AutoTrader SCORE
-
STYLING10.0/10
-
Safety8.0/10
-
PRACTICALITY8.0/10
-
USER-FRIENDLINESS9.0/10
-
FEATURES10.0/10
-
POWER10.0/10
-
COMFORT8.0/10
-
DRIVING FEEL8.0/10
-
FUEL ECONOMY6.0/10
-
VALUE6.0/10
Even if the Bronco wasn’t one of the most off-road capable vehicles around, I have no doubt Ford could easily sell every single one it builds based on looks alone.
Already one of the coolest vehicles out there, the 2024 Ford Bronco Heritage Limited Edition takes everything we love about this purpose-built off-roader and turns the dial way up. The result is an even more retro-inspired rig that’s about much more than aesthetics.
Styling: 10/10
I haven’t felt this cool or gotten this much attention driving a vehicle in a very long time, and the consensus from literally everyone, it seems, is that this Bronco is sick. The already retro look is amped up with the addition of the Heritage Limited Edition’s dog-dish wheels, pastel Robin’s Egg Blue paint ($600), vintage Bronco script on the sides, pinstriping, contrast white hardtop, and white grille with bold red Ford lettering.
This version pays homage to the original Bronco from the 1960s that has become almost unattainable because they’re so highly collectable, but this modern version with the vintage look hits all the right notes, plus it has all the modern conveniences and none of the headaches of owning a vintage vehicle.
The two-door model’s stumpy little wheelbase brings out the best of the Bronco’s boxy proportions and cartoonish stance, and the result is simultaneously badass and adorable, two qualities that are typically mutually exclusive. In a world where off-roaders look as aggressive as possible, it’s refreshing to see the Bronco lean into its cuteness so well while still projecting its aptitude so strongly.
The cabin also does an excellent job mixing modern and retro, with the white dashboard panel and bold red Bronco lettering adding tons of visual interest. The brown leather trim/vinyl seats have a vintage-inspired plaid pattern, a perfect match for the overall vibe. The interior is full of special details and cute Easter eggs for you to discover, and shows great attention to detail.
Power: 10/10
The Bronco tested here has an upgraded twin-turbocharged 2.7L V6 with a hearty 315 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. A four-cylinder is also available. A robust four-wheel-drive system is standard, and a 10-speed automatic transmission is used in the tested model, but a seven-speed manual is also available.
The V6 isn’t the quickest to respond to inputs, but torque builds progressively and isn’t peaky like some other turbocharged engines. The engine feels stout, and while it doesn’t sound great, it pulls with authority. The throttle is also easy to modulate, useful while off-roading, where a delicate touch can sometimes be required.
Features: 10/10
Anything that enables the Bronco to be a force on the trails is included; the result is that it’s overbuilt to the point of hilarity. The Sasquatch package comes standard on the Heritage Limited Edition. From a disconnecting front sway bar to high- and low-range gearing and multiple terrain modes, locking front and rear axles, aggressive 35-inch mud tires, beadlock-capable wheels, full underbody protection, recovery hooks, auxiliary hookups for accessories and lighting, beefy off-road suspension, fender tie-down hooks, and much more, everything combines to make the Bronco unstoppable with excellent approach and departure angles, an imposing ground clearance, water fording abilities, and multiple recovery options.
Alongside features to increase the Bronco’s capability, all the modern comfort and convenience features like wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, surround-view cameras, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, 10-speaker stereo, and wireless phone charging pad are included.
Driving Feel: 8/10
For those who are curious about its capability on the trail, we have a full off-road review of the Bronco. On regular pavement, it also impresses with how civilized it is. Where a Jeep Wrangler’s solid front axle requires a lot of focus and steering correction while driving on pavement, the Bronco’s independent front suspension allows it to feel more civilized and controllable around the suburbs and on the highway without sacrificing its off-road capability. If an off-roader is super capable on the trail, it typically needs to make compromises that affect its daily drivability, but the Bronco shines in both scenarios.
That’s not to say you can drive the Bronco like a sports car; there’s still a degree of caution required because there’s so much suspension travel that it leans a lot in corners, is very bouncy over rough roads and railway tracks, and pitches and dives dramatically with even minor acceleration and braking, all of which is exaggerated by the massive all-terrain tires. Even with these flaws (which are part of the compromises made to keep the Bronco unstoppable off-road), the drive ends up being so engaging and full of character that it’s easy to forgive. It’s truly a joy to drive this Bronco.
The Bronco’s stumpy shape and wheelbase, great outward visibility, and high seating position make it easy to park and provide a commanding view of the road ahead. While it’s too tall to fit in my garage at home, the reverse camera sticks out of the rear-mounted spare tire, so you don’t have to risk hitting something while parking.
