2025 BS - Drive Modes and 4x4

[gstalnaker]

I'm coming to the Bronco from a F150 4x4. On that F150, I had buttons to push to select 2x4, 4x4 Auto, 4x4 High, 4x4 Low, and Differential Lock. It also had Drive Modes which, when selected, would automatically enable these various 4x4 modes (I could see the 4x4 buttons enabled).

This Bronco does not have such buttons but it does have G.O.A.T. Drive Modes. The manual mentions that AWD is set when Slippery mode is used and that 4WD is set when OffRoad mode is used. But that's all the manual says other than being cautious about using OffRoad when on dry, hard pavement.

I'm interested in knowing the exact changes made by these G.O.A.T. drive modes to the various systems. For example, is Slippery mode equivalent to selecting on my F150 4x4 Auto mode? What other systems does it affect and how? Is OffRoad the same as 4x4 High (or 4x4 Low)? Just looking for more detail beyond the marketing-speak text in the manual.

Thanks.

Sponsored

 

[jkernitzki]

A halfway decent, surface level explanation of the GOAT Modes. It's from 2022, so things have changed a bit for the '25's: https://fordauthority.com/2022/09/ford-bronco-sport-g-o-a-t-modes-explained/

The BS, while classified as 4WD, doesn't have a classic 4X4 system in that there's no transfer case, and no hi/low range. The three trims (and available packages) have different levels of what is available for use.

You can engage 4WD separately (absolutely not recommended on pavement), and it does have a "locking" rear diff (twin-clutch) with this caveat: it's not available on the Big Bend, optional on the Outer Banks and standard on the Badlands.

For drive modes, Normal is FWD-biased, Slippery is essentially AWD with torque vectoring thrown in, and Eco is throttle response and shift point management. The remaining (off-road) modes depending on your trim level are variations of the AWD engagement, rear locker (if equipped), throttle management, braking, and torque vectoring.

Hope this helps.

 

[gstalnaker]

Guess the "4X4" on the window sticker is a lie. If it's not 4X4 but AWD Ford should say that. Knowing this might have affected my buying decision. Assumed that the OffRoad mode automatically did for the Bronco 4X4 system what the F150 system did for its 4X4 system. I can live with this, but it makes me unhappy.

 

[MKC1911]

Definitely not a true 4x4 and I knew that going in. It's ok for what it is but the 4x4 is kind of misleading to someone used to a real 4x4 system.

 

[Jmuns]

Misleading advertising aside, it's also the responsibility of the consumer to do research when purchasing a product. I mean when I look at a Bronco Sport I've never thought to myself I bet this car has true advanced 4x4 capabilities. It's a compact crossover not a truck.

 

[MKC1911]

Misleading advertising aside, it's also the responsibility of the consumer to do research when purchasing a product. I mean when I look at a Bronco Sport I've never thought to myself I bet this car has true advanced 4x4 capabilities. It's a compact crossover not a truck.

Agreed, that's why I said I knew what it was before buying one.

 

[Uncle Brad]

Guess the "4X4" on the window sticker is a lie. If it's not 4X4 but AWD Ford should say that. Knowing this might have affected my buying decision. Assumed that the OffRoad mode automatically did for the Bronco 4X4 system what the F150 system did for its 4X4 system. I can live with this, but it makes me unhappy.

The Bronco Sport (like the Subaru, Chevy, etc. equivalents in the segment) is not a 4WD. Ford decided to market it as such - but it is not. It is an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, and each vendor has their own idea of what comprises that system.

I traded in my Bronco Sport Big Bend for the full-sized Bronco Big Bend, which is an entirely different vehicle. It truly is a 4WD, with a proper transfer case. Even though my full-framed Bronco does not have front or rear lockers, it would absolutely pulverize the Bronco Sport in bad snow or most off-road scenarios - driven properly. But the little Bronco Sport relies less on driver know-how and more on proprietary software/firmware, braking and clutching strategies, enabling it to do remarkable things in everyday scenarios. I really, really like the little Bronco Sport, and it does what it is designed to do well. We still have a 2023 Bronco Sport Outer Banks in the family.

I lay at the feet Ford's marketing dept. the "4WD" nomenclature. It's (in the least) deceptive.

 

[RSH]

The Sport is fairly capable more so the Badlands. The biggest issue is ground clearance and as mentioned the Sport does not have a transfer case. For what most people are willing to do in regards to off roading or driving in snow or sand it does pretty well.

 

[NMhunter]

I traded in my Jeep Liberty diesel for my BS Badlands. The Jeep was a true 4x4 with a frame like a truck. I believe my BS is more capable off road then the Jeep was because of the twin-clutch rear-drive system and the Falken AT3w tires. I've been very impressed. Unfortunately, you don't have that in the lower trims.

 

[Uncle Brad]

I traded in my Jeep Liberty diesel for my BS Badlands. The Jeep was a true 4x4 with a frame like a truck. I believe my BS is more capable off road then the Jeep was because of the twin-clutch rear-drive system and the Falken AT3w tires. I've been very impressed. Unfortunately, you don't have that in the lower trims.

I'd choose the Bronco Sport over the old Jeep Liberty diesel (of which few were made) any day as well. The Liberty had lots of design and reliability problems, and we never saw many of them off-road. And those Falken AT3W are indeed AMAZING on the Bronco Sport.

Sponsored