2025 Ford Bronco Trims Explained: From Base to Badlands and Beyond

The 2025 Ford Bronco lineup is more than just badges and decals — each trim is engineered with specific hardware, suspension tuning, drivetrain functionality, and interior materials. Whether you want something daily-driver friendly or a rig that’s ready for Baja dunes, understanding the real differences between trims is crucial.

Let’s break down the Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Heritage Edition, Badlands, and Raptor, with a focus on suspension systems, drive modes, engine types, towing ability, and seat materials — plus a recap of what each trim is built to do.

Bronco Base

The Base trim is the most essential form of the Bronco. It comes standard with a 2.3L EcoBoost® Turbocharged I-4 producing 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque (when using premium fuel). A 7-speed manual transmission is standard, with an optional 10-speed automatic available. The drivetrain features part-time 4x4 with 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (high-range 4WD), and 4L (low-range 4WD) — but no 4A (automatic) mode.

Suspension is handled by H.O.S.S. 1.0 (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension), which includes independent front suspension and twin-tube shocks. It’s tuned for basic off-road competence and mild trail use but lacks the more advanced damping systems of higher trims. The max towing capacity is 3,500 lbs, and it includes front and rear tow hooks.

Interior materials are basic with cloth seats, rubberized flooring, and manual-adjusting front seats. Technology is minimal but includes an 8-inch touchscreen, SYNC® 4, and smartphone connectivity.

Summary:
The Base is ideal for purists or budget-focused buyers who want raw capability without unnecessary extras. It gives you the Bronco’s bones: solid drivetrain, low-range gearing, and trail-friendly suspension — perfect for building your own adventure rig from scratch.

Bronco Big Bend

The Big Bend trim adds everyday usability without sacrificing off-road potential. It shares the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 as standard, with the option to upgrade to a 2.7L EcoBoost® Twin-Turbo V6 pushing out 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque — only available with the 10-speed automatic. The drivetrain remains part-time 4x4 with 2H, 4H, and 4L, though 4A is available when optioned with the Sasquatch® Package.

This trim steps up to H.O.S.S. 2.0, which adds Bilstein monotube shocks for better damping and trail handling. Steering and response improve significantly over the Base, especially when adding larger wheels or tires.

Interior materials are upgraded cloth, and available packages add heated front seats, remote start, and dual-zone climate control. Keyless entry, fog lamps, and 17-inch alloy wheels become standard here. You can also option the Sasquatch Package, which adds locking front and rear differentials, 4.7 final drive ratio, 35-inch tires, and position-sensitive shocks.

Summary:
Big Bend hits the sweet spot for buyers who want real off-road hardware and daily comfort. It’s capable out of the box and easily upgradeable for more serious trails, while still being easy to live with.

Bronco Outer Banks

The Outer Banks is tuned for comfort and style, not just trail use. It comes standard with the 2.3L I-4, with the 2.7L V6 optional, and is only available with the 10-speed automatic. This trim features H.O.S.S. 2.0, just like Big Bend, but it includes 4A (4x4 Auto mode) as standard — giving it an edge for slippery road conditions where the system automatically adjusts torque between axles.

Wheels are upgraded to 18-inch alloys, and the body receives painted fender flares, LED signature lighting, and gloss-black grille trim. It’s a head-turner, but it’s still a Bronco underneath. Inside, you’ll find leather-trimmed seats, power driver seat, and a 12-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

This trim is less likely to be optioned with Sasquatch but remains tow-capable at 3,500 lbs and includes both front and rear tow hooks.

Summary:
Outer Banks is the Bronco for city dwellers who want SUV comfort with off-road looks and just enough trail hardware to handle weekend trips. It’s refined and technology-rich but still trail-aware.

Bronco Heritage Edition

The Heritage Edition blends retro styling with modern hardware. Based on Big Bend, it comes standard with the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, with the 2.7L V6 optional. Transmission is the 10-speed automatic, and 4x4 capability includes 2H, 4H, 4L, and available 4A (when Sasquatch-equipped).

Styling features include an Oxford White modular hardtop, white-painted grille, white 17-inch wheels, and a two-tone color scheme. Interior materials are unique to this trim: plaid cloth/vinyl-trimmed seats, marine-grade flooring, and retro trim accents.

It rides on H.O.S.S. 2.0 with Bilstein shocks, and the Sasquatch Package is standard, meaning you also get locking differentials, 35-inch tires, high-clearance fender flares, and a shorter final gear ratio.

Summary:
The Heritage Edition is for those who want modern capability with vintage looks. It’s eye-catching, rugged, and trail-capable right from the factory — especially with Sasquatch included.

Bronco Badlands

The Badlands trim is where off-road performance truly begins. It’s available with both the 2.3L I-4 and 2.7L V6, both paired to the 10-speed automatic, with the manual available on select configurations.

Badlands includes full-time 4x4 with 2H, 4H, 4L, and 4A, along with locking front and rear differentials, a sway bar disconnect, and Rock Crawl mode as part of its advanced GOAT drive system. It uses H.O.S.S. 2.0 with Bilstein position-sensitive dampers even before Sasquatch is added — and ground clearance reaches over 11.6 inches with larger tires.

The interior is rugged with marine-grade vinyl seats, washable rubberized flooring, and drain plugs. If comfort matters, leather seating is also available in higher packages. Badlands also features heavy-duty skid plates and 33-inch all-terrain tires standard.

Summary:
Badlands is for serious off-roaders who want factory-equipped hardware to tackle trails, rocks, and rough terrain. It’s built to push limits without needing aftermarket upgrades.

Bronco Raptor

At the top sits the Bronco Raptor, engineered by Ford Performance for high-speed off-road dominance. It’s powered by a 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, pushing out 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque, paired with the 10-speed automatic and a full-time 4x4 system.

Suspension is completely re-engineered with H.O.S.S. 4.0, which features Fox™ 3.1 internal bypass dampers, semi-active electronic valving, reinforced control arms, and long-travel suspension. It includes Baja, Rock Crawl, and Tow/Haul drive modes, and runs on massive 37-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrains — the largest tires ever factory-fitted to a Bronco.

It tows up to 4,500 lbs, includes heavy-duty steel front bumpers, front and rear tow hooks, and a dual exhaust system. Inside, expect Raptor-exclusive suede-style bolstered seats, carbon fiber trim, and Ford Performance steering wheel with paddle shifters.

Summary:
The Bronco Raptor is unmatched in power, travel, and speed. If you want a Bronco that can jump dunes at speed, climb rock ledges, and still handle the street — this is the most capable (and extreme) Bronco ever built.

Final Thoughts

Each Bronco trim has a purpose. The Base gives you raw functionality. Big Bend adds creature comforts without overcomplicating things. Outer Banks is for the style-focused explorer. Heritage brings vintage vibes with trail chops. Badlands is for serious off-roaders. And Raptor? It’s for those who demand dominance — anywhere, at any speed.

Not sure which fits your lifestyle or terrain best? Let’s walk through it in person or schedule a drive. You’ll feel the difference immediately.

Gustavo Ramos
Sales Consultant | Planet Ford Dallas
📞 (817) 876-3390 - Hablo Español