by Anthony Fongaro - Photos by Ford- 10/07/2024
Life is about compromises. For some vehicles, fuel economy is sacrificed in the chance of performance. Others replace technology for cost-efficiency. Regarding the 2024 Ford Bronco, its compromises are almost the same as the Jeep Wrangler. Both are go-anywhere off-roaders that trade rode quality and quality trim pieces. This generation of Bronco has been around for a few years, but it still looks like a badass SUV with seating for five and a good-sized trunk. Comparing it to average crossovers can be a moot point, depending on if you actually take your off-roaders off-road. How is this base trim level as an everyday $55,000 vehicle with the $6,000 Sasquatch Pack?
If you’re getting a Ford Bronco, the Sasquatch package brings the styling up with 35-inch wheels wrapped in 17-inch rims, wider fenders, and various tow points. At the front, Bronco is spelled out across the grill with circular LED lights and various gray accents. This Bronco sported Azure Gray Metallic Tri-Coat Paint, along with a Big Bend badge. Ingress and egress are difficult, so optioning running boards is a must. Similar to a Jeep Wrangler, the roof can be either hard or soft plastic, with the ability to remove either some or all of the panels. At the rear, a horizontal-swinging tailgate has a large spare tire flanked with Bronco-specific lights. It’s still a cool-looking SUV and stands out in the Walmart parking lot.
Inside, the driver has a large steering wheel with cruise control and media buttons. Adaptive cruise control is available, but it wasn’t an option for this vehicle. Marine Grade Vinyl Seats – Dark Space Gray & Black Onyx interior gives a pop of color with support seats. In front of the driver is a half digital and half analog gauge cluster. It’s an interesting layout, but I would prefer full digital dials, which can be had in higher-up trim levels. I’m thankful that the climate controls aren’t buried in the infotainment system, and the infotainment system is simple to use. There is a utilitarian feel throughout the cabin. There’s a vast number of cheap materials, with the worst coming from the $1,895 hardtop. It looks great outside, but while driving, it’s quite loud. Driving in the rain, you can hear every last raindrop. What does help is the large GOAT rotary controller for drive modes both on and off-road.
Powering the Bronco is a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. With a ten-speed automatic and 4x4, the Bronco Big Bend accelerates from 0-60 MPH in 6.5 seconds. There is an available turbocharged V6, but the inline-four has enough power for the big Bronco. Power is linear, and the ten-speed automatic shifts quickly. The ride is choppy on the road thanks to the large wheels and add-ons from the Sasquatch package. In mixed driving, I received around 17 MPG. Take the Bronco off-road, and all the options make sense. It is incredibly fun and feels more competent than a Jeep Wrangler. This Bronco had Ford’s Co-Pilot360 safety system, which included blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assistance.
The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend 4-Door 4x4 starts at a base price of $40,370, Options included is the $1,645 Big Bend Series package, which features the Mid Package—offering dual-zone electronic climate control, front-row heated seats, and a power outlet. The Ford Co-Pilot360 system adds essential safety features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. Azure Gray Metallic Tri-Coat paint costs $995, the 10-speed automatic transmission costs $1,450, and the Sasquatch Package with its off-roading enhancements costs $6,665. Add in the gray molded-in-color hard top with a sound-deadening headliner for $1,895 and a few other options, and the price grows to around $55,000.
For many owners, their Broncos won’t do serious off-roading, so I have a few recommendations. My favorite is the Heritage Edition since it gives many color upgrades while retaining the off-road-focused appeal of the Bronco. The more on-road-focused Outerbank trim level looks to be the best compromise for on and off-road driving. Whichever trim level, the Bronco is an excellent vehicle. It may not ride the best, and there is a lot of wind noise, but the point of the Bronco is to take it off the beaten path. The aggressive looks are iconic, and the overall package feels better than a Jeep Wrangler.
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