2023 Ford Bronco: The Off-Road SUV Legend Returns

The Ford Bronco is an icon of off-road capability and rugged SUV style. After a 25 year hiatus, the Bronco returned to Ford’s lineup in 2021 to the delight of enthusiasts. For 2023, Ford continues offering the Bronco in both a traditional body-on-frame design and the unibody Bronco Sport. This review will focus on specs and capabilities of the new Bronco models to see how they carry on the Bronco heritage.

Rugged Off-Road Design

The 2023 Bronco features a boxy, retro-inspired design that pays homage to the first-generation Bronco of the 1960s. A flat, upright grille, square headlights, and a horizontal light bar across the front give it a purposeful, off-road look. Flared fenders, removalable roof and doors, and an optional front bash plate convey ruggedness.

The Bronco Sport adopts similar design cues but in a smaller unibody package. Up front, the trademark boxy grille makes a bold statement. And familiar Bronco styling details like the horizontal front light bar and trapezoidal wheel arches give it a chiseled off-road vibe.

Powerful Turbocharged Engines

The new Bronco offers a choice of two turbocharged engines: a 2.3L 4-cylinder or 2.7L V6. The base 2.3L generates 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 kicks things up to 310 hp and 400 lb-ft. A 7-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission is available. Four-wheel drive with low-range gearing comes standard.

The Bronco Sport also packs a punch with its turbo 2.0L engine putting out 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. It gets a 8-speed automatic and standard 4WD system optimized for all-terrain performance.

Impressive Off-Road Capability

Living up to its heritage, the new Bronco boasts best-in-class off-road specs including:

• 11.6 inches of ground clearance
• 37.2 degree breakover angle
• 29 degree departure angle
• Bilstein position-sensitive shocks

The Bronco Sport also holds its own off-road with up to 8.8 inches of ground clearance, 33.1 degree breakover angle, 30.4 degree departure angle, and the latest G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) drive modes.

Modern Technology and Safety

While capable in rugged terrain, the new Bronco also excels with modern features. The latest SYNC 4 infotainment system comes standard with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration and an 8-inch touchscreen on all models. Options include a 12-inch touchscreen, 360-degree camera views, and a available B&O premium audio system.

Advanced driver aids like Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blindspot Information with Cross-Traffic Alert, and Lane Keeping System equip the Bronco family with the latest safety tech.

Pricing and Trims

The 2023 Ford Bronco starts at around $31,000 for the base model, with the top Wildtrak trim reaching about $50,000. Available equipment ranges from hard tops and soft tops to steel front bumpers and rock crawler crawl ratios.

The Bronco Sport has a base price of $28,000, with the loaded Badlands trim topping out around $38,000. Key options include a moonroof, adaptive cruise control, heated seats and wheel, and a cargo management system for gear.

Conclusion

The legendary Ford Bronco makes its triumphant return in 2023 with head-turning retro design, serious off-road credentials, potent turbo engines, and plenty of customization options. As a throwback to classic rugged SUVs, combined with modern comfort and tech, the new Bronco is poised to conquer trails and win over enthusiasts for years to come.