One Week In - How livable is the new Bronco?

[DieselSmack]

I don't know, guys. Waiting until 2023 just to get my painted top (IMO the only one that looks at all decent)? Rubicon's looking better every day - and they're available!

Let us know when you're ready to trade in the Wrangler

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[PREMiERdrum]

I'm looking to do the same right off the bat. If/When you do this, mind getting some measurements of the front and rear speakers for those of us shopping on crutchfield? (they don't have model info yet for their parts picker)

4" in both the dashtop and rear pods, 6.5" in the front kick panels.

 

[HotdogThud]

4" in both the dashtop and rear pods, 6.5" in the front kick panels.

Damn, what did Ford think they were going to accomplish with 4"?! Nobody gets anything done with 4"....

 

[radprez]

Not doing an ADIOS.
$66,367. is the order I have in for my Bronco (it keeps varying because of the winch problem). I'm not canceling my effing order. I just want to get my vehicle BEFORE other people in my condo complex get theirs from the local dealers. Isn't that why we went through this reservation process?

 

[PREMiERdrum]

Damn, what did Ford think they were going to accomplish with 4"?! Nobody gets anything done with 4"....

To be fair they're 4" around...

Edit: In all seriousness, a 4/6 4/6 front and 4/4 rear could be just fine with a properly reinforced cone and reasonable EQ work. I'm curious if the Bronco cones are a more weather-resistant material instead of pulp, which would contribute to the tinny sound.

I'd love to hear some woven, reinforced glass cone units in there. That would make a world of difference.

 

[Little Foot]

In full transparency, my last 2 daily drivers were a 2013 Flex preceded by a 2008 Fusion. Lighting tech has made HUGE strides in the time between then and now! The Bronco has a nice *broad* wash of light and the auto high beams work much better than I would have expected. The pattern is much better than that of our Explorer which throws a bit narrow and boxy.



Yep, you can push it a tiny bit more to hit the "rest" in travel at 90 degrees, or push through that travel to the 2nd stop which is a good ways past 90. Having the strut is a big help, it's just getting used to stopping and letting the strut take over.



The sound system is adequate and absolutely no better. The cones all appear to be fairly undersized (likely made to fit in the dash top and C-ring pods) but the sound with the EQ flatlined is very hollow and tinny. Bump up your low and mid and take down your high and it sounds like a fine car stereo system. There is plenty of power to keep the music audible even with the roof off and windows down at speed.

It's been pretty hot here - over 100 with nearly 100% humidity. It does take the back seat a few moments more to cool off than the front, but my kids have actually complained about getting cold while I have the front climate set to my comfort. When running AC with the roof off, I agree that the air movement pulls the cold air up and away from the back seat.

The lack of rear vents hasn't been an issue for us, though I'm sure the kids miss having their own climate controls like they had in my Flex and have in our Explorer. The complaints here seem to be loud enough that I can't imagine Ford not addressing it.

Thank you so much for the feedback.

 

[FTBronco9]

- The Auto Start/Stop seems to get smoother and less noticeable as you go. I hated it on day 1 but haven't turned it off since day 2.

Is it possible that this feature adapts to driving habits and “wears in” the more it’s driven or is it really just not that noticeable?

 

[Garemlin]

Great write up. Glad you are enjoying it.

 

[Alpha1_Silverback]

Yesterday afternoon marked exactly one week since taking delivery of Betty, a 4 door Bronco Big Bend (2.L, 10 sp auto, MIC roof, Mid Package, Signature Lights, and floor liners). With 7 days and almost 400 miles on her, I thought it would be good to report back on how things are going.

First of all, this thing is every bit as smooth and drivable on-road as my Flex or my wife's Explorer. It tracks straight and smooth with none of the wallowing or skittering you see with other off-road vehicles. The suspension and "big" tires (non-squatch here) swallow up fairly significant imperfections in the road, even at speed. It's engaging and quite responsive, with good feedback both from underneath in the straits and in the wheel during turns. The turning radius seems a lot tighter than the wide, flat hood would lead on from the driver's seat.

When you put your foot in it, the 2.3L will go. This does NOT feel like some wheezy punishment of a base engine. I doubt any of you selecting the 2.7L will be disappointed, but the 2.3 is beyond adequate. I'm averaging 21 mpg in mostly around town and back country road driving.

