Tow/Haul as the FX4 "Sport" Mode?

[ReddWulf]

Unless something changes, it looks like Sport Mode is not going to be included in the FX4 package. Perhaps can be added back later via updates/tunes, but at least not an option at the beginning. Looking at the modes left for FX4, it really only leaves Normal and Tow/Haul for regular street driving. Tow/Haul seems to be the best faux "Sport" mode (and honestly, I sometimes use the Tow mode in my Silverado for similar effect as it has no other modes other than Tow Mode).

Reading the manual doesn't seem to be that big of a difference between the two, which is maybe why Ford replaced it along with the Eco mode. Lack of a Sport mode (hopefully temporarily) certainly wasn't enough of a con to warrant passing up the FX4 pros - especially without the tow package.

It will be interesting to hear from the non-FX4 AWD if they can tell much of a difference between Sport and Tow/Haul modes.

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[Rivers90]

I saw a YouTube video saying fx4 does have sport mode.

 

[Portcqb]

I believe the original order guides you lost sport and eco but in the newer guide you now lose eco and slippery

 

[ReddWulf]

Yes, there's a lot of conflicting info so far, so who knows what the final drive modes will be. I don't know why they could not add modes instead of having to replace them. Seems the slippery for rain/snow/etc would not be a good one to lose either. I'd like to see the Tow/Haul setting replaced with Sport for those without the Tow Package instead of Slippery. If the computer is limited to only 5 modes, I wonder if there will be an option to change them later (say if you get the factory tune like on the Ranger EcoBoost).

 

[ReddWulf]

I saw a YouTube video saying fx4 does have sport mode.

Do you remember who posted it or have a link?

 

[ReddWulf]

I believe the original order guides you lost sport and eco but in the newer guide you now lose eco and slippery

True and If so, I'd like to see what Ford recommends using in place of slippery for rain/snow/etc. Sand seems to be the closest, but the notes in the owners manual state not to use those modes on roads (says same for mud/ruts also).

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 [sand mode] 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.
Note: This [mud/ruts] mode may help get your vehicle unstuck from deep snow or sand.
Note: Using mud/ruts mode on dry, hard surfaces could produce some vibration, driveline bind up, and potential excessive tire and vehicle wear.

Well, one thing is for sure....this waiting period makes for my most-read owners manual of all time!!

 

[STARCOMMTREY1]

I think Ford listened to customers when rumors hit and adjusted accoridingly.

 

[STARCOMMTREY1]

Also, my 2020 2.0L AWD Escape has both tow/haul and sport modes, there is a fairly noticeable difference between the two. The tow/haul holds onto gears way too long. That's about the only difference I've noticed though. If I wasn't able to experience both back-to-back, I'd probably think they were the same mode.

The long holds on the gear are so you can hit with some oomph in the next gear. My 350 winds out in tow haul

 

[ReddWulf]

While I can't confirm whether or not FX4 has Sport mode, the possibility that it will not was unfortunately enough for me to skip it all together and go with the 4k Tow Package instead.

Did you ever consider the 4k tow package in lieu of FX4? For me, that made the most sense as the 4k tow will definitely have Sport mode, it also has shorter final gearing @ 3.81 vs 3.63 for the non-4k (not entirely sure how much of a difference that will make with the 8-speed, but should be a little quicker off the line). Also, 4k tow comes with transmission cooler, FX4 does not. The only reason I initially considered FX4 was to get the 6.5" productivity screen in an XLT, but I decided on a Lariat so it was no longer an added plus.

I know quite a few here seemed to go for both FX4 and the 4k tow, that didn't add as much value IMO with the overlap in a couple of components.

Yes, there was so much overlap between them that I agree that it didn't make good sense to me to have both either. FX4 seemed to check more boxes for me. Of the differences, the transmission cooler was the only one that gave me pause. Everything else I wanted was in the FX4 package with XLT (yes, the display was part of it). Also liked the unique black wheels better and since I do a lot of highway driving the gearing wasn't a plus for me down the road (but although would be a bit quicker around town). I'm definitely not planning on drag racing the Maverick, but sport mode is a bit handy in the mountains - which Tow/Haul mode may do just fine for that.

