As winter approaches, many drivers face the challenge of navigating treacherous road conditions. However, this season brings an opportunity to showcase the vehicle’s impressive capabilities for Ford Bronco Sport owners. Designed with adventure in mind, the Bronco Sport doesn’t just endure winter—it thrives in it. This guide will explore how the Bronco Sport innovative drive modes and features can help you conquer snowy terrain with confidence and safety.

The Ford Bronco Sport: A Winter Warrior

Before delving into the specifics of snow driving, it’s essential to understand what makes the Ford Bronco Sport particularly adept at handling winter conditions. This compact SUV is built on the Ford C2 platform, which it shares with the Escape, but it’s engineered with more robust off-road capabilities in mind.

In its Badlands trim, the Bronco Sport boasts a ground clearance of up to 223.5 millimeters (8.8 inches), allowing it to navigate deep snow easily. Its compact dimensions—4,387 mm (172.7 inches) in length and 2,088 mm (82.2 inches) in width, including mirrors—make it maneuverable in tight urban environments while providing ample interior space for passengers and gear.

Understanding the G.O.A.T. Modes™

The Ford Terrain Management System is at the heart of the Bronco Sport winter prowess, which features the innovative G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Modes™. These drive modes optimize vehicle performance across various terrains and weather conditions, with specific modes tailored for snowy and icy environments.

Slippery Mode

Slippery mode is your go-to setting for most winter driving scenarios, especially on snowy and icy roads. Here’s how it enhances your Bronco Sport performance:

• Throttle Response: This mode significantly reduces throttle sensitivity. When you press the accelerator, the engine’s response is more gradual, reducing the likelihood of wheel spin on slippery surfaces.
• Transmission Shifts: The transmission is programmed to shift at lower RPMs, providing smoother acceleration and reducing the risk of sudden power surges that could lead to loss of traction.
• All-Wheel Drive Engagement: The Intelligent 4WD system is engaged more readily, ensuring that power is distributed to all four wheels for maximum stability and traction.
• Traction Control: The traction control system becomes more sensitive, quickly detecting and mitigating wheel slip.
• Stability Control: The electronic stability control system is fine-tuned to intervene earlier, helping to prevent skids and maintain vehicle control.

Snow Mode (Available on Badlands and First Edition trims)

For those fortunate enough to own the Badlands or First Edition trims, Snow mode takes winter driving capabilities to the next level. This mode is specific for deep snow conditions and includes all the features of Slippery mode, plus:

1. Enhanced Throttle Reduction: Throttle sensitivity decreases further, allowing for even more precise control in deep snow.
2. Differential Lock: The rear differential can be locked, ensuring equal power distribution to both rear wheels. This is particularly useful when one wheel is on a more slippery surface than the other.
3. ABS Calibration: The anti-lock braking system recalibrates to allow for more wheel slip before intervening, which can help build up a wedge of snow in front of the tires, which can aid in stopping on snow-covered roads.
4. Specific Traction Control Settings: The traction control system is programmed to allow more wheel spin, which can help the tires dig through deep snow to find traction on the surface beneath.

Key Features for Snow Driving

The Bronco Sport SUV’s winter capabilities extend beyond its drive modes. Several key features work with the G.O.A.T. Modes™ to enhance performance and safety in snowy conditions.

1. Intelligent 4WD System

The Bronco Sport Intelligent 4WD system is a cornerstone of its winter driving prowess. Unlike basic all-wheel-drive systems that simply react to wheel-slip, this system proactively distributes torque between the front and rear axles based on various inputs:

• Wheel Speed Sensors: Monitor the rotation speed of each wheel, detecting slip almost instantaneously.
• Accelerometer: Measures the vehicle’s lateral and longitudinal acceleration, helping predict when additional traction might be needed.
• Steering Angle Sensor: This sensor detects the driver’s steering input, allowing the system to anticipate the need for additional traction in turns.
• Outside Temperature Sensor: Helps the system adjust its behaviour based on ambient conditions.

When needed, the system can send up to 50% of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels, providing optimal traction in slippery conditions. In extreme situations, it can even disconnect the rear driveline completely to improve fuel efficiency when additional traction isn’t required.

2. Trail Control™

Think of Trail Control™ as a low-speed cruise control for challenging terrain. This feature, typically associated with off-road driving, proves incredibly useful in deep snow conditions:

• Speed Control: Maintains a set speed between 1.6 and 31 km/h (1 and 19 mph), allowing the driver to focus solely on steering.
• Individual Wheel Braking: The system can apply brakes to individual wheels to maintain traction, mimicking the action of locking differentials.
• Uphill and Downhill Assistance: Works in both forward and reverse, aiding in climbing snowy hills or descending icy slopes.

