The new Ford Bronco continues to push the boundaries of off-road capability with its advanced Terrain Management System (TMS). This sophisticated technology, including the renowned G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Modes, has been refined for the new model year, offering drivers unprecedented control and adaptability in various driving conditions. 

The Terrain Management System

The Terrain Management System in the Ford Bronco is a sophisticated suite of technologies designed to optimize the vehicle’s performance across a wide range of driving conditions. At its core, the system allows drivers to select from multiple pre-configured driving modes, each tailored to specific land types or driving situations.

Key Components of the Terrain Management System

1. Electronic Control Unit (ECU): The brain of the system, coordinating inputs and adjusting various vehicle systems.
2. Sensors: Multiple sensors throughout the vehicle provide real-time data on wheel speed, traction, pitch, and roll.
3. Drivetrain Controls: The system can adjust power distribution between the front and rear axles and between individual wheels.
4. Throttle Mapping: Adjusts the throttle response to suit different terrains and driving styles.
5. Transmission Control: Modifies shift points and patterns to optimize power delivery.
6. Stability and Traction Control: Fine-tunes these systems to provide the right balance of driver control and vehicle assistance.

G.O.A.T. Modes: The Heart of the Terrain Management System

The Ford Bronco Terrain Management System is centred around its G.O.A.T. Modes, which have been expanded and refined for the new model year. These modes allow drivers to easily optimize the vehicle’s performance for specific driving conditions with the turn of a dial.

Standard G.O.A.T. Modes for the New Year

1. Normal: Optimized for everyday driving on paved roads, balancing performance and efficiency.
2. Eco: Maximizes fuel efficiency by adjusting throttle response and transmission shift points.
3. Sport: Enhances on-road performance with sharper throttle response, later shift points, and sportier steering feel.
4. Slippery: Designed for wet or icy conditions, this mode adjusts traction control and throttle response for improved stability.
5. Off-Road: This versatile mode replaces the previous Mud/Ruts mode, offering a more comprehensive off-road setting suitable for various challenging landscapes.

Advanced G.O.A.T. Modes (Available on Select Trims)

6. Rock Crawl: Optimizes the vehicle for low-speed rock crawling, adjusting throttle sensitivity and engaging the front and rear locking differentials.
7. Rally: This mode is for high-speed off-road driving, particularly in sandy conditions. It allows for more wheel slip and adjusts the stability control for a more dynamic driving experience.
8. Baja: Available on high-performance trims, this mode is tailored for high-speed desert running, allowing maximum suspension travel and optimized throttle response.

How G.O.A.T. Modes Transform Vehicle Behaviour

Each G.O.A.T. Mode in the Ford Bronco Terrain Management System makes specific adjustments to various vehicle systems. Let’s explore how some of these modes work in detail:

Off-Road Mode

The new Off-Road Mode is a versatile setting designed to handle a variety of challenging landscapes. When engaged, it makes the following adjustments:

• Throttle Mapping: Softens initial throttle response for better control over rough areas.
• Transmission Control: Holds gears longer to maintain optimal power delivery.
• 4×4 System: Engages the more aggressive 4×4 setting, providing maximum traction.
• Traction Control: Allows for more wheel slip to help navigate loose surfaces.
• Stability Control: Reduces intervention to allow for more driver control.
• Steering: Adjusts power steering assist for better feedback and control at lower speeds.

Rally Mode

The new Rally Mode, optimized for high-speed off-road driving, particularly in sandy conditions, makes these key adjustments:

• Throttle Response: Sharpens for more immediate power delivery.
• Transmission: Holds gears longer and downshifts more aggressively for on-demand power.
• AWD System: Biases more power to the rear wheels for improved handling dynamics.
• Stability Control: Allows for more vehicle rotation before intervening.
• Steering: Increases responsiveness for quicker turn-in.
• Suspension (if equipped with adaptive dampers): Firms up for better body control at high speeds.

Advanced Features of the 2025 Terrain Management System

The Ford Bronco Terrain Management System goes beyond just G.O.A.T. Modes, incorporating several advanced features that further enhance its off-road capabilities:

Trail Control

Think of this as off-road cruise control. Trail Control allows drivers to set a low crawling speed and focus on steering while the vehicle manages throttle and braking to maintain a constant speed. This feature offers smoother operation and expanded functionality.

Trail Turn Assist

This innovative feature tightens the Bronco turning radius by applying brakes to the inside rear wheel during sharp turns. Ford has improved the system’s responsiveness and expanded its operational parameters.

Trail One-Pedal Drive

This feature allows drivers to use the accelerator pedal for acceleration and braking in low-speed off-road situations. Releasing the pedal applies proportional braking, making it easier to navigate technical landscapes.

