Guide to the Ford Bronco Features, Trim Options, and Ownership Considerations
e sell my sensible crossover.”* Since then, I’ve driven multiple trims, taken one through a mild rock garden in Colorado, and even daily‑drove a Bronco Outer Banks for a week in downtown traffic.
This is the guide I wish I’d had before I first showed up at the dealership, all wide‑eyed and ready to buy the first Cyber Orange Bronco on the lot.
Bronco vs. Bronco Sport: Don’t Mix Them Up
Let me clear this up right away, because I’ve watched more than one person at a dealership slowly realize they were looking at the wrong Bronco.
- Ford Bronco (the one this guide is about) – Body‑on‑frame SUV, true off-roader, removable doors and roof, direct Wrangler rival.
- Ford Bronco Sport – Smaller crossover based on the Escape platform, nice little adventure wagon, but not the hardcore rock crawler.
When I tested them back‑to‑back, the difference in feel was night and day. The Bronco Sport drove like a tall hatchback. The Bronco felt like a proper truck with real off-road bones.
If you want the full “doors-off, hose-out-the-floor” experience, you’re shopping for the Bronco, not the Sport.
Powertrains and Core Features: What It’s Like Behind the Wheel
In my experience, the engine choice shapes the Bronco’s personality more than most people expect.
Engine Options
As of the recent model years, you’ll usually see three main engines:
- 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 (turbo)
Around 275–300 hp depending on fuel, with up to 325 lb-ft of torque. I drove this with the 7‑speed manual in a 2‑door Black Diamond, and it surprised me. It’s not a rocket, but the torque comes in low, which is exactly what you want on the trail.
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6 (twin-turbo)
Roughly 315–330 hp and up to 415 lb-ft. When I tested this in a 4‑door Badlands with the 10‑speed automatic, it felt like the sweet spot: strong passing power on the highway, quiet enough at 75 mph, and still very capable off-road.
- 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (Bronco Raptor)
About 418 hp and 440 lb-ft. The Bronco Raptor I drove for just one weekend felt like a desert racer with license plates. Overkill for a commuter? Yes. Fun? Absolutely.
Transmission and 4x4 Systems
I specifically hunted down a manual Bronco because I wanted to try the 7-speed manual with the dedicated crawler gear. On a steep, loose hill, dropping into that gear felt like turning on cheat mode—slow, controlled, and drama-free.
Two 4x4 systems are common:
- Part-time 4x4 – Classic 2H/4H/4L setup. Perfectly fine if you understand when to engage it.
- Advanced 4x4 with automatic mode – Lets you leave it in “4A” and forget about it on mixed conditions. When I was driving through a rain/snow mess in the mountains, this was the one I trusted most.
You also get G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Terrain). It sounds like a marketing gimmick, but on the trail I actually used:
- Mud/Ruts for sloppy forest roads
- Rock Crawl in low-range sections
- Sand on a beach access road
The Bronco automatically adjusts the diffs, throttle response, and traction control. It made me look more competent than I really am.
Trim Levels: Which Bronco Is Actually Right for You?
I’ve driven or ridden in most trims, and here’s how they really feel in the wild—not just on a spec sheet.
Base (when available) & Big Bend
The Base (when Ford offered it) was the minimalist’s dream: steel wheels, cloth seats, and just enough tech. I loved it for one reason—it felt honest. If you see a used one and you’re into modding, don’t dismiss it.
Big Bend adds a bit of comfort: 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more convenience features. When I borrowed one for a short commute test, it felt like a very liveable daily driver, not just a toy. Best for: Folks who want a real Bronco without blowing their budget, and who plan some light to moderate off-roading.Black Diamond
Black Diamond is where I started saying, “Okay, now we’re getting serious.” It adds:
- Heavy-duty bumpers
- Rock rails
- Washout interior with rubberized flooring
I took a Black Diamond through a muddy, rut-filled trail after a storm. I literally hosed out the interior afterwards. Not metaphorically—actual garden hose. That’s when I realized how much I hate babying cars.
Best for: Weekend warriors who’d rather spray mud off than worry about carpet stains.Outer Banks
Outer Banks is your comfort-first Bronco. Think:
- Body-color fender flares
- Larger wheels (typically 18-inch)
- More premium interior and tech options
I daily-drove an Outer Banks for a week. On pavement, it felt the most “normal SUV” of the bunch—quiet, comfortable, and more stylish. But the larger wheels and less aggressive tires do limit hardcore trail fun without upgrades.
Best for: Urban and suburban drivers who still want the Bronco look but spend 90% of their time on asphalt.Badlands
Badlands is the trim I personally recommend most often. It’s the Swiss Army knife of the lineup:
- Front and rear locking differentials
- Disconnecting front sway bar
- More aggressive all‑terrain tires
- Advanced 4x4 and multiple G.O.A.T. modes
On a rocky trail in Colorado, I hit a spot that had a Jeep in front of us really struggling. The guide suggested I try the front sway bar disconnect, locked both diffs, and just crept over. The Bronco felt planted and calm the whole time.
