What’s New in the 2020 Ford Explorer Terrain Management System?
With the introduction of the redesigned 2020 Ford Explorer, Ford revealed the existence of an all-new terrain management system that promises to make conquering challenging landscapes easier than ever. But this isn’t Ford’s first rodeo when it comes to terrain management. For years, Ford’s four-mode terrain management system has given it an edge over competing off-road models. Keep reading to learn more about Ford’s terrain management systems and how the 2020 Ford Explorer’s all-new system compares to that of previous models.
[ READ MORE: What’s New on the 2020 Ford Explorer? ]
Traditional four-wheel systems had long been restricted to three vague and basic modes: auto, high and low. Ford’s terrain-specific drive modes succeeded in eliminating the guesswork involved in mode selection with four critical selections: Standard, Mud/Rut, Sand and Snow/Gravel/Grass. Each distinct mode adjusts engine responsiveness, transmission gearing and vehicle control systems to best match the terrain. The system’s intuitive design allows drivers to select their desired drive mode on the fly using a dial located in the center console.
Standard – Used for regular road conditions.
Mud/Rut – Used for muddy, rutted, soft or uneven terrain. This mode increases engine torque at the rear wheels, adds a slight delay in transmission upshifts and modifies sensitivity and stability control to keep your wheels spinning and maintain momentum.
Sand – Used to move through soft, dry sand or deep gravel. This mode aggressively changes transmission upshift timing, increases rear torque for increased traction and modifies wheel slip response.
Snow/Gravel/Grass – Used for firm surfaces covered in packed snow, ice, water, grass, gravel or a thin coating of sand. This mode limits torque to the wheels to prevent slippage, reprograms to faster transmission upshifts and increases slip and stability control.
All-New 2020 Explorer Terrain Management System
The all-new 2020 Terrain Management System brings many of the same characteristics that made the previous system a hit, including the user-friendly mode-selection dial and easy-to-understand terrain-specific drive modes. The next-generation system brings with a more specialized drive-mode selection, featuring a total of 7 modes to choose from:
- Normal
- Trail
- Deep Snow and Sand
- Slippery
- Sport
- Tow/Haul
- Eco
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I HAVE A 2020 PLATINUM EXPLORER. COULD YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME AT WHAT SPEEDS AND CIRCULAR DIAL USAGE YOU ENGAGE ONE OF THE SEVEN MODES? DO YOU WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE THE LITTLE EMBLEM ON THE DASH? DO YOU MOVE THE DIAL RANDOMLY UNTIL THE MODE YOU WANT COMES UP? THE OWNERS MANUAL ISNT DETAILED AT ALL AND CALLING FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE IS USELESS. ANY INSTRUCTIONS THAT YOU COULD GIVE ME WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU!