2023 Ford Expedition Owners Manual - Drive Modes

Drive Modes

ECO - 4X4



For efficient driving. This mode helps deliver maximum fuel efficiency and helps to increase driving range. Two-wheel drive high is the default four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive low is not available in eco mode. The electronic locking differential is available below 25 mph (40 km/h).   See   Locking and Unlocking the Electronic Limited-Slip Differential.

ECO - 4X2



For efficient driving. This mode helps deliver maximum fuel efficiency and helps to increase driving range. The electronic locking differential is available below 25 mph (40 km/h).   See   Locking and Unlocking the Electronic Limited-Slip Differential.

MUD/RUTS - 4X4 (IF EQUIPPED)

  For off-road driving. This mode enhances vehicle performance to traverse muddy, rutted or uneven terrains.

Four-wheel drive high is the default four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive low is selectable in mud/rut mode.

The electronic locking differential engages when you select this mode at any speed, and you can disengage it at any time using the button.   See   Locking and Unlocking the Electronic Limited-Slip Differential. 

Note:   Do not use this mode when driving on pavement or packed snow. This could cause driveline bind up and damage the system depending on the four-wheel drive mode selection.   See   Four-Wheel Drive. 

NORMAL - 4X4



For everyday driving. This mode is the perfect balance of excitement, comfort and convenience. This is the default mode after each ignition cycle. Two-wheel drive high is the default four-wheel drive mode. All four-wheel drive modes are selectable when in normal mode. The electronic locking differential is available below 25 mph (40 km/h).   See   Locking and Unlocking the Electronic Limited-Slip Differential.

NORMAL - 4X2



For everyday driving. This mode is the perfect balance of excitement, comfort and convenience. This is the default mode after each ignition cycle. The electronic locking differential is available below 25 mph (40 km/h).   See   Locking and Unlocking the Electronic Limited-Slip Differential.

SAND - 4X4 (IF EQUIPPED)

  For more spirited off-road driving. Sand mode is for off-road driving on soft, dry sand or deep conditions. Lower gears hold longer in sand mode to maintain momentum in soft conditions. Sand mode engages the four-wheel drive lock, which you can switch off using the drive mode controller. Sand mode optimizes braking for off-road conditions, allowing quick path corrections and minimized stopping distance when on deformable surfaces. The engine sound enhances when in sand mode.

The rear differential lock feature is available in sand mode. When enabled it is engaged below 30 mph (48 km/h).

Note:   Using sand mode on dry, hard surfaces could produce some vibration, driveline bind up, potential excessive tire wear and vehicle wear.

Note:   Do not use on firm, slippery surfaces, such as paved roads covered with snow or ice or driving on packed snow. For slippery, firm surfaces use slippery mode.

SLIPPERY - 4X4

  For less than ideal road conditions such as snow or ice covered roads. Use this mode for crossing terrain where loose or slippery materials cover a firm surface. Slippery mode lowers throttle response and optimizes shifting for slippery surfaces.

Four-wheel drive auto is the default four-wheel drive mode. Two-wheel drive high is not available in slippery mode.

The electronic locking differential is available below 25 mph (40 km/h).   See   Locking and Unlocking the Electronic Limited-Slip Differential. 

Note:   Do not use this mode when driving on dry pavement. This could cause driveline bind up and damage the system depending on the four-wheel drive mode selection.   See   Four-Wheel Drive. 

SLIPPERY - 4X2

  For less than ideal road conditions such as snow or ice covered roads. Use this mode for crossing terrain where loose or slippery materials cover a firm surface. Slippery mode lowers throttle response and optimizes shifting for slippery surfaces.

The electronic locking differential is available below 25 mph (40 km/h).   See   Locking and Unlocking the Electronic Limited-Slip Differential. 

Note:   Do not use this mode when driving on dry pavement. This could cause driveline bind up and damage the system depending on the four-wheel drive mode selection.   See   Four-Wheel Drive. 

Note:   Depending on your vehicle options, some mode names can appear different or not at all.

SPORT - 4X4



For sporty driving with improved performance handling and response. This mode increases accelerator pedal response and provides a sportier steering feel. The powertrain system holds onto lower gears longer, helping your vehicle accelerate faster. Four-wheel drive auto is the default four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive low is not available in sport mode. The system tunes the steering and suspension to provide a more connected and spirited driving experience. The electronic locking differential is available below 25 mph (40 km/h).   See   Locking and Unlocking the Electronic Limited-Slip Differential.

SPORT - 4X2



For sporty driving with improved performance handling and response. This mode increases accelerator pedal response and provides a sportier steering feel. The powertrain system holds onto lower gears longer, helping your vehicle accelerate faster. The system tunes the steering and suspension to provide a more connected and spirited driving experience. The electronic locking differential is available below 25 mph (40 km/h).   See   Locking and Unlocking the Electronic Limited-Slip Differential.

TOW/HAUL - 4X4



For improved transmission operation when towing a trailer or a heavy load. This mode moves upshifts to higher engine speeds to reduce the frequency of transmission shifting. This mode also provides engine braking in all forward gears, which slows your vehicle and assists you in controlling your vehicle when descending a slope. The amount of downshift braking provided varies based on the amount you press the brake pedal. All four-wheel drive modes are selectable in tow/haul mode. This mode does not default to a certain four-wheel drive mode and maintains the previous selection. The system tunes the steering and suspension to enhance driving comfort when towing or carrying heavy loads. The electronic locking differential is available below 25 mph (40 km/h).   See   Locking and Unlocking the Electronic Limited-Slip Differential.

TOW/HAUL - 4X2



For improved transmission operation when towing a trailer or a heavy load. This mode moves upshifts to higher engine speeds to reduce the frequency of transmission shifting. This mode also provides engine braking in all forward gears, which slows your vehicle and assists you in controlling your vehicle when descending a slope. The amount of downshift braking provided varies based on the amount you press the brake pedal. The system tunes the steering and suspension to enhance driving comfort when towing or carrying heavy loads. The electronic locking differential is available below 25 mph (40 km/h).   See   Locking and Unlocking the Electronic Limited-Slip Differential.

TRAIL - 4X2 (IF EQUIPPED)



Trail mode is for off-road driving on muddy, rutted, soft or uneven terrain. This mode lowers throttle response to increase wheel spin to keep the tires clear and to prevent getting stuck. The electronic locking differential is available below 25 mph (40 km/h).   See   Locking and Unlocking the Electronic Limited-Slip Differential.