Which Bronco Trim is Right for You?

Choosing from the number of packages of this trail runner can be daunting. So, we took a loaded Wildtrak trim through its paces to test its on- and off-road prowess.

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Words and photos by Mathieu Godin Instagram @math_godin

I recently had the opportunity to take a new four-door Bronco Wildtrak edition equipped with the Sasquatch package through Quebec’s Laurentian region. The drive from my home in Ottawa to pick up the vehicle in Montreal also allowed me to evaluate how it handled on the highway. Of course, I welcomed the opportunities to test its mettle on- and off-road.

A 2.7 L twin-turbocharged V6 EcoBoost engine delivering 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque (when using premium fuel) paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission comes standard on the Wildtrak. Another attention-grabbing package is the Sasquatch package that includes 35” M/T tires on 17” bead-lock wheels, front and rear locking differentials, Bilstein position-sensitive monotube shocks, a 4:7 final drive ratio and high-clearance fender flares. The cost of this loaded tester? A cool $71,289 MSRP (CDN).

The Wildtrak doesn’t come with a sway bar disconnect since it’s designed for high-speed off-roading, but it still has a number of other features plus 29 cm (11.5 in) of ground clearance, 43.2-degree approach, 26.3-degree break over, and 37-degree departure angles, which rank it as an unstoppable monster on the trails. (*Ed note: For those who are serious about rock crawling, the Bronco’s Badlands trim comes with a sway bar disconnect).

Fit for the Trail

As I have run the trails in this region before, there was one route that had two particular obstacles I wanted to clear and see what the Bronco was really made of. I didn’t dare attempt them before with my 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk as I required a front locker.

The trail I wanted to run is not all that long and mostly used by ATVs but it’s still wide enough for the Bronco. It’s scenic and leads along a lake, yet there’s a deep mud pit that ends rather abruptly before merging onto the main dirt road at a substantial incline.

Since this Bronco wasn’t equipped with sliders, I had some difficulties getting on the trail as I needed to clear some rocks on both sides. Although it was a tight fit, the Wildtrak’s 360-degree camera system provided views of the front tires, allowing me to easily clear them without needing a spotter. Otherwise, I would’ve had to call it a day.

Just as I cleared the obstacles, I saw the rear tire on the driver’s side climb over a rock and hit the wheel. It definitely left its mark but when off-roading these kinds of incidents are to be expected.

I then approached the mud pit. There were some noticeable ATV tracks but the terrain was too soft to get closer and assess its depth. So, while I didn’t practice the golden rule of accurately verifying how deep a water or mud crossing is, I did do a visual assessment. If I became really stuck - and being solo - I figured I’d be close enough to the main dirt road to call for help with recovery.

Besides, I wouldn’t go on a solo off-road adventure without a set of MaxTraxs’ and other recovery gear (as well as someone at home waiting for my call if I got into serious trouble). So, with the Mud/Ruts mode selected on the Bronco and the rear locker engaged, I went for it.

It wasn’t that bad after all and the Bronco made it easy. I was now at the bottom of the hill that merged onto the main dirt road. I selected 4-low so I could engage the front and rear lockers. Making sure there was no oncoming traffic, I made it up slow and steady. Again, I made it through pretty easily. Reflecting on this last part of the trail, the Bronco gave me some added confidence to try such obstacles. I’m usually rather conservative when off-roading solo, but after a few hours behind the wheel of this beast and getting a feeling of the different off-road modes and lockers, I knew the Bronco was up for the challenges.

An impressive feature was Trail Turn Assist. When engaged, the rear interior wheel locks during a full turn and it makes a huge difference in diminishing the turning radius. While it didn’t make the Bronco turn entirely on its own like a tank, I didn’t expect it to be so effective. This is a great feature that would come in handy.

Ford calls the Bronco’s Terrain Management System, G.O.A.T (Goes Over Any Terrain). The Wildtrak comes with several driving modes including Normal, Eco, Sport, and the optional Baja and Mud/Ruts. While I didn’t drive off-road like a maniac to truly test the Baja mode, it’s quite a cool feature that will keep the engine revving while in 4-high.

The Sport mode was also a blast, which I used off-road as well as on the pavement since it activates the Wildtrak 4WD’s automatic mode. Yet, with a rig fitted with 35” off-road biased tires, don’t expect the performance like a Ford Mustang GT.

Even as a Jeep lover and owner, it’s hard not to appreciate the Bronco’s features that aren’t available on the Wrangler. There are a few things it does better, especially on pavement, thanks to its independent front suspension (IFS).

I’m not saying the Wrangler needs to be updated to an IFS and for the most part, I like the Wrangler as it is. But it now has a serious contender. The Bronco made a solid return and it’s great to see manufacturers engaging in some competition as it simply fosters more innovation.

Be sure to read more about the Bronco online at https://suncruisermedia.com/4WDrive/trucks/all-new-2021-ford-bronco/ and visit www.ford.ca