly impressed it came to a complete stop when I had it set for around town driving doing 40 mph and stopped with a resonable gap between you and the car in front. 

[rmc523]

1 hour ago, Sherminator98 said:

 

The Ranger and Bronco aren't all that different when it comes to electronic subsystems.
 

The bigger gripe I have is the Bronco (and I think Ranger) doesn't have automatic lane keeping and distancing like the Bronco Sport has. I've used it a couple times on my wife's Bronco Sport and even on a short hour drive or so, it cuts down on the amount of "fatigue" of just keeping the vehicle in the lane. 

Yeah I know it sounds lazy, but noticed when I was done with the drive, I wasn't as mentally or physically tired as if I had to do most of the "driving" myself-it cut the amount of effort by 50% or more. You set the cruise control, and just keep your hand on the wheel and keep aware of the traffic around you, instead of doing all of that plus keeping the vehicle centered in the lane and accelerating/decelerating. I was slightly impressed it came to a complete stop when I had it set for around town driving doing 40 mph and stopped with a resonable gap between you and the car in front. 

 

Yup, I remember using the feature when my mom had her '20 Explorer ST, and I enjoyed it.  Bronco's also cuts out at like 20mph or something like that.....it basically got Ford's last-gen ACC.

 

I also was surprised when Bronco didn't have that feature too......it just seemed like they "cheaped out" on a lot of the tech features the rest of the lineup already had when Bronco debuted.

Edited May 7 by rmc523

[Motorpsychology]

Personally, I don't care for Blue Cruise.I have it on my Explorer and I was irritated that I had to pay for the hardware as standard with no delete option when I ordered it. I tried it out for a little over a mile and found I was as anxious as I was when I was teaching my kids how to drive. I can save $49.95 a month by driving the car myself as I have for the last 60 years. Thankfully, there is a regular cruise control option in the driver assist menu, and it displays a message that regular cruise control has been selected, along with three chimes. Every frickin' time it's turned on.

 

 

[ANTAUS]

I test drove a Tesla years ago, and the salesperson was giddy because "Oh look it can drive itself"...Yeah well, it was very passive, it wouldn't get close enough and when cars cut in front of me it would slow down.  Well being from Miami I was not having any of that...took it off, got aggressive and saw what a waste it was.  The guy was shocked because I pointed out all the issues of the vehicle (doors slamming shut sounding tinsy when I closed them, materials were 90s like, wind noise, trunk wasn't finished accordingly, A/C didn't cool enough like I'm used to with Fords)...he was really hurt...I did see some compare with trucks I think Edmunds or MT or something, and the competitors had subscription services and were dinged because of it.   I get it, subscription services are a money maker.

[T-dubz]

Eh, I’d rather they not put it on those vehicles. Nothing like adding features that most people won’t use but will still have to pay for with higher base prices on already over priced vehicles. I’d rather not have anything related to subscriptions put in my vehicles.

[rmc523]

10 hours ago, ANTAUS said:

I test drove a Tesla years ago, and the salesperson was giddy because "Oh look it can drive itself"...Yeah well, it was very passive, it wouldn't get close enough and when cars cut in front of me it would slow down.  Well being from Miami I was not having any of that...took it off, got aggressive and saw what a waste it was.  The guy was shocked because I pointed out all the issues of the vehicle (doors slamming shut sounding tinsy when I closed them, materials were 90s like, wind noise, trunk wasn't finished accordingly, A/C didn't cool enough like I'm used to with Fords)...he was really hurt...I did see some compare with trucks I think Edmunds or MT or something, and the competitors had subscription services and were dinged because of it.   I get it, subscription services are a money maker.

 

I'd rather pay up front and have permanent access than a monthly fee.  Though I guess you could not get it, and pay for it for only a month if you needed it (i.e. road trip planned, you could pay for BC for that month and cancel the next).

 

28 minutes ago, T-dubz said:

Eh, I’d rather they not put it on those vehicles. Nothing like adding features that most people won’t use but will still have to pay for with higher base prices on already over priced vehicles. I’d rather not have anything related to subscriptions put in my vehicles.

 

You don't have to get the option?

[akirby]

15 minutes ago, rmc523 said:

 

You don't have to get the option?

It’s included on higher trims even if you don’t want the subscription therefore you’re paying for the hardware.

Edited May 8 by akirby

[Sherminator98]

35 minutes ago, akirby said:

It’s included on higher trims even if you don’t want the subscription therefore you’re paying for the hardware.

 

isn't that hardware often tied to other equipment on the vehicle that might be more useful or a standard option? Like the lane keeping cameras that might be part of a 360 camera setup? 

The real question is how much of it is a software function vs hardware. if its software only, it would be far more profitable because the HW already exists on the vehicle

[akirby]

1 hour ago, Sherminator98 said:

 

isn't that hardware often tied to other equipment on the vehicle that might be more useful or a standard option? Like the lane keeping cameras that might be part of a 360 camera setup? 

The real question is how much of it is a software function vs hardware. if its software only, it would be far more profitable because the HW already exists on the vehicle

Depends on the feature and vehicle (it was a general statement about subscription features not just blue cruise).  If it’s just software then it’s no big deal.

[Trader 10]

BlueCruise on a Mustang makes no sense. 

