A real life 6’0 lol. No rounding.
I agree with your entire write up, good job! I had a chance to see the first edition in person and like you said it’s a well-built special purpose vehicle that is light years ahead of Jeep’s Wrangler.***Photos to follow shortly***
On Saturday the GF and I arrived at Varsity Ford in Ann Arbor Michigan around 11:45 PM. Our appointment was for the noon timeslot so we were a little early. I was disappointed to find that the Bronco on display was the Rapid Red Outerbanks we have been seeing on the forums. I was really hoping for the Black Diamond so I could see the sasquatch and MGV or at least the First Edition to see the Cactus Grey color on the Bronco. Regardless... beggars can't be choosers.
The event started by them gathering us all into a group and they then gave a slight introduction about the Bronco and rattled off some generic statistics/features of the ride. I drowned all this out as it was nothing a common fan wouldn't already know.
First Impressions: While I was excited to see the Bronco in person I will admit I was rather surprised at how my adrenaline didn't spike. I think it mostly has to do with having seen this vehicle in countless videos/photos over the years that I pretty much know it like the back of my hand. Rapid Red is a great color. I'm not convinced I'd pay extra for it but it looks great with the black accents. If I wasn't so in love with Area 51 I'd probably consider it.
There was probably 20-30 people there at the time. I literally stationed myself by the driver's door so when they stopped talking I could jump right in. Mission accomplished. Apologies that I couldn't get photos a bit further away to get a better image of my legs. I literally had the phone up on my nose trying to get as much as I could. Maybe in a few weeks I'll have more time and have my GF take a photo from the second row looking down. (More on this later). Anyways, I think space/legroom in the front is perfectly acceptable. I didn't feel like I had to lean my legs up on the center console or never felt cramped. Sitting in the driver's seat was fun. As I stated earlier... my juices weren't really flowing upon arrival but once I sat down in the drivers seat... six to midnight. Even the Outerbanks with the smaller tires had a great ride height and the feel/view of the cabin is a delight. It felt like it would be a very fun vehicle to drive.
The overall quality of the vehicle seemed nice. I touched a lot of the materials and was satisfied. The front seats were comfy, the armrest and center console were well placed and padded that I felt I had a few comfortable driving positions. Nothing is worse than a car where you have to hold your arms up the entire time. The Bronco did not have that at all. I sat in the backseats for a bit and had a another gentlemen extend the front seat all the way back as a means to crush me in the back. He was laughing and said "I'd never need this much room up here" but regardless I wanted to see. My legs needed to point out a bit kind of like on an airplane but wasn't horrible. For a short trip 30 mins - 1 hour it is manageable. Anything longer than that would likely be miserable. Keep in mind I had the front seat as far back as it would go. Another item I made sure I checked out was the tailgate. After having owned a jeep I wanted to see how it was opening and closing it. The tailgate hinge and the way the cylinder locked it into place was a nice feature. I opened and closed it multiple times... it works well.
The Ford reps that were there weren't "Bronco Nation" reps but there were familiar with the forums (Both this one and TheBroncoNation). I vetted them and asked them what they liked and didn't like. I eventually found one guy who knew more than the others... obviously I needed to hit this guy with the kitchen sink at this point...
Question 1: "I am thinking of going Sasquatch on my Badlands but my concern is ride quality and MPG"
Answer: I love the sasquatch package. I wouldn't think twice about it. It vibrates a bit when you get to high speeds because of the tires but there is absolutely no wandering on the highway like there is with a Jeep. You aren't fighting it. I would put it inline between driving an F150 and an explorer on the highway. Also, as far as MPG goes I had about 16-17 recently but that was with highway driving as well. If you just did around town I wouldn't be surprised if it's around 12.
Question 2: What model is your favorite and what are you going with?
Answer: Oh, I'm waiting for Ford to come out with a few more engine options...
Question 2A: Oh so you're talking about the Warthog? I know you cant talk about that but a little birdie told me we could see it coming next year... if so dont move a muscle and don't blink.
Answer: The gentlemen was totally still and didn't blink.
