Bronco Desert Rising Edition Debut (Updated w/ Package Details)

[userdude]

But stylistically “bad” is always a question of taste. Personally, I think Taylor Swift and the Barbie movies are bad. I think McDonalds and Budweiser are bad. Marvel movies are bad. But it seems like hundreds of millions of people have different tastes than I do. I’m not predicting success for this particular effort, but there’s good business in “bad” products.

Bad or uninteresting? Say what you will about Taylor Swift and Barbie, they at least capture the zeitgeist with real creative talent. It ain't my bag, but I don't think of it as bad, per se.

Now Drake, ehhh... I tend to think of that as bad, but maybe it's just not for me either? It sounds low-effort and flat to me. But it works for his many fans (and his bot empire).

On the other hand, John Waters is a highly stylized director working in bad taste intentionally. Many of his fans like him because he is so bad, he's good. However, I'd probably find his work better than the Blair Witch Project or Troma movies because I find them so hard to watch; I'm not in, as it were.

Well, anyway. I tend to think of bad as low talent, poor execution, middling novelty or otherwise lacking in effort or ability. I don't think I'd think of this as any of those per se, but maybe I'm just not willing to see it because it's not meant to appeal to me and has a fit and finish to it.

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[ThunderFlash]

IMHO all appearance packages are silly but they keep doing them so they must at least pay for themselves.

To each his own, I guess.

SQUIRREL MOMENT! That rack the concept Bronco pic...does anyone know what they are using for the rear mount on that rack? Is that something available somewhere or was it fabricated for this concept pic or is all just computer generated? IVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THAT and threatening to make one!

 

[HalfmuleFarmer]

That rack the concept Bronco pic...does anyone know what they are using for the rear mount on that rack?

It’s AI. Posted by @RoLyMa27

 

[RoLyMa27]

It’s AI. Posted by @RoLyMa27

Yes, it is AI

 

[Kevin Scarbel]

Per @FordVideoGuy

The $13,695 doesn't include the Sasquatch Package. Required to order Outer Banks with Sasquatch package and body color hard top. Starting price is $57,350 plus destination plus the package at $13,695 with graphics or $12,695 without the graphics. $73,040 with graphics, $72,040 without graphics.

How Utah's Desert Landscape Inspired New, Bold Ford Bronco Design (Desert Rising Edition)

July 27, 2026

By Hana Medina freelance contributor for Ford

The Great Salt Lake doesn't look much like a lake in July. The north arm runs coral and nearly rose-colored, teeming with microscopic organisms thriving in the briny water. And the sand dunes take on berry hues at dawn and dusk.

These desert landscapes are what senior designer Bhavna Mistry and the Ford team brought back to the studio as they designed Desert Rising, a new Bronco trim and customization package available to order starting today.

It's the first of a new line of packages Ford is calling the Horizon Series, offered through Ford Custom Garage.

I recently talked with Mistry about the inspiration behind the design.

Ford has a long history of desert racing. How did that influence this design?

Desert racing runs deep in the Bronco® DNA, but for us, inspiration didn't come from the racing itself. It started with the environment it sat in: the desert, and those magical moments of calm and thrill before and after the race, when the whole place transforms into amazing tones of berry. It's like a reward at the end of it.

Magenta is unexpected for Bronco. Can you tell me more about these colors?

Every color story starts with a place. This one starts here in Utah.

The color palette draws its inspiration from natural phenomena that take place in some of the most iconic locations. Starting with the Great Salt Lake, as temperatures rise and water levels drop, that portion of the lake turns almost neon in color due to the rare natural phenomena: the microbiomes that use pink or purple pigment to capture the sunlight into energy.

Similarly, at Coral Pink Sand Dunes, the hues shift throughout the day, but it's the magical moments at dawn and dusk, when they deepen into rich, saturated tones of berry, that inspired us.