Practicality: 8/10
The two-door Bronco isn’t the most practical SUV, but being a Costco warrior is not really its intended purpose. With the heavy spare tire mounted to the swing gate, you’ll have to be careful to ensure there’s enough space behind you to access the trunk and that the wind doesn’t smash the swing gate into a wall or post (ask me how I know).
The trunk holds just 635 L and expands to 1,480 L with the seats folded. The split-folding rear seats can lie flat, but it’s not obvious how and requires an extra step.
The Bronco is built for off-roaders, however, and has all the MOLLE straps and options for accessories and tie-downs expected behind the front seats, in the trunk, and on the swing gate. There’s even a mount and USB port on the dashboard for an action camera or dashcam.
Comfort: 8/10
The stumpy Bronco has a surprising amount of room in the back for passengers, and chunky grab handles and running boards help with ingress and egress, but this SUV is so tall that it takes quite a bit of effort for kids or people with compromised mobility. The seats are comfortable and supportive, however, and have a good degree of adjustability.
A ton of wind and tire noise make its way into the cabin, and some squeakiness can be heard from the panels in the removable roof, but that’s to be expected with an SUV like this.
User Friendliness: 9/10
The Bronco uses a great mix of physical buttons, switches, toggles, and knobs, so drivers don’t have to rely solely on the touchscreen. Everything is clearly labelled and easy to find, so drivers can do most tasks without needing to take their eyes off the road for too long, and the satisfying clicking and clacking of the controls is a refreshing confirmation that whatever you need to do is done. The touchscreen is also intuitive to use and doesn’t require too much digging for menus or guessing to find what you’re looking for.
Fuel Economy: 6/10
With chunky Tonka truck tires, the aerodynamic efficiency of an apartment building, and the capability and brute force of a mountain gorilla, no one should expect exemplary efficiency from a body-on-frame SUV like the Bronco. Officially, the Bronco with the Sasquatch package and the V6 is rated at 14.0 L/100 km in the city, 13.7 on the highway, and 13.9 combined. After about 360 km of testing solely with eco mode driving only the rear wheels, the indicated average was right on the mark at 13.9 L/100 km, but it was hovering closer to 15.2 L/100 km for the majority of my time with it before I had the chance to do any extended highway driving.
Safety: 8/10
I love that the side mirrors are located on the body instead of the doors so if you remove the doors, your blind-spot visibility isn’t compromised. Other than that, the brand’s full suite of safety and driver assistance features is standard on this trim, which includes adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, automatic high-beam control, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Value: 6/10
The two-door 2024 Ford Bronco Heritage Limited Edition tested here is the most expensive trim you can get except for the topline Raptor, so it has a starting price of $90,925 plus the $2,095 destination fee. Yes, that’s a ton of money for any vehicle, but nostalgia, style, and capability are all desirable qualities that demand a price premium, and this Bronco has all three, so be prepared to pay up to have the coolest, most hardcore vehicle on the block.
If you don’t plan on off-roading, however, Ford offers the Heritage Edition look on a lower-spec Bronco with a four-cylinder engine and fewer off-road upgrades that costs about $30,000 less. The tested Bronco Heritage Limited Edition is overkill for someone who doesn’t plan on off-roading, but the regular Heritage Edition offers the same retro look and a level of capability that most people won’t ever need, but at a much more attainable price. This is likely the one I’d pick if it were my own money on the line.
The Verdict
The 2024 Ford Bronco Heritage Limited Edition certainly has its faults, but they all quickly fade away because almost nothing else can surprise and delight with this much personality, style, and capability. This vintage-inspired SUV is likely to age flawlessly and possibly even be collectable one day, and the joyfulness experienced while driving it can’t be overstated.
If you plan on off-roading, the Bronco will get you anywhere you need to go and will look cooler than almost anything else on the trails. And if you have no plans to venture off-road and just want to look like a boss, this Bronco is truly one of the most unique ways to do so.
| Engine Displacement | 2.7L |
|---|---|
| Engine Cylinders | Twin-turbo V6 |
| Peak Horsepower | 315 hp |
| Peak Torque | 410 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | 14 / 13.7 / 13.9 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb |
| Cargo Space | 635 L / 1,480 L Seats Up/Down |
| Model Tested | 2024 Ford Bronco Heritage Limited Edition 2-Door 4x4 |
| Base Price | $90,925 |
| A/C Tax | $100 |
| Destination Fee | $2,095 |
| Price as Tested | $94,295 |
|
Optional Equipment
$1,175 — Storage bags (top and door), $450; Upgraded carpet floor mats, $200; Engine block heater, $375; Cargo area protector, $150
|
|
You may also like
