Is Sport the best snow mode?

[Mark S.]

The 2019 and 2020 Escape are two different vehicles.

We had a 2015 Escape before the 2020. The only difference between the two is smoother sheet metal and three more gears. The AWD system is the same as far as I know. I certainly didn't notice any significant difference in poor weather capability.

EDIT: One data point: My Badlands came with the Falkens, which I suspect is the major reason it does better in the snow than our Escapes.

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[Mwittke5857]

I'm pretty sure Sport Mode is for dry non slippery roads for better performance. You do have Slippery Mode which IMO would be best in the Snow but it cuts the Power Back IMO so you aren't slipping and sliding.

Personally, I'd rather have the better throttle response & longer shift holds. I have a "tune" which makes it even better!

 

[NMhunter]

The rule in slippery snow or mud is to not punch the throttle. Sport mode kind of punches the throttle for you, especially if you normally drive in Eco mode. I tried out my sand mode yesterday on a sharp turn in deep sand, and was able to do a power slide around the corner. Pretty cool.

I also tested my skid plates pretty hard. Some steep washes scraped both front and back, even with a lift.

 

[BravoAlpha]

Different experiences on different days. All Wintery surfaces are different and our driving styles are just as unique. It all depends.

I find normal works well for most

 

[BravoAlpha]

We had a 2015 Escape before the 2020. The only difference between the two is smoother sheet metal and three more gears. The AWD system is the same as far as I know. I certainly didn't notice any significant difference in poor weather capability.

EDIT: One data point: My Badlands came with the Falkens, which I suspect is the major reason it does better in the snow than our Escapes.

the Falkens are excellent in the winter stuff.

 

[Mwittke5857]

the Falkens are excellent in the winter stuff.

So are the MT Baja Boss tires, even better in the mud

 

[beaudointl]

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?

No snow accumulation but slippery conditions, slippery mode. If you are going through deep snow, use sand. Normal works too!!

 

[Togve]

Just had a huge dump of snow in Ontario Canada. There is between 1 and 2 ft of snow on minor roads, plows are overwhelmed. I noticed that using slippery mode in 4 wd and locked rear end at about 15 mph was not good for the breaks. There was a bad break burning smell. In hind site I think that snowy roads at lower speeds may work better in normal mode , 4 WD . Tires are GoodYear assurance all weather 245/65 R17 BTW. No problem getting around.

 

[hellb0y]

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.

Mark here is correct - the different modes will change the way the AWD system responds, and adjust other parameters as well…

in slippery mode for example, the BS will tend to use AWD more often than in regular mode…the TC is also tuned for such conditions.

this is true across the board, including the big Bronco - and has been tested by various YouTubers.

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

Personally, I'd rather have the better throttle response & longer shift holds. I have a "tune" which makes it even better!

What about if you have the stock tires like i do?

 

[Mark S.]

What about if you have the stock tires like i do?

Then EVERY drive in the snow is a thrill!

 

[Mwittke5857]

What about if you have the stock tires like i do?

I might suggest moving to a more moderate climate state
All kidding aside, if you get a lot of snow that lasts throughout the winter, you will eventually run into issues with the stock shoes no matter what mode you chose. Before I purchased real SUV tires, I did have better luck (and more control) in Sport mode. Slippery and Sand mode seemed to me at least, to decrease throttle response and seemingly just when I was gathering momentum getting out of the "soup".

 

[wiyeti]

Agreed on the stock tires. After I put Crossclimates on, was night and day compared to the the stock tires.

 

[Davexxxx]

What about if you have the stock tires like i do?

I guess it depends on what your stock tires are?

Ours came with the Scorpions and they're fine.

I drove off road, every day for my job, for more than 2 decades but I was at the same time, driving 150-300 miles per day so, fuel economy and noise, mattered. I've tried all kinds of tires.

I'm not saying we'd never go with something more aggressive than the Scorpions but there would have to be cause and I haven't seen it yet. As mentioned in another post, we intentionally eased along side a long snow plow pile. The kind that could suck other cars in. The BS stayed straight, even in Normal mode. Did it again in slippery. Barely discernable improvement.

 

[Mwittke5857]

I guess it depends on what your stock tires are?

Ours came with the Scorpions and they're fine.

I drove off road, every day for my job, for more than 2 decades but I was at the same time, driving 150-300 miles per day so, fuel economy and noise, mattered. I've tried all kinds of tires.

I'm not saying we'd never go with something more aggressive than the Scorpions but there would have to be cause and I haven't seen it yet. As mentioned in another post, we intentionally eased along side a long snow plow pile. The kind that could suck other cars in. The BS stayed straight, even in Normal mode. Did it again in slippery. Barely discernable improvement.

Also depends on where you are driving and in what conditions. I know typically MO has quite a bit less snow than Western NY, quite a few days those Scorpions would leave me stranded

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