Bronco Turns 58, Throws Itself a Party

Matthew Guy
by Matthew Guy

Ford is adding some new options to the almighty Bronco Raptor for 2024, including an array of snazzy colors and trim. But the Real Ones know that’s not the biggest news – not when Ford says the Everglades is returning thanks to popular demand.


That trim, as you may recall, imbues the Bronco with a host of off-road kit including burly winch provisions and a snorkel that’s far better designed than the sad-sack unit which popped up briefly on the last-gen Tacoma. With that effort, Big T owners were instructed to swivel the snorkel head backward in inclement weather, lest the thing ingest rain or snow or small schoolchildren. In practice, it looked moronic. 


Ford chose to shape its snorkel like a blade, meaning owners need only swap a blocking plate from back to front, avoiding the ignominy of Toyota’s so-called solution. Despite packing the smallest engine available in Bronco’s lineup, the Everglades was this author’s pick of the litter – aided by its off-road prowess and a snorkel which unintentionally introduced a turbo whistle to the party.

Anyway – back to the matter at hand. For 2024, Raptor variants can be had with a Code Orange package which adds a skiff of that hue to the exterior and interior, including those expressive graphics and beadlock rings on the 17-inch wheels. Tow hooks and seatbelts also get the treatment, paired with either black or blue interior upholstery. Hooray for a return to Real ColorsTM in our world. Now all Ford has to do is bring back that Bordello Red from the early ‘90s and we’re all set. 


There are also a couple of new paint choices for the 2024 model year: Shelter Green and Velocity Blue. Color-keyed fenders are now in the hopper for Raptor. Buried in the bumf is a notation the 12.0-inch touchscreen will be standard on all 2024 Bronco and Bronco Raptors, which is arguably the biggest news of all in terms of benefiting the overall customer base. Plus, the Badlands trim will add that heavy-duty modular front bumper as standard gear.


Order books open next week, with pricing to arrive around the same time.


[Images: Ford]


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Matthew Guy
Matthew Guy

Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.

More by Matthew Guy

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  • Scott Scott on Aug 11, 2023

    "Bronco Turns 58"


    Is that counting the years it was dead?


    • Lou_BC Lou_BC on Aug 11, 2023

      "Is that counting the years is was dead?"

      I'm not sure how resurrection plays in the picture. I recall Catholics believed in limbo, purgatory, hell, and heaven. Does Ford?



  • Lou_BC Lou_BC on Aug 11, 2023

    Paint and trim stuff? I'd rather see an anniversary Coyote 5.0 under the hood.

  • Peter Buying an EV from Toyota is like buying a Bible from Donald Trump. Don’t be surprised if some very important parts are left out.
  • Sheila I have a 2016 Kia Sorento that just threw a rod out of the engine case. Filed a claim for new engine and was denied…..due to a loop hole that was included in the Class Action Engine Settlement so Hyundai and Kia would be able to deny a large percentage of cars with prematurely failed engines. It’s called the KSDS Improvement Campaign. Ever hear of such a thing? It’s not even a Recall, although they know these engines are very dangerous. As unknowing consumers load themselves and kids in them everyday. Are their any new Class Action Lawsuits that anyone knows of?
  • Alan Well, it will take 30 years to fix Nissan up after the Renault Alliance reduced Nissan to a paltry mess.I think Nissan will eventually improve.
  • Alan This will be overpriced for what it offers.I think the "Western" auto manufacturers rip off the consumer with the Thai and Chinese made vehicles.A Chinese made Model 3 in Australia is over $70k AUD(for 1995 $45k USD) which is far more expensive than a similar Chinesium EV of equal or better quality and loaded with goodies.Chinese pickups are $20k to $30k cheaper than Thai built pickups from Ford and the Japanese brands. Who's ripping who off?
  • Alan Years ago Jack Baruth held a "competition" for a piece from the B&B on the oddest pickup story (or something like that). I think 5 people were awarded the prizes.I never received mine, something about being in Australia. If TTAC is global how do you offer prizes to those overseas or are we omitted on the sly from competing?In the end I lost significant respect for Baruth.
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