And after a rare rainfall in the desert, the cactus bursts into a sudden bloom of bright magenta, a bold pop of color in the harshest landscape on the planet. That's what resonates with the spirit of Bronco for us: built to withstand the harshest terrain, capable of something unexpected, yet full of energy.


Tell me about the exterior graphics. What's the story you're trying to tell there?

Graphics on the body side are a suggestive, abstract interpretation of the landscapes that inspired us and carry the same energy as those magical moments we chased. They're optional to the package; customers can choose how much of a bold statement they want to make.


How did you approach interior design?

We carried the same discipline inside the cabin. The interior offers striking two-tone leather seats in magenta and black with accent stitching from Katzkin, plus a pop of color on the grab handles that ties beautifully with exterior elements, highly capable Method wheels, trail sights, and the bucky on the tailgate.

Tell me about the design process. How long did it take to go from concept to creation?

The team, which also includes Nahshon Francis and Jim Ransdell, were challenged to develop a bold concept that reflects core values of Bronco while connecting with customers' lifestyles. Moving fast and getting ideas to market quickly is a hallmark of the Ford Custom Garage team, and that was part of the approach here.


There are many iterations of the Bronco. Tell me more about Ford Custom Garage.

Almost half of the ford customers want to personalize. We continue to see the desire for personalization grow. And our mission is to make it as easy, curated, and worry free as possible while still providing unique builds.

We want people to fall in love with Ford Custom Garage packages. Enthusiasts want to personalize their vehicles, and we recognize that every trim package isn't for every customer. Desert Rising was designed for those looking for something bold, expressive, and fun. We hope drivers take these vehicles to unforgettable destinations that only a Bronco can reach, creating memories along the way.

One of the biggest benefits of choosing a Ford Custom Garage package is that it's backed by Ford. The packages feature model-specific Ford Racing Parts and accessories, which are all considered original equipment manufacturer components. When installed by a Ford dealer or ASE-certified technician, they maintain the vehicle's standard new-vehicle warranty.

On which Bronco models is this trim package available?

It's available on the Outer Banks model, in four exterior colors: Oxford White, Shadow Black, Avalanche Gray, and Ruby Red.


Which features will enthusiasts be excited about?

This vehicle combines off-roading (including the capability of the Sasquatch® Package) with beauty. I think they will appreciate our collaboration with Method wheels and how were able to work with them to get the color tie-in with the rest of the elements on the car, and a little splash of magenta on the center cap. It’s those tiny details that make the whole package cohesive. We also have a limited-edition, serialized center console badge that makes it truly special.

When will it be available in dealerships?

Orders are open as of July 27, 2026.


How much does the Bronco Desert Rising Edition package cost?

The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the Bronco Desert Rising Edition package is $13,695.


What else can customers expect?

Desert Rising is just the first chapter in the Horizon Series. There's more to come, and we're excited to continue sharing that story.


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There's simply nothing "Desert Rising" about it. It actually looks like the Barbie and Ken edition. Talk about missing the mark.

A properly executed "Desert Rising" edition would be Desert Sand color and look, well, pretty darn good. The Jeep name Comanche would come to mind (I assume Jeep still holds the trademark for that name).

 

[Nanook]

Didn’t Jaguar try this?

 

[Nibroc99]

I feel that Ford is putting so much effort into new "editions" because they aren't catering to their existing audience wanting to upgrade - they're catering to first-time buyers. Quite a bummer.

 

[HalfmuleFarmer]

I feel that Ford is putting so much effort into new "editions" because they aren't catering to their existing audience wanting to upgrade - they're catering to first-time buyers. Quite a bummer.

Honestly, stuff like this isn’t a lot of effort. The ‘Custom Garage’ is likely a small free-standing design and customization studio who are tasked with creating ‘editions’ from existing OEM and 3rd party parts, stickers, and some buckets of paint. Meaningful upgrades (as you know, having done a bunch of mods) require engineering, key components swaps, and manufacturing line changes. Totally different level of effort and cost than these throw away appearance packages. This stuff is essentially marketing. It gets press. Sell a few and it pays for itself.