There's something about the height and shape of the windshield frame that minimizes buffeting even with the front 3 roof panels off. The back seat is treated to a nice face-full of breeze but the pressure is pleasantly consistent. It's still smooth enough that a certain just-turned-9-year-old enjoyed about a 20 minute nap while cruising the back roads of Licking County, Ohio:

The interior materials are TOUGH and hardy. I've had far too many "oh shit!" moments already where a baseball bat, cooler, or piece of drum hardware made less-than-ideal contact with parts of the cabin, and any little mark that might remain just wipes right off.

The roof panel design, weight, and operation has really impressed me. We're talking less than 60 seconds to get the front 2 panels off and stowed, and not much longer to get the mid panel off. My nephew - a very small 10 year old - wanted to learn how to work the roof last night. He figured it out in a couple minutes as I watched and had no problem maneuvering the front panels. Open air experience was definitely a big priority for the engineers and they absolutely nailed it.

I've gotten her off road a bit more at a buddy's horse farm. Took it on a trail through the woods, and while it wasn't incredibly difficult terrain, the Bronco just swallowed it right up like it was on a flat stretch of road. I need to get her to one of the trail parks around here to really stretch her legs and see what she can do.

I don't expect this to change for a while, but this thing is an attention getter. I've had 2 Bronco Sports track me down (one on the freeway and one on the main drag thru town) honking and waving like they saw a celebrity. Lots of questions and comments from strangers in parking lots with many happy at the chance to hop in and check her out. Also, the signature lighting just looks absolutely slick after dark. It presents like a concept car, not a production model.

One week in and I have no regrets in my build - this is exactly the Bronco that fits me. IF you're thinking about sacrificing some of your preferred options to try and get one sooner, I'd recommend against it. You've waited this long to get just what you want, and I can promise these rigs have the goods to deliver once they arrive.

Monday was a week for me as well! About 500 miles at the time! I agree with you 100% about the ride. Tracks straight, seats are comfortable, eats any imperfections in the roads ( Toledo area has many). Just across into Michigan a few roads are very "wavy" lots of dips, the Bronco handles those with ease at speeds of 50+ mph. Similar to a wash on dirt roads, these just happen to be some what paved!

I have the MGV, and although soft and comfortable, with the tops off, it does not take long for it to get HOT! But I love the look of the blackish vinyl with the yellow/orange stitching, it really looks good with the Oxford white! IMO!

Tops are definitely easy to come off, front panels no issues, mid panel took a few attempts to balance the length/weight, would of been no issue if i allowed my wife to help, but I was determined to figure it out myself! The rear cap, is a 2 person job, hopefully some type of lift or hoist comes out specifically for Bronco. Saying that, if need be you could remove it by yourself, but would recommend help from someone, as to not drop or scrap up the top.

Have not been able to take her off road yet, but intend to do so by the end of the month! I really wanted to go to the Bronco take over at the dunes at Silver Lake but will be on vacation

Definitely grabs the attention of everyone on the road and in parking lots. I have come out of the grocery store, barber shop and other random places to serval people standing next to it waiting for the me to come out to ask me questions and to tell me about their old broncos!

My wife thinks im nuts but I love to park it up front so it garners all the attention! I love being the ONLY ONE in the area! Their are tons of bronco sports but only 1 Bronco! At least to my knowledge and according to my Ford Rep.

The 2.7 is quick, prob. a lil over kill, I am not complaining and absolutely love this engine as I have had it on my last 2 f150s, just saying the 2.3L will be plenty and you will not be disappointed either way! Especially if OP is getting 21 mpg around town! I am closer to what it is estimated at for my rig, which is 17 MPG. I am currently at 16.8 MPG. I would say that is with some "spirited" driving!

All in all, I am extremely happy with what I ordered and super blessed that its here and I can enjoy it! Hopefully, hearing about it is not upsetting to anyone that has not received theirs yet! Im sure OP feels the same way, we would just like to express just how awesome these vehicles are and keep you excited to receive yours!

*Side Note* I know this was in another thread, and had some discussion, BAJA vs SPORT modes.

