Bronco: Configuration Guidance

[EBRU2024]

Hello! We are in the market for a Bronco- I really want a convertible and need an SUV with limited options on the market I decided the Bronco is the way to go. I have driven the spectrum of cars, learned to drive on a 68 Shelby Mustang and basic 90’s ford pickup truck. First car was a 69 Camaro. Since then I’ve owned a lot of cars from mini, Audi, bmw, Alfa Romeo etc. I give you this background because I would like to make it clear that I am adaptable to how different cars drive and I can appreciate them regardless- I’m more of an experience driver who will adapt and appreciate the character of the car. I’ve never driven an off road but have owned quads and dirt bikes and have always enjoyed them! Maybe if I had an off road capable vehicle I’d dabble a bit! So when looking at bronco options I’m not looking for off road capability- I’m looking for esthetics first. Every time I see a raptor come down the road my heart skips a beat but the raptor isn’t in the cards because is not practical for my lifestyle (I drive a lot and have a toddler). I want an aggressive looking bronco and I’m willing to do some aftermarket work but nothing too crazy as I live in New York and it seems the most experienced shops are in Cali and Florida when it comes to bronco customs. So hoping for some guidance from this community- do I go with the Wildtrak configured at 70k or Outerbanks configured at 68k? Why would I choose one over the other? What after market customizations would you recommend? Based on this information I would love to hear your perspectives so I’m prepared when we visit the dealer. Also- is 2024 a bad year should I wait for 2025? Is a body refresh coming?
Thank you!!

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[Silver-Bolt]

For pricing that close go with the Wildtrak. The Wildtrak suspension alone is worth the $2k difference. As a bonus you get the heavy duty steering rack. After nearly a two year wait we picked up our Wildtrak in July last year. No regrets.

 

[EBRU2024]

For pricing that close go with the Wildtrak. The Wildtrak suspension alone is worth the $2k difference. As a bonus you get the heavy duty steering rack. After nearly a two year wait we picked up our Wildtrak in July last year. No regrets.

Thank you! Is there anything I wouldn’t get in the Wildtrak that would be in the badlands besides the luggage rack (seems weird I can’t get that on the hardtop?)

 

[Silver-Bolt]

Thank you! Is there anything I wouldn’t get in the Wildtrak that would be in the badlands besides the luggage rack (seems weird I can’t get that on the hardtop?)

The Badlands has the remote swaybar disconnect. Good feature if you plan to off-road/rock crawl. It frees up the suspension and gives it more articulation. If you dob't plan hardcore off-roading you won't miss it.
My advice, get the factory hardtop. It is way cheaper and easier to buy an aftermarket soft top later if you want it. The roof rack, there are far better aftermarket options than the factory unit. Ford offers the options based on the weight of the vehicle. The more you load it up with heavy options the more it will restrict which options are available.

 

[EBRU2024]

Great information, thank you!

 

[Holiday]

In the past (pre current configuration limitations), I would have suggested an Outer Banks with Advanced 4WD. Then put on your own wheels and tires for the aggressive look. That was the best blend in my opinion for those who legitimately didn't want to off-road but like the look.

Today, you can't get A4WD without the full Sasquatch package. You may as well go with the Wildtrak for it's better components and eventual resell.

Aesthetic preferences could also come into play. Review the interior before making up your mind. The Roast interior option on Outer Banks may put it over the Wildtrak interior. The grill between the two models and the wheel coloring are also something folks have opinions about.

As for a 2025 refresh, it's always possible. However, I think Ford is still playing catch-up and stabilizing the Bronco. Also, the plant where the Bronco is built is already behind with the new Ranger for this year. My gut (absolute zero insider knowledge or reason for anyone to take my opinion for anything), says 2026 at the earliest.

 

[EBRU2024]

Thank you! I went to my dealer today and test drove the Outer Banks v6 and wildtrak. I preferred the drive of the Wildtrak- tighter suspension and I preferred the way it hit potholes- there was less bounce so I’m pretty certain I will go with the Wildtrak. If I went with the outer banks, I would go all black but if I go with the wildtrak I would go all white and get “storm trooper” after market customizations so I like the interior of the wildtrak because it would compliment the black and white body nicely so I’m indifferent about the interior. I’m waiting on a lower trim with Sasquatch to get a better feel for the difference in the suspension system and to see if I would consider the badlands with the Sasquatch in black. This is the ”Storm trooper” configuration I’m looking to achieve with customizations. Regardless of the model, there is an abundance of plastic in the interior so I’m not really sold on the outer banks as a more luxe option just because it has a black and brown option for the interior lol

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