Brown Motors - How Do G.O.A.T. Modes Work on the 2025 Ford Bronco in Petoskey, MI?
At Brown Motors, we hear one question from in-market shoppers again and again: how do G.O.A.T. Modes® actually work on the 2025 Ford Bronco? The short answer—G.O.A.T. Modes® (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) are the heart of the Bronco’s Terrain Management System™, seamlessly calibrating traction control, throttle response, steering feel, braking, and the 4x4 system to match the surface under your tires. Whether you are navigating a slushy morning in Petoskey, climbing sandy two-tracks near the shoreline, or easing down a rocky trail up north, the Bronco makes those transitions nearly effortless.
The 2025 Ford Bronco offers up to seven G.O.A.T. Modes®, depending on trim and equipment. Some models include five as standard, while off-road focused trims add specialized settings. Pair those modes with the Bronco hardware—available 35" tires, available Stabilizer Bar Disconnect, the HOSS Suspension System, ground clearance up to 11.6", and water fording up to 37"—and you get confidence that feels tailor-made for Northern Michigan. Below, our team breaks down what each mode does and how Petoskey drivers can make the most of them through all four seasons.
- Normal: Everyday street driving with balanced throttle, steering, and traction settings for smooth commuting on US-31 or around downtown Petoskey.
- Eco: Calibrated for efficiency, softening throttle tip-in and upshifting earlier—ideal for longer highway stretches across Northern Michigan.
- Sport: Quicker throttle mapping and weightier steering feel for a more responsive drive on dry pavement and winding roads like M-119’s Tunnel of Trees when conditions permit.
- Sand: Optimizes traction and momentum on loose surfaces, helping you maintain controlled wheelspin for beach approaches or dunes where permitted.
- Mud: Enhances wheel slip where it helps clear treads, adjusting traction control to keep you moving through ruts and spring thaw conditions.
- Rock Crawl: Tunes the Bronco for low-speed precision—refined throttle, aggressive traction logic, and 4x4 coordination for rocky sections and technical two-tracks.
- Slippery: Ideal for rain, packed snow, or icy mornings—softens throttle response and refines traction control for a calmer, more secure feel.
When you rotate the mode selector, Bronco does more than change a dashboard graphic. Terrain Management System™ orchestrates the vehicle systems in the background. For example, Slippery will temper throttle and optimize traction for snow days on Mitchell Street; Sand helps preserve forward momentum by allowing controlled wheelspin; and Rock Crawl prioritizes traction at each wheel for slow, precise movement. On models equipped with advanced off-road tech, certain modes may also coordinate with available locking differentials and the available Stabilizer Bar Disconnect to increase articulation when the terrain demands it.
Getting started is simple. Here is how Petoskey drivers can engage G.O.A.T. Modes® on the 2025 Ford Bronco in seconds:
- Bring the Bronco to a safe, controlled speed and keep a steady steering wheel.
- Turn the mode dial to scroll through available options in the instrument cluster.
- Confirm your selection when prompted by the display.
- Let the system set up 4x4, traction, throttle, and steering calibrations automatically.
- Drive smoothly and let the Bronco do the background work—adjust mode again as conditions change.
Because Northern Michigan throws a bit of everything at drivers—lake-effect snow, wet leaves, sandy access roads, and spring mud—G.O.A.T. Modes® serve as your quick, confidence-building toolkit. And it all layers on top of Built Wild® capability: the HOSS Suspension System is engineered for off-road stability and control; available 35" tires deliver extra bite; ground clearance up to 11.6" and water fording up to 37" expand where you can go; and available Stabilizer Bar Disconnect helps keep tires planted on uneven surfaces.
- Confidence in changing weather: Switch from Normal to Slippery when temps drop or roads glaze over—no guesswork required.
- Trail-ready convenience: Sand, Mud, and Rock Crawl tailor traction so your Bronco stays composed from Boyne to the Jordan Valley.
- Hardware and software synergy: G.O.A.T. Modes® are the brain; Bronco suspension, tires, and available stabilizer disconnect are the muscle.
- Everyday drivability: Normal and Eco keep commutes easy, while Sport adds fun on clear, dry roads.
If you are exploring trims, keep in mind that availability of specific modes varies. Adventure-oriented models like Badlands and Raptor tend to include the most off-road-focused settings from the factory, while Big Bend, Outer Banks, Base, Heritage Edition, and the Stroppe Edition offer thoughtfully curated combinations for daily driving and weekend exploring. Our team can walk you through the exact mode lineup on any Bronco in our inventory and help you match it to where you drive most.
Ready to see G.O.A.T. Modes® in action? Visit Brown Motors at 2170 N Highway 31, Petoskey, MI 49770, or call (231) 439-3673. Our specialists will demonstrate modes on-site and help you pair the right tires, accessories, and packages for your adventures—whether that is winter weekends in Harbor Springs or summer trails near Charlevoix.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which 2025 Ford Bronco trims include all seven G.O.A.T. Modes®?
Availability varies by trim and equipment. Off-road focused models—such as Badlands and Raptor—commonly include the broadest set of modes, including Rock Crawl. Other trims like Big Bend, Outer Banks, Base, Heritage Edition, and the Stroppe Edition feature thoughtfully selected modes for their intended use. Our team can confirm exact mode availability on the Bronco you are considering.
How do G.O.A.T. Modes® work with the HOSS Suspension System?
G.O.A.T. Modes® manage traction, throttle, braking, steering feel, and 4x4 behavior; the HOSS Suspension System adds the composure and control to translate those settings into grip and stability over bumps, washboard surfaces, and uneven terrain. Together, they deliver confident control on-road and off.
Can I tow while using a G.O.A.T. Mode®?
For towing, select the mode that best matches surface conditions and follow guidance in the Owner’s Manual. Many drivers prefer Normal for stable, predictable responses on paved roads. Always ensure your trailer, load, and Bronco configuration meet recommended towing practices.
What mode should I use for snow and ice in Petoskey?
Slippery is designed for low-grip surfaces like packed snow or ice, softening throttle and refining traction control for better stability. For deep, churned-up snow, Mud may help maintain momentum. Drive cautiously and adjust mode as conditions change.
What are the key off-road specs that support G.O.A.T. Modes®?
The Bronco backs up its software with capability hardware: ground clearance of up to 11.6", water fording up to 37", the HOSS Suspension System, available 35" tires, and an available Stabilizer Bar Disconnect—plus available traction-enhancing components on select trims.
Our Brown Motors team is ready to help you experience G.O.A.T. Modes® on the 2025 Ford Bronco in person. Stop in today to test how each mode feels across Petoskey’s changing conditions and build a Bronco that fits your life—weekday commuting and weekend adventure included.