We have a demo here that has the sport mode and mine has baja. I have been able to test out both. They are NOT the same! I would strongly discourage using BAJA on pavement! Even switching back into 2H. The shift points are not the same as what it is in Sport Mode. BAJA on pavement IMO is not a good option. I dont know if it will hurt anything on the Bronco, it was just not a good ride. Holds rpms too high and shifts hard or feels like it wont shift. overall it is not the same as Sport mode. I can say I will not be using it as an alternative to sport mode. off road is a different story, as I was able to use Baja in texas on the dirt track!

 

[L8apex]

Is it possible that this feature adapts to driving habits and “wears in” the more it’s driven or is it really just not that noticeable?

I'm guessing it's more that the transmission adaptives get better as it learns. So if you release the brake and quickly get on the gas that first shift isn't as harsh.

 

[Bdisco]

PREMiERdrum

How is the blue tooth mic for phone conversations?

My wife biggest complaint with my STi besides "Do you have to drive so fast?" was with the phone. The center a/c vents would blow directly on the microphone, that coupled with the lack of sound deadening and intake noise routed to the glove box resulted with "Call me back, when you get where you're going."

I'm old and still find it easier to use the phone function of my cellular rather then text and drive. Good to know the Bronco tracks straight for those who do text and drive though.

Glad you and your family are enjoying the New Bronco!

 

[CarolinaKristi]

Yesterday afternoon marked exactly one week since taking delivery of Betty, a 4 door Bronco Big Bend (2.L, 10 sp auto, MIC roof, Mid Package, Signature Lights, and floor liners). With 7 days and almost 400 miles on her, I thought it would be good to report back on how things are going.

First of all, this thing is every bit as smooth and drivable on-road as my Flex or my wife's Explorer. It tracks straight and smooth with none of the wallowing or skittering you see with other off-road vehicles. The suspension and "big" tires (non-squatch here) swallow up fairly significant imperfections in the road, even at speed. It's engaging and quite responsive, with good feedback both from underneath in the straits and in the wheel during turns. The turning radius seems a lot tighter than the wide, flat hood would lead on from the driver's seat.

When you put your foot in it, the 2.3L will go. This does NOT feel like some wheezy punishment of a base engine. I doubt any of you selecting the 2.7L will be disappointed, but the 2.3 is beyond adequate. I'm averaging 21 mpg in mostly around town and back country road driving.

There's something about the height and shape of the windshield frame that minimizes buffeting even with the front 3 roof panels off. The back seat is treated to a nice face-full of breeze but the pressure is pleasantly consistent. It's still smooth enough that a certain just-turned-9-year-old enjoyed about a 20 minute nap while cruising the back roads of Licking County, Ohio:

The interior materials are TOUGH and hardy. I've had far too many "oh shit!" moments already where a baseball bat, cooler, or piece of drum hardware made less-than-ideal contact with parts of the cabin, and any little mark that might remain just wipes right off.

The roof panel design, weight, and operation has really impressed me. We're talking less than 60 seconds to get the front 2 panels off and stowed, and not much longer to get the mid panel off. My nephew - a very small 10 year old - wanted to learn how to work the roof last night. He figured it out in a couple minutes as I watched and had no problem maneuvering the front panels. Open air experience was definitely a big priority for the engineers and they absolutely nailed it.

I've gotten her off road a bit more at a buddy's horse farm. Took it on a trail through the woods, and while it wasn't incredibly difficult terrain, the Bronco just swallowed it right up like it was on a flat stretch of road. I need to get her to one of the trail parks around here to really stretch her legs and see what she can do.

I don't expect this to change for a while, but this thing is an attention getter. I've had 2 Bronco Sports track me down (one on the freeway and one on the main drag thru town) honking and waving like they saw a celebrity. Lots of questions and comments from strangers in parking lots with many happy at the chance to hop in and check her out. Also, the signature lighting just looks absolutely slick after dark. It presents like a concept car, not a production model.

One week in and I have no regrets in my build - this is exactly the Bronco that fits me. IF you're thinking about sacrificing some of your preferred options to try and get one sooner, I'd recommend against it. You've waited this long to get just what you want, and I can promise these rigs have the goods to deliver once they arrive.




