4 Winter-Ready Features on the 2025 Ford F-150 That Ontario Drivers Actually Use

Winter driving in Ontario demands more than just all-season tires and windshield washer fluid. From early-morning defrosting in Collingwood to navigating snow-covered highways between Georgian Bay and cottage country, the 2025 Ford F-150 includes features designed to handle harsh winter conditions without added complexity.

These four features show up repeatedly in how Ontario F-150 owners describe their winter driving experience. Remote Start eliminates the need to scrape ice in freezing temperatures. Heated surfaces provide immediate comfort. Intelligent 4WD adapts to changing road conditions. Pro Trailer Backup Assist simplifies one of winter's trickiest tasks. Each feature addresses a specific challenge Ontario drivers face between November and April.

Remote Start

Remote Start allows you to warm the cabin and defrost windows before stepping outside on cold Collingwood mornings. The system activates the engine, heater, and defroster from inside your home using the key fob or FordPass smartphone app. By the time you reach the truck, the windshield is clear and the cabin temperature is comfortable.

The feature works from up to 100 metres away with the key fob, or from anywhere with cellular coverage using the FordPass app. On mornings when temperatures drop below -15°C, this eliminates 10-15 minutes of scraping ice and waiting for the engine to warm up.

Key Benefits:

• Pre-warms the cabin before you leave home
• Defrosts windshield and side windows automatically
• Reduces wear on wiper blades from scraping ice
• Works via key fob (100-metre range) or FordPass app (unlimited range)

Heated Seats and Steering Wheel

Available heated front seats and steering wheel provide immediate warmth during cold starts. The heated steering wheel reaches comfortable temperature within two minutes, making early-morning drives more tolerable. Heated seats warm up even faster, taking the edge off frozen vinyl or cloth surfaces.

The multi-level heating system lets you adjust intensity based on outside temperature. On moderately cold days around -5°C, level one provides enough warmth. When temperatures drop to -20°C or below, level three delivers maximum heat. Both systems turn off automatically after a set time to prevent overheating.

Cold steering wheels create discomfort and reduce grip during winter driving. Gloves help but reduce steering feel and precision. The heated steering wheel solves this by maintaining comfortable temperature without bulky gloves.

Key Benefits:

• Steering wheel reaches temperature in under two minutes
• Multi-level heat settings adjust to conditions
• Reduces need for heavy winter gloves while driving
• Standard on XLT and higher trims; available on STX

Intelligent 4WD with Deep Sand/Snow Mode

The Intelligent 4WD system includes a Deep Sand/Snow setting optimized for winter traction. The system adjusts torque distribution between front and rear wheels based on wheel slip, steering angle, and throttle input. In Deep Sand/Snow mode, the system allows controlled wheel spin to clear snow and find traction underneath.

The selectable drive modes include Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, and Deep Sand/Snow. Each mode adjusts transmission shift points, throttle response, and 4WD engagement. For Ontario winter driving, Deep Sand/Snow mode works best on unplowed driveways, snowy cottage roads, and highways during active snowfall.

The system shifts seamlessly between 2WD and 4WD based on conditions. On dry pavement, it operates in 2WD to improve fuel economy. When sensors detect wheel slip, it engages 4WD automatically. You can also lock it in 4WD high for consistent traction on snow-covered roads, or 4WD low for deep snow or steep icy inclines.

When to Use Deep Sand/Snow Mode:

• Unplowed driveways with 10+ cm of snow
• Cottage roads with deep snow or ice ruts
• Highway driving during active snowfall
• Parking lots with uneven snow coverage

Pro Trailer Backup Assist

Pro Trailer Backup Assist simplifies reversing with a trailer during winter conditions. Reduced visibility from snow and salt spray makes backing up trailers more difficult. The system controls steering while you control speed and braking using a rotary knob to guide the trailer's direction.

The feature works with all trailer types including camping trailers, boat trailers, utility trailers, and equipment trailers. After initial setup, which takes about two minutes, the system tracks the trailer using the rear camera. You rotate the knob left or right to indicate where the trailer should go, and the F-150 handles the steering automatically.

Winter storage often requires backing trailers into narrow spaces with limited visibility. Snow banks, ice patches, and poor lighting make this task harder. Pro Trailer Backup Assist removes the guesswork by maintaining the correct steering angle while you focus on obstacles and clearance.

How It Works:

1. Connect trailer and complete one-time setup (identifies trailer position)
2. Shift into reverse and activate the system via touchscreen
3. Rotate the control knob in the direction you want the trailer to go
4. Control speed with brake pedal; F-150 steers automatically
5. System maintains chosen angle until you stop or change direction

The feature proves especially useful when backing boats into winter storage, positioning utility trailers in garages, or maneuvering camping trailers into off-season storage facilities. It reduces the stress and time required for winter trailer tasks.

Key Takeaways

Learn More at Hanna Motors Collingwood

The 2025 F-150's winter features work together to reduce the challenges of Ontario's cold season. From morning defrosting to trailer storage, these systems handle the tasks drivers face most often between November and April.

Visit our team in Collingwood to see how these features work in person and test the F-150's winter capability on Ontario roads.