I grew up in east TN where some parts were pretty hilly. There were certainly places in older vehicles where engine braking was not an option. When I tow now in the 2.7 ecoboost, i still use engine braking, but with that tiny displacement engine up there, it just spins and spins with minimal authority, and it’s nearly laughable with a trailer hooked up back there. with “tow mode” engaged, it will automatically engine brake quite aggressively, but it’s still not very potent. It’s like asking a 4cyl Honda to engine brake a 9000 lb (combined) mass.
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