"Talking with customers told us that flexibility and freedom to tackle any road, anytime is important to them,” said Explorer Chief Nameplate Engineer Jim Holland. “We saw the opportunity to eliminate a compromise by adding an intuitive and efficient terrain management system that can demystify four-wheel-drive control and enable the driver to properly match 4WD traction to the situations and road conditions they encounter.”
Ford has received customer feedback showing that previous four wheel drive management systems, which feature controls like “4x4 high” and “low range”, could be confusing for users.
The new system has been designed to eliminate this issue: it uses intuitive icons to help drivers choose the optimal setting for each type of driving situation. The icons depict various settings that are suitable for different driving conditions.
This includes the following modes:
Snow: For snow and slippery conditions. Limits torque to wheels to prevent wheel spin
Sand: For deep sand and rutted conditions. Optimizes torque for increased traction
Mud: For slippery, muddy conditions. Allows wheel spin for momentum build
Hill Descent: For Creeping down steep inclines, without using the brake pedal
Normal: For all regular driving under normal road conditions.
“One of our goals with the new Explorer is to deliver four-wheel-drive capability with easier and intuitively operated control,” said Holland. “The selectable settings are contingent upon weather and conditions, so the system is easily operated and understood. Ford terrain management makes it easier for SUV veterans, while making confidence-building Explorer capability even more accessible to segment newcomers.”
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