Automatic Vs Manual

[Onestepmore]

So I'm looking at getting a bronco, but I'm kind of in a predicament here. I'm looking between the automatic and the manual. I've seen some mixed reviews with the automatic, but not really much with the manual. I've been wondering how the 10spd auto performs on this car. I remember using a Transit that has the 10, and that was surprisingly smooth and gave the van some gusto. Seem some slightly different opinions with it on the Mustang. On the Bronco I've seen some people like it and it works well, but some would rather have the manual. I like manuals, but don't like heavy clutches. I live in a place with lots of stop-and-go's. Does the bronco have a light or heavy clutch? Also wondering about the shifter. Does it vibrate from the engine and twist from the torque like some other rear drive sticks? I don't do really any kind of modding and/or offroading. Only thing I'd need 4WD for is snow and ice. I'm also wondering about the auto's reliability. Seems like 7 foward + 3 overdrives is a bit excessive and complex.

I've drove nothing but sticks my whole life...I'm 69 and love the feeling of control...however...I ordered a 2.7 with auto on my 2 door Badlands and love it...I didn't think I would like it but I have 10k and totally spoiled. The 2.7 with the 10 speed is very fast with a lot of pull...I'd buy the automatic with the 2.7 over again...it was a Great decision for me!!!

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[Black_Stallion13]

IMO, if you don’t get the manual you are majorly missing out - It’s so good. Absolutely the most impactful option to have on the vehicle. Totally changes the experience.

 

[ctskier]

Manual transmission should be the only option on every car in this country. You would have better and less distracted drivers and better gas mileage.

 

[MNBigfoot]

If you have any doubts go to a Bronco off-road rodeo and try both, you will be reimbursed the fee after purchasing your Bronco.

*Edit... Nevermind the manual couldn't hold up at the Rodeos and were quickly phased out.

 

[mciasto]

I've drove nothing but sticks my whole life...I'm 69 and love the feeling of control...however...I ordered a 2.7 with auto on my 2 door Badlands and love it...

I agree and echo this. I drove manual my whole life, three civics (one Si), a Type-S, BMW, and motorcycles. The 7MT just felt slow. No fun driving manual and doing all that work in a huge truck, for me at least. The auto drives great, I just hit 15k miles, I thought I'd miss the manual but I don't.

Apparently the Ford Performance tune really takes the auto to the next level, even, but I haven't felt the need to spend the $700 or whatever.

 

[Oldhippie]

I have had lots of manuals (done professional truck driving too), they are great fun (not towing/hauling) on dry pavement but when things get serious automatics are smoother and easier on parts. I gave up on manuals in off-roading years ago (in the ‘70s). Most serious off roaders (and winners) are automatic for a reason. Manual folks are like a cult but they are not harmful (well except for “that guy” putting along in granny gear holding up everyone else on the trail)…party on!

 

[EasternSierra]

Maybe it depends on the trim package, but ordering the MT prevented me from getting an interior upgrade, hence no heated seats.
I don’t mind, love the MT and I don’t need those gadgets.

You can't get the mid package with the MT on the Black Diamond for some reason. You can on the BB and BL. Go figure...

 

[wjtinfwb]

So I'm looking at getting a bronco, but I'm kind of in a predicament here. I'm looking between the automatic and the manual. I've seen some mixed reviews with the automatic, but not really much with the manual. I've been wondering how the 10spd auto performs on this car. I remember using a Transit that has the 10, and that was surprisingly smooth and gave the van some gusto. Seem some slightly different opinions with it on the Mustang. On the Bronco I've seen some people like it and it works well, but some would rather have the manual. I like manuals, but don't like heavy clutches. I live in a place with lots of stop-and-go's. Does the bronco have a light or heavy clutch? Also wondering about the shifter. Does it vibrate from the engine and twist from the torque like some other rear drive sticks? I don't do really any kind of modding and/or offroading. Only thing I'd need 4WD for is snow and ice. I'm also wondering about the auto's reliability. Seems like 7 foward + 3 overdrives is a bit excessive and complex.

I wanted the V6, auto was the only choice. Very happy with the 10-speed, smooth, a gear for most any situation. I find downshifts to be responsive and quick and upshifts smooth and unobtrusive. I drove a friends manual and it was fine, but knew I wanted the torque and smoothness of the 6. That said, a 4 cylinder/manual saves you over 3 grand on the sticker. No bad choice, if I were buying a mustang or Porsche I’d definitely want a manual. But over automatic in my trucks, particularly if I’m towing anything at all.

 

[Squatch]

If you have any doubts go to a Bronco off-road rodeo and try both, you will be reimbursed the fee after purchasing your Bronco.

*Edit... Nevermind the manual couldn't hold up at the Rodeos and were quickly phased out.

Not because Ford only puts TTA and one-pedal on slush boxes?

I saw a bunch of rumors, but don't recall any pictures or video of manuals at Off-Roadeos. The marketing tour people said they used automatics because none of them knew how to drive stick.

Didn't know you had so much hate in your heart, man.

 

[thesocalexplorer]

Highly recommend the manual. Comically light clutch, nice notchy gears but not too notchy at the same time. Crawler gear is a godsend in slow creeping traffic + sketchy hills offroad. Sport mode is an absolute hoot, which is where my bronco lives 90% of the time.

I rented a Bronco with the automatic transmission in Hawaii and was very pleasantly surprised. Save for a few odd lurches, it was responsive and the rev matching in manual mode was pretty cool. Very well paired to the 2.3, especially in sport mode.

Either way, can't go wrong! Happy shopping.

 

[BroncoAZ]

Manual transmission should be the only option on every car in this country. You would have better and less distracted drivers and better gas mileage.

I think the auto vs manual fuel economy advantage is not necessarily the case on the modern 10 speeds. The window sticker numbers on the auto equipped Badlands were better than my manual back in 2021, although in real world conditions my manual exceeds the ratings.

 

[FloridaBurgBronco]

I drove the manual and it is fun. Not heavy at all. Shifts were a breeze. I have the 2.7 auto, but the lag at startup really bothers me. Sport mode helps, but it is still slow off the line. The manual doesnt have any lag since you are in control. I say if you like the manual get it. The 2.3 has plenty of power.

I'm not a fun of the Bronco after my issues with it, moved to a 4Runner, BUT the thing I will miss the most about the Bronco is my manual, yes it's sort of Chinese crap, but then again, so much of American cars are, including the Bronco are, but it was a delight to drive 90% of the time, the other 10% was bumper to bumper and even in an auto B2B sucks.

 

[kodiakisland]

If you don’t know, get the auto.

 

[bobbyhaynes442]

I miss driving manual a lot, but I think having automatic is just easier.

 

[JojoReady]

How many drivers will use your Bronco?. If it’s an extra vehicle and you have a large extended family, get the auto because most don’t know how to drive a stick. If you’re the only driver, get what you want, but realize the resale values of MTs will take a huge hit, especially a 4door.

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