2026 Ford Bronco Big Bend vs 2026 Ford Bronco Outer Banks
| 2026 Ford Bronco Big Bend | VS | 2026 Bronco Outer Banks |
| $41,295 [a] | MSRP | $41,295 |
| Manual Cloth | Seats | Power Leather |
| Optional | Ford Co-Pilot360 | Standard |
| Yes | Manual Transmission | No |
Drivers who daydream about hitting the trails and exploring uncharted destinations have likely been mesmerized by the Ford Bronco. After all, it’s one of the best off-roaders on the market, ready and willing to handle difficult terrain with agility. There are a number of trims to choose from in the 2026 lineup, and if you’re wondering which one suits you best, we’re here to help.
When it comes to comparing two popular trims—the 2026 Ford Bronco Big Bend vs 2026 Ford Bronco Outer Banks—let DePaula Ford help you decide which one works best for you. When it comes to performance, design, and innovation, these two trims have much in common; however, they each offer something different for your adventure.
Performance
Engine Lineup
Situated beneath the hood of the 2026 Ford Bronco Big Bend and the 2026 Ford Bronco Outer Banks lies a standard 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. This is the only engine offered in the Big Bend; however, the Outer Banks can be enjoyed with an available 2.7L EcoBoost turbocharged V6 that makes 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.
If you want a bit more power and excitement during your excursion, you may want to upgrade to the V6. Still, both engines can tow up to 3,500 lbs, making both trims suitable for those seeking to bring their boats or campers wherever they want to go. Plus, the Big Bend has its own unique feature.
You will find that the Big Bend comes standard with a seven-speed manual transmission, and a 10-speed automatic is available. The Outer Banks only offers the 10-speed automatic. This means that if you want to drive a manual, knowing that you’ll be able to take advantage of greater control during your ride, the Big Bend may be perfect for you.
Off-Road Prowess
It’s no secret that the Bronco was born to perform off-road, and both the Big Bend and Outer Banks are ready to thrill you when the ground becomes a little (or a lot) challenging. Both models come standard with five GOAT (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Modes, which allow you to take on a variety of situations you encounter off the beaten path.
With Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand, and Normal, there’s a mode designed to heighten your experience, regardless of where you’re roaming. The Big Bend and Outer Banks come with the HOSS (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) 1.0 system, which includes a passive-damping system, a solid rear axle, and other durable features to withstand the elements.
Adventure-Ready Packages
You will find a selection of packages available for each trim. The Big Bend and Outer Banks can both be enjoyed with the Sasquatch Package, which adds in e-locking front and rear axles, as well as an upgraded HOSS 2.0 system to really make the most of your adventures. With long-travel Bilstein position-sensitive dampers, this package makes these trims ready to tackle more serious off-road conditions.
The Big Bend can also be enjoyed with the Black Diamond Package, which adds an enhanced 4×4 system, bash plates, and rock rails to really amplify your time on the trails. It’s clear that both options are great off-road companions. The Outer Banks may be perfect for those who want a bit more power in their ride, while the Big Bend has a standard manual transmission to enhance the driving experience.
Design
Exterior Configurations
Both the Big Bend and the Outer Banks are solely available as four-door models. They come standard with a soft top, but you’re able to upgrade to a hard top if you desire. You will also be able to take advantage of a removable top and doors with both trims to really immerse yourself in your adventures.
Both trims feature a rear swing gate, which allows you to open your tailgate up to 150 degrees to load up and hit the trails with ease. These models boast the Bronco’s can’t-miss styling elements as well, with a level of ruggedness and durability that can’t be beat. You’ll be able to enjoy tow hooks and more ready-for-anything elements on both models, but the Big Bend leans into adventure with available full underbody bash plates, while the Outer Banks comes with signature LED lighting.
Cabin Experience
The Big Bend can be enjoyed with cloth seats, which come standard. If you want a bit more durability in your Bronco, you can opt for marine-grade vinyl upholstery. This makes it easier to clean your Bronco after a particularly muddy excursion out in the wilderness.
