Newby looking for first Bronco - HELP needed with options/trim

[geosh]

Looking for my first Bronco. Long time Mustang owner and looking to get into something different now that I can take the family out in.

It’s going to be my daily driver and that will be 95% of its life. Plan to take it up north (AZ) and do some trails and stuff but not serious crawling or anything like that at this point. I’m probably going to look used because I’d like to save some money, but I also get Z-plan through Ford so considering new too. With all the trims I’m struggling with what options are must haves for me, and what is just a price upper. Trying to get my best bang for the buck.

I THINK I’d be ok with the 2.3L but I’d also like a Sasquatch or bigger tires ultimately so keep that in mind. Would I regret the smaller motor? If I wanted big tires eventually should I only be looking Sasquatch so I get the gearing too? Interested in opinions on that.

As for trim stuff, I prefer cloth seats, and don’t really know what other features are really cool and important. I want remote start (I’m in AZ and it’s nice in the summer). Other than that, let me know what you guys wouldn’t want to live without.

Thanks guys!! Trying to do my research but I’ve got 4 model years to read up on, and a new on that just launched….

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[Gene Dios]

I would say whatever you do, get Sasquatch. It's a great package out of the box and if you don't think you'll ever do big upgrades for more serious offroading then this will put you comfortably in the 'very capable' bracket without having to consider anything else.

 

[adam1991]

The general consensus seems to be, don't sweat the 2.3. If you want more oomph out of it, put a tune on it. Ford Performance even offers a factory tune. But don't hesitate to go the 2.7 route either. Or just go gonzo and get a Raptor, new or used.

All of the yearly order guides are available here somewhere; so start there, even if you're looking at used. They will help you sort out your options.

 

[cgskipper]

So obviously there is no right answer here, right? And I'm sure you're going to get a bunch of replies in the coming days. I'm not one to recommended or disagree so I'll just share what I have and why I bought this particular model.

I just picked up a '24 Badlands 4-door a couple months ago. It has the 2.7L but non-Sasquatch. These were intentional decisions. I got the 2.7L because I like extra power and have always gotten the larger engine option in all of my vehicles - 5.0 Fox-body Mustang, 5.4 Triton V8 in both F150, Mach 1 package in '04 Mustang, all the way to a 3.6L in my Subaru Outback. I just like having the power for on-ramps, extra safety cushion, etc. and I don't care about gas mileage. I do miss not being able to combine a MT with the 2.7L but so be it.

For the off-roading, I chose not to do the Sas since this is my daily driver. I'm not planning to do any hardcore off-roading or mods, mostly camping, sand dunes, minor two-tracks, and such. The 33" tires are plenty for me in this stage of my life. There are days where I drive past a Sas or park next to one and sometimes I feel envious, but I don't regret my choice one bit.

I have the MGV seats. They are super easy to take care of, but a little sticky on warm days with the top off so I would keep that in mind for AZ. I'm a little used to it as I had Wet Okole covers in my last truck and kinda the same...waterproof but not breathable.

For other trim, I like tech and comfort so I got the High/Lux package and it has all the goodies I could have wanted.

Good luck with your research and purchase. At the end of the day, you can't go wrong with anything that has a bucking Bronco on the tailgate!

 

[Rick66]

I have a 22 Big Bend Mid Package Squatch 2.7 that sounds like it would check all your boxes. In 22, the BB had cloth, and the mid has remote start. ALL Broncos have a great look with the SAS package, and IMO, is the only way they should be built. (Throwing no shade at any Bronco that is not SAS, but from my point of view, the SAS is a great look). I have no experience with the AZ trails, but I am guessing a factory SAS Bronco would handle many many miles of OHV roads and trails.

Good Luck, and enjoy the ride!

 

[EasternSierra]

You have three choices: buy a 2024 off the lot, order a 2025, or buy used. A number of things changed between 2024 and 2025 in terms of trims and option availability so pay close attention when people are talking about these.

For 2024, the Outer Banks, Heritage, and Wildtrak have standard cloth seats; Outer Banks and Wildtrak also have carpeting standard. For 2025, Base, Big Bend, and Heritage have cloth seats and carpeting standard.

If you want to have bigger tires then the lower gearing you get with Sasquatch (Sas) is better. The Bronco is very capable on routine trails without Sas but the Sas adds capability.

Remote start means you'll have the 10-speed automatic transmission.

The 2.3 with auto and without Sas was decent to test drive. I was really impressed by the 2.7 with auto and Sas; it seemed to have a nice broad powerband. I'll be getting the 7-speed manual transmission so I'm forced to get the 2.3, but I sure wish I could get that 2.7.

Note that to use the "Build and Price" feature on the Ford website you need to choose your model year. It defaults to 2024 (good to figure out what features are available in which trims for vehicles on the lot right now) or you can choose 2025 if you're thinking of ordering.

If you can find a 2023 on the lot you can probably get a really good deal. Just keep in mind that it's already depreciated.

Best of luck!

 

[indio22]

Looking for my first Bronco. Long time Mustang owner and looking to get into something different now that I can take the family out in.

It’s going to be my daily driver and that will be 95% of its life. Plan to take it up north (AZ) and do some trails and stuff but not serious crawling or anything like that at this point. I’m probably going to look used because I’d like to save some money, but I also get Z-plan through Ford so considering new too. With all the trims I’m struggling with what options are must haves for me, and what is just a price upper. Trying to get my best bang for the buck.

I THINK I’d be ok with the 2.3L but I’d also like a Sasquatch or bigger tires ultimately so keep that in mind. Would I regret the smaller motor? If I wanted big tires eventually should I only be looking Sasquatch so I get the gearing too? Interested in opinions on that.