 

[Nibroc99]

Honestly, stuff like this isn’t a lot of effort. The ‘Custom Garage’ is likely a small free-standing design and customization studio who are tasked with creating ‘editions’ from existing OEM and 3rd party parts, stickers, and some buckets of paint. Meaningful upgrades (as you know, having done a bunch of mods) require engineering, key components swaps, and manufacturing line changes. Totally different level of effort and cost than these throw away appearance packages. This stuff is essentially marketing. It gets press. Sell a few and it pays for itself.

I think I phrased this incorrectly. I know this doesn't tsake a lot of effort. What I meant is putting MORE effort into this than actually upgrading the vehicle. What was the latest major upgrade we saw on the functionality or actual look of the bronco? I genuinely can't think of anything off-hand.

 

[HalfmuleFarmer]

What was the latest major upgrade we saw on the functionality or actual look of the bronco?

Well, I’d say the Filson edition sorta is it. The 3.0L in a non-Raptor is pretty significant. The custom interior is something. It is “major”? Maybe not, but it feels like Ford is still establishing the 6G Bronco in the larger SUV market. Why change the look now?

PS: Ford, please feel free to change the look of the Raptor fender flares. ;-)

 

[Nibroc99]

Well, I’d say the Filson edition sorta is it. The 3.0L in a non-Raptor is pretty significant. The custom interior is something. It is “major”? Maybe not, but it feels like Ford is still establishing the 6G Bronco in the larger SUV market. Why change the look now?

PS: Ford, please feel free to change the look of the Raptor fender flares. ;-)

It's not the "true" 3.0 though from the raptor. It's significantly de-tuned and will be replacing the 2.7L according to sources I've seen. Who knows though, maybe that means the '28 raptor will get the 5.0. A boy can dream.

P.S. Ford please we're begging you the flares are uggo

 

[HalfmuleFarmer]

… they [Ford] aren't catering to their existing audience wanting to upgrade …

This is an interesting observation and likely true. They’re not. The question is maybe ‘why not?’ The answer is likely the same set of considerations that are faced by lots of businesses. Which investment is more valuable: Keeping previous customers happy or creating new ones? Striking the right balance can be hard. But most businesses are focused on new customers and new sales, as it’s usually more profitable and delivers larger overall growth. Most sales and marketing efforts are directed towards finding a new audience, not those already aware. Is this wise? Hard to say, but it’s pretty typical across most consumer-facing industries. They figure they already got you, and they’re targeting someone new now.

 

[rx4wood]

If you’re gonna do pink, just do pink

 

[demos1970]

and bumper. Modular Front Bumper is not available from the factory on the outer banks so they are adding that.

Here you go.

 

[demos1970]

Per @FordVideoGuy

The $13,695 doesn't include the Sasquatch Package. Required to order Outer Banks with Sasquatch package and body color hard top. Starting price is $57,350 plus destination plus the package at $13,695 with graphics or $12,695 without the graphics. $73,040 with graphics, $72,040 without graphics.

How Utah's Desert Landscape Inspired New, Bold Ford Bronco Design (Desert Rising Edition)

July 27, 2026

By Hana Medina freelance contributor for Ford

The Great Salt Lake doesn't look much like a lake in July. The north arm runs coral and nearly rose-colored, teeming with microscopic organisms thriving in the briny water. And the sand dunes take on berry hues at dawn and dusk.

These desert landscapes are what senior designer Bhavna Mistry and the Ford team brought back to the studio as they designed Desert Rising, a new Bronco trim and customization package available to order starting today.

It's the first of a new line of packages Ford is calling the Horizon Series, offered through Ford Custom Garage.

I recently talked with Mistry about the inspiration behind the design.

