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Like many new vehicles, the 2022 Ford Bronco has a lot of different driving modes for different purposes. Many vehicles nowadays have options like standard, sport, and eco. However, the 2022 Ford Bronco has much more than that. Most of them are thanks to the Terrain Management System, which allows the Bronco to always perform its best off-road. What are the 2022 Ford Bronco driving modes and what do they do?

2022 Ford Bronco driving modes: Normal, Eco, and Sport

2021 Ford Bronco Wildtrak Sasquatch in grass, what are the driving modes?
2021 Ford Bronco Wildtrak Sasquatch | Allison Barfield, MotorBiscuit

Of all the different 2022 Ford Bronco driving modes, it’s most likely you know what these are. That’s because tons of vehicles, whether they have terrain management or not, use the same settings. There is a significant difference between them and they can make an impact on your driving. What does each of the three base driving modes do?

According to Consumer Reports, the vast majority of driving will be done on Normal mode. It’s intended for everyday driving on a standard road, and it’s the default mode each time the SUV starts. Eco mode is for maximizing fuel efficiency. Those who use it well on a long road trip down a highway will reduce their stops at the fuel pump. Finally, Sport mode provides a better gas-pedal response, heavier steering effort, and altered transmission shift points.

Bronco driving modes for different terrains

What are the 2022 Ford Bronco driving modes? Are they good for off-road driving?
A blue Ford Bronco Badlands is parked outdoors | Ford

Since it uses a Terrain Management System, the Bronco is best used on the proper driving mode for each terrain. Firstly, there’s a Slippery mode for snow- or ice-covered roads. It provides a less-sensitive gas pedal and transmission shifting optimized for low-grip conditions. Next, Sand mode is for driving on soft, dry sand, like on a beach. Sand mode engages four-wheel drive and the rear differential lock.

Additionally, Mud/Ruts mode works with the rear differential lock to provide extra traction for off-road driving. Muddy, heavily rutted trails are the best place for this mode. Both this mode and Sand are meant only for off-road driving, while the others can all be used on a standard road.

2022 Ford Bronco: Rock Crawl and Baja modes

2021 Ford Bronco Wildtrak, off-road in the snow.
2021 Ford Bronco Wildtrak | Allison Barfield, MotorBiscuit

Unsurprisingly, the Rock Crawl mode is for, well, rock crawling. This mode engages four-wheel drive and the rear differential locks and also activates the front trail camera. It’s for very low-speed, off-road bouldering where tire placement and traction are imperative.

Next, Baja mode is for driving on loose terrain and sand. It optimizes the suspension and other systems for improved performance while driving at higher speeds on terrains like this. It’s great for dirt, sand, and other common off-road trails or destinations.

What is the front trail camera?

You might’ve noticed the front trail camera is activated when the 2022 Ford Bronco is using Rock Crawl mode. What is the front trail camera? Consumer Reports calls it “the coolest and most helpful” of all the modes and features. The front trail camera shows the trail ahead through the infotainment screen. It shows the driver (and passengers) the road ahead from a point of view that’s impossible to have while inside the vehicle.

Drivers can cycle through views from each wheel, allowing them to narrow down the exact placement. This can be vital in some situations if you’re on a steep cliff or rocky, open terrain in danger of falling down or hitting large rocks. In addition, the front trail camera allows sight over very steep hills before drivers can see over. This is great for high-pressure situations where you never know what’s coming next.

In conclusion, the 2022 Ford Bronco driving modes are essential for off-road and standard driving. These features can make the driving experience better, or be your saving grace in some cases. Off-road driving can be dangerous, so optimizing performance for each specific terrain is important. That’s all of the 2022 Ford Bronco driving modes, explained.

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