Question 3: I know Ford has confirmed a green for MY22. Can you confirm if this color is currently offered on another Ford vehicle.
Answer: No the color is not currently offered on another Ford Vehicle
Question 3A/Statement 3A: I really hope Ford comes out with something along the lines of an army green.
Answer: The guy smiled but he wouldn't allude to anything else.
Question 4: If the Heritage Edition is very similar to the Cactus Grey build we saw during premier night then don't move a muscle.
Answer: The guy didn't move.
Question 5: If you could pick between the Raptor R or the "Warthog" which would you choose?
Answer: I'd hypothetically pick the Raptor varient of the Bronco... if there were such a thing
Additional Thoughts:
- Assuming the information above is correct, we can cross Guard Green off the list of possible green colors for the Bronco. "Greaaaattt succcessss" - Borat Voice
- There was a Cactus Grey Bronco Sport. It is a nice color and definitely different in person.
- The soft top material seemed nice. They had it open the entire time and a door and the windows stored in the back.
- The build quality of the vehicle felt solid. Opening and closing the doors felt sturdy. I never felt like anything was loose and the door just felt like it would hold. I can't say the same about the wrangler doors. People who are expecting a Rolls Royce interior will be disappointed. This thing was built with a purpose to take a beating and last. In my opinion Ford has delivered on that end in spades..
- I asked if there was any additional insulation between the rubber flooring and the body. The crew there wasn't sure but they emailed their engineers the question and took down my email address. If I get a response I will let you guys know.
- It hasn't been made public yet but the crew is making their way to Cleveland and Buffalo in the coming weeks. I got one of the gentlemen's numbers and he told me to text him in early April. At this point he should have the dates pinned down. He said it would be the First Edition Cactus Grey at those dealerships. I live in Cleveland so I plan on seeing them again. This time I'll at least get to see a Sasquatch. I'll also try and grab a better photo of my legs in the front seat. This time I'll have the GF take the photo looking down from the backseat.
- When I told the gentlemen my build and that I had my order in two hours after the premier he said I'd be looking at late Summer (August) due to sasquatch. Oof... I was really hoping that since I was somewhat early I'd maybe still get it in July but who knows...
- The crew was kind enough to turn on the vehicle and crank the sound system for me. It was maybe 25% but it sounded pretty good. At the next event I'm going to ask to pick a song and really see how much I can make the sub bump. Their personal impressions were that the B&O sounded much better than stock... take that with a grain of salt obviously because they work for Ford.
- I'm not sure what my GF would've said if we saw a standard 33" Badland's in person but the second we walked up onto the Outerbanks she said " I want the bigger tires" Which actually surprised me because she was the one pushing the smaller wheels the entire time. Good news for her was I had actually changed the build a week ago to sasquatch and was just going to have her show up at the dealership and be surprised lol.
- I felt the material in the wheelwells and then felt the sound insulation underneath the hood. It felt the same. Obviously the roof insulation has some padding underneath it but whatever it is on the outside that they are using for sound insulation, it was or at least felt the same as what is inside the wheelwells.
Cargo area was FILLED with the door bags, and side/rear soft top parts. But I was pleasantly happy with it. Felt bigger and more practical than my buddies brand new Forester.
Teens? Certainly not 12mpg from a factory configured vehicle, 35's or not. Thanks for the condescending reply, though.
If you thought that was condescending the internet isn’t the place for you, that was me being nice.Teens? Certainly not 12mpg from a factory configured vehicle, 35's or not. Thanks for the condescending reply, though.
The Bronco weighs between 4350 and 5360 pounds depending on configuration. My 2-door FE will be 5230 lbs. Keep in mind it’s a much bigger vehicle than a CJ and TJ with a very over built frame.
