What Ford Premium Connectivity Is

Ford Premium Connectivity is a subscription service that adds connected features to Ford vehicles equipped with the FordPass Connect modem. It layers on top of the standard connectivity that comes built into newer Ford models and includes remote vehicle access, real-time traffic, emergency information, and vehicle health monitoring through the FordPass mobile app and in-vehicle systems.

The service is separate from the vehicle itself — you own the car, but you pay Ford a monthly or annual fee to unlock features that the hardware already supports. Some features arrive free for a limited time after purchase; others require the paid subscription from day one.

Ford also offers a lower-cost tier called Ford Standard Connectivity, which includes basic features like emergency calling and vehicle status checks. Premium sits above that and adds convenience and remote control features.

Key Takeaways

  • Ford Premium Connectivity requires a paid monthly or annual subscription; the first year is often included with new vehicle purchase, but you must renew to keep the service active.
  • The service works only on Ford vehicles with the FordPass Connect modem, which is standard on most 2020 and newer models but not all trim levels or older vehicles.
  • Premium features include remote start, remote lock and unlock, vehicle location tracking, and real-time traffic data through the FordPass app.
  • Subscription costs and included trial periods vary by model year and region, so checking your FordPass account or Ford's website for your specific vehicle is necessary to know your exact cost and renewal date.

Which Ford Vehicles Have Premium Connectivity Available

Premium Connectivity is available on most Ford vehicles from 2020 onward that came equipped with the FordPass Connect modem. This includes the F-150, Escape, Edge, Explorer, Mustang, Ranger, and SuperDuty, though not every trim level of every model includes the modem as standard.

Older Ford vehicles (2019 and earlier) generally do not have the hardware needed for Premium Connectivity, even if they have some connected features. Some base trim levels on newer models may ship without the modem, meaning you cannot add Premium Connectivity later without a hardware retrofit, which Ford does not typically offer to consumers.

The easiest way to confirm whether your vehicle supports Premium Connectivity is to open the FordPass app, sign in with your vehicle, and look at the available features. If Premium Connectivity is not listed as an option, your vehicle does not have the required modem.

What Features Come With Premium Connectivity

Premium Connectivity includes remote vehicle access and control through the FordPass app: you can lock and unlock doors, start the engine remotely, check fuel level and tire pressure, and locate your vehicle on a map. These features work from anywhere with an internet connection on your phone.

The subscription also adds real-time traffic data to the in-vehicle navigation system, which helps you avoid congestion and see alternate routes. You receive vehicle health alerts — notifications if a door is left open, if the battery voltage is low, or if scheduled maintenance is due.

Emergency information features are included, such as the ability to contact Ford roadside information directly through the vehicle's infotainment system. Some models also include remote climate control, allowing you to warm or cool the cabin before you get in.

Standard Connectivity, the lower tier, includes emergency calling (similar to OnStar), vehicle status checks, and some basic app features, but not remote start, remote lock and unlock, or real-time traffic.

Subscription Costs and Trial Periods

Ford Premium Connectivity pricing varies by region and model year. Most new Ford vehicles come with a complimentary trial period — commonly 12 months for Premium Connectivity on new purchases, though some models or regions may offer shorter or longer trials. After the trial ends, you must pay to continue the service.

Monthly subscription rates typically range from $10 to $15 per month, depending on your region and which features you select. Annual plans are usually available at a discount compared to paying month-to-month. Ford occasionally runs promotions that extend trial periods or reduce renewal rates, especially for owners who have let their subscription lapse.

You can check your current subscription status, renewal date, and pricing in the FordPass app under Account Settings or Subscription. If you do not renew before the subscription expires, Premium features will stop working, though Standard Connectivity features (if your vehicle has them) typically remain active.

How to Manage Your Subscription

Subscription management happens through the FordPass mobile app or through Ford's website. When you first set up FordPass on a new vehicle, the app walks you through linking your vehicle and reviewing your included trial period. You can see the exact expiration date of your current subscription in the app.

To renew or change your subscription, open FordPass, go to Account or Subscription settings, and select your renewal option. You can choose monthly or annual billing. Payment is charged to the credit card or payment method you have on file with your Ford account.

If you want to cancel Premium Connectivity, you can do so through the app or by contacting Ford customer service. Cancellation typically takes effect at the end of your current billing period, not when ready, so you will not be charged again after that date.

What Happens When Your Subscription Expires

When a Premium Connectivity subscription expires and you do not renew, the remote features stop working when ready. You will no longer be able to lock, unlock, or remotely start your vehicle through the FordPass app, and real-time traffic data will no longer display in your navigation system.

Vehicle health alerts and emergency information features depend on which tier of connectivity your vehicle has. If you have Standard Connectivity, those basic features remain active even after Premium expires. If your vehicle only came with Premium, you lose all connected features until you renew.

You can renew your subscription at any time by opening FordPass and selecting a renewal plan. There is no penalty for letting it lapse, and you can restart the service whenever you choose. Some owners pause Premium during winter months or when they are not driving frequently, then renew when they need it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for Premium Connectivity, or is it free?

Most new Ford vehicles include a free trial period of Premium Connectivity, usually 12 months. After the trial ends, you must pay a monthly or annual subscription fee to keep using Premium features. Standard Connectivity features may remain free depending on your vehicle and region.

Can I use Premium Connectivity on an older Ford vehicle?

Only if your vehicle has the FordPass Connect modem built in, which is standard on most 2020 and newer Fords. Older vehicles generally do not have the hardware. Check the FordPass app with your vehicle linked to see if Premium Connectivity is listed as an option.

What happens if I do not renew my subscription?

Remote features like lock, unlock, and remote start stop working. Real-time traffic data disappears from navigation. Basic features like emergency calling may remain active depending on your vehicle's connectivity tier. You can renew at any time without penalty.

Can I pause my subscription instead of canceling it?

Ford does not offer an official pause feature. You can cancel and renew whenever you want, but there is no formal way to temporarily suspend the service. Some owners cancel before winter or extended periods of non-use and renew later.

Is Premium Connectivity the same as OnStar?

No. OnStar is General Motors' connected service for GM vehicles. Ford uses FordPass and Premium Connectivity. They are separate systems from different manufacturers and are not compatible with each other's vehicles.