By using Trail Control™ in deep snow, you can maintain a steady, slow speed without worrying about modulating the throttle, reducing the risk of wheel spin and loss of control.

3. Hill Descent Control

When facing a steep, snow-covered descent, Hill Descent Control can be a lifesaver:

• Speed Regulation: Automatically controls vehicle speed during steep descents, typically between 3 and 20 km/h (2 and 12 mph).
• Brake Application: Applies brakes to individual wheels to maintain the set speed.
• Driver Focus: Allows the driver to concentrate on steering and avoiding obstacles without worrying about speed control.

This feature is handy on icy inclines where maintaining a slow, steady speed is crucial for safety.

Tips for Using Drive Modes in Snow

To make the most of your SUV winter capabilities, consider these tips:

• Preemptive Mode Selection: The vehicle’s systems are ready for the terrain ahead by engaging the appropriate drive mode before encountering challenging conditions.
• Slippery Mode for General Winter Driving: Use Slippery mode as your default setting for most winter driving scenarios, including light snow and icy roads.
• Snow Mode for Extreme Conditions: If you have a Badlands or First Edition trim, switch to Snow mode when facing deep snow or unplowed areas.
• Combine with Winter Tires: While the Bronco Sport drive modes significantly enhance winter performance, they work best with proper winter tires. Consider investing in a set of high-quality winter tires for optimal traction and handling.
• Practice Mode Switching: Practice switching between modes in a safe, open area, which will help you react quickly when conditions change during your journey.
• Monitor Your Surroundings: Pay attention to changes in road conditions and be prepared to switch modes as needed. Remember, no drive mode can replace attentive driving.
• Use Trail Control™ Wisely: In deep snow, use Trail Control™ to maintain a steady, slow speed, which can be particularly useful when navigating unplowed parking lots or rural roads.
• Gradual Acceleration: Even with Slippery or Snow mode engaged, always accelerate gradually on snow-covered surfaces to prevent wheel spin.

Additional Winter Driving Features

The Bronco Sport comes equipped with several features that, while not directly related to traction, significantly enhance the winter driving experience:

Heated Seats and Steering Wheel

The available heated front seats and steering wheel provide comfort in cold conditions. They allow you to warm up quickly without waiting for the entire cabin to heat, which can be particularly beneficial for your hands, improving grip and control on the steering wheel.

Remote Start

With remote start functionality, you can warm up your Bronco Sport before stepping outside. This feature enhances comfort, helps defrost windows, and improves visibility before you begin your journey.

Windshield Wiper De-Icer

Located at the base of the windshield, this feature helps prevent ice buildup on your wipers, ensuring they function effectively in freezing conditions, which is crucial for maintaining clear visibility during winter driving.

360-Degree Camera with Split-View Display

While not winter-specific, the 360-degree camera system can be invaluable when navigating deep snow. It helps you avoid hidden obstacles and aids in precise positioning of the vehicle in tight spaces.

Winter Maintenance for Your Bronco Sport

To ensure your Bronco Sport performs at its best during winter, consider these maintenance tips:

• Battery Check: Cold weather can be hard on batteries. Have your battery tested before winter and replace it if necessary.
• Fluid Levels: Ensure all fluids, including antifreeze, oil, and windshield washer fluid, are at the proper levels. Use winter-grade fluids where applicable.
• Tire Pressure: Cold temperatures cause tire pressure to drop. Check your tire pressure regularly and adjust as needed.
• Wiper Blades: Install winter wiper blades that prevent ice and snow buildup.
• Emergency Kit: Prepare a winter emergency kit with items such as a shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, flashlight, blankets, and snacks.

Embrace Winter with Confidence

With its advanced G.O.A.T. Modes™, Intelligent 4WD system, and an array of winter-ready features, the Ford Bronco Sport is a formidable ally against harsh winter conditions. By understanding and adequately utilizing these technologies, drivers can navigate snow-covered roads with increased confidence and safety.

Remember, while these features greatly enhance the capabilities of the Bronco Sport in snow, they do not replace the need for cautious driving. Always adjust your speed to the conditions, maintain a safe following distance, and be prepared for sudden changes in weather or road conditions.

With the right knowledge, preparation, and respect for winter conditions, your Ford Bronco Sport can transform challenging winter drives into enjoyable adventures. So the next time snowflakes start to fall, you can look forward to showcasing your vehicle’s winter prowess, all while staying safe and comfortable behind the wheel.