I Just have a hard time believing that too. I totally get Ford/Dodge doing special versions of vehicles like the Raptor or TRX that get 12 mpg from the factory, makes sense. I don't get the large scale production Bronco getting that low even with 35's. I would think the EPA would throw fits and make Ford's life miserable. Ford finally gets an electric car off the ground to somewhat match Tesla, raises their overall average MPG for every vehicle they make, and then throws all its gains away on Sasquatch package. Something isn't right with that. I don't expect 20mpg but I do expect at least 15 around town.Teens? Certainly not 12mpg from a factory configured vehicle, 35's or not. Thanks for the condescending reply, though.
Beezle,
As someone who has driven the 2.7 since 2015 - there is no way this will only get 12 mpg in the city. We should expect 19-20 mpg, but no way will it be close to 12.***Photos to follow shortly***
On Saturday the GF and I arrived at Varsity Ford in Ann Arbor Michigan around 11:45 PM. Our appointment was for the noon timeslot so we were a little early. I was disappointed to find that the Bronco on display was the Rapid Red Outerbanks we have been seeing on the forums. I was really hoping for the Black Diamond so I could see the sasquatch and MGV or at least the First Edition to see the Cactus Grey color on the Bronco. Regardless... beggars can't be choosers.
The event started by them gathering us all into a group and they then gave a slight introduction about the Bronco and rattled off some generic statistics/features of the ride. I drowned all this out as it was nothing a common fan wouldn't already know.
First Impressions: While I was excited to see the Bronco in person I will admit I was rather surprised at how my adrenaline didn't spike. I think it mostly has to do with having seen this vehicle in countless videos/photos over the years that I pretty much know it like the back of my hand. Rapid Red is a great color. I'm not convinced I'd pay extra for it but it looks great with the black accents. If I wasn't so in love with Area 51 I'd probably consider it.
There was probably 20-30 people there at the time. I literally stationed myself by the driver's door so when they stopped talking I could jump right in. Mission accomplished. Apologies that I couldn't get photos a bit further away to get a better image of my legs. I literally had the phone up on my nose trying to get as much as I could. Maybe in a few weeks I'll have more time and have my GF take a photo from the second row looking down. (More on this later). Anyways, I think space/legroom in the front is perfectly acceptable. I didn't feel like I had to lean my legs up on the center console or never felt cramped. Sitting in the driver's seat was fun. As I stated earlier... my juices weren't really flowing upon arrival but once I sat down in the drivers seat... six to midnight. Even the Outerbanks with the smaller tires had a great ride height and the feel/view of the cabin is a delight. It felt like it would be a very fun vehicle to drive.
The overall quality of the vehicle seemed nice. I touched a lot of the materials and was satisfied. The front seats were comfy, the armrest and center console were well placed and padded that I felt I had a few comfortable driving positions. Nothing is worse than a car where you have to hold your arms up the entire time. The Bronco did not have that at all. I sat in the backseats for a bit and had a another gentlemen extend the front seat all the way back as a means to crush me in the back. He was laughing and said "I'd never need this much room up here" but regardless I wanted to see. My legs needed to point out a bit kind of like on an airplane but wasn't horrible. For a short trip 30 mins - 1 hour it is manageable. Anything longer than that would likely be miserable. Keep in mind I had the front seat as far back as it would go. Another item I made sure I checked out was the tailgate. After having owned a jeep I wanted to see how it was opening and closing it. The tailgate hinge and the way the cylinder locked it into place was a nice feature. I opened and closed it multiple times... it works well.
The Ford reps that were there weren't "Bronco Nation" reps but there were familiar with the forums (Both this one and TheBroncoNation). I vetted them and asked them what they liked and didn't like. I eventually found one guy who knew more than the others... obviously I needed to hit this guy with the kitchen sink at this point...
Question 1: "I am thinking of going Sasquatch on my Badlands but my concern is ride quality and MPG"
Answer: I love the sasquatch package. I wouldn't think twice about it. It vibrates a bit when you get to high speeds because of the tires but there is absolutely no wandering on the highway like there is with a Jeep. You aren't fighting it. I would put it inline between driving an F150 and an explorer on the highway. Also, as far as MPG goes I had about 16-17 recently but that was with highway driving as well. If you just did around town I wouldn't be surprised if it's around 12.
Question 2: What model is your favorite and what are you going with?
