Which Ford Bronco Model is Best for Off-Roading?

Factors to Consider

When ranking each package, we’ll consider a few key variables to determine which performs best off-road. These include: 

Ride Height/Ground Clearance

Ground clearance is the distance between your Bronco’s chassis/body and the ground. This value largely correlates to your Bronco’s lift height and tire size, with larger factory lifts and tires equating to increased ground clearance. 

Enhanced ground clearance plays a significant role in off-road performance, allowing your rig to crawl over rough terrain without rubbing or high-centering on challenging obstacles. 

Tire Size

The larger the tires, the better your Bronco will perform off-road. Well, more-or-less. Oversized tires allow you to crawl over tough obstacles like dips, ruts, and rocks. The large footprint of the tire floats over challenging terrain, especially when aired down.

Larger tires also improve the ground clearance of the axles and other suspension components, minimizing contact with rocks, branches, and other debris on the trail.

Powertrain

As with most applications, more power is always better. The added torque helps your Bronco to crest challenging obstacles with ease, like steep inclines; however, overall power isn’t the only concern. A fuel-efficient powertrain also earns some points, allowing you to travel further on a single tank of fuel–ideal for remote trips with minimal access to gas stations.  

Shock Package

Lift height isn’t the only suspension variable that matters off-road, dampening makes all the difference in the world, especially when traveling over uneven terrain at high speeds. As a result, beefier shock packages are always recommended to bolster off-road performance, increasing travel, ride quality, heat dissipation, and overall comfort.  

Body Protection and Optional Equipment

Which model/package is best protected against the typical trail bumps and bruises? A proper off-road rig isn’t only capable, but practical. Beefy bumpers and body armor can mean the difference between crunched body panels and a paint scuff–which is an important distinction in a new, $35,000+ vehicle. 

Optional features and amenities are also important distinctions. Features like factory GPS navigation, limited slip differentials, and even power inverters can turn a relatively-capable rig into an off-road warrior.

2023 Ford Bronco Packages

Now that we have a grasp of the qualities we’re looking for, let’s begin the comparison. In this section, we’re briefly discussing the available packages for the 2023 Ford Bronco. Not to be confused with models, packages are primarily add-ons that you can apply to each model.

Standard Package

The Standard Package includes the base equipment available on the 2023 Bronco. These features include: 

• LED headlights

• Eight-inch LCD touchscreen

• Rear view camera

• Rear fender flares

• Manual air conditioning

• Remote keyless entry and push-button start

Mid Package

The Mid Package tacks on various amenity options, including:

• Remote start

• AC outlet

• Heated front seats

• Reverse sensors

Note: This package is available on Big Bend, Badlands, and Black Diamond models.

High Package

The High Package features all of the features of the Mid Package, with the following add-ons:

• 12-inch touch screen

• Full 360-degree camera

• Increased sound deadening

• Forward sensors

• Side-mirror approach lamps and spotlight

Note: This package is available on Outer Banks, Badlands, and Wildtrak models. 

Lux Package

The Lux Package–short for luxury–is an incremental addition to the Mid and High packages. This package adds numerous amenities, including:

• Adaptive cruise control

• Upgraded sound system

• Evasive steering assist

• Heated steering wheel

• Additional power ports

• Built-in navigation system

• Wireless charging pads

Sasquatch Package

Now, we’re getting into the important packages for this discussion. The Sasquatch Package is an off-road-oriented addition applicable to all models. This package includes:

• 17-inch beadlock wheels

• 35-inch mud-terrain tires

• Electric-locking front and rear differentials

• High-clearance fender flares

Note: This package is standard on Everglades models. 

Wildtrak HOSS 3.0 Suspension Package

The Wildtrak HOSS 3.0 Suspension Package is the ultimate addition to any Bronco that’ll face extensive trail time. This package features all components of the Sasquatch Package, and adds:

• FOX internal bypass dampers

• Powder-coated steel front bumper

• Steel front bash plates

• Ford Performance severe-duty steering components (power steering rack and tie rods)

Note: This package is standard on Wildtrak models.

2023 Ford Bronco Models

Now that we’ve covered packages, let’s run down the nine available models for the 2023 Bronco.

Base

The Base Model Bronco is relatively well-equipped, as it should be for the price. This model is geared less towards the off-road enthusiast and more towards the daily driver crowd. Included in this model are: 

• Standard Package

• G.O.A.T. terrain management system with five modes

• 16-inch steel wheels

• 30-inch all-season tires

• Three tow hooks (two front, one rear)

• Carpet flooring, cloth seats

The Base model is available with the upgraded Sasquatch package. 

