The return of the legendary Ford Bronco in 2021 couldn’t have been better timed. It arrived when people were yearning for outdoor escapades during pandemic lockdowns. The 2021 Bronco became an instant hit, and buyers patiently awaited their hard-to-get Broncos. Fast forward a few years, and the 2024 Bronco is more accessible but just as desirable.
Offering a staggering nine trim levels and three engine choices, the Bronco caters to a wide range of off-road enthusiasts. However, Ford bid farewell to the previous Base trim (under $37,000) and increased prices on several others, making the Bronco less attainable for some. The lineup now kicks off at $41,000 with the entry-level Big Bend trim. Despite the price adjustments, the Bronco continues to shine as our top pick among formidable off-road competitors.
Before the Bronco’s return, the Jeep Wrangler was the off-roader’s choice. The modern Bronco is equally capable off-road but excels in on-road manners, giving it a significant edge. While the Bronco may not match typical family SUVs in comfort, it’s still more comfortable than the rugged Wrangler. If you’re in search of a more luxurious adventure, the Land Rover Defender is a fantastic choice. However, we firmly believe that the 2024 Ford Bronco strikes the perfect balance among rivals in terms of price, capabilities, and comfort.
Ford has made some changes for the 2024 Bronco. The previous Base trim is now replaced by the Big Bend as the new entry-level model. A generous 12-inch infotainment touchscreen is now standard across all Bronco models, and the Badlands trim receives a heavy-duty bumper. There’s also a new Code Orange appearance package for the Bronco Raptor model.
The 2024 Ford Bronco offers an extensive lineup, including Big Bend, Black Diamond, Heritage Edition, Outer Banks, Badlands, Everglades, Wildtrak, Heritage Limited Edition, and Raptor. All models are available as two- or four-doors with removable roofs and doors.
Under the hood, the base 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine generates an impressive 300 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque. It comes with a choice of a seven-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission, featuring a specialized crawl gear for serious off-roading. The Bronco delivers ample power for highway driving and off-road adventures, providing the control needed for challenging terrain.
For those seeking more power, the available 2.7-liter V6, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, produces 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. This engine enhances the Bronco’s off-road capabilities, ensuring you stay in control while tackling aggressive terrain. The high-speed desert-racing trim, the Raptor, boasts a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with a whopping 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque.
With standard four-wheel drive and features like trail turn assist and trail one-pedal drive, the Bronco is a breeze to take off-road. It effortlessly conquers water, slick rocks, and deep mud. On the road, it maintains off-roading manners, resulting in a bouncier ride compared to conventional SUVs, with some wind noise when the soft-top is on. While it may not match sedans in high-speed stability and cornering, it significantly outperforms the Jeep Wrangler.
The Jeep Wrangler offers a plug-in hybrid option for quiet off-road experiences, but its on-road ride is relatively rough, with vague steering. The Toyota 4Runner has a standard V6 with lower horsepower and torque than even the base Bronco engine, but it offers a smoother on-road experience.
Fuel efficiency in the 2024 Bronco varies depending on the configuration. The EPA estimates that the 2.3-liter engine will deliver 20 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway, regardless of the transmission type. The Badlands trim with this engine returns 17/17 mpg city/highway with the automatic transmission or 16/17 mpg with the manual. The Black Diamond achieves 18 mpg city/highway with the automatic or 16/18 mpg with the manual. Opting for the 2.7-liter engine results in 19/21 mpg. The Badlands trim with this engine gets 17/17 mpg city/highway, while the Black Diamond achieves 18/18 mpg. The Raptor, equipped with the 3.0-liter V6, returns 15/16 mpg on the highway.
The Jeep Wrangler offers similar fuel economy figures but takes the lead, especially with its 4Xe plug-in hybrid version, returning 20 mpg combined or 49 MPGe. The Toyota 4Runner has comparable efficiency to the Bronco, with returns of 16/19 mpg.
The 2024 Ford Bronco accommodates four passengers in the two-door model or five in the four-door. The two-door’s rear seats are snug and somewhat challenging to access, suitable for occasional use. The four-door provides better rear-seat comfort, making it ideal for regular passenger transport. While the front seats offer comfort for long journeys, the rear seats are somewhat stiff.
With removable doors and roof, the Bronco’s interior is prone to getting dirty. The marine-grade vinyl seats are a practical choice for muddy off-road adventures. Both the soft- and hardtops may produce squeaks and creaks when driving over bumps, which can be irritating on lengthy road trips.
Despite its off-road practicality, the Bronco boasts an attractive interior with available amenities like heated seats and leather trims for those seeking a touch of luxury. The Jeep Wrangler, with its removable roof and doors and flip-down windshield, strikes a good balance between comfort and durability. The Toyota 4Runner offers more rear-passenger space and comfort.
Cargo capacity in the Bronco varies based on the body style and top type. The maximum cargo space is found in the four-door soft-top model, providing 83 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. In comparison, the four-door Wrangler Unlimited offers a maximum of 72.4 cubic feet, while the 4Runner tops the charts with 89.7 cubic feet.
Standard infotainment features for the 2024 Ford Bronco include a 12-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual smart-charging USB ports in the first and second rows, and AM/FM/SiriusXM radio. Available upgrades include enhanced voice recognition, navigation, a wireless charging pad, and a premium 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The touchscreen is responsive, with well-organized menus to minimize distraction. Standard wireless smartphone connectivity reduces cable clutter, and the upgraded audio system delivers high-quality sound.
With its 2024 updates, every Jeep Wrangler now boasts a 12.3-inch UConnect 5 infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Toyota 4Runner features an 8-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In conclusion, the 2024 Ford Bronco offers a robust lineup that caters to off-road enthusiasts of all levels. It exceeds expectations in all-terrain performance while maintaining a well-behaved demeanor during everyday driving.
