Which Ford models have Sync 3?
Sync 3 was Ford’s widely used infotainment system from roughly 2016 through the early 2020s. Today, Ford largely uses Sync 4 in new vehicles, but many mid‑2010s to early‑2020s models offered Sync 3 on various trims. This article outlines which Ford models historically featured Sync 3 and how to verify a specific vehicle.
What Sync 3 is and how to identify it
Sync 3 is Ford’s touchscreen-based infotainment platform that replaced the older MyFord Touch system. It emphasizes larger, colorful tile icons and, in many cases, built‑in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Identification typically comes from the on‑screen look and the presence of CarPlay/Android Auto integration, as well as the model year and trim level listed by the dealer or owner’s manual.
Common Ford models that offered Sync 3
Below are Ford models that historically shipped with Sync 3, often on mid‑to‑high trims or as part of optional tech packages. Availability varied by year and market.
- Focus
- Fusion
- Escape
- Edge
- Explorer
- Expedition
- F-150
- Super Duty (F-250/F-350 and similar heavy‑duty trucks)
- Mustang
- Transit (van line)
Availability, feature sets, and screen sizes differed by year and trim. If you’re shopping or evaluating a used model, confirm the exact system on the vehicle’s window sticker or build sheet and cross‑check the model year.
How to check your specific vehicle
Use these practical steps to confirm whether a particular Ford has Sync 3:
- Inspect the main touchscreen: Sync 3 typically features a bright, tiled home screen and a distinct, responsive interface compared with older MyFord Touch layouts.
- Look for CarPlay/Android Auto: If the system supports Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, it’s a strong indicator of Sync 3 in many configurations.
- Check the VIN or build sheet: The vehicle’s VIN decoding or official build sheet from Ford or the dealer will list the infotainment version (Sync 3 vs. newer Sync 4).
- Review the owner’s manual or Ford’s official specs for the model year: Ford’s documentation for the specific year often notes the infotainment platform.
- Ask the dealer or seller: Provide the exact model year and trim, and request a test drive to verify the interface.
In practice, Sync 3 appeared across a broad swath of Ford’s lineup from the mid‑2010s through the early‑2020s, but newer vehicles have largely moved to Sync 4. Confirming with the VIN is the most reliable way to know for sure.
Current status: Sync 3 vs Sync 4
As Ford rolled out its newer Sync 4 platform in the 2020s, most newly produced Ford models now come with Sync 4 or later. Sync 3 remains prevalent in older inventory and on certain trims where buyers selected tech packages or when dealers still have stock of pre‑Sync 4 configurations. Sync 4 offers improvements such as enhanced voice recognition, over‑the‑air updates, faster processing, and deeper smartphone integration, which has accelerated the shift away from Sync 3 in new vehicles.
What this means for buyers today
For buyers and used‑car shoppers, the key takeaway is to verify the infotainment system before purchase. If you specifically want Sync 3, target model years from roughly 2016–2020 and check the exact trim and option packages. If you’re open to newer tech, Sync 4 is now standard on most current models and is backward compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well.
Summary
Sync 3 was a widely used Ford infotainment platform sitting between the older MyFord Touch era and the current Sync 4 era. It appeared across many models—including Focus, Fusion, Escape, Edge, Explorer, Expedition, F‑Series trucks, Mustang, and Transit—primarily in the mid‑2010s to early‑2020s. Today, most new Ford vehicles use Sync 4, while Sync 3 remains relevant for certain older models and specific trims. When shopping, verify the exact system via VIN, window sticker, or dealer documentation to ensure the infotainment setup meets your needs.
How do I know if my Ford has SYNC 3?
Level that number will change a little bit on production cars. So you may see some with 3.1 3.2 3.3 but anything 3.0. Or later is the latest software level Ford has.
Is SYNC 3 better than SYNC 4?
SYNC 4 systems offers a lot of updates over the SYNC 3 system that is found on older Ford Vehicles. SYNC 4 systems supports larger screen while SYNC 3 was restricted to 8 inch screens. SYNC 4 systems can bee seen with vehicles with 12 inch screens! SYNC 4 offers a lot of new features for your Ford vehicles.
What is the difference between SYNC 2 and SYNC 3?
The Sync 3 system provides more customization options than Sync 2. The new system allows for the customization of the home screen, which can be personalized to display your most-used apps and features.
What year does Ford have SYNC 3?
Ford's Sync 3 system exists in Ford models from 2015 onward. Other than the vehicles that received the newest version, most Ford vehicles have Sync 3. The 2016 Ford Escape and 2016 Ford Fiesta were the first models to receive Sync 3.
