For more than 120 years, Ford has created driving experiences for customers, from the Model T, which changed how people moved from point A to point B, to rolling out advanced driver-assistance features like BlueCruise hands-free highway driving on our first all-electric vehicle, the Mustang Mach-E, to help make driving easier and more enjoyable.

In the 20th century, Ford innovations included making the Quickclear heated windshield available in mass-produced vehicles for the first time, and introducing the Easy Fuel system to help prevent accidental misfuelling. And, as technology progressed with the introduction of the smartphone, we continued to innovate to help make the car ownership experience as seamless as possible.

As we reach the quarter-way point of the 21st century in 2025, we asked Ford customers, employees, content creators, and Friends of Ford members to share their favourite piece of tech on or in a Ford vehicle since 2000. Here is what they said:

Heated Steering Wheel

“I like to challenge myself daily and one of the things that can be a real test of character in the depths of a Norwegian winter is a ‘cold plunge’ or ‘ice bath’. The cold water can be so overwhelming that my hands feel numb and frozen when I return to the car. That’s why it’s so nice to be able to get into a car where I can immediately turn on heating in the steering wheel — making an instant difference in those moments where I need to be hitting the road straight away.”

- Linn Karlsen | Norway

Ambient Lighting

“I’m a massive Ford fan and have been since as long as I can remember. I’ve owned a variety of different Fords in the past, and my most recent is my Ford Explorer EV. My favourite piece of tech in this car must be the adjustable ambient lighting. It’s such a nice feature to change the colours on the fly which totally changes the mood inside. It’s especially nice on my commute home from work at nighttime, the lights make for a relaxing journey and makes the car an even nicer place to be!”

-Nick O’Connor | United Kingdom

Retractable Tow Bar

“The retractable tow bar with the electric release has to be one of my favourite bits of kit on the Kuga! It’s so easy to use just the press of the button, and it’s ready to hitch up and go. It makes the whole towing process effortless and fuss-free. Plus, when the the job is done, and it's another press of a button and the tow bar is tucked out of the way — meaning I no longer knock my shins on it”

- Rachel Witek | United Kingdom

SYNC

“My favourite feature in my Ford Explorer electric vehicle is the huge SYNC display screen! It allows me to see my navigation very clearly, access my music and even store things behind the physical screen. It is such a clever add to the Explorer’s interior and definitely my favourite feature of the car at the moment.”

- Magdalena Kalus | Germany

“My favourite technology feature is my SYNC touchscreen and when over-the-air software updates arrive on the F-150 Lightning.”

Chris Higa, Friends of Ford | USA

Heated and Massaging Seats

“One of my favourite features in my Ford Explorer ST has to be the heated and massaging seats. After a long day of exploring or working, there’s nothing better than settling into my rig and enjoying pure relaxation while cruising home. Ford offers so many incredible options and features, but for me, these seats are an absolute game changer.”

- Stewart Webb, Friends of Ford | USA

MagneRide Damping System

“My favourite piece of technology would have to be the MagneRide Damping System on my 2024 Mustang Dark Horse. The fact that the suspension dampers can adjust compression and rebound in a matter of milliseconds at any given time used to be tech reserved for supercars! It allows the Mustang to be the envy on the road and a dominant force on the racetrack and drag strip, yet incredibly comfortable on the highway. It truly checks all the boxes!”

- Chris Cervenka, Friends of Ford | USA

Ford BlueCruise

“The first time I used BlueCruise, I was surprised by how natural hands-free highway driving felt — like the car just instinctively knew what to do. There was this moment where I realised I could relax for once and actually enjoy the drive, which completely changed how I think about being on the road. That’s why it’s my favourite Ford technology — it doesn’t just work, it changes the whole driving experience.”

- Stephanie Carls, Friends of Ford | USA

“There are many tech features about the F-150 Lightning that make it a great truck, but there is one that stands out — specifically BlueCruise. This past year I made several trips across the state of Colorado to participate in organised bike rides. It's so nice when I hit the open road, I can activate BlueCruise and just sit back and enjoy the ride. I'm not tired any longer after a long drive.”

- Les Strickland | USA

Drive Modes

“My favourite tech feature on my Ford F-150 are the drive modes - specifically slippery mode! Slippery mode allows me to drive more confidently on Michigan's snowy roads - it's a game changer.”

Sherri Moore | USA

“My favourite feature on the Mustang Shelby GT350 is definitely the drive mode selector. I love how I can adjust the car to match my driving style for any situation. Whether I’m cruising on the highway, having some fun on a twisty country road, or unleashing the beast on the track, it has a mode for everything. Even when the weather is wet or slippery, I can switch to a setting that helps gives me more control. It’s such a versatile feature that lets me experience the car in so many different ways, depending on what I’m in the mood for.”

- Dario Girnus, Friends of Ford | USA

Pro Power Onboard

"My favourite technology feature of the F-150 Lightning is Pro Power Onboard. The F-150 Lightning utilises purposeful engineering and technology that makes this vehicle a game changer. My truck’s Pro Power Onboard has a workspace that comes in handy during family camping trips. I can power up my camping travel trailer and other items while at dry campground while not making any noise or emitting any fumes or smells! Anyone who has gone dry camping (camping without power outlets or hookups) knows first-hand how noisy and smelly gas generators can be. Pro-Power Onboard in the F-150 Lightning eliminates this so I can use it even during quiet hours.”

- John Tunca | USA

“The power at my house went out for two days during this past summer. I was easily able to supply power to all the essentials from my F-150. I can’t imagine having a vehicle without Pro Power Onboard!”

Michael Ansel | USA

FordPass App

“The FordPass app is so helpful! I use the Remote Start feature all the time. I also like that I can check the battery status and check the charging status when I am plugged into an electric vehicle charger. I use that a lot!”

- Marlene Strickland | USA

“One of my favorite features of the Ford Mustang Mach-E is the ability to access my car using the FordPass app on my smartwatch. I can set the climate control from anywhere before getting to my car, which is a game-changer in extreme weather. Whether it’s freezing cold or blazing hot, I can start the car and adjust the temperature while I’m still inside a store, at work, or enjoying a meal at a restaurant.”

- Lisa Holland | USA

Megan Rodrigues-Brodnansky is a member of the Ford Communications team.

The availability of the features mentioned above vary based on market, vehicle, trim, and model year.