2024 Ford Bronco Review: Wrangling The Competition (2024)

by Morgan Carter

The price of the 2024 Ford Bronco ranges wildly since there are eight trims to choose from. The Big Bend starts things off at $39,130, while the Black Diamond adds $3,500. The first of the two special editions is the Heritage at $47,855 MSRP. Next up is the Outer Banks, which only comes with four doors and a price tag of $47,940, then the Badlands at $49,395. Another four-door-only model is the Everglades, which sells for $55,520. After that comes Wildtrak at $60,025, with the Heritage Limited Edition will cost you the most at $71,105. Aside from those mentioned, all models come with two doors as standard, while upgrading to four doors will cost you somewhere between $500 and $1,500, depending on trim. These prices don't account for the $1,895 destination charge.

With so many to choose from, picking the right model can be tricky. If you're after an adventure vehicle to supplement your family cars, the entry-level Big Bend is perfect once you add the Sasquatch package. This is a pricey $9k addition, which simply reaffirms the choice to stick with the cheapest trim. But if this is going to be your daily driver, a more luxurious trim like the Outer Banks will keep your family happy while still offering some great off-roading opportunities. If you don't add the Sasquatch Package, you can even upgrade to the stronger engine and still end up spending less than the upgraded Big Bend.

The Bronco range is extensive, so you can have anything from a cheap off-roader with just the basics to an everyday city SUV with all the trimmings that isn't afraid to get dirty. At the lower end of the spectrum, the Big Bend has manual air conditioning, keyless entry, push-button start, an eight-inch digital gauge cluster, and a 12-inch touchscreen.

For infotainment, you get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming, and AM/FM Radio with seven speakers. There are two USB ports in the front and another two in the back. The Heritage upgrades to dual-zone automatic climate control and intelligent access, as well as remote engine start, and heated front seats. Infotainment is also improved with SiriusXM. Through the available packages, you can add a ten-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a wireless charging pad, adaptive cruise control, and a heated steering wheel.

Powering the majority of the Ford Bronco models is a 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, developing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This comes mated to a seven-speed manual transmission as standard, though a ten-speed auto is available. There is also a turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 that makes a more impressive 310 hp and 400 lb-ft, and which is mated exclusively to the automatic gearbox. No matter which powertrain you go for, a 4x4 drivetrain is standard, with a more advanced version available as part of the Sasquatch Package that uses a two-speed electromechanical transfer case. The base engine will launch the Ford Bronco from 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds, while the V6 does the job in 6.2 seconds, both according to independent tests. Top speed is set at 124 mph.

The 2024 Bronco feels comfortable enough on the road, but it is far from being your typical city crossover. It has confident acceleration, especially with the V6 engine, and the steering is responsive enough for most daily driving. However, it's when you travel off the beaten path that the Ford SUV really shines. It comes equipped with G.O.A.T driving modes (Goes Over Any Terrain), which include Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand, Baja, Mud/Ruts, and Rock Crawl. But these are just the beginning, as the 4x4 drivetrain is the real star, especially if you upgrade to the advanced version found in the Sasquatch Package, along with a Dana 44 rear axle, and optional Spicer Performa-TraK electronic locking differentials. The most off-road-focused trims, like the Badlands, get a stabilizer bar disconnect to improve rock crawling.

This is all very technical, but the message at the end of the day is that the Bronco can tackle anything a Jeep Wrangler can. It matches the competition pound for pound with a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs.

There are numerous configurations, and each has its own gas mileage. With the 2.3-liter four-cylinder and manual gearbox, the base-level Ford Bronco gets 20/21/20 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles, and swapping to the automatic gearbox makes no difference. The V6 engine with the auto box drops slightly to 19/21/20 mpg, but it is the specialized models like the Badlands and Black Diamond, with their heavier kit, that get the worst fuel economy. Badlands models vary between 16/17/17 mpg and 17/17/17 mpg, with the manual transmission being thirstier. Black Diamond models manage slightly better, between 16/18/17 mpg and 18/18/18 mpg, with automatic models being more frugal. Adding the Sasquatch Package will also affect fuel economy.

Two-door models get a 16.9-gallon tank, while four-door models have a higher fuel capacity of 20.8 gallons. This means that the Bronco has a traveling range of between 287 and 416 miles, depending on how you configure it.

The NHTSA has only performed a partial safety review of the Ford Bronco, awarding it four out of five stars for frontal crashes and just three stars for rollover tests. The IIHS was more flattering, with scores of Good in every category except for head restraints and headlights, which received Acceptable and Marginal, respectively - these ratings are for 2023 models, but they are likely to carry over for 2024.

Standard safety features include only the basics, such as six airbags, ABS, and AdvanceTrac with roll stability control. You also get the mandatory rearview camera, along with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and trailer sway control. Upper trim levels can choose to add a few more systems like blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic assist, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and reverse sensing.

Ford has a solid reputation in the USA, but the Bronco's reliability for 2024 hasn't been established yet. 2023 models were rated at 77 out of 100 according to JD Power for Quality & Reliability, so there is still room to improve. The SUV was also recalled a total of six times last year, for reasons including incorrect load capacity information, unsecured transmissions, improperly tightened lug nuts, and the steering wheel locking up while driving. In fact, the NHTSA even issued a "Do not drive" warning for the vehicle. At the time of writing, there were no recalls for new 2024 models.

In terms of manufacturer coverage, the 2024 Ford Bronco gets a warranty valid for three years or 36,000 miles, with five years or 60,000 miles allocated to the powertrain.

• Basic:

  3 Years\36,000 Miles

• Drivetrain:

  5 Years\60,000 Miles

• Corrosion:

  5 Years\Unlimited Miles

• Roadside Assistance:

  5 Years\60,000 Miles

While many automakers are looking to stand out with futuristic designs, the Ford Bronco harkens to the past with its retro styling inspired by the original Bronco. Naturally, it is a stout little SUV with a chunky front bumper and protruding grille bearing the full Bronco name. The headlights are LED as standard, and the car rides on 17-inch wheels wrapped in 32-inch all-terrain tires on most models, or 33-inch all-terrains in the case of the Badlands. Heritage Edition, Everglades , and Wildtrak models get 35-inch mud-terrain tires, and Outer Banks trims get 18-inch alloys.

The trunk door is manually operated and swings out at 150 degrees. The roof can be removed and is available in soft- or hard-top form, depending on whether you choose the four- or two-door model, respectively. In Black Diamond guise, the Bronco sports full underbody bash plates and rock rails, while the Wildtrak gets bespoke graphics. If you equip the Sasquatch Package, you'll immediately notice the added ground clearance of the off-road suspension.

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