4000 mile feedback

[positiveimpulse]

4000 Mile Review:

Purchased the 2025 Bronco OuterBanks 2.7 Hard Top non-Sasquatch about 4 months ago.

Mixed driving: 2000-mile road trip to the Black Hills, 1000 miles in Chicago, 1000 miles suburban.

My impression of the Bronco is that she is a result of:

Ford Designers did a good job of creating a multifunctional vehicle that looks good.
Ford Engineers focused on a “fun to drive” vehicle that could serve multiple roles, including daily driver, off-road adventures, and weekend adventurer.
Government regulations that forced some unnecessary choices, such as the eco-boost engine and some annoying features like auto-stop.
Ford Procurement is squeezing the suppliers to the last penny. They could make a significantly better product with some minor relationship improvements. The best example of this is the cheap plastic used on the interior.
Ford Interior Designers do not seem to have done a good job on ergonomics.

Problems encountered thus far:

• The rear seat's 40-side seat would not fold down. The dealer fixed it as a warranty issue.
• The rear AC vents do not blow air – Will address in next trip to dealer
• Recall for rear door child locks – Will address next trip to dealer.
• Subwoofer rattle – Will address on next trip to dealer
• Hood flutter – Hope this will be addressed on the next trip to the dealer.
• 
  
• This would be my feedback to Ford on improvement opportunities. Please keep in mind that this is a $50K + vehicle.
  • The cabin noise should be reduced. I notice it at speeds north of 65mph, especially at the junction where the two front sections meet the middle section. I blame this on Ford Procurement.
  • Auto-Stop has already been mentioned in multiple threads. Government regulation.
  • The dipstick to check oil should be a bit more convenient to access.
  • This is the worst washer fluid refill access point I have ever encountered. It takes an excessive amount of time to refill.
  • The lane keep assist just bounces between the lane, not a useful feature.
  • Ford does not have a front mud flag available for the 2025 OBX due to the design of the running boards.
  • Hood lifters should be mandatory on a $50K vehicle.
  • Put some type of braille indentation on the window controls, at least 50% of the time I accidentally open the rear window.
  • The plastic on the entire vehicle needs to be upgraded to a better gauge.
  • Personally, I would like to have simple configuration control over what is displayed on the dash. Ford only allows you to select preconfigured options.
  • I feel comfortable driving up to 75mph on highways. However, when I see the hood flutter, I feel a bit concerned.
  • The rear window should slide up and down like the 4Runner’s. The current design is useless since I can’t drive with it open.
  • Ford has added a feature that allows all four windows to open slightly when unlocked and close in a random sequence. I’m not sure how this will work during winter.
  • Seeing Mabett develop a wire harness holder and brake line stabilizer makes me wonder why Ford Engineering didn’t think of this first.
  • The front middle armrest storage needs to be moved forward about 6 inches to be comfortable.
  • The Bronco often alerts me to keep my hands on the steering wheel on straight roads, which is annoying.
  • Built-in map and navigation are not as good as what is available on the iPhone.
  • Not sure I buy into the 10K first oil change recommendation. I’ll probably stick to 5K
  • Storage in front is minimal; I had to buy the Mabett front door storage accessory
  • The sun visor needs improvement.
  • Definitely considering an extended warranty for peace of mind.
  • Sun visor redesign.
  • 
    
  • 
    That’s my current observations. The vehicle has multiple positives, such as being Fun to drive and having an attractive exterior design, comfortable seats, forward collision, and general stability. The purpose of the post was to focus on feedback to Ford.

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[Sgt Badlands]

Ok

 

[GoHawks63]

I have a 2024 WildTrak which was purchased new this past January.

I currently have 4,600 miles on it with a mix of highway and Suburban driving with lots of country backroads.

- Agree on the plastics and the A.S.S.

As for the road and wind noise, I think that at some point there is only so much you can do when you’re driving a vehicle that has the aerodynamics of a barn door. Maybe a bit more insulation, but again when you build a vehicle where you can remove the roof and doors, you’re going to have to accept compromises. You can’t compare this to a fixed roof vehicle.

My Bronco replaced a 2012 BMW X5. I knew what I was going into and was expecting to have to make a lot of concessions and live with a bit more harshness, but I was pleasantly surprised. Yes there’s a bit more outside noise above 65mph or so, but it’s really not bad (to me at least) and it’s actually not as bad as my Mustang convertible. I also have not experienced any hood flutter.

Gas mileage is actually better than my Cadillac CTS-V. No squeaks or rattles to speak of.

I won’t be waiting to 10K miles for oil changes. Will get it done around 5K.

No problems with the auto drop of the windows when opening any of the doors.

A rear window that opens without having to open the tailgate would’ve been nice, but think about it. I could see people removing their roofs and then rolling up the back window only to have it act like an air brake and breaking.

I could see it if they come out with a fixed roof Bronco.

I love my Bronco. As I said, The BMW felt more like a tall sports car, but the Bronco can go places that the BMW can’t.

It has pleasantly surprised me and I love it so far. However, I did purchase an extended warranty.

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