Ford Drops Base Bronco for 2024: What You Need to Know
Ford’s popular SUV, the Bronco, is undergoing some changes for the 2024 model year. The company has decided to eliminate the base trim, making the Big Bend edition the new entry-level option. While this may result in a higher starting price, it also means that the Bronco will come with an upgraded interior. In this article, we’ll explore the implications of this decision and how it may affect potential buyers.
The Bronco has always been seen as a direct competitor to the Jeep Wrangler, offering a name that is synonymous with off-roading. While most Broncos are unlikely to see extreme terrains, Ford has designed the vehicle to have impressive off-road capabilities. The Black Diamond trim, for example, offers some of the best tools for off-roading enthusiasts.
However, as you move up the trim levels, the price also increases significantly. The Bronco Badlands, which is considered to be a serious off-roader, starts at $50,000. Buyers may wonder if it’s worth splurging on the even more expensive Everglades model or the off-road-focused Wildtrack.
In addition to eliminating the base trim, Ford has raised prices across the board for the Bronco lineup. Trims like Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Badlands, and Wildtrack are now over $1,000 more expensive than last year. The Everglades trim, which offers the best off-roading package, sees a smaller increase of $875, resulting in a starting MSRP of $57,415.
The pricing increases vary across different models and trims. The retro-themed Bronco Heritage and Heritage Limited Editions see relatively small pricing increases of $750 and $240 more for the two-door models, respectively. However, the price difference jumps up by a few hundred dollars for the four-door models and some of the other trims.
The Bronco Raptor, the top-of-the-line model, has undergone the largest pricing increase. With an MSRP of $91,730, it is over $3,000 more expensive than last year. While the Raptor now comes with the Code Orange Appearance Package, which adds color to the interior and exterior, it is an additional $2,500 expense.
Despite the price increases, it’s unclear if customers are getting more value for their money. The rest of the lineup will receive a larger 12-inch infotainment system and Ford’s Sync 4 as standard features. However, there are minimal exterior hardware changes between model years.
It’s worth noting that many automakers are raising prices and eliminating affordable models from their lineups. The Bronco seems to be a profitable vehicle for Ford, and the company may be testing the limits of what customers are willing to pay. While the Jeep Wrangler may be seen as a better buy due to its lower starting price, the two models have distinct differences that go beyond pricing.
In conclusion, Ford’s decision to drop the base trim for the 2024 Bronco model year has resulted in higher starting prices across the lineup. While buyers will get an upgraded interior, they will need to spend more to unlock the full off-roading capabilities and creature comforts. It remains to be seen how customers will respond to these changes and if the Bronco can maintain its position as a strong competitor in the SUV market.
