Bronco Big Bend - Huge Step Up from the Base Model | Full Review
It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed another Bronco model. Ford usually likes to send us higher trim levels to test, but this time around we have a Big Bend. This particular model sits one level above the steel-wheel-wearing Base, and is priced at less than $1,000 more than the entry level Bronco. For that you get dual-zone climate control, push-button/remote start, lane keeping assist, BLIS, and access to a pile of options; not to mention aluminum wheels and fancier trim. It’s a lot of content for a small increase in price.
Our particular test rig was equipped with the 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine and 10R60 10-speed automatic transmission. I typically describe this particular combination as adequate. It moves the fairly heavy 4x4 SUV with confidence, but you’re not going to mistake it for a Raptor R. However, for the average Bronco buyer the 2.3’s 310 lb-ft of torque coming in at a low’ish 3,400 RPM will more than get the job done. Add to that its cranking out 275HP at 5,700 RPM and you’ve got an engine with similar performance to a 4.6L 3V truck V8 found in the older ford Explorers, and it have 4 more gears to work with.
I do like the logo for the Big Bend model.
The Sasquatch package gives the Bronco an impressive stance.
I prefer the option modular steel bumper, but the standard bumper looks pretty good with this color/option combination.
These Goodyears aren't my favorite tire, but they aren't awful either. A good set of Nitto Ridge Grapplers would make a fine upgrade.
The interior what we’ve come to expect from Bronco, plenty of easy to maintain basic materials and decent comfort for a mid-sized off-roader. Our particular tester had the option marine-grade vinyl seat, which are great for those who like to get dirty. For those who plan on doing more commuting you may find the standard cloth bucket seats more comfortable on longer trips.
Our Big Bend was also outfitted with the optional, and excellent, Sasquatch package. With that you get steeper 4.70 gears, lockers front and rear, upgraded Bilstein suspension and tons of protection from added under-body skid-plates. However, the most outwardly noticeable part of the Sas package is the wheel and tire (billed as 35’s) combo. It looks great, but I’m not a particular fan of the Goodyear Territory MT (Multi-Terrain, not Mud Terrain as Ford likes to bill them) tires on this particular model. I feel they are rougher and more noisy on the road than their off-road performance justifies. I’m interest in trying out a 2026+ Sas equipped Bronco with the newly spec’d Goodyear Territory R/T tires to see if there’s much difference.
Due to local obligations I wasn’t able to slip out of town and hit some trails, but I was able to put together a short road-test video. Check it out:
Out on the road the Big Bend handles like every other Sas equipped Bronco. It’s composted and confident on pavement, without being overly harsh. Essentially, it rides like a truck should. That’s one of the reasons I like daily driving a Bronco so much. They have real truck underpinnings, so they ride and handle like a real truck. However, they don’t have vague steering, front axle hop, or death wobble. In a world of continually softening SUVs the Bronco is a macho step in the right direction.
I really like the grey and black two-tone interior the Big Bend model offers. It gives off OBS Bronco vibes.
Ford def made the right decision in making the 12-inch display screen standard in the 2025+ Broncos, it's a huge upgrade.
The 4-door Bronco has decent rear leg-room, but it's not a place I'd want to sit for a 500 mile road trip. I appear to have gotten too delicate in my old-age.
The cargo area is surprising large. I use mine to haul an 80 pound dog around comfortably.
@Tob would definitly approve of the interior color choices of this Bronco trim level.
Ultimately, the Big Bend is a solid step up over the fairly stripped out Base model. You get a lot of extra content for a very small increase in MSRP. The Big Bend package also opens up the availability of several options you may be interested in as well. However, two options I would personally delete from this rig for my own DD uses would be the marine-grade vinyl seats and the automatic transmission. Cloth seats and a stick shift would make this thing super comfortable and a lot more fun. If you guys are interested in seeing a full review of a manual transmission Bronco, let me know. I just so happen to have one in the fleet now.
-SID297
