Were it not for lingering post-pandemic supply chain issues, you’d probably see as many 2023 Ford Broncos on the road as Jeep Wranglers. But for those who’ve finally gotten their hands on the entirely modernized version of the classic, full-size Bronco—available in two- and four-door versions, among some 10 different trim levels including higher-power Raptor builds—the reward is an exceptionally rugged, retro-styled vehicle.
High in that pack is the approximately $58,000 Bronco Wildtrak model, which we drove in two-door, rooftop-camping-friendly hard-top form, with the Sasquatch 4×4 package added. That meant massive 35-inch all-terrain tires on blacked-out 17-inch beadlock wheels, front and rear locking differentials, fender flares and special off-road dampers. Wildtrak’s gutsy 330-horsepower 2.7-liter Ecoboost V6 engine will leave most other hardcore 4x4s in the dust.
Not unlike Wrangler, the idea here is a capable adventure machine that has been tweaked from its rudimentary $35,000 base model into a rock-crawling, rip-roaring 4×4 of extremely blocky proportions. There’s still hard plastic on the center console, containing window and mirror controls for those doors-off days, but Wildtrak features unique badging and handsaw-styled grab-handles to access the cab. When you hit the trail, the multi-mode Go Over Any Trail system allows you full trail speed control and even a front-of-bumper video view.
The Stats
11.5 inches of ground clearance
33.5 inches of water fording
330/415 horsepower and torque (2.7-liter engine)
