Why Is the Ford Bronco Such a Fantastic Used SUV?

This is a great question and one that—as you might imagine—we’re more than happy to answer because this is a vehicle we’re passionate about. The original Ford Bronco first hit the road (and trail) with the 1966 model year and remained available for three decades before it was discontinued. We waited a long time to see it return and Ford brought it back for the 2021 model year with gorgeous new looks, incredible capabilities and performance on and off the road, and remarkable features throughout. While a new Bronco is an excellent choice, looking for a used Ford Bronco for sale in Albany is the perfect way to go if you like having a lot of freedom in what you can find. Even though it’s only been around a few years, Ford has already made some big changes from some model years to the next, so looking at used Bronco models lets you find a lot of different features and options you can choose from.

Start With the Basics: The 2021 Ford Bronco

In looking at what you can find on a used Ford Bronco, we can’t think of a better place to start than at the start: the 2021 model that brought about the return of this legendary SUV. There are so many incredible features of the Bronco that we can’t do justice to all of them, but we’ll try to hit some highlights. For starters, the Bronco is available in two different configurations: as either a two-door or four-door SUV. Both options are essentially a midsize model with two rows of seating inside, but the four-door version is a bit longer and gives you more room to enjoy while driving around Albany so keep that in mind when looking at used models.

For its inaugural year, the resurrected Bronco has two engines available and there are some important differences between them, though every model comes with four-wheel drive. The standard powertrain is a 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged I-4 engine that provides 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. If you’re looking for something with more oomph, then there’s an available 2.7L EcoBoost turbocharged V6 that delivers 325 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. What’s important to note is that while you can get a 10-speed automatic transmission with either engine, only the standard one is offered with a seven-speed manual transmission—keep that in mind if you prefer the control and feel of a manual.

Taking performance even further, every model comes with Ford’s new Goes Over Any Type of Terrain (GOAT) Modes terrain management system, letting you easily adjust traction and handling depending on different conditions. Five GOAT Modes are standard: Normal, ECO, Sport, Slippery, and Sand—this is perfect for Albany weather and unpredictable trails. Certain models add a Mud/Ruts Mode that’s ideal for going off-road in messy conditions, the Badlands trim adds a Rock Crawl Mode for low-speed climbing and replaces Sport with Baja for high-performance off-roading (a Wildtrak trim adds Baja but not Rock Crawl). A new High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (HOSS) System is also standard for the 2021 Bronco that allows for smooth travel even in rough conditions; the Badlands and Wildtrak trims add Bilstein position-sensitive shock absorbers for even greater off-road capability.

Speaking of different trim levels, you’ll find six different trims for the 2021 Bronco starting with the Base model that features the standard engine, manual transmission, and five GOAT Modes. A removable roof and doors are standard on every model; the Base also features an eight-inch SYNC 4 Infotainment system, six-speaker sound system, and 16-inch wheels. Keep in mind, these are standard features and you might find a used Bronco Base with available options like the V6 engine. The Big Bend trim level comes with six GOAT Modes (adding Mud/Ruts), a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 17-inch wheels. If you find a Black Diamond trim, then it will have seven GOAT Modes (Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl), 17-inch wheels, and more.

The Outer Banks model features 18-inch wheels and a SYNC 4 system with Enhanced Voice Recognition. As we said before, the Badlands and Wildtrak models come with the enhanced HOSS System with Bilstein shocks, along with electronic-locking front and rear differentials. Most notably, the Wildtrak is the only Bronco with the available Sasquatch Package included, which has 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, a high-clearance suspension, and more. This package is available for other trims, but you know you’ll find it on a used Wildtrak model. One last thing we should note is that there’s also a First Edition model available for the 2021 Bronco, but these were made in limited numbers so they’re difficult to find on the used market.

Two New Trims for the 2022 Ford Bronco

In its second year, Ford added two trim levels for the Bronco, creating even more stunning opportunities for bold performance and good looks. First is the Everglades model, which is a great option if you like to go off-road in wet conditions (as the name suggests). It adds a snorkel air intake, a winch that can pull up to 10,000 lbs, and 17-inch wheels with 35-inch tires on them (though you probably won’t find the original tires). There’s also a Raptor model added for 2022, with a focus on high performance thanks to a 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine that delivers 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. This thing’s an absolute beast that can be pretty pricey, even as a used model; you can also find an upgraded HOSS 3.0 System on select Wildtrak models for even greater performance on the roughest trails.

Gorgeous New Looks for the 2023 Bronco: The Heritage Models

If you’re checking out used 2023 Bronco models, then there are two new options to keep in mind, both provide distinct and unique styling. The first is the Heritage Edition, which is similar to the Big Bend trim level in terms of features, though it includes the Sasquatch Package. What sets the Heritage Edition apart is its white grille with red lettering, white roof, and white wheels that make an immediate impact the moment you see them—there’s no mistaking this with other Bronco models. For enhanced capabilities, the Heritage Limited Edition gives you features like the Badlands trim level but with the distinct exterior looks and a leather-trimmed Plaid interior that brings the unique styling into its cabin.

Simple Changes for the 2024 Ford Bronco

Looking at 2024 Bronco models, differences from previous model years are pretty minimal, though a few things are worth keeping in mind. A 12-inch infotainment display becomes standard inside all 2024 models, which is a big difference compared to the standard eight-inch screen from before. Also, the starting Base trim has been discontinued with this model year, so the Big Bend is now the starting point with standard features for the Bronco. You can still get Heritage Edition models and the Raptor for high performance, but the enhanced entry-point also means the starting price for the Bronco increases for 2024, so keep that in mind.

A Used Bronco Is a Great Choice for Albany Drivers

As you can see, you can’t go wrong with any of these used Ford Bronco models; the right one for you comes down to what you’re looking for and need in your off-road SUV. If you’re trying to stretch your budget as much as possible, then an older one is typically the way to go because they started at a lower price (especially the Base trim) and have depreciated the most overall.
Keep in mind some key differences in the kind of performance and capabilities each trim level brings with it, and look for a model with the Sasquatch Package if you want enhanced off-road performance. Finally, remember that a previous owner might’ve put their Bronco through a lot of abuse, so be sure to shop at a dealership that cares about the quality of their vehicles, like you’ll find here with us at DePaula Ford. That way you get the perfect SUV and drive away knowing you have a vehicle you can count on for many years.