Ford’s Trail Control system significantly advances off-road driving technology, providing sophisticated control and automation for navigating challenging terrains. This innovative system, available on select Ford trucks and SUVs, is an off-road driving assistant that helps you tackle challenging trails with greater confidence and control. The advanced technology processes terrain data and adjusts your vehicle’s responses in milliseconds.

Which Models Have Ford Trail Control?

The Ford Trail Control system is available on several popular Ford models, including the F-150 Raptor, Ranger, and Bronco, enhancing off-road capability across Ford’s lineup. Trail Control allows you to set speeds between one and 20 mph and make precise one-mph increments for optimal control. You can activate the system through a dedicated button on the center console or steering wheel, making it easily accessible during off-road adventures.

This technology demonstrates Ford’s ongoing commitment to developing practical solutions for off-road enthusiasts, from casual weekend adventurers to experienced trail runners. By combining precise speed control with intelligent terrain management, Trail Control makes off-road driving more accessible while maintaining the excitement that draws you to outdoor adventures.

How Ford’s Trail Control Works: Behind the Technology

Trail Control is a specialized low-speed cruise control system for off-road conditions. It continuously monitors and adjusts power delivery to each wheel, managing both throttle and braking inputs to maintain your selected speed. The system automatically modulates brake pressure at each wheel independently. Trail Control is particularly effective for rock crawling scenarios, where maintaining consistent momentum is essential.

The system processes data from multiple vehicle sensors over 10,000 times per second, enabling quick adjustments to changing terrain conditions. It can operate at speeds as low as 0.5 mph, allowing for excellent control during technical rock crawling or when navigating particularly challenging obstacles. Trail Control’s capability to function in both forward and reverse directions adds versatility for complex off-road maneuvers.

Trail Control integrates seamlessly with Ford’s four-wheel-drive system, working effectively in both high and low modes. The technology coordinates with the anti-lock braking system and traction control to optimize grip and stability. Whether moving forward or in reverse, Trail Control maintains consistent speed and power distribution to each wheel, automatically adjusting for variations in terrain difficulty.

Using Ford’s Trail Control: Practical Guide

You can activate Trail Control by pressing the dedicated button on the center console or the steering wheel. Once activated, set your desired speed using the cruise control buttons located on the steering wheel. You can adjust the speed in minor increments for precise control. Trail Control works in all available drive modes, adapting its performance to match the specific terrain requirements.

The system functions in various terrains, including mud, sand, and rocky surfaces. You can override Trail Control by applying the brake or accelerator pedal to regain complete control immediately.

For optimal performance, don’t use Trail Control on paved roads or in situations requiring sudden speed changes. The system works best when matched to appropriate terrain conditions and speed settings. New off-road drivers particularly benefit from Trail Control’s ability to maintain steady progress on rugged trails, while experienced users appreciate its precise control in technical situations.

Road Performance

Trail Control works with Ford’s comprehensive Terrain Management System, which includes specialized drive modes for different conditions. The system offers Normal, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, and Sand settings, each optimizing vehicle response for specific terrain types. The Terrain Management System can modify up to seven vehicle characteristics to match driving conditions. These adjustments affect throttle response, transmission shift points, and stability control parameters, creating a coordinated approach to vehicle control.

While primarily designed for off-road use, these systems contribute to overall vehicle stability and control in various driving conditions. The technology helps you maintain traction during adverse weather and provides additional confidence when driving in challenging situations.

Pedal Drive and Trail Turn Assist

Trail One-Pedal Drive gives you enhanced control during technical off-road maneuvers. Like one-pedal driving in electric vehicles, this feature allows precise speed modulation using the accelerator pedal, automatically applying brakes when the pedal is released. Trail Turn Assist technology can significantly reduce turning radius in tight off-road situations, making tricky trail turns more manageable. This feature helps you navigate narrow switchbacks and confined spaces requiring multi-point turns.

These technologies are part of Ford’s Trail Toolbox, working with Trail Control to provide comprehensive off-road capability. The combination of these features helps you maintain better control and confidence across various off-road scenarios, from rock crawling to navigating tight trails.

Enhancing Your Off-Road Adventures With Ford’s Trail Control

Ford’s Trail Control system transforms off-road driving by making advanced terrain management accessible to drivers of all experience levels. The technology’s availability across multiple Ford models reflects the growing interest in capable off-road vehicles. Trail Control allows you to focus on choosing the right path through obstacles while it handles speed management and traction.

The off-road vehicle market continues to expand, valued at $26.7 billion in 2022 and projected to grow 6.7% annually through 2030. This growth indicates increasing consumer interest in vehicles with advanced off-road capabilities such as Trail Control.

Visit Planet Ford Dallas Today

When you’re ready to experience Ford’s Trail Control for yourself, visit our Planet Ford Dallas dealership at 3333 Inwood Road in Dallas, Texas, from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Our team is ready to answer your questions, give you a tour of our inventory and showroom, review financing options and specials, and set you up for a test-drive. Call us at 833-819-5040 or complete our secure online form to get started. Drop by today to explore our range of off-road capable vehicles and learn more about these innovative technologies.