Ford is leaning even harder into the “go explore” lifestyle, and this latest move makes a lot of sense for truck and SUV owners. By teaming up with onX, one of the biggest names in outdoor navigation, Ford is giving drivers more tools to use their vehicles the way they were intended.
Here are five key things you should know about the new Ford + onX collaboration.
Ford Is Giving Owners a Full Year of onX for Free
Let’s start with the headline. Ford is offering eligible owners a full year of complimentary access to onX’s premium apps. That’s not a stripped-down version either; it’s the top-tier access across the platform.
onX subscriptions range from $35-99 annually, or more if you’re using multiple apps like Offroad, Hunt, or Backcountry. Ford essentially removes that barrier for a year, giving owners a chance to explore without hesitation or extra cost.
It Works Directly Through Your Truck’s Screen
This isn’t just a phone-only experience. The onX apps integrate through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, meaning your trail maps and navigation show up right on your vehicle’s infotainment screen.
Even better, you can download maps ahead of time. That’s critical for off-roading, overlanding, or any adventure where cell service disappears fast. It adds a level of confidence that a lot of newer drivers need when venturing off pavement.
I tested this feature out the last time I took a Ford Expedition Tremor out to my favorite off-road spot, Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area.
There’s Way More Than Just Off-Road Trails
Most people will focus on onX Offroad, and for good reason. It offers over 650,000 miles of trails with difficulty ratings, photos, and detailed descriptions.
But the ecosystem goes way beyond that. You also get:
- onX Fish for finding fishing spots and regulations
- onX Hunt for land boundaries and scouting tools
- onX Backcountry with over 1 million miles of hiking, biking, and climbing routes
This turns your truck or SUV into more than just an off-road rig; it becomes a full-on adventure hub for whatever you’re into outdoors.
Existing Owners have Access Too, Not Just on New Purchases
This isn’t limited to brand-new vehicles. The offer applies to 2017 and newer Ford vehicles that have an activated modem.
That means millions of existing Ford owners can take advantage of this, not just people buying a new Bronco or F-150 tomorrow. It’s a smart move that builds loyalty and keeps older vehicles feeling fresh with new tech-driven experiences.
This Is Just the Beginning of Ford’s Bigger Plan
Ford is making it clear this isn’t a one-off promotion. The company sees this as part of a larger push to integrate software and outdoor experiences directly into its vehicles.
Ford and onX are essentially trying to lower the barrier to entry for outdoor adventures. Instead of asking, “Where do I even go?” drivers can now discover trails, plan routes, and navigate confidently all from their vehicle.
Final Thoughts
This partnership feels like a natural fit. Ford builds some of the most capable off-road vehicles on the market, and onX provides the tools to put that capability to use.
For truck buyers, especially families or first-time off-roaders, this could be the difference between just owning a capable vehicle and using it. And for seasoned enthusiasts, having all this data integrated into the dash just makes life easier.
Bottom line, Ford isn’t just selling trucks anymore. With programs like this collaboration with onX and the Bronco Off-Roadeo, Ford is selling the experience of getting out and using them.