Those who want a bit more refinement on board their Bronco will be drawn to the Outer Banks. This upgraded trim features standard leather-trimmed seating, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Big Bend offers a more rugged cabin ambiance, while the Outer Banks adds a bit of luxury to your experience.
Design Packages
An arsenal of special packages is available for both trims to really intensify the Bronco’s rugged design. Opting for the Big Bend allows you to take advantage of the following design-oriented packages:
- Black Diamond: Adds front and rear powder-coated steel bumpers, steel bash plates, rock rails, LED fog lamps, and washable floor mats with drain plugs to clean up after an epic adventure.
- Free Wheeling: Embraces the Bronco’s rich off-road heritage with colorful exterior graphics, a silver-painted grille with white and red accents, and 17-inch high-gloss black-painted steel wheels.
The Outer Banks has a special package exclusive to it: the 60th Anniversary Package. This includes features such as a specialized Wimbledon color scheme, unique badging and bodyside graphics, leather and cashmere seating, and more eye-catching design elements inside and out.
You will also find packages that are shared by these two models and enhance their appeal with different types of drivers. These include the following:
- Sasquatch: Adds an off-road readiness to these models like never before, with 35-inch rugged-terrain tires, high-clearance fender flares, HOSS 2.0 suspension, and upgraded 4×4 with automatic on-demand engagement.
- Black Appearance: Dark elements adorn this package, including a black-painted grille, unique graphics, black fender flares, and 17-inch gloss black-painted wheels.
As you can see, you have plenty of options to make your Bronco your own with both trims. If you want access to more special packages, the Big Bend offers them. If you want access to a more refined cabin ambiance, the Outer Banks delivers. This makes both trims extremely tuned into the needs of a wide array of drivers.
Innovation
Connected Tech
Both trims show off a fantastic lineup of tech features to maximize the quality of any ride. You will find a standard 12-inch center touchscreen, offering access to Ford’s SYNC 4 software interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, in addition to a 4G modem to help you remain connected anywhere you venture.
The Outer Banks has a standard touchscreen navigation system, which is an optional add-on for the Big Bend. This helps you find your way to any place you need to be, complete with pinch-to-zoom capabilities.
You will also get to take advantage of a one-year subscription to the Ford Connectivity Package with both trims. This provides you with a more personalized connectivity experience, with access to apps, maps, Wi-Fi, and more, allowing you to tailor your ride to suit your entertainment tastes.
Trail Tech
There are also plenty of tech features that are geared toward your adventures. Opting for the Outer Banks trim allows you to enjoy standard Ford Trail Control, which acts as low-speed cruise control so that you can take in the views while your Bronco handles the rest. This particular trim also comes standard with Trail Turn Assist, which helps you navigate the various obstacles that surround you with expert precision while you’re out exploring.
Both of these features are available in the Big Bend trim if you select the automatic transmission. However, Trail 1-Pedal Drive is only available for the Outer Banks trim. This feature allows you to use the accelerator to accelerate and brake, making your time maneuvering through dense forests and rough environments easier.
If you want access to a bit more standard and available trail tech, you’ll find it with the Outer Banks. If this isn’t as important to you, or if you want to pick and choose which available trail tech features work best for you, the Big Bend is a great choice.
Shop for a Bronco at DePaula Ford
When you want a phenomenal selection of top-of-the-line Bronco models, you’ll find that here at DePaula Ford. No matter if the Big Bend or the Outer Banks has intrigued you, rest assured that we have an ample supply of options in our 2026 Ford Bronco inventory. These models are waiting to intensify your experience, both on the pavement and on the trails.
If you want to add excitement to your journey in a way only a Bronco can achieve, we invite you to stop by today and explore our outstanding lineup. Take a few models for a test drive and really experience Bronco-level ferocity for yourself.
We’re sure we have something on our lot to satisfy you, offering a ride quality that’s simply unmatched, regardless of the terrain situated beneath your tires. We look forward to working with you and helping you find the ultimate Bronco model to suit your adventure needs.