[rmc523]

In a related note, they'll also be phasing out SYNC 4 on these vehicles (and F-150).

[Harley Lover]

28 minutes ago, rmc523 said:

In a related note, they'll also be phasing out SYNC 4 on these vehicles (and F-150).

 

What is the replacement?

[akirby]

10 minutes ago, Harley Lover said:

 

What is the replacement?

Android based system already used on nautilus, Explorer, etc.

[rmc523]

19 hours ago, Harley Lover said:

 

What is the replacement?

 

The "Ford Digital Experience" they call it now.

[jpd80]

Did Ford introduce Lane Center?

I’ve heard that it operates better than lane keep which just bounces you off the side line.

[akirby]

2 hours ago, jpd80 said:

Did Ford introduce Lane Center?

I’ve heard that it operates better than lane keep which just bounces you off the side line.

We have it on our Nautilus.  It works pretty well 80% of the time but sometimes it pulls the vehicle too close to the adjoining lane (on top of the line).  And the lines were very visible.  I usually don’t use it.

[Sherminator98]

3 hours ago, jpd80 said:

Did Ford introduce Lane Center?

I’ve heard that it operates better than lane keep which just bounces you off the side line.

 

yes that is the system in the Bronco Sport, but the regular Bronco has the one that bounces off the lines. 

[Rick73]

On 5/8/2025 at 7:48 AM, T-dubz said:

Eh, I’d rather they not put it on those vehicles. Nothing like adding features that most people won’t use but will still have to pay for with higher base prices on already over priced vehicles. I’d rather not have anything related to subscriptions put in my vehicles.

I enjoy driving so much that makes me not value these types of features very much, though also know others can be polar opposites. Anyway, initially it seemed dependent mostly on age, where younger buyers are more likely to accept less driving control while older buyers prefer to remain in charge, but there is evidence that some younger people not only prefer lower-cost vehicles, but also have concerns over privacy, greater vehicle complexity, etc.  A little automation makes sense to me, but the high cost charged by Tesla for FSD, as example, shows most buyers are not willing to buy the feature.  Take rate for Tesla FSD remains fairly low IIRC.  

[Sherminator98]

4 hours ago, Rick73 said:

I enjoy driving so much that makes me not value these types of features very much, though also know others can be polar opposites. Anyway, initially it seemed dependent mostly on age, where younger buyers are more likely to accept less driving control while older buyers prefer to remain in charge, but there is evidence that some younger people not only prefer lower-cost vehicles, but also have concerns over privacy, greater vehicle complexity, etc.  A little automation makes sense to me, but the high cost charged by Tesla for FSD, as example, shows most buyers are not willing to buy the feature.  Take rate for Tesla FSD remains fairly low IIRC.  

 

One possibility is that there might be features/options that might be built into a car just to keep the configurations down to a minimum that can be activated with software even sold at a later date for a fixed price. 

Just as an example, it might be just easier to build every single vehicle with heated seats, even if they aren't activated off the assembly line. Down the road, someone can pay say a one time charge of $500 (pulling that number out of my ass) to get it work for the rest of the time they use the car. But that is also offset by people say wanting physical buttons in cars to do something like that. But that is a marketing and engineering exercise that I have no interest in solving without getting paid for it

 

[Rick73]

Do not disagree, though I feel the most affordable vehicle possible should be designed to be bare bones and for it to remain that way from onset; assuming there is enough demand of course.  Designing a car that can be fully loaded with features, and then decontenting down to a basic unit for entry level buyers will not lead to most affordable and or price-competitive vehicle.  Granted it would lead to larger pool of potential buyers based on added features, but also smaller pool based on price.  Agree balancing these two forces should be left to the experts.

 

Personally like the Slate KISS approach and would enjoy seeing it applied to one mass-market ICE or Hybrid vehicle just to see how it was received.  It would not be for everyone, but for those who only want or need basic transportation, and don’t want or can afford heated seats, AWD, sunroof, self driving, etc., designing in these capabilities makes little sense because they add unnecessary costs even if left off a particular vehicle.

[rmc523]

On 5/9/2025 at 5:39 PM, jpd80 said:

Did Ford introduce Lane Center?

I’ve heard that it operates better than lane keep which just bounces you off the side line.

 

Ford has had lane centering since at least 2020 on various models (Explorer had it then), but certain vehicles like Bronco disappointingly didn't have it even though Ford had it elsewhere.  I'd assume this announcement will also mean that Bronco's "regular" ACC will finally get lance centering instead of the ping pong version.

 

---

 

As usual, many folks over at 6G are complaining (what else is new) about this saying how they don't want it, they want to drive....

 

to which I said...

 

I file this under people complaining to complain, like many other options.....which is the key word.

Don't like the option? don't check the box and/or just let the trial expire.

For those that do want the option, I'm glad they're finally giving it. I was disappointed that Bronco didn't have it at launch, as the trucks were getting it at the time, and I figured Bronco being new would also get the latest and greatest.
I assume this would also mean Bronco's regular ACC will be adding the "lane centering" feature finally (which keeps you in the center of the lane rather than ping ponging you back and forth if you drift to one side or the other in the lane).

As posted above as well, Ford now has different tiers for Blue Cruise - a one time entry, or yearly or monthly subscriptions so you could pay for it for a month if you have a road trip.
I think it'd be great to have and use on longer road trips.