2024 Big Bend vs 2025 Base Model?

[B-Dog15]

If you’re not doing serious off roading no need for the rear locker. Also if you don’t plan on getting bigger tires/crawling, base gearing should be just fine.

That’s the reason I went with a ‘25 Base instead of BB or OBX with upgraded gearing. Don’t pay for things you don’t need or will use.

Sponsored

 

[Ride Em Bronco]

I'm interested in the 2 door. That's why I am comparing the 25 base with the 24 BB.

I had to make the same decision in October of last year when I ordered the 2 door 25 BB manual before it was yet known that the 2 door 25 BB would no longer be available in 2025. When Ford Ford changed my order to a 2 door 25 Base manual I was fortunate to find a new 2024 2 door BB manual on a dealer lot which I bought in November. I am glad that I did because of all the standard items that the BB comes with.

 

[Oldhippie]

Can’t get a 2.7 2dr in ‘25…

 

[GPPBronco]

I have a 2023 base 2 door with 2.3/auto. 3.73 gearing handles heavy 33” tires fine, so you should have room to grow there. Swapping the factory 30” tires for some larger A/T tires will improve off road performance dramatically. I have had my open diff (no locker) base on mountain passes, sand dunes, and off road parks. Oh, and we get snow up here in Michigan too!

 

[Jazer]

The other consideration is if interior tech matters to you, the base does not get mid package, but the big bend does.

Based on how you said you plan to use it, I think the lack of a rear locker would be fine. Sure, it's better to have and not need, than need and not have - but you can still do quite a bit without a locker. These are quite capable in standard form. I don't do hard trails, but still go out n about sometimes and I get through stuff fine.. It doesn't instantly turn it into a pavement only car without one

While the 3.73s gears aren't ideal for upgrading tires, there is some room to grow. If you do change your mind and decide to upgrade later. As far as driveability, I did not notice a performance change at all going 32s to 33s... but I did notice a difference when I went from 33s to 34s, albeit very livable. Just a bit more required to start turning them from a stop, even with the 2.7, but she's still spirited. Does not hunt for gears or anything. I think the 10 speed gives us a bit more wiggle room here.

 

[Jsullivan]

Can’t get a 2.7 2dr in ‘25…

Buy the Stroppe.
Only $80,000
It looks like a candy cane.

 

[vrtical]

Depending on needs either 25 Base or a 24 BB/BD. I think if you find it you will get a better value for a 24.

 

[UncleBrad]

I'm in the market for a 2-door Bronco, and just started my search. I've found a handful of 2025 base models for sale in my area, as well as one 2024 Big Bend model still listed as new. I'm looking for some guidance/advice on whether the added features of the Big Bend would be worth the trade-off of not getting the 2025 improvements.

What engine and transmission are you looking for? Knowing that is critical, because new 2024 Big Bends with the manual (and the 2.3L)are likely unobtainable.

 

[murrman]

What engine and transmission are you looking for? Knowing that is critical, because new 2024 Big Bends with the manual (and the 2.3L)are likely unobtainable.

I would love to get a manual transmission, but it's not a deal breaker for me.

 

[UncleBrad]

I would love to get a manual transmission, but it's not a deal breaker for me.

That of course means a 2.3L four. You're wanting what I wanted last November. I contacted a local Ford dealership, and they found me one out-of-state. I suspect whether you find one depends upon the salesperson initiative: my contact was OUTSTANDING. And so was the Bronco I received. For I think $150, they even picked it up for me.

Heads-up: I think these configurations are now unicorns (as new 2024's) on the lots. Of course the Big Bend isn't even available now in a 2-door for 2025. Good luck.

 

[B-Dog15]

I have a 2023 base 2 door with 2.3/auto. 3.73 gearing handles heavy 33” tires fine, so you should have room to grow there. Swapping the factory 30” tires for some larger A/T tires will improve off road performance dramatically. I have had my open diff (no locker) base on mountain passes, sand dunes, and off road parks. Oh, and we get snow up here in Michigan too!

Good tires are by far the most important tool for off-roading AND driving in rough conditions (snow, rain, etc.) Those Wildpeaks look great on the steelies by the way! I can't wait until I get some beefier shoes on my Bronco.

 

[Bill K]

I have a '23 BB automatic 2 door with the 2.3. I ordered with many of the updates that the BB offered including a 2 tone interior. Looking back I kind of wish I had the rear lockers (haven't needed them in the snow or on the sand) but then again my mileage is a little better. So far so good and am happy with my purchase. As a side bar you might be able to get a better deal on the '24 as it's been sitting awhile at the dealer...

 

[Rosc78]

I also have the 24 Big Bend 2 door. I really like that I can just wipe off the interior seats--easy to keep clean. I did order the rear locker as well. I use the Bronco as my daily driver as well as my fly fishing truck--after 23,000 miles not one issue

Sponsored