No ability to judge improved MyFord Touch until “early 2012”

Ford will release a streamlined version of MyFord Touch on the 2013 Ford Escape, Ford Flex and Ford Taurus. The company believes that the revamped MyFord Touch will be easier for consumers to navigate.

Consumers Digest found the current version of the system to be complex and. So did numerous consumers, who complained to Ford. The improved MyFord Touch system, which will be available to current users as a software update in 2012, swaps out buttons and switches for faster touchscreen responses. The company also says voice command will be simpler and navigation-system maps will be better.

Unfortunately, Consumers Digest and other members of the automotive media will have to wait until the 2013 models are shipped to dealers to preview the improved navigation system and determine if the revamp makes the system easier to use.