The Bronco Badlands version is one stout four by four. It is loaded with all the off-road goodies and is capable of just about any type of excursion off the pavement. With items such as Dana axles, six-lug wheels, and great ground clearance, this Bronco will go places other SUVs only dream of. Its small physical size makes it a great vehicle for getting way back in the bush.
LIKES
The two-door Bronco tested is the fifth generation of Ford’s SUV and was introduced back into the market in 2021. It also follows the first gen Bronco of 1966 in size and looks much closer than the pickup-based Bronco of 1978 to 1996. Today Ford offers the Bronco in two and four-door versions with several engine and off-road packages with a large variety of trim and terrain options to compete directly with the Jeep Wrangler. A Raptor high-performance version of the Bronco is available.
Final assembly takes place in Wayne, Michigan, and engines are produced in Ford’s Cleveland (2.3 liter) and Lima (2.7 liter) engine plants.
WHAT’S BEST
There are major differences between the two-door and four-door Broncos which are both built on different platforms. The four-door version is for light off-roading and officially known as the Bronco Sport. The two-door feels solid and capable enough to tackle just about any off-road scenario. The Badlands-equipped edition tested here has all the four-by-four goodies and the V6 offers lots of power to get in the bush.
WHAT’S WORST
With solid axles, rugged suspension, and body-on-frame construction, this Bronco is well-named for its ride on pavement and a journey of any distance would be tiring. But that is the payoff for its off-road capabilities. And with the huge tires and high ground clearance it is a struggle to get into, especially if you are short in stature.
OVERALL
Ford has a winner with the two-door Bronco. The company has built a very rugged vehicle which shines in off-road situations and has a character befitting its looks and performance. It may even sway tried-and-true Jeep Wrangler enthusiasts.
DETAILS:
Ford Bronco Two-door Badlands, Four-wheel drive
Price: Standard base price $56,749, As tested $72,294
Engine: 2.7-liter Ecoboost V6, 164 cubic inches
Power/Torque: 315 HP, 410 FT-LBS
Fuel Mileage: 10-15 L/100KMS
Drivetrain: Dana 44 axles front and rear, four-wheel disc brakes with rotors 311-mm front, 308-mm rear, front suspension A-arms and coil overs with Bilstein dampers, rear suspension solid axles with coil overs and Bilstein dampers, 4.7 to 1 rear axle ratio, locking differentials front and rear, 17-inch beadlock rims with Goodyear Territory tires, 285/70/R17 (Sasquatch package)
SPECIFICATIONS:
Wheelbase: 2550.16-mm (100.4 inches)
Weight: 2209. 45 kg (4871 lbs)
Ground clearance: 21.37-cm (8.4 inches) /29.69-cm (11.6 inches)
Fuel tank capacity: 63.9 liters (14.07 gals)
Passenger volume: 2.803 liters (99 cubic feet)
Cargo volume: 1480 liters (52.3 cubic feet)
Trailer towing: 3500 lbs
By Tim Miller
