Which Bronco Should You Choose? Trim-by-Trim Breakdown

1. Base – Hardcore Capability with Bare Essentials

Who it’s for: Those wanting true off-road toughness with minimal luxury—perfect canvas for add-ons.

• Engine: 2.3L EcoBoost I‑4 (300 hp, 325 lb‑ft)

• Drivetrain: Standard 4×4, 7‑speed manual or 10‑speed auto

• Suspension: H.O.S.S. 1.0—coil springs, twin‑tube shocks for durability

• Terrain Modes: 5 G.O.A.T modes; Trail 1‑Pedal option available

• Interior: 12″ digital gauge cluster, cloth seats, rubber floors, MOLLE seatback panels, rear AC vents, improved insulation

Summary: Perfect for DIY modders who want raw, unfiltered Bronco capability with room to grow.

2. Big Bend – Everyday Comfort Meets Rugged Utility

Who it’s for: Families or daily drivers needing more comfort without losing core Bronco prowess.

• Supplements Base with leather-wrapped wheel, dual‑zone climate, heated front seats

• Engine and drivetrain remain the same, adds 17″ alloy wheels and all‑terrain tires

• Terrain Management & Trail Turn Assist are standard

• H.O.S.S. 1.0 suspension remains

• Free Wheeling package available with vintage styling

Summary: Adds essential convenience features while keeping trail capabilities intact. Great for mixed daily and weekend use.

3. Outer Banks – Refined Aesthetics, Practical Capability

Who it’s for: Drivers who want luxury details but still expect real off-road competence.

• 18″ machined wheels, premium cloth or leather seating

• Adds ambient lighting, remote start, auto-dimming mirror

• H.O.S.S. 1.0, Trail Control, Trail Turn Assist, and 5 G.O.A.T. modes

• Optional Sasquatch package adds high-clearance suspension and lockers

Summary: Refined and feature-rich for those who prefer style on-road but want to be ready for the trail.

4. Heritage Edition – Retro Flair with Tactical Upgrades

Who it’s for: Nostalgia lovers who want iconic styling without sacrificing modern capability.

• Same 2.3L engine, standard Sasquatch package

• H.O.S.S. 2.0 with Bilstein shocks for elevated trail performance

• Retro exterior: white roof, steel wheels, classic badging

• Plaid cloth seats, rubberized interior for easy clean-up

Summary: Retro Bronco reborn with modern capability and factory trail-readiness out of the box.

5. Badlands – Adventure‑Focused Trail Conqueror

Who it’s for: Trail warriors seeking aggressive capability without stepping up to Raptor.

• Uses 2.3L EcoBoost, optional 2.7L V6

• H.O.S.S. 2.0 with Bilstein PSD shocks

• Factory 33″ tires, optional MT, rock rails, removable stabilizer bar

• Interior: washout flooring, marine-grade vinyl or optional leather

• 7 G.O.A.T. modes, Trail Control, Trail Turn Assist, front sway bar disconnect

Summary: Ideal for drivers who want a turn-key trail rig with excellent articulation and control.

6. Raptor – Desert Predator, Factory‑Built Beast

Who it’s for: Off-road purists who demand race-level performance straight from the factory.

• Engine: 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (418 hp, 440 lb-ft), 10-speed auto

• H.O.S.S. 4.0 with Fox Live Valve shocks, up to 13.1″ travel

• 37″ tires, wider track, beadlock-capable wheels

• Interior: Marine-grade vinyl, rubber flooring, Code Orange accents, magnesium paddle shifters

• 8 G.O.A.T. modes, Trail Control, full locking diffs, sway bar disconnect

• Towing: 4,500 lbs

Summary: Purpose-built for high-speed off-road domination. Not just a Bronco—this is a race truck for the dirt.

H.O.S.S. Suspension Comparison

• Base / Big Bend / Outer Banks: H.O.S.S. 1.0 – Twin-tube shocks, basic off-road readiness

• Heritage / Badlands (Sasquatch): H.O.S.S. 2.0 – Bilstein shocks, tuned damping for enhanced off-road handling

• Raptor: H.O.S.S. 4.0 – FOX Live Valve shocks, desert-optimized performance with long-travel suspension

Key Packages by Trim

• Sasquatch (available across most trims): 35″ MT tires, front and rear lockers, high-clearance suspension, Bilstein shocks

• Free Wheeling (Big Bend): Vintage steel wheels, unique decals, white trim

• Lux Package (Badlands): Enhanced tech, premium interior, extra convenience features

• Ford Performance (Raptor): Performance-tuned suspension, accessories, and pre-wired auxiliary switches

Final Verdict

• Base: Best for purists or builders

• Big Bend: Daily driver with off-road gear

• Outer Banks: Comfort-focused with adventure capability

• Heritage Edition: Classic design with real muscle

• Badlands: Technical terrain conqueror

• Raptor: Top-tier performance and ruggedness

No matter the trim, every Bronco shares the same trail-ready DNA—it's just a matter of how far you're willing to take it.