Hardly any car has been as hyped in recent years as the new Ford Bronco. The first press photos showed that Ford had done its homework and was launching with a bang. I admit that I got carried away by the enthusiasm. I even considered placing an order. But as a huge Jeep Wrangler fan (I’ve owned two) and recently also a Toyota 4Runner fan (of which I’ve also owned two – I admit my problem), my skepticism got the better of me and I held back.
Well, after a week with a 2024 Bronco Outer Banks with Sasquatch package, I regret that decision.
Many SUVs today seem like they were made from a single piece. Stale, even. And I can see why! Not only are most SUVs packed with a plethora of power-numbing technology, but most are so muted and smooth that it’s hard to tell one from the other.
The new Bronco contradicts all of that, and I can’t stress enough how refreshing the experience is. The Bronco is the cure you didn’t know you needed. It brightened my day every time I drove it, and I was very reluctant to hand the keys back at the end of my time with it. Car and Driver also loved it, giving it a 9.5/10 rating and 10 Best and Editor’s Choice awards.
Even if you never ride off-road, you’ll still have a lot of fun with it. Here are six reasons why.
The design is thoughtful, intuitive and undeniably cool
After a 25-year absence from the market, Ford has had plenty of time to do its homework and make sure the return of this beloved trademark is a hit. Spoiler alert: It is.
So many little details and nuances show that Ford has carefully considered every aspect of this vehicle. From the driving position to the seat comfort to the rubberized buttons, the design all feels coherent. Case in point: Even the three-piece hardtop is so well designed that even my 8-year-old son was able to remove the front half (with my lift) in under two minutes. Amazing.
It looks great inside and out too, with the mix of retro styling and a completely modern package perfectly balanced and effortlessly making you feel like you’re driving something special.
Andrew Krok, senior editor at Car and Driver, summed it up best when he wrote, “There’s something so fun and anachronistic about rowing down the road in this airy, body-on-frame SUV. It offers a touch of old-school cool, keeps my butt warm, and lets me play Spotify from my phone. Whether it’s a short drive or a long one, I’m always up for more time in the Bronco.”
The technology is great – and not intrusive
I get annoyed by cars that constantly beep and alert me with this and that. Thankfully, the Bronco doesn’t do that, and it’s still equipped with the latest safety technology, crystal-clear screens, cameras, and all the modern conveniences you could want. I especially liked the large infotainment screen. Ford’s Sync system looks good, is easy to use, and is packed with helpful information and settings that both novices and enthusiasts will appreciate.
It is comfortable and practical
One of the best things about the Bronco is how surprisingly comfortable and practical it is. Sitting in the driver’s seat feels as natural and comfortable as putting on your favorite t-shirt. There’s tons of room up front and a surprising amount of legroom in the back seat – especially for our two kids. Plus, there are plenty of easy-to-clean surfaces, so wiping down seats and door panels is a breeze.
The cargo area is particularly spacious on the four-door Bronco model. Thanks to its boxy design, you can fit a lot of stuff in there, including strollers, camping gear, diaper bags, and big Costco loads. Could the Bronco secretly be one of the better family cars on the market? Absolutely – especially if you take the top off. My kids thought it was the coolest thing ever.
I drove the Bronco quite a bit around town and on my 52-mile commute and never once did I get tired of it. Some have complained about the road, wind and tire noise, but I honestly didn’t find it very bothersome, especially with the felt headliner glued to the hardtop of this Bronco.
It is powerful and sounds good
I’m spoiled because I’ve spent a lot of time with Wranglers with V8 engines, so I was naturally skeptical about my test car’s optional twin-turbocharged V6. As it turns out, I was completely wrong. This engine is eager, robust, and a lot of fun to test around town and on the highway. It has torque for days, and accelerating and passing requires almost no effort. During my time with it, I averaged about 17 mpg, but on longer trips I got just over 20 mpg.
The engine sounds really good too. I’m not sure if it’s natural or if some of it is induced, but either way I liked its growl. It sounds like a truck and a V8, and I love it.
It’s great to drive – anywhere, anytime
Perhaps the best thing about the Bronco is that it’s just so damn good to drive. It’s comfortable, fun, powerful, and has an incredibly charming demeanor and demeanor. It’s impossible not to have fun while driving, no matter what you’re doing. Commuting, running errands, going on adventures – the Bronco is ready for anything.
I’ll just say this: I drive and test about 100 cars a year and few things have made me smile like this one. And while you might be intimidated by its off-road attitude and style, you don’t need to be. This is an accessible ride, so much so that I’m sure most people would enjoy their time behind the wheel.
Mike Sutton, technical editor at Car and Driver, summed it up well when he wrote, “The world is a better place with a new Bronco. It’s not perfect… but it’s always fun, it gets a lot of attention, and it’s super capable. Plus, it’s effortlessly cool in a world full of painfully boring crossovers.”
An almost uncompromising ownership experience
As I said at the beginning of this article, it’s clear that Ford has done its homework here. It’s an SUV that feels special and is thoroughly thought out. It’s engineered to be both a comfortable, engaging everyday car and a capable off-roader – and it succeeds.
So what are the compromises? It’s a short list. Fuel economy is mediocre. Some might find fault with some of the interior materials for the price. Road, tire and wind noise might bother some. The ride is a little bumpier. But honestly, that’s about it. If you can live with these minor flaws, you’re in for a really good time. Especially if you’re willing to take two minutes to remove the three front panels of the hardtop.
Final thoughts
In a segment flooded with anonymous design and performance, the Ford Bronco is literally a breath of fresh air. It put a smile on my face every time I got behind the wheel. It’s easy and comfortable to drive, a lot of fun, and has tons of character and personality.
In other words, the new Bronco is worth the hype. It’s the cure for ailments you didn’t even know you had, and that’s why it’s worth every dollar of its somewhat high MSRP. In fact, I’d be willing to pay even a little more for the Wildtrak and its fancy Hoss 3.0 Fox shocks, but as it is, the Outer Banks with the Sasquatch package is a solid combination.
Ford, I’m in.
In closing, I’d like to echo Car and Driver’s Tony Quiroga at the end of his 40,000-mile Bronco test: “I absolutely fell in love with the Bronco. From the interior to the view from the nearly vertical windows, the Bronco is a unique and special experience.”
