G.O.A.T. Modes® and HOSS Suspension — Why Bronco Trail Tech Shines around Holly, MI

Lasco Ford - G.O.A.T. Modes® and HOSS Suspension — Why Bronco Trail Tech Shines around Holly, MI

Off-road confidence is not a single spec — it is a system. The 2026 Bronco® coordinates traction, suspension, visibility, and driver tools so naturally that complex terrain starts to feel like an invitation. Around Holly, MI, where the same week can bring rain-slicked two-tracks and dry, sandy climbs, that harmony matters. Two technologies stand out: G.O.A.T. Modes® and the HOSS (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) Systems. Together, they translate intent into action, letting you place your tires with confidence while the vehicle manages the background math. If you have ever spun a wheel in mud or braked too early on loose rock, you will appreciate how Bronco® makes traction and stability feel instinctive.

G.O.A.T. Modes® — short for Goes Over Any Type of Terrain — alter throttle response, shift mapping, steering effort, and traction control to suit conditions. Select Sand for soft surfaces, or Rock Crawl for technical ascents at very low speeds. Mud/Ruts can help you keep momentum without wheelspin, while Slippery refines inputs for rain or packed snow. For daily life, Normal and Sport deliver a familiar road feel, with the latter sharpening response when the route home detours onto a favorite winding road. These modes are more than labels; they orchestrate power and grip so you can focus on your line choice, not your settings menu.

  • Normal: Balanced mapping for everyday roads without sacrificing off-pavement readiness.
  • Sport: Quicker throttle and tighter steering for spirited driving on dry surfaces.
  • Slippery: Calibrated for wet pavement or packed snow to reduce abrupt inputs.
  • Sand: Tuned to maintain float and momentum on softer, shifting terrain.
  • Mud/Ruts: Helps manage wheelspin while preserving forward progress in sticky conditions.
  • Rock Crawl: Supports precise, slow-speed control for technical climbs and descents.

Suspension is the second pillar. The available HOSS Systems bring FOX™ damping tech to the Bronco® lineup, with Internal Bypass designs that offer plushness on chatter while standing strong against big hits. On HOSS System 3.0, FOX™ Internal Bypass Dampers deliver a broad operating window — ideal for the mixed surfaces we see locally. HOSS System 4.0, available on Raptor®, takes that a step further with FOX Live Valve 3.1 Internal Bypass Semi-Active Dampers that adjust in real time to match speed, inputs, and terrain. The result is a planted feel in whoops, poise on washboard, and control when a fast trail suddenly tightens. Pair that chassis with Trail Turn Assist, which can reduce turning radius on tight trails, and Trail Control, which acts like low-speed cruise control on technical sections, and you have a confidence-inspiring partner during the first mile and the fiftieth.

Of course, visibility ties it all together. The available 360-Degree Camera offers multiple trail views that make cresting a blind hill or picking through a rock garden far less stressful. And when you run doors-off, class-exclusive cowl-mounted mirrors stay in place, preserving sightlines. In the cabin, washable floors with built-in drains and available marine-grade vinyl seating surfaces make cleanup simple. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility keep maps and communications handy, while a clean, glove-friendly control layout keeps your focus forward. Whether you are linking forest roads after work or hauling kayaks to the lake, Bronco® turns planning into doing.

We also hear a common question: Do these systems make a difference in winter? Yes. The same traction logic that sorts out sand and mud can help manage split-traction scenarios on slush or ice. Slippery mode tempers throttle and steering inputs for control, and the stability you feel from HOSS damping translates directly to a calmer drive on frost-heaved pavement. It is real-world versatility, season after season.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What do G.O.A.T. Modes® actually change?

Each mode adjusts throttle sensitivity, transmission shift logic, steering effort, and traction control parameters to match surface conditions, helping the vehicle put power down and maintain control.

How does HOSS differ from a typical SUV suspension?

HOSS Systems integrate advanced FOX™ damping and off-road geometry to balance comfort and control, offering stability over washboard, composure over big hits, and precision when trails tighten.

Can I remove the doors and still keep my mirrors?

Yes — Bronco® features class-exclusive cowl-mounted mirrors that remain in place with the doors removed, maintaining visibility on and off the trail.

Lasco Ford is serving Howell, Holly, and Highland with guidance grounded in seat time, not just spec sheets. If you want to understand how G.O.A.T. Modes® and HOSS Systems work for your specific routine — daily commuting, weekend trail runs, towing gear — our team will help you dial in the right configuration.

Request more 2026 Ford Bronco information

Categories: Ford Bronco