2024 Ford Bronco: Pushing Limits at Bronco Off-Roadeo
Vehicles with adventurous looks and superior off-road capabilities attract a growing number of customers, and manufacturers are all too happy to introduce more and more models. Sadly, few owners will actually put their vehicles to the test like they’re meant to be.
At Ford, those purchasing a Bronco, Bronco Sport, Ranger Raptor or F-150 Raptor have access to a unique driving program allowing them to hone their off-roading skills and make the most of their SUV or truck. In the case of the Bronco, you can sign up to a Bronco Off-Roadeo experience in one of five locations across the U.S. including Moab (Utah), Potosi Mountain (Nevada), Gunstock Mountain (New Hampshire), Great Smoky Mountains (Tennessee) and Grey Wolf Ranch (Texas). This is not an all-expenses-paid trip, mind you, but the good news is that Ford has partnerships in place to keep costs down.
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If you remember, The Car Guide flew to Salt Lake City a few months ago for the opportunity to drive the new Ford Ranger Raptor at the Ford Performance Racing School. More recently, we headed to Nevada to have a blast with the Jeep Wrangler’s archrival. Here’s how it all went down.
One Busy Day
After a short breakfast, the participants were assigned to a vehicle. More specifically, Bronco Badlands and Black Diamond models were available on that day, all equipped with the Sasquatch package that enhances off-road capability. We hopped in a Bronco Black Diamond featuring a 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6. None of the vehicles were blessed with cameras to assist in navigating tricky terrain, making for a tougher challenge and requiring more calculation.
The driving instructors began with a demonstration of the many technologies found in the Bronco, then they brought us up to speed on the dynamics of off-road driving. A seriously helpful feature is Trail Turn Assist, which reduces the Bronco’s turning circle by applying brake force to the inside rear wheel.
When the time came to tackle the rocky terrain and narrow passages of Potosi Mountain, the first order of business was driving through twisty trails and getting more familiar with the Bronco’s size, handling and controls, such as the so-called Hero Switches for advanced off-road features. It was also an opportunity to alternate between the various G.O.A.T. modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) through the selector on the centre console. With Mud/Ruts engaged, the Bronco made short work of obstacles.
The same was true when driving up or down steep inclines. Hill Descent Control worked like a charm, although the method for activating the system is far from intuitive. Even Ford knows it. You have to press the button in the middle of the G.O.A.T. selector, then engage the parking brake. This causes an indicator light to flash on the gauge cluster, confirming that the system is on. Ford says the procedure is slightly different in four-cylinder Broncos.
Throughout the adventure, the instructors used two-way radios to give us instructions for the various tests. One of them was designed to validate suspension travel with one wheel in the air, sometimes two. Another required us to use Baja mode, which optimizes the vehicle's responsiveness, to complete a small course at high speed.
At the end of the day, our Bronco Black Diamond managed to show its skills in a variety of scenarios, even if the terrain was arguably better suited for the more capable Badlands model. But the real question remains: is it more competent than a Wrangler?
Bronco vs. Wrangler
Last year, we were invited to drive the Jeep Wrangler in St. George, Utah and test the limits of its different models. Right from the start, the experience was more intense and demanding.
That’s not taking anything away from the Off-Roadeo or the Bronco’s prowess, mind you. The Ford SUV boasts firmer and more precise steering, in addition to being more comfortable. Unlike the Wrangler, it does come with a dead pedal.
Everything else is pretty much a matter of personal tastes and needs. Both the Bronco and Wrangler offer an endless list of trim levels, accessories and options, a choice of four- and six-cylinder engines, not to mention an available manual gearbox. Only the Wrangler can be specified with an electrified powertrain—a 4xe plug-in hybrid system with a zero-emission range of up to 35 km—or a V8 (at least for a few more months). Both SUVs are significantly expensive, too.
Incidentally, the Bronco’s lineup has been revised for 2025. The Black Diamond model will now be just a $6,290 package on the Big Bend model. Adding the $5,580 Sasquatch package jacks the price up to $68,375 (including freight, PDI and other fees). That’s no pocket change, for sure.
Not a Bronco Owner? No Problem
If you don’t happen to personally own a Bronco, Ford’s Bronco Off-Roadeo offers a Half-Day Adventure at $795 USD ($1,130 CAD). Participants are allowed to bring up to three guests and can benefit from the tutelage of the same instructors as we did.
Oh, and have you heard about Ford Canada’s “Doors Off December” contest for Bronco owners? Five lucky winners and a guest of their choice will be awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to Bronco Off-Roadeo in Maryville, Tennessee.
