The Right Spec: Ford Bronco

Matthew Guy
by Matthew Guy

This one’s sure to set the comments section ablaze. We’re going to tell you the right way to spec a new Bronco – and you’re probably not going to like it.


First, let’s start with the smallest engine available *ducks to avoid busted u-joints and fake beadlock wheels hurled in our general direction*


Why the smallest engine? Because that’s what is found in the new Everglades trim, which your author feels is the unexpected star of the entire Bronco lineup. A four-pot in a Bronco does seem sacrilege until one remembers this mill has an output of 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque when fed a steady diet of premium oats. These numbers far outstrip the V8s which found their way into Bronco SUVs of old, even if the octopots definitely sound a helluva lot better than this four-cylinder.


Making up for a lack of exhaust excitement is a tremendous ‘whoosh’ of induction noise, partly courtesy of that snorkel residing on the Everglades’ passenger-side A-pillar. Ford smartly chose to build a blade-style unit, permitting its blocking plate to invisibly and seamlessly integrate into the snorkel (remember, it isn’t a great idea to drive at highway speeds headlong into a rain- or snowstorm with one of these things hoovering moisture into the engine compartment). This stands in stark contrast to the Toyota Tacoma’s snorkel desert air intake whose head must be rotated 180 degrees in certain conditions and looks ridiculous doing so.

Other highlights on the $53,895 Everglades include a locking rear diff, standard Samsquantch package (meaty 35-inch tires, et al), marine-grade seats, and a hose-em-out floor. There’s a winch hanging out up front, too. Even if owners never take their Everglades into deep water as we did during testing in a rural Canadian bog this summer, all these features work a treat on the trails of Moan or the dunes of Glamis.


Ditch the expensive optional tube doors since they run counter to the point of running in deep water, and ditto the soft top for similar reasons. The $600 slide-out tailgate is a neat party trick and handy when rustling up vittles for the crew, as is the $310 tailgate table – though we’ve heard conflicting reports about both items being available on the same rig thanks to packaging problems. Given a choice, go for the slider. The rig is shown here in Area 51 but exceptions will be made for Eruption Green.

So, too, will exceptions be made for any of the B&B arguing in favor of a Heritage Edition. Starting a notable 10 grand less than the Everglades, it can be had with the four-banger and a stick, not to mention in an appropriately retro two-door configuration. It does give up several off-road toys compared to the ‘Glades but the dandy Samsquantch package remains part of the deal. Just make sure to get it in Race Red with white trim.


[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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3 of 19 comments
  • Teddyc73 Teddyc73 on Nov 04, 2022

    Was this written by someone with a grasp of the English language? I could barely get through the first three paragraphs before I gave up.

    • ToolGuy ToolGuy on Nov 06, 2022

      @Teddyc73, for discussion purposes, let's say your comment is spot-on. Do we really want to restrict discussion of automotive topics to only the most fluent English language writers? You're going to eliminate a lot of people who know a lot of truth about a lot of cars, including Henry Ford back in his day. (General comment - you read the site, and you have a good mind, how about contributing something positive or worthwhile occasionally instead of just sniping. Try 4:1 ratio of contributions to criticisms to start. "All criticism all the time" sounds like my Dad growing up, and no one needs that.)



  • Nrd515 Nrd515 on Nov 11, 2022

    $53,895??? Wow, that price made me laugh, and question Ford management's sanity.

    Like the Jeep Gladiator, this thing is way overpriced.

  • Bd2 This is so awesome I'd drive it right through the front of TTAC's headquarters if they had one
  • Scott Anyone willing to write a script where the landlord hires John Wick to collect from the Fisker scum?
  • W Conrad I had to go to minimum coverage as I just couldn't afford it. My car is 12 years old though so unlikely I need full coverage anyway.
  • Scott Is "too dam much" an allowable answer? I live in a safe area and have seen large annual increases in recent years.
  • EBFlex There needs to be an easy way to shut these nannies off. It ridiculous the hoops you have to jump through to turn it off.
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