Are Ford Broncos Good in the Snow?

The Ford Bronco is a performance-focused SUV suitable for any type of terrain, including snow. When winter’s snow sets in, this midsize vehicle will get you safely to your destination, whether you’re commuting to work or going on an off-road adventure. In this article, we take a closer look at what makes the Ford Bronco suitable for driving in the snow.

The Ford Bronco’s Snow and Icy Road Performance

The Ford Bronco offers several features that assist you in snowy conditions.

Four-Wheel Drive

The Ford Bronco is equipped with four-wheel drive, which increases traction and improves stability in challenging conditions, such as snowy off-road trails.

G.O.A.T. Modes

The Bronco’s goes-over-any-terrain (G.O.A.T.) modes alter this SUV’s performance to suit the terrain and weather conditions. Slippery mode is ideal for city driving when the roads become slick with snow. It tempers the throttle response and adjusts torque distribution to improve traction and stability on snowy streets.

Mud/Ruts and Sand modes are useful when the trails or roads are covered in deep snow. Mud/Ruts mode works best when the snow coverage is thick, while sand mode works well with powdery coverage on loose surfaces such as sand or gravel.

Traction Control

Enabling and disabling traction control can also help in different types of snowy conditions. In slippery road conditions, this feature improves the vehicle’s grip on the road. In snow exceeding six inches, you should disable the traction control. This will ensure that your tires continue to spin to keep you moving and minimize the risk of getting stuck.

User Experiences: How Does the Ford Bronco Handle Snow?

Reddit user BobNoDur shared that he took a Ford Bronco equipped with the off-road-ready Sasquatch package for a test drive during a blizzard. “I was able to drive it like it had snow tires. That is while it was in 4wd auto,” he said. Another Reddit user, gdaily, added, “I live in CO, and I hard-pushed it on snow and ice to see HOW it slid, so I could know well what its limits were, and I could not get it into a slide of more than a few inches.”

Reddit user beermit recounted their experience after a 9-inch snowfall. “This is my first 4×4, and I’m still relatively inexperienced with it, so I put it in slippery mode and went driving through my neighborhood to try it out and get a feel for it. It was able to go through the snow with ease.” Reddit user Unlucky-Hamster-2791 said, “It’s ridiculous to me how good the GOAT modes are. I drove my Bronco from the dealership through snow and ice in Spokane back home to the Portland area, and slippery mode made the trip boring and easy.”

Comparative Analysis: Bronco vs. Other SUVs in the Snow

In 2021, TFLoffroad pitted a Ford Bronco First Edition against a Jeep Wrangler in a series of tests conducted on the snowy trails of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The testers noted that the Ford Bronco set the pace from the moment testing commenced. While its heavier frame saw it sink into the snow at one point, activating Baja mode, available on selected trims, helped it quickly get out of trouble. Its front lockers also helped it master obstacles more adeptly than the Wrangler.

In 2023, Alex Perrone of Endurance named the Ford Bronco among the 10 best vehicles for snow. The motoring expert noted that the “new Bronco is capable on and off the road, especially when the white stuff is involved.” The Jeep Wrangler and other competitors, including the Toyota 4Runner and Land Rover Defender, didn’t make the list.

Tips for Optimizing Your Ford Bronco for Snow

While the Ford Bronco is a capable vehicle in the snow, you can optimize your ride for better cold-weather performance. The following tips can help your Ford Bronco perform optimally in the snow:

• Fit off-road snow tires: Look for the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake logo, which guarantees the tires have been thoroughly tested for superior acceleration, braking, and cornering in the snow.
• Upgrade to a bumper with a winch mount: A bumper with an in-built winch mount can help you get out of danger if you become stuck in thick snow. Remember to pack a winch in case others don’t have one.
• Lay down floor mats: Snow turns the ground muddy, which is easily tracked into your vehicle. Floor mats capture the snow and mud on your shoes and protect your floors from stains and damage.
• Add seat covers: Seat covers provide significant protection, especially if your Bronco has cloth seats. These covers can be easily removed and washed when they become stained.
• Reduce air in your tires when off-roading: Slightly deflating your tires when off-roading increases their footprint for better traction on snowy trails. Take an air compressor with you so you can inflate your tires again before heading back onto paved roads.

Test-Drive a Ford Bronco at Riverside Ford

If you’re in Macon, Georgia, visit Riverside Ford to experience the Ford Bronco firsthand. We have the latest Ford Bronco vehicles and an extensive inventory of used cars. This will allow you to find your ideal vehicle at an affordable price. Our friendly team will answer any questions you may have and provide details about our convenient finance and trade-in deals that make it even easier to drive away in a new or used Ford Bronco.

Edit -1-24 by Dane is licensed with CC BY 2.0