As expected, Ford has officially announced that the 2017 Ford Escape will be the company’s first to offer Apple CarPlay in its in-dash system. Ford will be integrating the feature into its latest-generation Ford SYNC platform, which is now version 3. The automaker’s best-selling SUV has entered production in Louisville, Kentucky, and sales will begin at U.S. and Canadian dealerships in May 2016.
“New Escape – first Ford vehicle to offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – aims to maintain sales momentum and attributes that led it to a tie* as Highest-Ranked Compact SUV by J.D. Power in Initial Quality; Escape is the No. 2-selling Ford vehicle in the United States, second only to F-Series”.
CarPlay will bring Maps, Phone, Messages, Music, Podcasts, and a number of third-party apps, such as Spotify, to the 2017 Escape’s in-dash multimedia system.
The Apple software can be controlled with Siri and your vehicle’s built-in controls for convenient access to common iPhone features. iPhone 5 or later is required.
In addition to CarPlay and Android Auto, the new Escape also includes a capable driver-assist technology and all-new Sync Connect that supports features like remote start and door locking through the new FordPass platform.
“Escape will also be first to offer SYNC 3 featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto”, said the company.
CarPlay is available in over 100 new 2016 and 2017 models worldwide from Acura, Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Ferrari, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Opel, Porsche, Peugeot, Seat, Škoda, Suzuki, Volkswagen, Volvo, and other carmakers.
CarPlay and Android Auto will also available in select Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models beginning this year. Toyota, meanwhile, remains one of the largest automakers that has yet to adopt CarPlay, instead choosing SmartDeviceLink, despite being listed as a committed partner on Apple’s website since 2014.
Source: Ford