Advanced 4×4 System with Automatic On-Demand Engagement

The Bronco 4×4 system can automatically engage when needed, providing instant traction in slippery conditions. The system has been fine-tuned for faster response and smoother operation.

Electronic-Locking Front and Rear Differentials

Available on select trims, these locking differentials provide maximum traction in extreme off-road conditions. Ford has improved the engagement speed and durability of these systems.

Terrain Management System Integration with Vehicle Hardware

The effectiveness of the Ford Bronco Terrain Management System is greatly enhanced by its integration with key vehicle hardware components:

Suspension System

The Bronco suspension system works in tandem with the Terrain Management System to provide optimal performance across various driving conditions:

• HOSS (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) System: This system has been further refined, offering improved articulation and stability.
• Position-Sensitive Dampers: Available on higher trims, these dampers automatically adjust based on land inputs and the selected G.O.A.T. Mode.
• Stabilizer Bar Disconnect: This feature, available on some models, allows for increased wheel articulation in extreme off-road situations.

Powertrain Options

The Bronco offers multiple engine options, each optimized to work with the Terrain Management System:

• 2.3L EcoBoost I-4: This engine offers improved low-end torque for off-road situations.
• 2.7L EcoBoost V6: The more powerful V6 option provides ample power for any landscape, with specific calibrations for each G.O.A.T. Mode.
• Hybrid Option: Rumoured for the new model year, a hybrid powertrain could offer unique advantages in certain off-road situations, with the Terrain Management System optimized to leverage electric torque.

User Interface and Controls

Ford has made significant improvements to the user interface for the Bronco Terrain Management System:

• Larger Infotainment Screen: The new 13.2-inch touchscreen provides more detailed information about the current G.O.A.T. Mode and vehicle status.
• Enhanced Digital Cluster: The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster offers customizable displays for each G.O.A.T. Mode, providing relevant information at a glance.
• Terrain Management Dial: The physical dial for selecting G.O.A.T. Modes has been redesigned for improved ergonomics and feedback.
• Off-Road Pages: This feature provides real-time data on vehicle pitch, roll, steering angle, and drivetrain status, helping drivers navigate challenging roads.

Competitive Advantage

The Ford Bronco Terrain Management System offers several advantages over its competitors:

1. Versatility: With up to eight G.O.A.T. Modes, the Bronco offers more tailored driving modes than most competitors.
2. Integration: The deep integration of the Terrain Management System with vehicle hardware provides a more cohesive and effective off-road experience.
3. User-Friendly: The intuitive interface and automatic features make advanced off-road driving more accessible to novice off-roaders.
4. Customization: Higher trims can customize certain parameters within each G.O.A.T. Mode, allowing experienced drivers to fine-tune the vehicle’s behaviour.

Real-World Performance and Testing

Ford has conducted extensive real-world testing of the Bronco Terrain Management System in various challenging environments:

• Moab, Utah: The vehicle’s rock-crawling capabilities were tested on the area’s famous slickrock trails.
• Baja California: High-speed desert running validated the effectiveness of the Baja and Rally modes.
• Michigan’s Upper Peninsula: Winter testing ensured the Slippery mode could handle icy and snowy conditions.
• Australian Outback: Extended testing in the harsh Australian landscape helped refine the system’s durability and performance in extreme heat and dusty conditions.

Future Developments and Potential

Looking ahead, the Terrain Management System in the Ford Bronco has the potential for further advancements:

• AI Integration: Future versions could incorporate artificial intelligence to automatically detect land types and adjust vehicle settings in real-time.
• Expanded Customization: More granular user control over individual parameters within each G.O.A.T. Mode could be offered.
• Cloud Connectivity: The system could potentially download terrain data and optimal settings for specific trails or off-road parks.
• Augmented Reality Integration: Future versions might incorporate AR displays to provide real-time guidance and terrain information to drivers.

Tackle Any Terrain With Confidence

The Terrain Management System in the new Ford Bronco represents a significant leap forward in off-road vehicle technology. By seamlessly integrating advanced software controls with robust hardware components, Ford has created a system that enhances the vehicle’s capabilities and makes those capabilities more accessible to drivers of all skill levels.

The expansion and refinement of the G.O.A.T. Modes and the introduction of new features like Trail One-Pedal Drive demonstrate Ford’s commitment to continual innovation in this space. Whether tackling rocky mountain trails, crossing desert dunes, or simply navigating a snowy commute, the Bronco Terrain Management System ensures that drivers have the right tools at their fingertips to conquer any landscape with confidence.

As off-road enthusiasts and everyday adventurers alike look to push the boundaries of where they can explore, the Ford Bronco Terrain Management System stands ready to meet the challenge, reaffirming the Bronco position as a leader in the world of capable off-road vehicles.