SURVEY: Are 8 GOAT modes necessary

[crzyhawk]

I've never used them, even at the offroadeo. I think they might be decent for new people who are intimidated; it's a good starting point. Being able to select a mode and be reasonably close to what you need isn't a bad thing if it helps someone get some confidence.

For me? *shrug* I'm not an experienced offroader, but I don't like putting any more control in the hands of the computer than I have do. I don't want to have to turn off a locker or whatever because I set a mode, but don't need what it decided I need at that point. I want to control when they are on or not. Also, I have a manual, and it seems a lot of what the goat modes provide is managed by my left foot, and right hand. Throttle sensitivity? I'd rather it just stay consistent and behave the same way when I step on it each time. For me, I think the right answer is to press the 4H/L button when I want it, then manually engage whatever features I might need/want when appropriate. Assuming I had extra features to add, which I do not.

Sponsored

 

[MilesTeg]

I used to not use goat modes until I was informed that there are different traction settings (more than just on/off for the hero button) in each mode.

 

[AZ_Liberty]

That’s fair. I had my 2.7 auto in mind when I wrote that. In my Bronco, it’s transformative. The first time I used it on a twisty backroad with climbs and descents, it was a revelation.

Makes a huge difference in the wife's F-150. In town, in normal mode it simply races to try to reach 10th gear, while in sport you might still be in 6th or 7th.

As a result, the F-150 also gets better gas mileage in Sport, because it uses less boost when accelerating.

 

[AZ_Liberty]

I use Eco to teach my wife stick. Since it makes the accelerator much less sensitive, she's not over revving it. She is still in the mindset accelerator=go instead of let off clutch=go.

You should see my wife drive her F-150. I swear she thinks the accelerator is an on/off switch. God forbid you tell her she can actually feather the throttle.

 

[SHANUT]

I’m surprised by number of comments about not using GOAT modes. But honestly, I don’t either. Is this over engineering by Ford or an inexpensive reliable feature to cover all potential users. Some are almost interchangeable by selecting 2WD or 4WD like sport/Baja. I've also seen comments that Eco does not get any better mpg around town than normal.

I’ve been driving trucks for decades and I don’t need some idiot nanny knob to drive my vehicle. I do use sport mode for the performance, but that’s it.

 

[Rydfree]

It remaps the pedal. That's it. Doesn't make Bronco faster or more responsive. In theory it makes the steering stiffer but I can't feel the difference.

Sport mode remaps the pedal, holds lower gears longer and applies more torque to the rear wheels ( If left in 4Auto). It does stiffen the steering slightly as well. I can tell it on my non-squatch BL on factory 33s, but not at all on a friends BL riding on true 35s. Maybe the smaller the tire the more difference it makes ?

I don't use Sport much except when towing as I hate it puts it into 4Auto, plus you have about 10 seconds to press the OK button to keep it into Sport after you stop and re-crank, then you have to de-select 4Auto again. Ford does some annoyingly weird programming.
I wish mine had a dedicated mode for towing though.

 

[VirginiaHeritage]

For me, sport mode shines in heavy traffic when you are trying to merge or change lanes because you can accelerate to pass with minimum delay and then just get off the gas to slow and match speed for a lane change when you find a spot to get over, instead of relying on the brake as much. Ditto on winding backroads. More control with throttle only and less need for brakes on curves or declines.

 

[davebdave]

I could do without the GOAT modes. Manual transmission and Sport feels like it changes the throttle mapping so I’d rather choose one mode to use all the time keeping my throttle/clutch feel the same. I dislike the orange color on the dash in sport so I only use normal.

 

[BroncoArizonaMike]

I have used a number of the Goat Modes on my 26 Stroppe. Certainly don’t need all of the modes yet. But I may need them at some point. If any Ford Engineers read this post, Don’t change a thing.

 

[Baja71]

I’ve been driving trucks for decades and I don’t need some idiot nanny knob to drive my vehicle. I do use sport mode for the performance, but that’s it.

“Idiot nanny knob” is now my go-to insult from here on out!

 

[BigGarnet]

I like the Goat modes. If you don’t, don’t use them. It’s a weird thing that someone is arguing to take something away from others who like it, bizarre.

I added Sport to my 21 Badlands…so I got an extra, which I like. But people want to take them away so people have less for some strange reason?

 

[Squatch]

Can I rip them out and actually have control of my vehicle that I bought? Where's that option?

Also twin-stick transfer case, please.

 

[KreeHBronco]

My guess is they have more effect/benefit for Broncos with the automatic transmission, where they can adjust shift points. For manual transmissions, its more a convenience. I can easily select 2H-4A-4H-4L and turn on/off my lockers, sway bare disconnect, but the GOAT mode does the selection for me.

 

[McLovin80]

There's actual 9. GRTW mode if you have a crawler gear!

 

[RagnarKon]

Another vote for the "never use them" option.

I saw how valuable it was for certain people at Bronco Off-Roadeo... so I won't go as far to say that they should be removed.

I just personally can never remember what each of them do, so I never use them. BUT... maybe if they were customizable??

Sponsored