It was kind of an $800-ish package overload.....if you wanted 235 tires, you had to get the whole $800 Wheel Package - but then lose the FX4 wheels. Get the transmission oil cooler another $800 package but get the higher gearing and extra towing I don't need. Wasn't about to bump up $2400 on the price to get all of them, so the FX4 seemed to be the happy medium at better wheels and better cooling (and better display) for 1/3rd of the price.

I have the heavy duty tow package on my Silverado for the last 15 years and never towed a single thing with it. Only thing the hitch was used for was bike racks and such. The stock towing capabilities will do me just fine. It will see some "soft-roading" though (mainly getting to out of the way trails and such), but nothing I'd need a full 4x4 to tackle.

 

[bgn]

Yes, there was so much overlap between them that I agree that it didn't make good sense to me to have both either. FX4 seemed to check more boxes for me. Of the differences, the transmission cooler was the only one that gave me pause. Everything else I wanted was in the FX4 package with XLT (yes, the display was part of it). Also liked the unique black wheels better and since I do a lot of highway driving the gearing wasn't a plus for me down the road (but although would be a bit quicker around town). I'm definitely not planning on drag racing the Maverick, but sport mode is a bit handy in the mountains - which Tow/Haul mode may do just fine for that.

It was kind of an $800-ish package overload.....if you wanted 235 tires, you had to get the whole $800 Wheel Package - but then lose the FX4 wheels. Get the transmission oil cooler another $800 package but get the higher gearing and extra towing I don't need. Wasn't about to bump up $2400 on the price to get all of them, so the FX4 seemed to be the happy medium at better wheels and better cooling (and better display) for 1/3rd of the price.

I have the heavy duty tow package on my Silverado for the last 15 years and never towed a single thing with it. Only thing the hitch was used for was bike racks and such. The stock towing capabilities will do me just fine. It will see some "soft-roading" though (mainly getting to out of the way trails and such), but nothing I'd need a full 4x4 to tackle.

This drove me absolutely insane. HOW, as an auto manufacturer, can you sell an "off-road" package and put a narrower/shittier tire on it compared to a wheel upgrade?!?!

 

[Big Kahuna]

I will be towing a small camper so I wanted the Tow package but I also wanted the FX4 package - I wish there wasn't so much overlap - it's stupid. I definitely want both the upgraded radiator and the oil cooler - together I feel like it will help engine life regardless if I'm towing or not.

The modes and losing certain ones is driving me nuts though. With the FX4 mode you're now losing eco and slippery from what it sounds like - but what the hell mode are you supposed to use in snow or ice if you lose the slippery?

Eco I could care less about because it's only shown a 5% difference for most people from what I read and I drive easy anyway - same thing with Sport as I'm a very laid back driver. But I drive in snow all the time and now I'm confused which FX4 mode would be for snow?

Am I better off not getting the FX4 if I drive in snow? WTF

Also why the heck can't they add stuff instead of replacing it - it's all controlled electronically anyway?

On the website image it showed this last time I looked -

Standard Drive Modes - Normal , Tow/Haul, Slippery, Eco and Sport
FX4 Drive Modes - Normal, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud & Ruts, and Sand

Just seems stupid to lose Slippery mode on a 4x4 type package.

 

[jimmy fitzwell]

Yes, skip the FX4 for snow. FX4 is mostly for bouncing around the woods.
I think the skid plates might be useful. You can add those yourself.
I agree that 4k tow is good to have!

 

[ReddWulf]

 

[Nw_adventure]

I had to order both/TOW&FX4 to get 6.5 add on option on an XLT- Option heroin has got me like something else mentioned but yeah the overlap and take away mode options is pretty not awesome

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