Ford turned a lot of heads when it brought back the famous Bronco for the 2021 model year. There hadn’t been a new Bronco sighting since 1996, which was the last year for the original model. The 25-year break worked out well, and rather than simply bringing back the Bronco as a standard midsize SUV, Ford completely reimagined the entire vehicle as an off-road beast. This is why so many drivers who want to break away from the ordinary are heading over to their local Ford dealer to find a Bronco that is right for them.
With so many different trims to choose from, it can often get confusing when deciding on the right model Bronco. However, three of the most interesting ones are the Badlands, Everglades, and Wildtrak. These models are designed for trail running, with each offering a level of styling and design for different types of adventures. Deciding on the right one comes down to your own personal choices. The good news is that whichever you prefer, you are going to get an unrivaled experience the next time you decide to go off-roading.
Shared Features Among These Trims
All models of the 2024 Bronco come with standard four-wheel drive. This includes the various GOAT (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes that have become one of the trademarks of the Bronco lineup. In addition, like most 2024 Ford Bronco models, you get a choice between two doors or four doors when you decide on any of these three trims. The four-door models give you more passenger and cargo space, while the two-door ones are lower priced within the trim level. The four-door models also seat five passengers, while those with two doors are designed for four.
You can choose to have a hardtop or soft-top with most of the Bronco models. Just like the decision about doors, this comes down to personal needs and preferences. No matter which you choose, the doors and roof are removable, allowing you to experience the great outdoors up close and personal. The four-door Badlands and Wildtrak come standard with a soft top, while the four-door Everglades and two-door models of all three have a standard hardtop. If you want a hardtop on the Badlands or Wildtrak, this is an additional option.
Powertrain Profiles
Each of these three different trims has a slightly different powertrain. The Badlands, which has a base MSRP of $50,095, comes equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 gas engine paired with a 7-speed manual transmission. This produces 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. The Everglades comes priced at $55,520 as a base MSRP and has the same engine as the Badlands but with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While the powertrain output is the same, there is the benefit of not having to work a stick and clutch. The Wildtrak has the highest base MSRP of $60,225 but comes with a larger engine. This is a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6. This comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission and can produce up to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.
You can get a 10-speed automatic transmission on the Badlands trim, as well as the larger 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 on the Badlands and Everglade. However, these options will cost extra. One thing to keep in mind is that if you plan on doing any trailering, the larger engine makes your Bronco capable of towing up to 4,500 pounds, a significant increase over models with the smaller I-4 engine that has a maximum towing capability of 3,500 pounds.
The Sasquatch Package Gives Your Bronco Big Feet
The Sasquatch Package with Beadlock capable wheels comes standard on the Wildtrak and Everglades, while it is an available option on the Badlands. This equips your Bronco with 35-inch tires and electronic-locking front and rear axles. While the Badlands has the electronic-locking front and rear axles feature, the Sasquatch boosts this to the 4.7 final drive ratio. In addition, you get the HOSS 2.0 System for off-road suspension with Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers to reduce vibration from rough and uneven terrain. The Wildtrak adds a set of FOX Internal Bypass Dampers as well. For the Badlands trim, this is an improvement over the HOSS 1.0 system. A set of fender flares is also included in the package.
One other thing to keep in mind when deciding on the Sasquatch Package for the Badlands model is ground clearance. Without the Sasquatch, the Bronco Badlands offers 8.3 inches of ground clearance on four-door models and 8.4 inches on two-door Broncos. The Sasquatch will boost this to 11.5 inches on four-door and 11.6 inches on two-door models. This also improves your approach, breakover, and departure angles. The Everglades, with its specialized Sasquatch system, gives you an incredible 11.7 inches of ground clearance.
Specialized Systems to Help You Cross the Everglades
The Everglades is a very specialized version of the 2024 Bronco. As its name denotes, this is a model that is designed for driving in wet, swampy areas, as well as riverbeds. In addition to the mud-terrain tires, the Bronco Everglades has a factory-installed snorkel system. This will allow the air intake to work, even in water, snow, and heavy dust. Ford has also designed the Everglades model to be able to ford up to 36.4 inches of water. This has been achieved by extending the vents for the front and rear axles, transfer case, and transmission.
There is another specialized piece of equipment on the Everglades that is a first on the Bronco. This is a factory-installed WARN Winch Kit. It comes attached to the Everglades’ front bumper. If you or another vehicle gets stuck in the mud, you can use the winch to pull yourself or the other driver to safety.
Each Model Has Specialized Off-Road Features
There are a number of features that help the Badlands model stand out from the pack. The available front stabilizer bar disconnect feature will improve your ability to traverse large obstacles in your Bronco. The Badlands also has an advanced 4X4 system with automatic on-demand engagement. This will help the vehicle automatically shift into four-wheel drive when road and terrain conditions dictate. Ford has also given the Badlands rock rails to protect the sides, a set of four tow hooks, two for the front and two for the back, as well as a full underbody bash plate to shield such things as the transfer case and oil pan from damage when you are off-roading.
While the Everglades has only three tow hooks, removing one from the rear, it does add the front winch. In addition, Ford has given the Everglades an additional bash plate to shield the front section. This will work with the heavy-duty modular front bumper on the Everglades to better shield the front undercarriage of your 2024 Bronco Everglades.
The Wildtrak also has three tow hooks but includes LED fog lamps. These will improve your visibility when traveling in low light. This can certainly be the case when you are driving your Bronco Wildtrak in heavily wooded areas. Interestingly enough, the Wildtrak only features a front section bash plate, as opposed to one for the entire underbody. A full underbody one is available as optional equipment. Where the Wildtrak excels is in off-road technology. This model has the Trail One-Pedal Drive, which allows you to operate the accelerator and brakes from one pedal. This will make it easier to ascend and descend steep inclines. You also get Trail Turn Assist on the Wildtrak and Everglades, which improves cornering in tight conditions. The feature applies the brakes to the inside rear wheel. This reduces the turning radius from the Bronco, allowing you to steer through some tight spots.
Ford Has the Right Bronco for You
Whether you want to get wild in a Wildtrak, wet in the Everglades, or see the good in the Badlands, Ford has a Bronco model that is right for you. The key is to find the one with the features you need to handle the trails you encounter in your part of the world. No matter which one you choose, you will get a rugged and dependable vehicle that can handle anything nature can dish out on the trail.
