What do the Ford driving modes do?
Ford driving modes tailor how the vehicle responds to your inputs by adjusting throttle delivery, transmission behavior, traction control, and more. They help optimize efficiency, performance, or off-road capability depending on the mode and model.
In practice, these modes change how the engine or motor delivers power, when the transmission shifts, and how the drivetrain and chassis respond to terrain or driving conditions. The exact names and effects vary by model year and trim, so check your vehicle’s on-screen prompts or the owner's manual for specifics.
Common drive modes across Ford vehicles
Here is a look at the core modes you’re likely to encounter in many Ford cars, trucks, and SUVs. They cover everyday driving, efficiency goals, and sportier or more controlled responses for different conditions.
- Normal — baseline driving with balanced performance, comfort, and efficiency.
- Eco — prioritizes fuel efficiency by softening throttle response and adjusting climate control and transmission behavior.
- Sport — sharpens throttle response, may raise shift points, and can stiffen steering for a more engaged feel.
- Slippery or Snow/Wet — reduces wheel spin by moderating throttle and adjusting traction control and drivetrain torque distribution for slick surfaces.
- Tow/Haul — tunes the drivetrain for towing and heavy payloads, often holding gears longer and enhancing engine braking.
These modes are designed to provide predictable, optimized behavior for a range of conditions—from city streets to highway merging to light towing. For exact changes in your specific vehicle, refer to the on-screen prompts or the owner's manual.
Terrain and off-road driven modes (Bronco and similar models)
Ford’s off-road lineup, notably the Bronco, expands drive modes with terrain-focused settings that adapt the drivetrain, throttle, traction control, and, in some trims, suspension to handle rough or loose surfaces.
GOAT Modes overview
On Bronco models equipped with GOAT (Go Over Any Terrain) Modes, drivers can select specialized terrain settings to optimize performance on specific surfaces. Availability varies by year, trim, and package.
- Normal — standard baseline for everyday driving.
- Eco — energy-conscious setting for extended range or efficiency on rough terrain.
- Slippery — enhanced control on slick surfaces.
- Sand — helps maintain momentum on loose sand by moderating power delivery and traction control.
- Mud — balances torque and wheel slip for muddy trails.
- Baja — high-speed desert mode for stability and control at speed on open, hard-packed surfaces.
- Rock Crawl — low-speed control with refined throttle and braking for technical rock obstacles.
Note: The exact set of GOAT Modes and their effects can differ by model year and equipment. If you own a Bronco or similar Ford model, consult your manual or in-vehicle guidance for the precise modes available to your vehicle.
Drive modes in Ford electric vehicles
Ford’s electric vehicles adjust drive modes to balance performance and efficiency, with emphasis on throttle mapping and regenerative braking. Some modes also influence steering feel and energy recuperation to maximize range or performance depending on the chosen setup.
- Standard/Normal — balanced performance and efficiency for daily driving.
- Sport or Performance — more immediate throttle response and a sportier driving character.
- One-Pedal or High Regeneration — increases regenerative braking to enable near one-pedal driving and extend range.
Because names and exact behavior vary by model and software version, check your vehicle’s display and owner’s manual for the precise effects of each mode in your Ford EV.
Summary
Ford drive modes are designed to tailor a vehicle’s behavior to the driver’s needs and the road or terrain at hand. They adjust power delivery, transmission behavior, traction control, and sometimes steering feel or suspension. While many models share common modes such as Normal, Eco, Sport, and Slippery, off-road-focused vehicles like the Bronco offer GOAT Modes for specific terrains. The specific modes and their effects vary by model year, trim and drivetrain, so always refer to your owner’s manual or in-vehicle prompts for exact details in your Ford.
