Estimated read time: 7-8 minutes
This weekend marks the return of the Utah International Auto Expo, an event featuring hundreds of the latest models showcasing the latest tech and styling, all in a pressure-free environment. And make no mistake: there will be some impressive vehicles on display.
But hear me out: few will make you feel more alive than the Ford Bronco.
If you've been stuck in a rut and yearn for some added excitement to your day, I can attest that even a short drive in a Bronco can remedy what ails you.
Few cars have been more hyped than the new Ford Bronco in the past few years. From the first press photos, it was clear that Ford had done their homework and was coming out swinging. I admit, I got caught up in the buzz. I even considered putting in an order. But, as a huge Jeep Wrangler fan (I've owned two) and most recently a Toyota 4Runner fan (of which I've also owned two — I acknowledge my problem), my skepticism got the best of me and I held off.
Well, after spending a week in a 2024 Bronco Outer Banks with the Sasquatch package and driving more than a thousand miles in a Wildtrak, I regret that decision.
So many SUVs these days feel homogenized. Stale, even. And I can see why! Not only are most SUVs laden with an abundance of drive-numbing technology, but most are so muted and smoothed over you can hardly tell two apart.
The new Bronco flies in the face of all that and I just can't overstate how refreshing that experience is. The Bronco is the remedy you didn't know you needed. It livened up my day every time I drove it, and I very hesitantly returned the keys at the end of my time with it. Car and Driver loved it, too, as they gave it a 9.5/10 rating and 10 Best and Editor's Choice awards.
Even if you never take yours off-road, you'll have a ball in one of these.
Here are six reasons you should check one out this weekend at the Utah International Auto Expo at the Mountain America Exposition Center.
The design is thoughtful, intuitive and undeniably cool
After being absent in the marketplace for 25 years, Ford had plenty of time to do its homework to make sure this beloved nameplate's return was a homerun. Spoiler alert: it is.
So many of the little details and nuances show that Ford very thoughtfully considered every aspect of this vehicle. From the driving position, seat comfort and rubberized buttons, it all feels cohesive in its design. Case in point, even the three-piece hard top is so well designed that even my 8-year-old son could remove the front half (with my lifting assistance) in less than two minutes. Amazing.
Inside and out, it looks great, too. The blend of retro-inspired styling in a completely modern package is perfectly balanced and effortlessly gives a feeling that you're driving something special.
Senior editor at Car and Driver, Andrew Krok, said it well when he wrote, "There's something so fun and anachronistic about rowing this floaty body-on-frame SUV down the road. It provides a dash of old-school cool while still keeping my butt warm and letting me play Spotify from my phone. Doesn't matter if it's a short trip or a long one, I'm always down for more Bronco time."
The tech is great — and not overbearing
I get a little annoyed at cars that are always beeping and alarming me about this and that. Thankfully, the Bronco doesn't do that, and it's still loaded with all the latest safety tech, crystal clear screens, cameras and all the best modern conveniences you could want. I especially enjoyed the large infotainment screen. Ford's Sync system looks good, is easy to use and is full of helpful information and settings that beginners and enthusiasts will appreciate.
It's comfortable and practical
One of the very best things about the Bronco is just how surprisingly comfortable and usable it is. Sitting in the driver's seat feels as natural and comfortable as putting on your favorite tee-shirt. There's plenty of room up front and a shocking amount of legroom in the rear seat — especially for our two kids. There's also an abundance of easy-to-clean surfaces, which makes wiping down seats and door panels a breeze.
The cargo area is especially accommodating in the four-door Bronco model. Thanks to its boxy design, you can fit a lot of stuff back there, including strollers, camping gear, diaper bags and large Costco loads. Could the Bronco secretly be one of the better family vehicles out there? Definitely — especially when you take the top off. My kids thought that was the coolest thing ever.
I drove the Bronco quite a bit around town and on my 52-mile round trip commute and not once did I get tired of it. Some have complained about its road, wind and tire noise, but I honestly didn't think it was very intrusive, especially with the felt headliner glued to this Bronco's hard top.
It's powerful and sounds good
I've been spoiled by spending a lot of time with V8-powered Wranglers, so naturally I was skeptical of my tester's optional twin-turbocharged V6. Turns out, I was seriously wrong. This engine is eager, robust and very fun to exercise around town and on the freeway. There's torque for days and getting up to speed and passing takes almost no effort. I averaged about 17 mpg during my time with it, but on longer commutes, I achieved just over 20 mpg.
The engine also sounds really good. I'm not sure if it's natural, or if some of it is piped in, but either way, I enjoyed its rumble. It sounds trucky and V8-esque, and I love it.
It's great to drive — anywhere, anytime
Perhaps the best thing about the Bronco is that it's just so darn good to drive. It's comfortable, fun, powerful and incredibly charming in its demeanor and attitude. It's impossible to not have a good time while driving it, no matter what you're doing. Commuting, errand running, adventuring — the Bronco is down for it.
I'll just say this: I drive and test about 100 cars per year and few things have made me smile as much as this has. And while you might be intimidated by its off-road attitude and style, don't be. This is an easily accessible rig, so much so that I'm confident most anyone would enjoy their time behind the wheel.
Car and Driver technical editor Mike Sutton said it well when he wrote, "The world is a better place with a new Bronco around. It's not perfect … but it's always fun to drive, gets plenty of attention and is super capable. It's also effortlessly cool in a world of painfully boring crossovers."
An almost compromise-free ownership experience
Like I said at the beginning of this article, it's clear that Ford did their homework with this one. It's an SUV that feels special and thoroughly thought out. It's engineered to be both a comfortable, engaging daily driver and a capable off-roader — and it succeeds.
So, what are the compromises? It's a short list. Fuel economy is so-so. Some may chafe at some of the interior materials for the price point. Road, tire and wind noise might bother some. It rides a tad on the rougher side. But honestly, that's about it. If you can deal with those mild deficiencies, you're in for a really good time. Especially if you're willing to take two minutes to remove the forward three panels of the hard top.
Final thoughts
In a segment overrun with anonymous styling and performance, the Ford Bronco is a literal breath of fresh air. Driving it brought a smile to my face every time I got behind the wheel. It's easy and comfortable to drive, lots of fun and brings loads of character and personality to the table.
In other words, the new Bronco is worthy of the hype. It's the cure to ailments you didn't even know you had, which makes it worth every dollar of its slightly pricey MSRP. In fact, I'd be willing to pay even a bit more for the Wildtrak and its fancy Hoss 3.0 Fox shocks, but as it is, the Outer Banks with the Sasquatch package is a solid combination.
Seriously, if you haven't checked out the new Bronco, this weekend's Utah International Auto Expo is your moment to seize.
In conclusion, I echo what Tony Quiroga of Car and Driver said at the end of their 40,000-mile Bronco test, "I totally fell for the Bronco. From the interior design to the view out of the nearly vertical windows, the Bronco is a unique and special experience."