Ford has a long history of desert racing. How did that influence this design?

Desert racing runs deep in the Bronco® DNA, but for us, inspiration didn't come from the racing itself. It started with the environment it sat in: the desert, and those magical moments of calm and thrill before and after the race, when the whole place transforms into amazing tones of berry. It's like a reward at the end of it.

Magenta is unexpected for Bronco. Can you tell me more about these colors?

Every color story starts with a place. This one starts here in Utah.

The color palette draws its inspiration from natural phenomena that take place in some of the most iconic locations. Starting with the Great Salt Lake, as temperatures rise and water levels drop, that portion of the lake turns almost neon in color due to the rare natural phenomena: the microbiomes that use pink or purple pigment to capture the sunlight into energy.

Similarly, at Coral Pink Sand Dunes, the hues shift throughout the day, but it's the magical moments at dawn and dusk, when they deepen into rich, saturated tones of berry, that inspired us.

And after a rare rainfall in the desert, the cactus bursts into a sudden bloom of bright magenta, a bold pop of color in the harshest landscape on the planet. That's what resonates with the spirit of Bronco for us: built to withstand the harshest terrain, capable of something unexpected, yet full of energy.


Tell me about the exterior graphics. What's the story you're trying to tell there?

Graphics on the body side are a suggestive, abstract interpretation of the landscapes that inspired us and carry the same energy as those magical moments we chased. They're optional to the package; customers can choose how much of a bold statement they want to make.


How did you approach interior design?

We carried the same discipline inside the cabin. The interior offers striking two-tone leather seats in magenta and black with accent stitching from Katzkin, plus a pop of color on the grab handles that ties beautifully with exterior elements, highly capable Method wheels, trail sights, and the bucky on the tailgate.

Tell me about the design process. How long did it take to go from concept to creation?

The team, which also includes Nahshon Francis and Jim Ransdell, were challenged to develop a bold concept that reflects core values of Bronco while connecting with customers' lifestyles. Moving fast and getting ideas to market quickly is a hallmark of the Ford Custom Garage team, and that was part of the approach here.


There are many iterations of the Bronco. Tell me more about Ford Custom Garage.

Almost half of the ford customers want to personalize. We continue to see the desire for personalization grow. And our mission is to make it as easy, curated, and worry free as possible while still providing unique builds.

We want people to fall in love with Ford Custom Garage packages. Enthusiasts want to personalize their vehicles, and we recognize that every trim package isn't for every customer. Desert Rising was designed for those looking for something bold, expressive, and fun. We hope drivers take these vehicles to unforgettable destinations that only a Bronco can reach, creating memories along the way.

One of the biggest benefits of choosing a Ford Custom Garage package is that it's backed by Ford. The packages feature model-specific Ford Racing Parts and accessories, which are all considered original equipment manufacturer components. When installed by a Ford dealer or ASE-certified technician, they maintain the vehicle's standard new-vehicle warranty.

On which Bronco models is this trim package available?

It's available on the Outer Banks model, in four exterior colors: Oxford White, Shadow Black, Avalanche Gray, and Ruby Red.


Which features will enthusiasts be excited about?

This vehicle combines off-roading (including the capability of the Sasquatch® Package) with beauty. I think they will appreciate our collaboration with Method wheels and how were able to work with them to get the color tie-in with the rest of the elements on the car, and a little splash of magenta on the center cap. It’s those tiny details that make the whole package cohesive. We also have a limited-edition, serialized center console badge that makes it truly special.

When will it be available in dealerships?

Orders are open as of July 27, 2026.


How much does the Bronco Desert Rising Edition package cost?

The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the Bronco Desert Rising Edition package is $13,695.


What else can customers expect?

Desert Rising is just the first chapter in the Horizon Series. There's more to come, and we're excited to continue sharing that story.


VIDEO:





MORE PHOTOS:

I swear I thought this was AI. Now it OUCH!!!

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