They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and when it comes to the Ford Bronco, that certainly seems to be the case. Ford’s iconic SUV returned to the scene in 2021 after a 25-year hiatus, and in the years since, demand has been sky-high. This popularity can at least partially be attributed to nostalgia, but even that can only take you so far. If recent sales figures are any indication, the Bronco SUV truly is something special, blending the go-anywhere ethos of a classic 4x4 SUV with the bold styling and top-tier performance that’s made the Bronco an American classic.
Drivers and critics alike seem to be in agreement when it comes to the SUV’s appeal, and the 2023 Ford Bronco is selling at a record pace. Demand is so strong that many dealerships are actually having trouble keeping the Bronco in stock, but for those who don’t mind being patient, the SUV is well worth the wait. So what makes the Bronco such a standout in the crowded midsize SUV sector? Let’s take a closer look and see why drivers are practically lining up around the block to get behind the wheel of the new 2023 Ford Bronco.
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Performance is never an afterthought when it comes to the 4x4 SUV segment, and the Bronco is no exception. While drivers have been clamoring for a V8 engine since the Bronco returned in 2021, Ford opted to keep the powertrain a little smaller while still delivering all the power you could ask for. The 2023 models come with a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder setup or an optional 2.7-liter V6 engine. The four-cylinder packs plenty of power despite its smaller displacement, offering drivers 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque.
The 2.7-liter V6 offers a considerable upgrade in terms of power, giving drivers 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque to play with. It’s the engine of choice for most Bronco drivers, who will appreciate the improved acceleration and power the extra two cylinders can provide. Of course, those looking for unsurpassed performance should head straight for the Bronco Raptor, the SUV’s high-performance model that, thanks to an impressive 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, can churn out 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque.
In addition to offering a full suite of off-road-focused technology, the 2023 Ford Bronco has one more trick up its sleeve: an independent front suspension. This is a bit of a risk from the Big Blue Oval, given that the off-road 4x4 scene has long been dominated by the solid axle approach, but the results speak for themselves. Not only does the independent front suspension give the Bronco better wheel control and steering precision while reducing the SUV’s overall weight, it also makes for a much more comfortable ride both on-road and off. This is an important consideration given the fact that, despite their best efforts, most off-road-capable vehicles spend far more time navigating city streets and parking lots than they do fording rivers or climbing sheer rock faces.
Independent front suspensions have long earned a bad rap in off-road circles due to the decreased flexibility inherent in any system that includes a stabilizer bar, but Ford has managed to engineer around this problem by including an available electronic disconnect for the suspension’s front stabilizer bar which allows far more travel than one would normally expect. This, combined with an overhauled suspension and the Bilstein position-sensitive dampers that come standard on every version of the Bronco, give the SUV 17 percent more wheel travel than the Jeep Wrangler, which has long reigned as the king of the off-road heap.
The Bronco is a more-than-capable off-roader no matter which engine you opt for, but those looking for top-tier performance do have some choices to make. The 2.3-liter version comes standard with two off-road-focused driving technologies from Ford: Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist. Trail Control is essentially cruise control for off-road scenarios, allowing drivers to set a predetermined speed and let the Bronco make all the hard decisions for them. Unlike cruise control, which is mainly used on flat, high-speed surfaces, Trail Control is designed to excel in situations where the going gets rough. The system can automatically adjust for changing road conditions with ease, making for a smoother, more comfortable ride even when you’re contending with loose, uneven off-road surfaces. Trail Control can be used at a speed of up to 20 mph when in 4WD or 4WD Lock mode and even up to 5 mph when going in reverse.
Trail Turn Assist is focused on giving drivers an extra edge when it comes to cornering on tight, obstacle-strewn off-road trails. The system can dramatically reduce the Bronco’s turning radius by applying brakes to the inside rear wheel, allowing you to navigate tight corners like never before. Trail Turn Assist can be activated whenever the SUV’s 4WD system is in 4WD High or Lo mode and the rear locking differential is engaged, and the speed is below 12 mph, though Ford cautions against using the feature on paved surfaces where it might produce excessive noise and increase wear on the tires.
Drivers who spring for the larger 2.7-liter V6 get one additional off-road feature to play with: Trail One-Pedal Driving. The system essentially gives drivers one less thing to worry about while tackling off-road trails by removing the brake pedal from the equation. Drivers can control the vehicle simply by using the gas pedal, with the Trail One-Pedal Driving system engaging the brakes as soon as you let up on the accelerator. This is similar to the one-pedal driving systems found in many of today’s electric vehicles but specifically aimed at off-road driving, where being able to quickly alternate between the gas and brakes can be so important. Vital for high-stakes off-road pursuits like rock crawling, the Trail One-Pedal Driving System can also automatically select the appropriate driving mode for any off-road adventure.
