2021 Ford Bronco: How We’d Build It

Now that the official Bronco online configurator is live on the Ford site, a few Overland Expo staff members each sat down and built our dream Bronco overland rig. More than whet our Bronco appetites, we hope our selections might guide you in your Bronco ordering process.

With essentially 12 different trims across two different models, not to mention the various optional packages, there’s a lot to consider when putting down your $100 reservation deposit. So, in the hopes of simplifying the process for you, we thought we’d demonstrate how a few of our seasoned overlanders would spec their own overlanding Bronco.

Jonathan Hanson 

• Bronco Base four-door

• Hard-top

• Sound-deadening headliner

• Sasquatch Package

• Modular front bumper

• 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6

• 10-speed automatic transmission

I specified the four-door for cargo space rather than passenger room. The Bronco Base with the Sasquatch Package avoids complex options I don’t need but optimizes back road capability.

I checked the box on the White exterior paint color because most of my travel is in deserts and warm weather, and white is still the most durable color.

I optioned the overhead console with auxiliary switches because I’d undoubtedly add driving lights, a winch, and an air compressor, and it would be nice to have an integrated factory switch console. I didn’t order the modular bumper because I’m sure an aftermarket company will come out with something better.

Likewise, no roof rack, which I’d try to avoid if possible. I don’t usually carry a roof rack, but the 110-pound dynamic limit seems very low — most roof-rack/roof tent combinations will blow through that. Hard top and sound deadener (also insulation) for security and comfort. I also added floor liners to trap dirt and mud.

The anemic tow rating wouldn’t be a concern for me since I don’t pull a trailer. The 1,370-pound cargo rating, which presumably includes occupants and fuel, is not bad, and, if I remember correctly, at least 300 pounds higher than a Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited.

I’ve called the Wrangler Rubicon “America’s own world-class expedition vehicle.” From the specs, it appears the Bronco could have a legitimate run at that same title.

MSRP: $43,925

Zach Elseman 

• Bronco Big Bend four-door

• Hard-top

• 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four-cylinder

• Seven-speed manual transmission

As a person who tends to take off on multi-month traveling expeditions around North America with ambitions to complete the Pan-American Highway someday, my choice from the new Bronco lineup was an easy one: the cheapest model with four doors and a manual transmission.

The Big Bend trim, equipped with the seven-speed manual transmission and the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder will provide enough power to move a fully-loaded vehicle at speed for a lot of highway miles without sacrificing off-road performance.

The Base is the simplest of all of the trims with less frilly features to malfunction or break, but the 7-speed manual does not appear to be an option on the Base model- Big Bend it is. Contrary to popular opinion, I would opt to not add the Sasquatch Package as it is overkill for my preferred style of overland travel.
Another reason I admire the non-Sasquatch Base trim is that, once the stock tires wear out or fail, 32- or 33-inch tires that are widely available around the globe can be added.

For just shy of $40,000 (before dealer markup and delivery fees), the Big Bend trim provides a great value for the overlander that would rather spend money on traveling instead of LED Signature Lighting or graphics packages.

MSRP: $39,850

Nick Jaynes

• Bronco Black Diamond four-door

• Hard-top

• Mid Package

• Sasquatch Package

• 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6

• 10-speed automatic transmission

Unlike my teammates, I am going to opt for a slightly higher trim level. I went with the Black Diamond trim because it adds heavy-duty modular front bumper, rock rails, and heavy-duty bash plates, as well as auxiliary switches and rubberized flooring and marine-grade vinyl seating. Then I picked the lovely Cactus Grey, which, if i am honest, looks more baby blue — and I’m not mad about that.

I’d add the turbocharged V6 and automatic. An automatic is like an ‘easy’ button for off-roading. And you simply can’t shake a stick at the 2.7-liter’s 400 foot-pounds of torque.

Black Diamond is also available with some packages I know I wouldn’t want to live without on a daily basis. The Mid Package adds heated seats, more power outlets, some active safety tech, and dual-zone temperature control, among other things. Since I’d drive this daily as well as overland, I feel I’d be remiss not to include some creature comforts.

I wheel as much as I overland, so the Sasquatch Package is essential to me. I require my overland rigs to be triple locked — no exceptions. That said, Zach makes a good point about the availability of 33s. But I figure that there are a billion and a half Ford dealers in the world. Surely, they’ll have at least one on hand after the Bronco launch. So, 35s shouldn’t be that hard to find … I hope.

I feel like Black Diamond adds just enough stuff that I know I could go tackle a trail overland journey on day one. But it also opens me up enough to aftermarket add-ons and customization that I know I could make it my own, too.

I did discover, though, that when trying to add a roof rack or front brush guard to the Black Diamond four-door, the system required the removal of Sasquatch Package. I hope this is a mistake. Because if, for some reason, Sasquatch optioned Broncos can’t have a roof rack, I have to wonder what we’re even doing here.

MSRP: $50,865

Graham Jackson

• Bronco Base four-door

• Sasquatch package

• Heavy-duty modular front bumper

• Brush Guard

• Area 51 color

• 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four-cylinder

• 10-speed automatic

The new Bronco has some awesome features for the overlander. I’d take the four-door version just for the space, but the two-door is an intriguing option.

I shy away from driver assists, so the the Base model with the Sasquatch package, which, with rear locker is pretty much a no-brainer. I’d probably forgo a winch on this build just because of the capability afforded by the 35-inch tires the Bilstein position sensitive shocks and the locker.

On the interior, I opted for the aux. switches for lights and the map light. Also, cloth seats and the floor mats are great options. Only other thing to add is the modular front bumper and crash plate, and what a start to an overland rig that would be!

MSRP: $41,665

Anthony Sicola

• Bronco Badlands four-door

• Lux Package

• 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four-cylinder

• 10-speed automatic

I’m a Land Cruiser guy through and through. You’d need to pry my 80 Series out of my cold, dead fingers to get me to switch to something else.

That said, if I were to consider another rig, I’d definitely go with the four-door Bronco Badlands trim with the Sasquatch Package. It is everything the original Ford Bronco was in a well-appointed wrapper.

The Sasquatch gets you 35-inch tires and 17-inch beadlock wheels, front and rear locking differentials, and Bilstein monotube shocks, among other things.

Now that the configurator is out, and I see the $55,560 price tag, I think I’ll stick with my 80 Series.

MSRP: $55,560

Header image credit: Ford Motor Company