Best for: People who actually plan to wheel their Bronco but still want decent manners on the road.Wildtrak
Wildtrak is more high-speed, desert-running energy:
- Standard 2.7L V6 (often)
- Sasquatch package standard (beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch tires, higher lift)
On the highway, the 35s made more noise and the truck wandered a bit more on grooved pavement. Fun, yes—but you feel the trade-off.
Best for: Anyone who saw the Bronco in Baja-style promo videos and said, “I want that.”Raptor
The Bronco Raptor is chaos in the best possible way: wide fenders, massive stance, 37-inch tires, and a twin-turbo V6 that genuinely hauls.
I had it for just a weekend and my main takeaway: it’s fantastic off-road and comically overqualified for grocery runs. Parking garages became a mild anxiety exercise. But the suspension? It floated over washboard roads like I was on a paved surface.
Best for: Enthusiasts who know exactly what they’re getting into—and don’t mind the price or the size.On-Road Comfort and Daily Use
Everyone asks me: “Can I daily a Bronco?” Short answer: yes, but know what you’re signing up for.
In my experience:
- Wind noise: With the soft top, you’ll hear it. With the hard top, it’s better but still louder than something like a Toyota Highlander.
- Ride quality: The Sasquatch-equipped Broncos and Raptor ride softer over big bumps but can feel a bit floaty. Non-Sasquatch trims are more controlled but slightly less cushy off-road.
- Interior: The design is fun and functional—big grab handles, rubberized buttons—but materials are more “durable” than “luxury.” Think adventure gear, not German luxury sedan.
I loved the upright driving position and squared-off hood. In tight parking lots, that visibility mattered more than any tech features.
Real Off-Road Capability: Where It Shines (and Where It Doesn’t)
I’ve had the Bronco through mud, loose rock, sand, and some shallow water crossings.
Where it absolutely shines:
- Articulation and grip with the sway bar disconnect and lockers engaged
- 35-inch tire option from the factory, thanks to the Sasquatch package
- Approach and departure angles that make most crossovers look like lowriders
But it’s not perfect:
- The width (especially on Raptor and Sasquatch) can be a downside on tight forest trails.
- The longer 4-door models can hang up in certain breakover angle situations versus the 2-door.
Compared to a Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco felt more stable at speed and more comfortable over distance, but the Wrangler still has the edge in some hardcore rock-crawling setups, especially with the aftermarket support it’s had for decades.
Ownership Costs and Reliability: The Stuff No One Posts on Instagram
When I started seriously considering buying one, this is the part I dug into hardest.
Fuel Economy
Based on EPA data and my own testing:
- 2.3L I-4: I saw around 18–21 mpg mixed driving in a 4-door.
- 2.7L V6: More like 16–19 mpg.
- Raptor: Let’s just say you’ll get to know your gas station attendant by name.
If you lift it further, add heavier tires, or bolt on a rooftop tent, your mileage will drop. Physics doesn’t negotiate.
Insurance and Maintenance
Insurance quotes I pulled for myself were noticeably higher than for a midsize crossover, roughly comparable to a Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner.
Routine maintenance (oil changes, tire rotations, etc.) is pretty standard for a modern 4x4, but big off-road tires and potential suspension mods do add cost over time.
Reliability and Known Issues
Early Broncos had widely reported hard-top quality issues, especially with the molded-in-color (MIC) tops—discoloration, surface problems, and some fitment complaints. Ford acknowledged this and replaced a lot of early tops under warranty.
I’ve also heard (and seen) occasional reports of:
- Wind noise and water leaks around seals
- Electronics glitches with the big touchscreen systems
In my experience, nothing catastrophic, but you should go over any used Bronco carefully, especially the top, door alignment, and underbody components for off-road damage.
Should You Actually Buy a Bronco?
When I step back and look at the Bronco not as a fan, but as an owner-type personality, here’s how I frame it.
You’ll probably love a Bronco if:
- You actually use it—trail days, camping, snow trips, or at least windows-down backroad drives.
- You want a rig that feels like an experience every time you get in, not just an appliance.
You might be happier with something else if:
- You’re deeply sensitive to wind noise and ride firmness.
- You don’t want to deal with higher fuel and tire costs.
- You care more about a plush, quiet interior than removable doors and locking diffs.
For me, the Bronco hits that sweet spot between capability, personality, and modern comfort. It’s imperfect, occasionally loud, sometimes thirsty—and somehow that’s exactly why people fall for it.
If you’re on the fence, my honest recommendation: test drive two trims. Try something like an Outer Banks or Big Bend for daily comfort, and a Badlands or Sasquatch-equipped model for the full off-road flavor. When I did that back-to-back, my decision became obvious in about 20 minutes.
Sources
- Ford – Official 2024 Bronco Model Information - Official specs, trims, and features directly from Ford
- EPA – Fuel Economy Data for Ford Bronco - Government fuel economy ratings and comparison tools
- Car and Driver – Tested: 2022 Ford Bronco Road Test Review - Instrumented testing, performance data, and expert impressions
- Consumer Reports – Ford Bronco Overview & Reliability - Reliability trends, owner satisfaction, and safety information
- NHTSA – Ford Bronco Safety Ratings - Official crash-test data and safety recalls