I'm obviously a bit biased, but the Cactus / Carbonized combo has a lovely purposeful two-tone effect. The Carbonized accents aren't quite black but are a beautifully deep gray. With the Carbonized wheels, grille, and badging on Big Bend it all just goes so well together.



No dislikes. A few things that have taken getting used to:
- The Auto Start/Stop seems to get smoother and less noticeable as you go. I hated it on day 1 but haven't turned it off since day 2.

-When you open the driver's door the active grille shutters get into position for driving, creating a high pitched mechanical sound from the front end. It still surprises me every time. (it isn't loud, but decades of ear damage from live music and approx. 35% hearing loss has left my ears quite sensitive to higher frequencies).

- Opening the swing gate takes some getting used to. Pull the handle towards you and the operation is fairly light for the first 1/3 of travel, but then the strut kicks in. Your first instinct is to keep pulling but the resistance is heavy. In actuality, once you feel the resistance you just let go and let the strut push it open for about the next 1/3 of travel. It has taken me almost this whole first week to stop fighting the damn strut.




In full transparency, my last 2 daily drivers were a 2013 Flex preceded by a 2008 Fusion. Lighting tech has made HUGE strides in the time between then and now! The Bronco has a nice *broad* wash of light and the auto high beams work much better than I would have expected. The pattern is much better than that of our Explorer which throws a bit narrow and boxy.



Yep, you can push it a tiny bit more to hit the "rest" in travel at 90 degrees, or push through that travel to the 2nd stop which is a good ways past 90. Having the strut is a big help, it's just getting used to stopping and letting the strut take over.



The sound system is adequate and absolutely no better. The cones all appear to be fairly undersized (likely made to fit in the dash top and C-ring pods) but the sound with the EQ flatlined is very hollow and tinny. Bump up your low and mid and take down your high and it sounds like a fine car stereo system. There is plenty of power to keep the music audible even with the roof off and windows down at speed.

It's been pretty hot here - over 100 with nearly 100% humidity. It does take the back seat a few moments more to cool off than the front, but my kids have actually complained about getting cold while I have the front climate set to my comfort. When running AC with the roof off, I agree that the air movement pulls the cold air up and away from the back seat.

The lack of rear vents hasn't been an issue for us, though I'm sure the kids miss having their own climate controls like they had in my Flex and have in our Explorer. The complaints here seem to be loud enough that I can't imagine Ford not addressing it.




Nothing major at this point. I'd like to add the sill plates as there is a good bit of horizontal painted surface at the entrances that I could see getting scratched up. Other than that, some visual upgrades to the grille lettering and trailsights and inserts for the "BRONCO" on the passenger side dash will probably come along.

At this point I'm more inclined to put some money into upgrading the speakers. I don't need a sub or anything crazy, just a better full-range sound reproduction.



I'd expect it to be very, very similar. I'm curious myself to get into a 2dr at some point to see if it feels that much more nimble.



I noticed whistling around the mirrors and roof line once so far, and that was going 80mph down the interstate in moderate to high winds. Otherwise I haven't experienced it.



4" in both the dashtop and rear pods, 6.5" in the front kick panels.



To be fair they're 4" around...

Edit: In all seriousness, a 4/6 4/6 front and 4/4 rear could be just fine with a properly reinforced cone and reasonable EQ work. I'm curious if the Bronco cones are a more weather-resistant material instead of pulp, which would contribute to the tinny sound.

I'd love to hear some woven, reinforced glass cone units in there. That would make a world of difference.

Thank you for all the details! You're holding me over while I wait for my Big Bend!

 

[wrbix]

Nice review. Thanks!

…..but what’s it smell like? LOL

 

[Berwolf]

PREMiERdrum

How is the blue tooth mic for phone conversations?

My wife biggest complaint with my STi besides "Do you have to drive so fast?" was with the phone. The center a/c vents would blow directly on the microphone, that coupled with the lack of sound deadening and intake noise routed to the glove box resulted with "Call me back, when you get where you're going."

Glad you and your family are enjoying the New Bronco!

This sounds like a good problem to have, haha! I have taken a few calls in my badlands with soft top on, windows up and no one has complained or said they couldn't hear me.

 

[R11]

Awesome account. Will be looking forward to details on your audio upgrade!

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