Ford made the automotive world take notice when it brought back the Bronco in 2021 after a 25-year absence. Rather than take an ordinary midsize SUV and slap the Bronco name on it, as Chevy did with the Blazer, Ford came up with something completely different. The new Bronco is a true off-road beast, designed from the ground up to go anywhere you want. In this way, Ford is building a new heritage with the Bronco.
This is somewhat appropriate since the 2024 Ford Bronco features two trims with the word Heritage in their names. Both have looks that go back to the first Broncos that Ford produced in the 1960s. They also build on the Heritage Edition that was offered in 2023. However, there are some key differences to understand when deciding to buy a 2024 Bronco with either the Heritage Edition or Heritage Limited Trim. These involve factors like performance, handling, interior comfort and convenience features, and other items. Whichever you choose, you will be buying into a new heritage of the Bronco that is like nothing that has come before.
A Heritage of Bronco Performance
When Ford brought the Bronco back in 2021, it offered drivers two engine options. A third engine was added last year which only comes on the Raptor model. When comparing the two Heritage trims, you have to focus on the original two engines that were offered on the Bronco.
The Bronco Heritage Edition, starting at $47,855, features the standard 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 gas engine with either a seven-speed manual transmission or a ten-speed automatic transmission. This engine features a single turbocharger, an aluminum block and head, and uses direct fuel injection to produce up to 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, an impressive output for an engine of this size. Drivers will be able to get to 60 miles per hour in 7.1 seconds, which is fast enough to allow you to merge safely onto a busy highway.
The higher-priced Bronco Heritage Limited Edition, starting at $69,685, comes standard with the Bronco’s optional 2.7L EcoBoost V6 gas engine, which is only available with the ten-speed automatic transmission. This engine block is made of iron and aluminum, and it utilizes twin turbochargers with an intercooler and direct fuel injection to deliver up to 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This gives you the ability to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 6.2 seconds.
Ford offers the Bronco Heritage Edition with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 as well, but this is an extra cost option on this model. If you prefer the less expensive Heritage Edition but still want the extra power, the $2,145 upcharge is significantly less than the price difference between the Heritage Edition and the Heritage Limited Edition. However, the Heritage Limited Edition gives you a whole lot more than just a more powerful engine.
Building a Heritage of Incredible Looks and Features
Both of the 2024 Ford Bronco Heritage models have styling cues that harken back to the first Bronco models from the 1960s. The key is a special white-painted grille that has a block Ford logo painted in red. This grille is exclusive to the Heritage Edition and Heritage Limited Edition. Both Heritage models also come with an Oxford White hard top. This matches the paint color of the grill and does a great job offsetting whichever color you choose for the rest of your Bronco. When you see this look, you are immediately transported back to the days of Motown, the British Invasion, and mini-skirts. In bringing this back, Ford shows a reverence for its past. It’s no wonder why Ford calls them Heritage models.
Both Heritage models offer a choice of two-door or four-door designs. This allows you to decide whether you want a shorter wheelbase, which is the two-door model with four seats, or if need room for up to five passengers in the longer four-door design. This gives you more options in choosing a Bronco that is right for you.
However, the Heritage models are about more than just looks. Both models have the standard Sasquatch package, featuring a HOSS 2.0 suspension system with Bilstein PSD shocks. PSD stands for positive sensitive damping, providing extra control and stability when taking your Bronco on a challenging off-road trail. This also gives your Bronco a high clearance ride height, allowing you to get up and over many obstacles. These two models also feature the advanced Ford four-wheel drive system, standard on all Broncos, as well as LED fog lamps to help you navigate in low light when off-roading.
There are several differences between the two models. The Heritage Limited Edition rides on a set of 17-inch dog-dish style aluminum wheels wrapped with 35-inch mud-terrain tires. This is different from the Heritage Edition which has 17-inch Oxford White wheels, also wrapped with 35-inch mud-terrain tires, giving it a more retro look. The Heritage Limited Edition also has full-body bash plates, while the bash plates on the Heritage Edition only shield the front section of the Bronco’s undercarriage. Nevertheless, both models have two front tow hooks and one in the rear. This will help you get out of a rut, or assist in getting another stuck driver to safety.
A Heritage of Comfort and Convenience
The Ford Bronco features a surprisingly roomy interior, whether you choose a four-door or two-door model. If you opt for the Heritage Edition, you will get a plaid cloth seat covering. This is an amazing throwback, looking like something the Brady Bunch would have had in their living room. The front seats are also heated for extra comfort. Meanwhile, the Heritage Limited Edition goes with a vintage vibe, offering vinyl seats with leather trim. These are easy to maintain and also feature a perforated plaid look in keeping with the 1960s vibe. The front seats are also heated in this model. The Heritage Limited Edition adds a special rubberized flooring. This has drain plugs that make it easy to clean up your Bronco’s interior if you or your passengers have tracked in any mud.
Both the Heritage Edition and Heritage Limited Edition come with Ford’s SYNC4 infotainment system on a 12-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen. This is the latest version of Ford’s famous system, with AppLink to upload and use your favorite apps, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to can stay connected wherever your Bronco takes you, even if you forgot to bring along your phone’s charging cables. While both trims come with plenty of USB smart charging ports, the Heritage Limited Edition adds a wireless charging pad.
Audiophiles are going to especially love the Heritage Limited Edition. This model features a sound system by Bang & Olufsen. Ford has strategically placed ten speakers throughout the Bronco Heritage Limited Edition’s passenger cabin, so you will get an incredible surround sound effect. It also has a subwoofer to capture all the midrange and bass. The Heritage Edition offers a seven-speaker sound system with a subwoofer which is also quite good, but a true music lover will probably opt for the Heritage Limited Edition.
Ford Bronco Has a Pair of Heritages
Usually, when you think of a legacy or a heritage, it is a singular thing. You have built a foundation and passed it on to the future. With the 2024 Ford Bronco, you have two Heritages to choose from. Each has some incredible standard features, as well as retro looks that help this SUV stand out in the crowd. Considering how many midsize SUVs look alike these days, it is good to see Ford offering the Bronco in two distinct models to honor the vehicle’s great past. Whether you choose a Heritage Edition or a Heritage Limited Edition, you will be able to hit the off-road trails in luxury and unmatched style in a 2024 Bronco.