Big Bend

The Big Bend model is still relatively basic, yet adds some premium features over the Base. While not a monster on the trail, the Big Bend features: 

• Standard Package

• G.O.A.T. terrain management system with six modes

• 17-inch aluminum wheels

• 32-inch all-terrain tires

• Privacy glass

• Leather interior trimmings

• Cloth seats

The Big Bend model is available with the Mid and Sasquatch package.

Black Diamond 

The Black Diamond model features several interior and exterior upgrades ideal for a dedicated off-road rig. The Black Diamond includes: 

• Standard Package

• G.O.A.T. terrain management system with six modes

• 17-inch steel wheels

• 32-inch all-terrain tires

• Powder-coated steel bumpers with integrated fog lights and tow hooks

• Heavy-duty rock rails and bash plates

• Rubber flooring with drain plugs

• Weatherproof vinyl seats

• Two front and two rear tow hooks

The Black Diamond model is available with the Mid and Sasquatch package.

Outer Banks

The 2023 Bronco Outer Banks features some minor convenience upgrades over the previous models; however, nothing geared specifically towards improving off-road prowess. The model includes: 

• Mid Package

• G.O.A.T. terrain management system with six modes

• 18-inch aluminum wheels

• 32-inch all-terrain tires

• LED headlamps and taillamps

• Powder-coated tubular side steps

• Heated cloth front seats (available leather trimmings)

The Outer Banks model is available with the High, Lux, and Sasquatch package. 

Badlands

Introducing the 2023 Bronco Badlands–a wheeling-centric model that trades amenities for a slew of off-road upgrades. While not top-of-the-line, the Badlands is an enticing option for weekend warriors and occasional wheelers. This model features:

• Standard Package

• 17-inch aluminum wheels

• 33-inch all-terrain tires

• Model-specific Badlands suspension with sway bar disconnects

• Powder-coated steel bumpers with fog lights and tow hooks

• Rubber flooring with drain plugs

• Weatherproof vinyl seats

The Badlands model is available in Mid, High, Lux, and Sasquatch packages

Wildtrak

The Wildtrak package is engineered to perform. Featuring both the Wildtrak and HOSS 3.0 packages, the Bronco Wildtrak is arguably the most capable regarding low-speed wheeling. Standard features of the Wildtrak include: 

• 2.7L EcoBoost 

• G.O.A.T. terrain management system with six modes

• Wildtrak hood graphic

• Carpeted flooring

• Cloth seats with heated front row (leather trimming available) 

The Wildtrak is available with High and Lux packages. 

Raptor

The 2023 Bronco Raptor is another hyper-capable addition to the Raptor lineup, engineered for high-speed fun in the dirt. On top of its standard Mid and High packages, the Raptor features:

• G.O.A.T. terrain management system with six modes

• HOSS 4.0 suspension package with FOX live-valve 3.1 internal bypass semi-active dampers 

• 37-inch all-terrain tires

• 3.0L EcoBoost

• Standard hard top

• Ford Performance heavy-duty bumpers

• Rigid high-output fog lamps

• Heavy-duty bash plates

• Front stabilizer bar disconnects

• 360-degree camera

The Bronco Raptor is available with the LUX package. 

Heritage 

The Heritage model is a classic throwback, featuring styling cues reminiscent of the first-generation Bronco and off-road centric specs to match. Factory equipment includes the Mid and Sasquatch packages as well as: 

• G.O.A.T. terrain management system with six modes

• Modular hard top

• 17-inch wheels

• Classic bronco script and badging

• Vintage Plaid Seats

Heritage Limited Model

• Mid, High, Lux, and Sasquatch packages

• G.O.A.T. terrain management system with seven modes

• Modular hard top

• 17-inch dog dish-style wheels

• Heritage limited graphics

• Classic Bronco script

• Vintage plaid seats
  
  

Which Model is Best for Off-Roading? 

So, which model of Bronco best encapsulates the outdoorsy spirit? Nearly every model on the list is a capable rig, especially when outfitted with the Sasquatch package; however, a few models outshine the competition. 

Both the Black Diamond and Outer Banks are impressive entry-level wheelers, sporting larger tires than the base model, easy-to-clean rubber floor mats, weatherproof seats, and heavy-duty steel bumpers. For mild wheeling, these models are likely the best outfit for the price. 

Top low-speed wheeling performance has to go to the Wildtrak, featuring both the Wildtrak HOSS 3.0 and Sasquatch packages. With 35-inch tires, performance-oriented FOX dampers, and electronic lockers front and rear, the WIldtrak can handle just about any terrain you can throw its way. 

Regarding the top high-speed wheeler, the Bronco Raptor is unbeatable. High-performance FOX live-valve 3.1 internal bypass semi-active dampers and 37-inch tall tires glide effortlessly over challenging terrain. Heavy-duty bumpers and Rigid fog lights only add to the Bronco Raptor’s capabilities.