how does engine braking work on steep hills

[hondabuster]

I can see the dial for the transmission, and the L in the middle. But how do you select what ratio (gear) for engine braking?
My Toyota with a CVT has a side position on the shifter with a + and - to change the "gears" for different speeds. I know when coming down I70 in Colorado, I select 5th or 6th, depending on conditions. Im wondering how I would do that in the Maverick. Does the Maverick have set ratios for engine braking?

Sponsored

 

[ThisWas]

I look forward to the Maverick Owner's Manual being on-line.
Until then, you might refer to the Escape Owner's Manual, as I expect that the hybrid technology will be similar.

For its hybrids, Ford seems to call engine braking "grade assist" which is supposed to detect when you're coasting downhill.
The Escape manual refers to a button (see below), but late-model Escape owners say it's actually an option in one of the touchscreen menus.
In one "grade assist" explanatory video Ford suggests you leave this function on all the time.
If I understand correctly, shifting into Low gear with the rotary selector provides engine braking but doesn't recharge your battery as "grade assist" does.

GRADE ASSIST - HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE (HEV)
What Is Grade Assist
Provides additional grade braking with a combination of engine motoring and high-voltage battery charging to help maintain vehicle speed when descending a grade.
Switching Grade Assist On and Off
Press the grade assist button to activate grade assist. The grade assist lamp appears in the instrument cluster. Press the button again to switch it off. Your vehicle determines the amount of engine motoring and high-voltage battery charging. You could notice the engine speed increasing and decreasing to help maintain your vehicle speed when descending a slope.