The Right Spec: Ford Bronco

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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