As for trim stuff, I prefer cloth seats, and don’t really know what other features are really cool and important. I want remote start (I’m in AZ and it’s nice in the summer). Other than that, let me know what you guys wouldn’t want to live without.

Thanks guys!! Trying to do my research but I’ve got 4 model years to read up on, and a new on that just launched….

Like many owners, you probably have little if any real use for the Sasquatch functionality. And the non-Sas will be fine for your off-roading.

If you want 35" tires for a non-Sas Bronco, you can buy wheels/tires to your liking, even some Sas owners end up buying better looking wheels. Or buy used Sas take-offs.

The automatic trans has 10 speeds, so it can handle reasonable tire size changes. The manual trans like I have no longer has much use of the top 6th gear with 35s, on the other hand 1st gear is better with the larger tires.

Or if you find a good deal on a used Sas equipped Bronco, that wouldn't be a bad choice either. Down the road there will likely be many Sas Broncos for sale used but having mostly virgin off-road equipment.

 

[MNBigfoot]

Since you want bigger tires, I'd make sure at a minimum you get the rear locker so you have better gearing. With the auto, open diffs get you 3.73 gearing, standard with locker 4.27, Badlands/BD 4.46 and Sasquatch 4.7.
The locker option was only $800, on the used market you might not pay an extra dime for it.

 

[Brian_B]

I think a Base model ticks all your boxes, and everything up from there is just gravy on top

Don’t let anyone tell you that you ~need~ SAS to go off road or to run bigger tires. Now, I’m not saying SAS isn’t nice to have, but if all you are after are bigger tires there are a lot less expensive ways, and if you want to off road a Base Bronco is still an extremely capable vehicle.

And they all can mod up like crazy

I would say the one factory upgrade I wish I had know about was rear locker — if you don’t get that from the factory it makes other upgrades more difficult later on.

The washout floorboard is super nice too but there is a very good aftermarket solution for that (Armorlite) if you wanted to keep cloth seats

I’d also advise against the B&O system - it doesn’t sound premium by itself and just makes the inevitable stereo upgrade more difficult and expensive.

 

[Snappy22]

He wants remote start so mid package is required so no base.
no major off-roading means don’t spend money up front on sas and later on gas, but get something that has a locker and gears that can let you go bigger as others have said.
2.3 black diamond with mid package and no Sasquatch would seem to do well for you. But it’s MGV seats. Used big bend without sas wont get you the rear locker and thus not as much future flexibility.

 

[Beach_Bum]

He wants remote start so mid package is required so no base.
no major off-roading means don’t spend money up front on sas and later on gas, but get something that has a locker and gears that can let you go bigger as others have said.
2.3 black diamond with mid package and no Sasquatch would seem to do well for you. But it’s MGV seats. Used big bend without sas wont get you the rear locker and thus not as much future flexibility.

Big Bend and OBX without the Sasquatch package had the option for a rear locker with 4.27 rear gears.

To the OP, you don't need the Sasquatch package to enjoy the Bronco off-road.

Since you are wanting remote start - MID package is your starting point with an automatic transmission.

Looking at used Broncos and targeting cloth seats, you'll want to look at MY'23 (early Job1) and earlier Big Bends and Outerbanks as they had cloth seats standard.

And get a hard top. You'll hate driving with the soft top on the highway.

Ideally, an early MY'23 or earlier OBX with HIGH/LUX package and the optional rear locker will give you the best bang for your buck. The OBX when optioning the rear locker yielded the 4A transfer case in earlier model years.

 

[JimmyZ]

If buying a used Bronco are there years to avoid? I too am looking for a gen6 bronco 2 door right now

 

[JT58Bronc]

If you want bigger tires, go with Sasquatch. You get the proper gearing for the larger tires. Yes you can get lift, larger wheels and tires after if you don't opt for Sas but many forget proper gearing. And changing gearing after the fact gets expensive. Gearing I think is most important to maintain performance and gas mileage. 2.3 or 2.7, doesn't matter. 2.7 has the advantage of more torque down very low. I opted for the 2.7, Sas and I am very happy. And with Sas you get a huge bonus- lockers.

 

[Beach_Bum]

If buying a used Bronco are there years to avoid? I too am looking for a gen6 bronco 2 door right now

There have been improvements over the years - some trims and option packages more so than others.

For MY'21, there was a small window of production that the 2.7L was affected. Plenty of information here on B6G to determine if an engine was produced during that window. Not every 2.7L is a problem in that window so don't let it discourage a purchase. Just do your own due diligence.

IMO, unless you are in the market for a First Edition or a Rapid Red/Anti-Matter Blue Bronco, I would look at newer model years. Most, if not all, MY'21 Broncos will be outside of the 3yr/36k factory warranty. An ESP can be purchased but that still doesn't cover everything like the factory warranty. It would have to be a great deal for me to consider a MY'21 that isn't unique in color or an FE.

 

[CitrusBronco]

You need the mid package for remote start but aftermarket options are available if you go base package.
Heads up that new ‘24 models are selling for below X plan pricing at many dealers so don’t end up paying more than you have to.
I wanted cloth but was forced into the vinyl, it cools off quicker than I expected and its super easy to clean. I still might add cloth seat covers if I find something nice, no matter what skin touching vinyl leads to sweaty thighs.
The 4cyl has plenty of power and torque to move a 4 door sas model. I would not let that be the deal breaker.
I’d recommend at a minimum to get the rear locker with the middle set of gear range since you want to go bigger tires and it will make off road trips easier with a rear locker.
But the basic model is very capable without a locker.
Caution Ford has added and taken away features and configurations from some models and added to others all at the same time. Cloth here but not there, cloth on this model today and not tomorrow. Same with other options. It’s stupid so good luck on keeping all that straight. Just verify what you’re getting and don’t assume something is on it because one other had it before.
Good luck on the hunt.

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