Answer: Oh, I'm waiting for Ford to come out with a few more engine options...
Question 2A: Oh so you're talking about the Warthog? I know you cant talk about that but a little birdie told me we could see it coming next year... if so dont move a muscle and don't blink.
Answer: The gentlemen was totally still and didn't blink.
Question 3: I know Ford has confirmed a green for MY22. Can you confirm if this color is currently offered on another Ford vehicle.
Answer: No the color is not currently offered on another Ford Vehicle
Question 3A/Statement 3A: I really hope Ford comes out with something along the lines of an army green.
Answer: The guy smiled but he wouldn't allude to anything else.
Question 4: If the Heritage Edition is very similar to the Cactus Grey build we saw during premier night then don't move a muscle.
Answer: The guy didn't move.
Question 5: If you could pick between the Raptor R or the "Warthog" which would you choose?
Answer: I'd hypothetically pick the Raptor varient of the Bronco... if there were such a thing
Additional Thoughts:
- Assuming the information above is correct, we can cross Guard Green off the list of possible green colors for the Bronco. "Greaaaattt succcessss" - Borat Voice
- There was a Cactus Grey Bronco Sport. It is a nice color and definitely different in person.
- The soft top material seemed nice. They had it open the entire time and a door and the windows stored in the back.
- The build quality of the vehicle felt solid. Opening and closing the doors felt sturdy. I never felt like anything was loose and the door just felt like it would hold. I can't say the same about the wrangler doors. People who are expecting a Rolls Royce interior will be disappointed. This thing was built with a purpose to take a beating and last. In my opinion Ford has delivered on that end in spades..
- I asked if there was any additional insulation between the rubber flooring and the body. The crew there wasn't sure but they emailed their engineers the question and took down my email address. If I get a response I will let you guys know.
- It hasn't been made public yet but the crew is making their way to Cleveland and Buffalo in the coming weeks. I got one of the gentlemen's numbers and he told me to text him in early April. At this point he should have the dates pinned down. He said it would be the First Edition Cactus Grey at those dealerships. I live in Cleveland so I plan on seeing them again. This time I'll at least get to see a Sasquatch. I'll also try and grab a better photo of my legs in the front seat. This time I'll have the GF take the photo looking down from the backseat.
- When I told the gentlemen my build and that I had my order in two hours after the premier he said I'd be looking at late Summer (August) due to sasquatch. Oof... I was really hoping that since I was somewhat early I'd maybe still get it in July but who knows...
- The crew was kind enough to turn on the vehicle and crank the sound system for me. It was maybe 25% but it sounded pretty good. At the next event I'm going to ask to pick a song and really see how much I can make the sub bump. Their personal impressions were that the B&O sounded much better than stock... take that with a grain of salt obviously because they work for Ford.
- I'm not sure what my GF would've said if we saw a standard 33" Badland's in person but the second we walked up onto the Outerbanks she said " I want the bigger tires" Which actually surprised me because she was the one pushing the smaller wheels the entire time. Good news for her was I had actually changed the build a week ago to sasquatch and was just going to have her show up at the dealership and be surprised lol.
- I felt the material in the wheelwells and then felt the sound insulation underneath the hood. It felt the same. Obviously the roof insulation has some padding underneath it but whatever it is on the outside that they are using for sound insulation, it was or at least felt the same as what is inside the wheelwells.
Why are you blaming Ford? They only have a few options to maximize the emissions and fuel economy imposed by our .GOV
Considering the 3.6 Pentastar on a Rubicon around town is rated for 17, I agree - Ford has a serious problem if this is what the Bronco gets.
Yessir - it’s a common industry trick needed to achieve the EPA mileage and emissions reduction requirements. Not just Ford that does it.
- The cargo area had one door and the soft top windows in it. It was acceptable. I wasn't blown away but I wasn't disappointed either. I work in construction and currently drive an explorer. I already put my back seats down often. I will be doing the same with the Bronco. It all depends on what you're looking to store back there. Give me a better idea and I can probably give you better feedback.
