The Ford Bronco Sport has been designed with several dials and switches that help owners have more confidence off-road. Unless you’re the kind who enjoys exploring the owner’s manual, some of these modes may seem mysterious as to when to be used or may remain hidden from you completely. Although you may find forums and articles that spell out many of these features, realize that there are some different ones in the new 2025 model and depending on your trim, may not be there at all.
Drive Modes or Automatic Transmission Positions
Let’s start with the drive modes. That should seem straightforward to anyone that has a driver’s license but in the center of that dial that takes you from Park to Drive, Neutral and Reverse, is a button that says either “L” or “M”. Both of those buttons are recommended to be used in hilly or mountainous roads or when towing a trailer. By engaging this button, you’re asking the car to hold lower gears longer. The “M” also lets you use the paddle shifters to select the gear.
G.O.A.T. Mode Dial and Terrain Modes
The G.O.A.T. Mode dial, located in the center console, allows the driver to select different drive modes that adjust vehicle settings for various terrains. Turning the dial will cycle through the following modes:
Normal Mode – This mode adjusts all systems to their base settings and balances vehicle performance for all around drivability. Each time you switch your vehicle off it defaults to this mode. Use this mode for everyday driving, such as city and highway routes or commuting.
Eco Mode – This mode lowers accelerator pedal responsiveness to soften driver inputs and encourage efficient driving. Depending on your vehicle’s options, adaptive cruise control is slower to return to the set speed and auto start- stop engages more often. Use this mode for fuel efficient driving which allows for an extended driving range.
Sport Mode-This mode increases accelerator pedal responsiveness and holds the transmission in lower gears longer for enhanced acceleration. The system switches the chassis controls to their sport settings. Depending on your vehicle’s options, this feature sets the exhaust to a louder tone, inhibits auto-start stop, and increases steering torque buildup for enhanced driver connectivity and responsive driving dynamics. Use this mode for a sportier and engaging driving experience.
Slippery Mode – This mode lowers accelerator pedal responsiveness, adjusts transmission shift points, and optimizes traction and stability controls to help mitigate wheel spin and maintain vehicle control in slick driving conditions. Depending on your vehicle’s options, this feature adjusts all-wheel drive control to provide optimum traction for slippery surfaces. Use this mode for less-than-ideal road conditions such as snow- and ice-covered roads or for firm surfaces that are covered with loose or slippery materials.
Note: Do not use this mode when driving on dry pavement. This could cause driveline bind up and damage the system depending on the four-wheel drive mode you select
Off-Road 1.5l Ecoboost ™– For more spirited off-road driving. Off-Road mode is for off-road driving on soft, dry sand or deep conditions. Lower gears hold longer in Off-Road mode to maintain momentum in soft conditions. Off-Road mode engages the four-wheel drive lock, which you can switch off using the drive mode controller. Off-Road mode optimizes braking for off-road conditions, allowing quick path corrections and minimized stopping distance when on deformable surfaces.
Note: Using Off-Road mode on dry, hard surfaces could produce some vibration, driveline bind up, potential excessive tire wear and vehicle wear.
Note: Do not use on firm, slippery surfaces, such as paved roads covered with snow or ice or driving on packed snow. For slippery, firm surfaces use slippery mode.
Off-Road 2.0L Ecoboost™ -For off-road driving on soft, dry sand or deep snow. This mode may help get your vehicle unstuck from deep snow or sand.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) lock is enabled. See notes above for 1.5l
Rally 2.0l Ecoboost™-For off-road driving on soft, dry sand or deep snow. This mode may help get your vehicle unstuck from deep snow or sand.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) lock is enabled.
Rock Crawl Mode 2.0l Ecoboost™ – For off-road driving. For optimum rock-climbing ability. Rock crawl mode engages the four-wheel drive lock. Rock crawl mode optimizes the vehicle systems to provide maximum traction and slow speed performance. Lower gears hold longer in rock crawl mode to minimize shifting when traversing rocks and obstacles. The accelerator pedal dampens to improve throttle control and minimize speed change over rough terrain. The steering optimizes for less effort with reduced kick-back. Rock crawl mode optimizes braking for off-road conditions, allowing quick path corrections and minimized stopping distance when on deformable surfaces. The engine sound enhances when in rock crawl mode.
Buttons Around the G.O.A.T. Mode Dial
Surrounding the G.O.A.T. Mode dial on the Badlands and Outer Banks Sasquatch trims are four key buttons that provide additional off-road functionality. If you do not have these trims, you will only see the G.O.A.T mode dial. To engage the AWD capability of your Big Bend or Outer Bank non-Sasquatch, use one of your available G.O.A.T. modes like Off-Road or Slippery.
4x4 Lock Button
This button forces the all-wheel-drive system to evenly distribute power between the front and rear wheels, ensuring maximum traction in low-traction situations like mud, sand, or snow. It is especially useful when G.O.A.T. modes alone are not enough to maintain grip.
Trail Control Button (Also Engages 1-Pedal Drive)
Trail Control acts as an off-road cruise control, allowing the driver to focus on steering while the vehicle manages throttle and braking at low speeds. When engaged, the Bronco Sport will maintain a set speed over rough terrain without needing driver input on the accelerator or brakes.
Additionally, pressing and holding this button enables 1-Pedal Drive, which allows the driver to control acceleration and braking using only the throttle. Lifting off the accelerator automatically applies braking force, making technical off-road driving easier, especially on steep descents or rocky terrain.
Rear Differential Lock (RDU Lock) Button
Pressing this button locks the rear differential, ensuring both rear wheels spin at the same speed for maximum traction. This is particularly useful in rock crawling or deep mud where one wheel may lift off the ground or lose traction.
Traction Control Button (TCS Off)
This button temporarily disables traction control, allowing for more wheel slip. This is useful in certain off-road conditions where controlled wheel spin is beneficial, such as deep sand or mud.
Turning Off AdvanceTrac (ESC Disable)
Holding down the traction control button for several seconds will fully disable AdvanceTrac, the vehicle’s electronic stability control system. This allows for complete control over wheel spin and vehicle movement, which is helpful in deep snow, sand, or mud where momentum is key.
Note: Do not use the AdvanceTrac Off setting on public roadways.
Final Thoughts
Your new 2025 Bronco Sport comes equipped with an many off-road features that make tackling tough terrain easier. Understanding how each button and mode functions will ensure you get the most out of your Bronco Sport, whether you’re cruising down a highway or navigating rocky backroads. This article did not cover all the buttons and switches available in your Sport. Stay tuned for Part 2, coming soon.
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