2024 Ford Bronco

The SUV as we know it today might never have risen to prominence had it not been for the Ford Bronco. Versatile in its applications as a commuter vehicle and off-roader, the Bronco would help set a standard that would dominate the vehicle class for several years. Despite this, the Ford Bronco was absent for much of the SUV boom in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but ever since it was resurrected, it has claimed its rightful place as the king of SUVs.

Exhibiting a style that’s reminiscent of the designs that were popular several decades ago while also having a modern aesthetic that drivers certainly appreciate, the 2024 Ford Bronco is ideal for any driving situation, both off of the road and on it. As it did many years ago, the Bronco is designed to compete directly with the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner. Today, we’re saddling up this noble steed and taking a close look at this off-road SUV to see that you can’t keep an excellent thing away from the public eye for too long.

MSRP: $39,630 ^[a]
Horsepower: 330hp
Torque: 415 lb-ft
Screen Size: 12in

Performance

Ford has always been known for understanding the needs of its drivers and giving them plenty of variety from which to choose. Like their other capable SUVs, such as the Ford Edge and Explorer, the Bronco can be equipped with two different powertrains. This allows drivers to choose between one geared towards economy and the other for performance. As it did several years ago, the Ford Bronco competes with the Chevy Blazer as they both follow this concept. And, as we’ll see, the Bronco once again outmuscles its famous rival.

The Base 2.3L Engine

The standard engine for the Ford Bronco is a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine that pairs with a ten-speed automatic or a seven-speed manual transmission and propels the Bronco forward with the benefit of generating up to 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Despite this abundance of performance, the four-cylinder still provides adequate fuel economy, with 20 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. By all accounts, the Bronco is refined when it comes to commuting in the city limits and can also handle busy highway drives.

The Available 2.7L Engine

If you want to get the most out of the Bronco regarding performance, you’ll undoubtedly want to upgrade to the turbocharged 2.7L V6, increasing the hp to 330 and torque to 415 lb-ft. This also unlocks the Bronco’s maximum tow rating of 3,500 lbs.

The Bronco GOAT Modes

By all accounts, the Bronco is refined when commuting within city limits. However, it can also handle the rough-and-tumble world off the pavement, thanks to a revolutionary technology Ford refers to as GOAT Modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain.) This drive mode selection is far more advanced than anything from competitors such as Jeep or Chevy and can allow you to conquer many types of geographic locations. You can switch from Eco, Normal, and Sport modes, which are ideal for street or highway driving when you need that extra throttle response, to Sand/Snow or Slippery, which will allow you to tackle any unpleasant road or off-road conditions. Available modes such as Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl can facilitate any uneven adventure and make it as easy as pie. An 11.6-inch ground clearance further bolsters the Bronco’s off-road capabilities.

Interior & Technology

Undoubtedly, the Ford Bronco has a unique appearance that makes it instantly recognizable to anyone. Now that we’ve looked underneath the hood and examined the attributes that facilitate exceptional performance and off-road capability, it’s time to explore the interior of the Bronco and evaluate its unique design and tech-savvy features that make it such an excellent vehicle.

Great Versatility

The Bronco comes in various forms that instantly facilitate your needs. As such, the Bronco comes in two—and four-door configurations, along with soft or hard tops. The Bronco can have its doors and top removed for instant conversion into a dune buggy, which is just one more feature that is certain to pique the interest of anyone who favors off-roading. These features allow the Bronco to go toe-to-toe with classic rivals like the Jeep Wrangler.

Smart Technology

The Ford Bronco’s dashboard not only has a nice aesthetic touch and takes the shape of the classic Bronco, but two items are worth mentioning as they illustrate Ford’s ability to cater to the modern driver’s needs. The first is a rack on top of the dashboard that can support a GoPro or smartphone, allowing you to document your adventures for posterity or Livestream your journey on the less traveled path.

The other feature embedded in the dashboard is a 12-inch infotainment screen that comes standard across all trims. You’ll be provided wireless compatibility with Apple and Android products and the latest edition of Sync 4, Ford’s comprehensive and user-intuitive software suite. Sync 4 has the additional advantage of getting over-the-air updates, thus ensuring that you’ll always have the latest version at your disposal.

For those who want to upgrade and enhance their experience behind the wheel, other items, such as navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot, are available, as is a high-end stereo system from the experts at B&O.

Safety and Driver Assist Features

Whether you’re hitting the road to handle the daily commute or gearing up to conquer the wilderness, there’s nothing more important than the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re well-protected behind the wheel.

Awesome Available Packages

Depending on which features you want to equip the Bronco with, there are available packs that grant you access to some of the very best. The standard package offers the advantage of a Rear View Camera with backup assist grid lines, which is imperative for those who frequent suburban areas and tight parking spots.

The Mid Package unlocks many safety features that are a part of the Ford Co-Pilot360, a comprehensive suite with many features. These include a Lane-Keeping System, which can be integral for maintaining your current position on the road, especially when visibility might seem limited. Speaking of visibility, you’ll also have the added advantage of Auto High Beam Headlamps that engage when visibility is limited and disengage the presence of incoming traffic. Automatic Emergency Braking and Pre-Collision Assist are also included and can be very beneficial when preserving reaction time.

Opting for the Lux Package will give you access to Ford’s most advanced safety and driver assist features. A 360-Degree Camera provides you with more oversight regarding your surroundings, and you’ll also have the advantage of Adaptive Cruise Control, one of the most beneficial technologies that ensures a safe following distance when traveling on the highway. Evasive Steering Assist and Front Parking Sensors seal the deal in terms of having the best protection you could ask for.