What audio company does Ford use?
Ford relies on Harman International’s premium audio systems for many of its modern vehicles, with JBL and Harman Kardon branding appearing on different trims. That Harman-based lineup is the core answer to who supplies Ford’s factory sound.
In more detail, Ford’s relationship with Harman—now part of the Samsung family since 2017—shapes the branding and performance of in-car audio across its model range. The exact brand you hear depends on the model year, trim level, and regional market. Generally, Harman Kardon is highlighted on higher-end trims, while JBL is a common option on a broad set of models. This reflects Ford’s ongoing strategy to offer premium sound through Harman’s portfolio rather than a single, uniform branding across all vehicles.
The current audio suppliers for Ford
Ford’s premium audio lineup centers on Harman’s brands. Since the mid-2010s, Harman International (a Samsung-owned company) has supplied many Ford models with advanced audio systems. Within this portfolio, JBL and Harman Kardon are the branded options that buyers encounter on different trims and models. The exact system varies by vehicle family, model year, and market.
Two main brands you’ll encounter in Ford’s premium audio options are:
- JBL Premium Audio
- Harman Kardon Premium Audio
Concluding paragraph: These two brands represent the primary premium audio offerings in most modern Ford vehicles. Base audio configurations are more generic, and the premium branding is typically the differentiator between trims and options.
How to verify the audio branding in your Ford
To confirm which brand powers your Ford’s sound system, try these steps:
- Check the vehicle’s window sticker or order sheet for “Premium Audio – JBL” or “Premium Audio – Harman Kardon.”
- Consult the owner’s manual or Ford’s official product page for your model year and trim level.
- Explore the infotainment system’s About or audio settings screen; some displays announce the brand (e.g., JBL or Harman Kardon).
- Ask a dealer or review the build sheet if you’re buying used or new from a dealer.
Concluding paragraph: Knowing the audio brand helps you gauge sound quality and features, since Harman Kardon and JBL are recognized premium options in Ford’s lineup.
Summary
Across most of Ford’s modern lineup, premium in-car audio is supplied by Harman International, with JBL and Harman Kardon branding used on various trims and models. The exact system varies by model year, trim, and region, so the best way to know is to check the brochure, window sticker, owner’s manual, or the vehicle’s infotainment settings. As Ford’s audio strategy evolves, Harman’s brands remain central to the premium sound experience offered to customers.
Who makes the B&O sound system?
Bang & Olufsen (B&O) is a Danish high-end consumer electronics company that designs and manufactures audio products, television sets, and telephones, originally from Denmark, founded in 1925 by Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen, who designed a radio to work with alternating current, a product of significance at a time when ...
Why is B&O so expensive?
Bang & Olufsen is expensive due to its reputation as a luxury brand that prioritizes high-end design, premium materials, and advanced sound engineering over mass-market appeal and price. Costs are also driven by factors like proprietary technology, bespoke installation services, and the unique, often artistic design of its products.
Design and materials
- Aesthetics over performance: B&O is known for its striking, often unconventional designs that blend performance with a strong visual identity. The price reflects not just the sound quality, but the cost of creating these visually distinct products.
- Premium materials: The brand uses high-quality materials and components to achieve its luxurious feel and aesthetic, which adds to the production cost.
Sound engineering and tuning
- Careful speaker selection: B&O meticulously selects and tests speakers for its systems, and the sound is carefully tuned for each specific application and product, including in-car systems where placement is a compromise.
- Advanced technology: The company develops proprietary and advanced digital signal processing (DSP) and acoustic technologies to achieve its signature sound, which increases development and production costs.
Brand and services
- Luxury brand positioning: B&O is a luxury brand, and its pricing reflects its premium positioning in the market, similar to luxury car brands.
- Bespoke services: For some high-end systems, the price includes professional installation and acoustic tuning services, further justifying the cost.
- Proprietary systems: The company often uses proprietary technology and designs, which can limit compatibility with other brands and increase the cost of its integrated systems.
Who makes the sound system for Ford?
Bang & Olufsen
Ford has partnered with Bang & Olufsen, a global leader in high-end audio technology, to equip select models with state-of-the-art sound systems. These systems are expertly designed and precisely tuned to the acoustics of each vehicle, delivering an audio experience that turns every drive into a concert-like journey.
Does Ford use JBL?
JBL (standard on many Ford and Toyota models) Lexicon (standard on many Hyundai models)
