The new Ford Bronco has really made waves in the tough, go-anywhere SUV market. With two and four door models — and nine different trim levels to choose from — there’s a model to please many buyers.
The Heritage Limited model that hit the market in 2023 has really played on the retro look of the original Bronco from the 1960s. You quickly notice the Robin’s Egg blue paint, and white grill and top that seem to play up the original colors from the late 1960s. The new Bronco also shares much of the style of the original with some modern touches.
The front end has the iconic look of large round headlights but, since its 2023, they are now modern LED lighting units. The Bronco is also wider and longer and its windshield isn’t as upright as the original either. With the Sasquatch package, the Heritage Limited has the looks of a serious off-roader with cool badges, and includes larger 35-inch all-terrain tires that are barely contained by the fender extensions.
The Heritage Limited I drove is one of the top trim levels in the new Bronco, so a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 motivates the off-road ready SUV with some spunk. The engine pulls away strongly from a traffic light to easily merge. With the hardtop on, the cabin noise is kept in check nicely. However, like the original Bronco, the roof and doors come off to change this into an open sun-loving ride. You just need to have some time and a place to store the hardtop and doors when you want less Bronco.
This serious off-road vehicle with extra ground clearance and the Sasquatch package adds some special Bilsten dampers with electronic front and rear locking differentials. Though I didn’t even come close to testing the full ability of this SUV, the Bronco is definitely ready to get dirty.
Inside the Bronco Heritage Limited you are greeted by a high-quality interior with some cool retro style. The plaid designed seats are covered in leather, but it’s a cool look. With four doors the Bronco has space for five with good head and legroom. However, the increased ground clearance and large tires can be a big step up or down. There is also some new tech with a large 12-inch touch screen. Even the cockpit uses virtual gauges with 8-inch screen. Cargo space is adequate, unless you store segments of the roof, which would eat up space.
Cost: $71,105; as tested $73,060
Options: $160 upgraded carpeted floor mats; $110 keyless entry keypad; $1,350 two tops white painted hardtop, soft top.
MPG: I managed 16.9 in 247 miles of mixed driving.
Safety: SOS post-crash alert system; advancetrac; pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking; personal safety system; auto high-beam headlamps; 360-degree camera.
Things to know: The Bronco Heritage Limited has improved off-road chops and it plays up the classic original Bronco with retro style that meets the 21st century technology.
Pros:
- The Bronco Heritage Limited has retro style with 60s era colors.
- Sasquatch package and G.O.A.T modes means this is one serious off-roader.
- Good street manners make this vehicle more than a just an off-roader.
Cons:
- Pricey in these upper trim levels.
- Not very good fuel economy with this more off-road ready version.
- More noise in the cabin than other crossovers or less capable SUVs.
