Man, the Ford Bronco is a massive hit. Even models that are three years old are still retaining their value. No one wants to purchase something that was potentially abused in an off-road environment. That is why I was excited to try the Ford Bronco Big Bend: an entry-level Bronco that features a four-cylinder engine. Armed with the off-road Sasquatch package, it has that straight-from-the-customizer look right from the factory.
The Sasquatch package is not cheap, as it’s a $6,500 addition to the base price. However, you get all the off-road goodies, including massive 35-inch tires, included in the bill. Go try to buy decent wheels and tires for an off-road rig, and the prices make Ford’s ready-to-roll proposition more tempting. When you consider the better on-road characteristics compared to the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco comes out ahead as a winner.
Powering the Bronco Big Bend
The Bronco base model engine sure does look a lot tidier in the engine bay compared to the V6 model that flaunts an extensive amount of vacuum hoses and emission equipment. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost does a great job motivating the Bronco. My tester had the 10-speed automatic transmission, but a manual transmission is available for hardcore off-roaders who want to row their own gears. My fuel economy ran just over 18 MPG, which included a lot of highway driving. But 35-inch tires are not known for reducing rolling resistance.
Interior Simplicity
The Big Bend features marine-grade vinyl seats that are a welcome addition, and possibly preferable to leather for those who want to take the top off and leave it off. Although tough, the seats are still heated, so your butt can be warm on a snowy trail. The technology is centered around the excellent and clear 12-inch central touchscreen. The system is built around Ford’s SYNC 4 system, with software updates and integration for the FordPass Performance app with off-road navigation. This allows owners to plan, navigate, and share their off-road adventures. Ford lets you tap into advanced topographic trail maps on the Big Bend. There are more than 1,000 curated trail maps powered by NeoTreks AccuTerra Maps, Trails Offroad guides, and FunTreks trail guides. The trail mapping system works online or offline on the central screen. It allows users to select one of hundreds of available curated trail maps to map out, then track, capture, and share their adventures with others.
Technical Tools For Your Next Adventure
The SYNC system displays the 360-degree camera system and off-road spotter views, enhancing visibility in technical pursuits such as rock crawling. The instrument panel draws inspiration from the first-generation model, featuring intuitive gauges and easy-to-read controls. Colors and materials reflect natural palettes and outdoor gear, while grab handles are seamlessly integrated into the dash area. Prioritizing off-road functionality, the materials are rugged, and the vinyl aligns perfectly with this mission. The instrument panel surfaces are designed to be wipeable, with seamless silicone rubber on the dash-mounted switches and rubber touchpoints providing protection against dirt and water.
For those looking to enhance off-road capabilities further, six upfitter switches are mounted overhead. These auxiliary switches are silicone-sealed, offering protection from the elements and facilitating easy customization. Pre-wired electrical leads connect to key accessory points under the hood and in the rear cargo area, making the addition of a winch appear almost OEM. To keep the interior organized, MOLLE mounts are positioned on the seatbacks, and attachment points are integrated into the top of the instrument panel. This setup allows for easy mounting of a bring-your-own-device rack, with 12-volt and USB power connections nearby for cameras, navigation units, phones, or other devices.
Going Topless
Although not my usual test for a demonstration vehicle, I could not let the Bronco go without removing the roof and front doors. There is a kit in the glove compartment with all the tools necessary to remove the two bolts that hold the doors in place. Then, you remove an electrical connector with a cover that cleverly snaps into place to protect the receptacle from the elements. Finally, you slide the whole door into a provided storage bag with handles on it. My only goof was on one side; I forgot to lower the window before I had the loose door in my hands. My back did not thank me when I quickly put the plug back in place and then retracted the window while holding the door. But traveling without doors on a thoroughly modern vehicle with a modern infotainment system is a riot! Ford provides another tool to help return the door onto the Bronco so everything lines up without cursing.
The Bronco is an off-road legend. Legends aren’t cheap. My tester started with a base price of $40K but rose to $54K with the addition of the Sasquatch off-road package. But you get a vehicle that can tackle most anything and is fun to drive, especially with the doors off. Choosing between a used Raptor or a new Bronco Big Bend Sasquatch is a tough choice.
