Is Sport the best snow mode?

[Mark S.]

Well of course Off Rodeo stays in Sport Mode. It just sounds so much more fun when you are in it and aren’t they all there for the adrenaline fun!

Both times I attended the Off Roadeo we were encouraged to use different modes for different conditions. Guides never suggested using SPORT mode except when on pavement, or when doing the confidence course at the end of the day.

I followed the guide's recommendations the first time I went. The second time I left it in NORMAL mode to see just how smart the system is. I only got stuck once, and it was more my fault than the system's. I'm almost certain I could have gotten past the obstacle in NORMAL mode, but the guide found out I had been ignoring his recommendations and all but insisted I switch to a G.O.A.T. mode--I think just to move things along.

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[AndyMac204]

Very cold where we live, and moderate snow.

Slippery Mode for slow travel on icy conditions for the streets (works amazing).

Sport Mode with traction control off for kickin the tail out, drifting, launching.

Sand Mode with traction control off for deep snow or fresh drifts.

Sand Mode with traction control off for climbing snowbanks or parking lot snow mounds.

These are what i feel are best, and use all for the various reasons stated above. Its actually amazing what this lil sport can do.

FWIW - today is -30c and the sport starts, heats, runs and drives amazing.

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

Look for the section in your owner's manual titled "Four-Wheel Drive." It does a pretty good job of explaining how it functions.

I'll have to look at that Thanks for the Tip.

 

[Escape2Bronco]

I’ve found the normal mode works best for me. Like others have stated, it depends on your comfort in snow and typical driving style. I’ve tried slippery a couple of times and did not care for the lack of throttle response. But, I can see where people may find this comforting. We are supposed to get dumped on again so I’ll give sport mode a try. I’ve driven all my life in the northern climates and for most of my early years it was with high horsepower rear wheel drive cars. For the most part, I don’t see taking it out of normal mode. That works best for an old goat like me!

 

[Davexxxx]

The best advice given in this thread, was to read the owner's manual about the subject.

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/vdirsnet/OwnerManual/Home/Content?

When finished with the FWD section, go the goat mode section.

According to this, it does NOT note enhanced FWD under the description for Sport.

This is unlike other vehicles. My truck enables AWD when in Sport.

 

[ATLAS BLUE BADLANDS]

We got some snow in WI. Driving around in different GOAT modes, I find sport the one I like the most for greasy snowy roads. Seems to engage the AWD faster and give better control. Thoughts?

Definitely the most FUN mode always.

 

[Adam CW]

Sad to say but my 19 Escape 2.0 AWD was better in the snow than my Badlands.

I’m not saying the BS is bad but the Escape was awesome with winter tires.

 

[Escape2Bronco]

Sad to say but my 19 Escape 2.0 AWD was better in the snow than my Badlands.

I’m not saying the BS is bad but the Escape was awesome with winter tires.

Did you have the same tires on both? Tires can make a significant difference.

 

[Adam CW]

Did you have the same tires on both? Tires can make a significant difference.

Yes, same make and model.

 

[Davexxxx]

Sad to say but my 19 Escape 2.0 AWD was better in the snow than my Badlands.

I’m not saying the BS is bad but the Escape was awesome with winter tires.

Rather than being a ding to the BS, I'd say it was a compliment to the Escape.

The BS has surprised me how good of a drive system it has.

We purposely drove next to a long plow pile. The type that could suck a lesser car in. The BS stayed straight, even in normal mode.

 

[Escape2Bronco]

Yes, same make and model.

That’s odd. Depending on the circumstances, tires normally make more of a difference. Are these dedicated snow tires or the Pirelli Scorpions? The Falken AT3w’s seem great in the snow. I had a set of Generals on the Escape that were hands down better than the others I bought. In all fairness, I wasn’t too concerned about winter driving so I didn’t prioritize that.

 

[Adam CW]

That’s odd. Depending on the circumstances, tires normally make more of a difference. Are these dedicated snow tires or the Pirelli Scorpions? The Falken AT3w’s seem great in the snow. I had a set of Generals on the Escape that were hands down better than the others I bought. In all fairness, I wasn’t too concerned about winter driving so I didn’t prioritize that.

Bridgestone Blizzak DMV2 winter tires on both with size being the only difference.

Honestly, I’m wondering if the set on the BS just aren’t as good for some reason.

 

[Escape2Bronco]

Bridgestone Blizzak DMV2 winter tires on both with size being the only difference.

Honestly, I’m wondering if the set on the BS just aren’t as good for some reason.

Still odder yet! Are you letting it run normal mode meaning not rear locked or 4wd locked? We are supposed to get 5-6 inches tonight so I can do some testing. I tried Sport mode without rear locker or 4WD locked and just the fronts are being driven but I’ll test some more tomorrow in hopefully deeper/slipperier stuff.

 

[Mark S.]

Sad to say but my 19 Escape 2.0 AWD was better in the snow than my Badlands.

I’m not saying the BS is bad but the Escape was awesome with winter tires.

Hmmm. We currently own both a 2020 Escape and a 2021 Badlands. I can easily make the Escape slide around corners. I have to work at it with the Badlands. I have to say I disagree with you on this one.

 

[Adam CW]

Hmmm. We currently own both a 2020 Escape and a 2021 Badlands. I can easily make the Escape slide around corners. I have to work at it with the Badlands. I have to say I disagree with you on this one.

The 2019 and 2020 Escape are two different vehicles.

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