Lastly, there’s the Bronco Terrain Management System featuring Goes Over Any Type of Terrain (G.O.A.T.) modes. Available on most Bronco models, this system allows drivers to seamlessly switch between different driving modes that include Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, Rock Crawl, Baja, Tow-Haul, Off-Road, and Sand/Snow. The G.O.A.T. system automatically adjusts the SUV’s steering, handling, and powertrain performance to adapt to a variety of conditions, ensuring the Bronco is ready for whatever you can throw at it. Sport Mode, for example, improves the Bronco’s handling and accelerator response, making for a more dynamic ride and holding onto lower gears longer to aid in acceleration. Sand/Snow and Mud/Rut Modes both engage the SUV’s four-wheel drive lock, while Rock Crawl mode activates the Bronco’s rear differential lock feature while also activating the front trail cameras at low speeds.
With nine distinct trims and plenty of optional equipment packages on offer, it’s tough to pigeonhole the 2023 Ford Bronco. From the retro-inspired Heritage model to the refined Outer Banks or versatile, off-road-focused Everglades, the Bronco offers a trim package that’s sure to fit the needs of every driver on the road today. So how do these trim packages stack up?
Available in both two and four-door formats, the entry-level Bronco might lack some of the frills of the upper trims, but it is still a well-rounded option for drivers on a budget. It’s got plenty of power, and of course, even the most affordable version of the 2023 Bronco is still packed with all the robust off-road equipment one would expect from the nameplate, with Ford offering two different four-wheel drive systems.
Moving on step up in the trim ladder, the Bronco Big Bend model adds a host of upgraded equipment, like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifting knob, 17-inch wheels with 32-inch all-terrain tires, and rear privacy glass, but the real highlight is the addition of a new G.O.A.T. driving mode. Aimed at improving driver confidence in off-road scenarios, the Mud/Rut mode goes a long way in ensuring that you don’t end up mired somewhere well outside of cell service. The Black Diamond trim adds Rock-Crawl to the G.O.A.T. equation, as well as full vehicle steel bash plates, auxiliary switches, and rubberized flooring with drain plugs, all while keeping the price under $40,000 for the two-door model.
The Outer Banks trim, with its two optional High and Lux equipment packages, offers a refined, luxurious take on the Bronco, while the Badlands trim is more focused on off-road performance. Packed with rock rails, front and rear tow hooks, marine-grade vinyl leather seats with Molle straps, and Ford’s High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension 2.0 (H.O.S.S.) with Bilstein front dampers, front stabilizer bar disconnection, and an additional Baja G.O.A.T. mode, the Badlands is where the Bronco really starts to flex its off-road chops.
That trend continues on the Bronco Wildtrak trim, which comes standard with the 2.7-liter engine and Advanced Automatic on Demand 4WD system. The trim also adds a full-size spare tire, HOSS 3.0 with Fox internal bypass dampers, and a Ford Severe Performance heavy-duty steering rack and tie-rod ends to the mix. These upgrades make all the difference when it comes to off-road performance and comfort, making the Wildtrak well worth the higher price tag.
The Everglades is basically an upgraded version of the Black Diamond that’s ready to get as wet and muddy as you can handle. Ford has added new front and rear fenders as well as a heavy-duty modular bumper that features the all-important Warn winch kit, as well as an air intake snorkel for fording through streams, creeks, and whatever else stands in your way.
Topping the list of 2023 trims are two distinctly different options: the Bronco Raptor and the Bronco Heritage Limited. Much has been written about the beast that is the Bronco Raptor, with many calling it the best factory-built off-roader to ever hit the market, so we don’t have much to add aside from urging you to get behind the wheel of one as soon as possible. The Heritage Limited Edition is basically nostalgia on four wheels, with a throwback design that harkens back to the Bronco’s '80s heyday with plaid seats, white wheels and grille, and of course, the iconic white hardtop.
Are you excited to get behind the wheel of a new 2023 Ford Bronco? Stop by DePaula Ford today. With one of the best selections of new and pre-owned Ford models in the area, you’ll always find what you’re looking for here. Whether you’re in the market for a thrilling, off-road-ready SUV like the 2023 Ford Bronco, a fuel-efficient Escape SE Hybrid, or the most reliable pickups on the market in the Ford F-150, we’ve got you covered. Can’t find what you’re looking for on the lot? With our Custom Order service, buyers can build the Ford model of their dreams right on our website. We’ve also got you covered for any of your business needs with a range of heavy-duty work trucks and vans.
At DePaula Ford, we know that every driver has different needs; that’s why we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach here at the dealership. Our friendly, experienced sales staff are here to get to know you and help you find a vehicle that fits your lifestyle and budget. For those looking for more affordable options, DePaula Ford offers a generous lineup of vehicles priced under $20,000. From trade-ins and financing to sales, service, and a fully stocked parts center, DePaula Ford is the Capital District’s go-to dealership for all things Ford. Stop by today and see how far your money can go.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
