ARTICLE CONTENTS
WHAT IS G.O.A.T. MODE?
G.O.A.T. means Goes Over Any Type of Terrain, and there are eight Bronco G.O.A.T. mode options to help you handle just about any surface your tires touch, according to Ford's description of the Bronco's Terrain Management System.
Each of the G.O.A.T. modes has its own default 4WD/2WD starting point and also changes the Bronco's throttle response, fuel efficiency, traction control, front and rear differential locks, suspension system and more.
WHAT ARE THE FORD BRONCO G.O.A.T. MODES CALLED?
The G.O.A.T. modes available to you are based on your Bronco's trim level. We'll break down which driving modes are included later in this guide, but here is a list of the settings available across all Ford Bronco models:
- 1. Normal - for everyday driving
- 2. Eco - for fuel efficiency
- 3. Sport - for additional handling and response
- 4. Mud/Ruts - for muddy, uneven terrain
- 5. Slippery - for rain, snow and ice
- 6. Sand/Snow - for soft, loose terrain
- 7. Baja - for deserts
- 8. Rock Crawl - for mountain climbing and rocky areas
ALL EIGHT BRONCO G.O.A.T. MODES EXPLAINED
Let's break down each of the eight Ford Bronco G.O.A.T. modes and explain what they mean and do.
NORMAL
Normal mode should be pretty self-explanatory. Normal is the default G.O.A.T. mode Bronco owners will likely use for most of their everyday driving. The default is set to 2WD High, but all 4WD modes are selectable.
ECO
Eco mode takes advantage of either the 2.3L or 2.7L EcoBoost engine under your Bronco's hood and optimizes shifting for maximum fuel efficiency. Now, let's be honest: if you're buying a fully loaded Badlands Bronco for its off-road prowess, fuel economy is not likely to be at the top of your list of priorities, but the Eco G.O.A.T. mode is a great option to have when you're not looking to navigate treacherous terrain or embark on an off-road excursion.
SPORT
Sport mode adjusts accelerator pedal response compared to the other driving modes for improved handling and response performance. This Bronco G.O.A.T mode is useful for merging into freeway traffic and navigating other rapid driving environments.
MUD/RUTS
Starting with Mud/Ruts, the remaining G.O.A.T modes are recommended for off-road use only. Operating the Ford Bronco (or any vehicle) in 4WD during normal driving conditions can cause unnecessary wear to your vehicle and even result in serious damage.
The default for this Bronco G.O.A.T. mode is 4WD High, and the rear differential lock is engaged. The front differential can also be locked with a simple push of a button.
SLIPPERY
When the roads turn icy or slick, switch into Slippery Mode. This Ford Bronco G.O.A.T. mode uses 4WD Auto as its default but all 4WD options are available.
SAND/SNOW
Sand/Snow mode is to be used when going through soft terrains such as loose sand, gravel or even deep snow. As with Mud/Ruts, Sand/Snow mode defaults to 4WD High with the rear differential locked and the option to lock the front differential as well. Additionally, when driving under 15 mph, the front trail camera is operational, helping you see what you're dealing with on the road ahead.
ROCK CRAWL
Of all of the Ford Bronco G.O.A.T. modes, Rock Crawl is the most rugged. It is the only setting that uses 4WD Low as its default. It is meant to be used when crawling over rocks or going up and down very steep inclines. Like Sand mode, Rock Crawl enables the front camera when driving at slower speeds.
BAJA
Baja mode is basically an off-road version of Sport mode. And, while some of you knuckleheads may be tempted to cruise in Baja as your default getting-around setting — because, well, "Baja" just sounds badass, right? — Don't! This is an off-road-only G.O.A.T. mode. Sure, you're gonna get more throttle response, more torque and better vehicle performance in the Baja drive mode, but as with all of the 4WD drive modes, you risk damaging your truck if you use it on clear, dry pavement.
WHAT G.O.A.T. MODES DO YOU HAVE & HOW TO USE THEM
As mentioned earlier, the different levels of trim available for the 2021+ Ford Bronco and the Ford Bronco Sport determine which G.O.A.T. modes are available to you.
2021+ FORD BRONCO G.O.A.T. MODES
Ford Bronco G.O.A.T. mode options increase with each trim level. Except for the Wildtrak, Baja mode replaces Sport mode on all other trim levels, bringing the total to seven G.O.A.T. modes in a series.
- Base: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand/Snow.
- Big Bend: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand/Snow and Mud/Ruts.
- Black Diamond: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand/Snow, Mud/Rutt and Rock Crawl.
- Outer Banks: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand/Snow and Mud/Ruts.
- Badlands: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand/Snow, Mud/Ruts and Baja.
- Wildtrak: Normal, Eco, Slippery, Sand, Mud/Ruts, Rock Crawl and Baja.
- First Edition: Normal, Eco, Slippery, Sand, Mud/Ruts, Rock Crawl and Baja.
2021+ FORD BRONCO SPORT G.O.A.T. MODES
Bronco Sport G.O.A.T. modes are slightly different with each trim level. The standard five G.O.A.T. modes are available on the Bronco Sport Base, Big Bend and Outer Banks. You only get two additional G.O.A.T. modes, namely Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl, on the Bronco Sport Badlands and the rare First Edition. Currently, Baja is not available among the possible Bronco Sport GOAT modes.
- Base: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand/Snow.
- Big Bend: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand/Snow.
- Outer Banks: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand/Snow.
- Badlands: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand/Snow, Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl.
- First Edition: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand/Snow, Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl.
HOW TO SELECT FORD BRONCO G.O.A.T. MODES?
Regardless of your model of Bronco, G.O.A.T. modes are available on the fly via a handy dial near the shifter. This easy operation allows you to ask your Bronco to instantly adjust its drive mode to the terrain.
So, if you're cruising down the highway during the winter and reach a stretch of road that hasn't yet been plowed, you can select the appropriate Bronco G.O.A.T. mode to allow for safer and more stable footing. How cool is that?
Different driving modes also allow you to change the 4WD setting within that mode. For example, if you're driving in Normal G.O.A.T. mode while it's raining, you can switch to 4WD Auto to enable your Bronco's traction control to engage 4WD when necessary without changing over to a completely different G.O.A.T. setting.
HOW TO GET MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE WITH G.O.A.T. MODES
Ford Motor Company hit it out of the park with the re-introduction of the original SUV. The sixth generation Bronco brought back the fun and functionality of what a true sport utility truck should be. This Bronco has what it takes to be a "capable" off-road machine right out of the box.
But you know us, and we're never going to be satisfied with "capable." Check out our Team Lethal First Edition 2021 Ford Bronco to see just a few of the mods we've made to help this truck stand out from the crowd.
The long term result? A longer lasting and better running engine. Looking to upgrade your ride? Check out our selections of 2021 Ford Bronco performance parts, 2022 Bronco Raptor parts, and 2022 Bronco Sport parts today.
SHOP LETHAL PERFORMANCE TO UPGRADE YOUR FORD BRONCO G.O.A.T. MODES
If you're one of the lucky ones who has already experienced the fun of owning a new Ford Bronco, you owe it to yourself to take it up a notch and add some aftermarket upgrades to really see what this truck can do. Check out Lethal Performance's growing inventory of parts and accessories like our 2022 Bronco parts or 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor parts and get in touch with one of our ultra-qualified and super-helpful customer representatives right away to make your Bronco the G.O.A.T.!
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