There are seven different drive modes. What are the differences?

KegsBdry · Apr 19, 2020

There are seven different drive modes. What are the differences between each mode? What is actually changing?

For example, there is an eco mode and a normal mode... Besides the green emblem on the dash, what changes occur during eco mode over normal mode? As far as I can tell, you only get more engine noises out of the speaker system in normal mode. And a lot more engine noises from the speakers when you go into sport mode + different shift points.

What exactly is happening to the engine, shift points, or everything when going into each of these different modes?

jrgoffin · Apr 21, 2020

Typing "Ford Explorer drive modes" in to Google brought up lots of info and video's. Probably the best you'll get...along with what's in the owner's manual.

hbalek · Apr 21, 2020

Deep Snow/Sand (If Equipped)
For deep snow or soft dry sand.

Eco
For efficient and responsible
driving. This mode helps deliver
maximum fuel efficiency and
increases driving range.

Normal
For everyday driving. This mode
is a perfect balance of
excitement, comfort and
convenience.

Slippery
For less than ideal road
conditions, such as snow or ice
covered roads.

Sport
For aggressive on-road driving.
This mode increases throttle
response, provides a sportier
exhaust sound and steering feel, along with
quicker shifting. The transmission holds
gears longer, helping your vehicle
accelerate faster when shifting gears.

Tow/Haul
For improved transmission
operation when towing a trailer
or a heavy load. This mode
moves upshifts to higher engine speeds to
reduce the frequency of transmission
shifting. This mode also provide engine
braking in all forward gears, which slows
your vehicle and assists you in controlling
your vehicle when descending a grade. The
amount of downshift braking provided
varies based on the amount you press the
brake pedal.

Trail
For muddy, rutted, soft or uneven
terrain.

From page 270 of the Owner's Manual

66gt350ps · May 17, 2020

Thanks for posting the information. Unfortunate that Sport does not tighten the suspension or modify the shift rpm.

hbalek · May 17, 2020

66gt350ps said:

I believe all Lincolns have the adaptive suspension with drive modes. My 2013 MKZ had that with the 2.0T and it was fun to put in Sport.

kair350 · Jan 22, 2024

Do all Explorer ST’s have slippery mode my 2022 does not

Kevin_FG23 · Jan 22, 2024

Does Tow/Haul mode limit you to 8th gear?

Dale5403 · Jan 22, 2024

kair350 said:

Is yours a 2WD? If so that may be why.

Peterfor · Jan 22, 2024

kair350 said:

I would say yes and so does yours.

kair350 · Jan 22, 2024

My ST is 4WD. There is no Slippery mode on the mode selector. Is the option located somewhere other than mode select. I only have Normal, Eco, Sport and tow/haul.

Peterfor · Jan 22, 2024

kair350 said:

I am clueless. Is it possibly the ST-Line?

Peterfor · Jan 22, 2024

Might have figured it out. Those are the only modes when turning the dial CCW. Try turning the dial the other direction?

kair350 · Jan 22, 2024

Thank You, just got home and figured it out an hour ago. You are correct. Crazy in 14 months of ownership I never turned the dial in the other direction.

jrgoffin · Jan 22, 2024

If only Ford put this stuff in their literature.

Kevin_FG23 · Jan 23, 2024

Since the Explorers have open diffs, do they selectively apply the brake on a spinning wheel to force some power to the other side of the axle?

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There are seven different drive modes. What are the differences?

KegsBdry

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