Ford’s Bronco Wildtrak Offers an Exhilarating Trek

Photo Source: Ford

Back in 2021, Ford returned the Bronco to its lineup – possibly in an effort to end Jeep’s dominance in the top-off, doors-off, rugged, retro-styled SUV market. Two years later, the 2023 Ford Bronco came in two-door and four-door body styles, nine trim levels, and the buyer’s choice between a soft or a hard top. Turbocharged four-cylinder and V-6 engines are available, and every Bronco has standard four-wheel drive. 

Sources indicate that the “Bronco Wildtrak resides in the lineup between the Everglades and the extreme Raptor in both price and capability. With a starting price of $60,025 MSRP (Plus destination fee), the Wildtrak is almost $30,000 less than the Raptor.” Moreover, the 2024 Wildtrak trim comes equipped with extra-cost paint, steel underbody protection, a modular front bumper, the High and Lux option package, towing equipment, a keyless entry pad, and floor mats.

The Aesthetics

Like its rival the Jeep Wrangler, the 2024 Ford Bronco is reminiscent of the 1960s and 1970s, even if the styling adheres to 21st-century standards and regulations. Indeed, the Wildtrak trim appears authentic in the two-door or the four-door variation, with the standard Sasquatch package and its 17-inch black high-gloss aluminum wheels enveloped with massive 35-inch mud terrain tires adding the right visual attitude, seamlessly filling out the SUV’s protruding fender flares. 

The retro flavor carries into the cabin of the Wildtrak, where a flat-faced dashboard anchored by robust grab handles incorporates modern partial-digital instrumentation and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering a range of connectivity options. It is worth noting that even though the Bronco is made for getting dirty, the interior is not quite as industrial in appearance and quality. That is especially noticeable in the Wildtrak, which has plush leather seats and carpeted floor mats.

Additionally, the view over the hood of the Wildtrak is spectacular. The peaked fenders with tie-downs at the leading corners, combined with the upright windshield and the flat recessed hood, provide superb visibility and a distinct reminder of the past. For example, looking down and to the sides of the SUV is rewarding, particularly on the trail, where it is frequently crucial to know what is right next to the vehicle at any given time.

Beneath the Hood

The Bronco Wildtrak includes a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 engine as standard equipment. To that end, it accelerates up to 330 horsepower and generates 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is standard while offering two-wheel drive. Aside from the drivetrain, the Bronco has various G.O.A.T (Goes Over Any Terrain) modes, which the driver adjusts by turning a knob on the center console. In the Wildtrak, choices include Normal, Eco, Sport, Mud/Ruts, Slippery, Sand, and Baja. Of note, Baja requires four-wheel drive and activates a front-facing camera superimposed with tread path lines.

As mentioned, the Wildtrak trim integrates the Sasquatch package as standard equipment. It comes outfitted with 11.6 inches of ground clearance, position-sensitive Bilstein shocks, and front and rear locking differentials. In urban and suburban settings, the Ford Bronco eliminates any concern about speed bumps and pavement pockmarks. Of course, the Wildtrak is in its element in the dirt. The SUV picks up excellent speed on long stretches where visibility is clear. The Wildtrak easily powers out of bends in the trail and makes quick work of tight turns.

The Bronco Wildtrak looks and drives old-school, but the underlying technology and engineering are modern. If you find this Ford trim an attractive option, please come visit NYE Ford. We are all about helping our customers enjoy their shopping experience. We have a friendly and passionate sales team that will make your buying, leasing, or selling needs simple for any of our new vehicle inventory.