Potential new owner, looking for some advice

[Ape Factory]

Greetings from Texas. Cliff notes version, I'm a hard core automotive enthusiast and own an automotive performance business that caters to high end sports cars. I also develop parts/tunes for them and that isn't even my day job. Sleep's optional, right? I'm also a former Jeep owner (2015 Rubicon) which I didn't care for and moved it on.

I had a bad driver take out my pride and joy late last week. It's likely totaled but I won't know until Monday or Tuesday. I'm taking a hard look or rather I've decided to replace my loss with a Bronco. Tired of the insanity I see day in and day out and want something that's a bit larger and more rugged.

I've been reading up on the forum the past few days, trying to take in anything and everything from potential issues to mods, the good and the bad and everything in between. I must have done 20 builds on Ford's site by now and gone over every option and package. I've now test-driven two Brocos and I "think" I know what I want. But sometimes you don't know what you don't know. Other than general applied knowledge, I know very little about off roading, off road suspension, etc...I can tell you how to set up your Ohlins-equipped track day car no problem but don't know much about the Ford offerings, HOSS and what not.

I was sort of looking for that sweet spot, the model that makes the most sense from a pre-installed package standpoint vs. what I could add later that might be better but right now I also need the easy button and don't have much time for mods. I'm a modaholic and completely capable of any/all maintenance to full engine rebuilds. What I lack is time. Time to add mods and time to spend months figuring out what I don't know.

So far what I think I know:
-I will buy used. 2022 or up unless people think the 2021's are no worse. Currently looking at a 2023.
-I want the 2.7L vs. the 2.3L for various reasons
-Four door is a must
-I've sort of settled on the Wildtrak (Raptor is out of my price range)
-I think I would prefer the high package. I have a used one locally that checks all the boxes but has the mid package. I appreciate a nice stereo system and I'm also a part-time musician so it matters to me.
-I like the Sasquatch package and I've driven two Wildtrak's, a new 2024 and used 2023. I liked their general ride quality/damping and I think I'd be happy with it as is with very few mods. I'd mainly be looking at aux lighting and a steel bumper/brush guard combo. Definitely want a hard top and four doors.

So my questions thus far are this:
-Is the WildTrak a good sweet spot for someone who won't be modding the vehicle heavily from that point or would I be better off with say a Badlands? I'm a dealer for a forged wheel company so I could opt for new wheels larger tires to emulate the Sasquatch package but not the dampers (I'm assuming). But again, time and money. I see the Sas package as the easy button and I know I'd be happy with it.

-Is it difficult to upgrade the basic stereo? I've read a few threads that said the B&O isn't all that. I did listen to one and my current car has a B&O system. It definitely sounded better than the base/mid tier stereo system but I didn't have a chance to really sit there and tweak either.

-Adaptive cruise. I have it on my current car and honestly find it frustrating. Leaves just enough space for people to cut me off all day long and they do just that. I like it well enough when crawling along in heavy traffic. I generally find lane change and all the electronic gizmos annoying but are likely a plus in a vehicle the size of the Bronco. I didn't really take notice of blind spots but should have.

-Tech. Would really like a built-in garage door opener which I think is only in the high package. Are there aftermarket add-ons? Sometimes it's the little things. Other than that and a decent stereo, I can live with normal a/c controls, normal cruise, no lane change stuff although around here, pre-sense braking or whatever Ford calls it would probably be a plus.

-Warranty extension plans. Even though I have a good deal of mechanical ability and experience, these days big parts can go bad. I'm also looking at another Bronco that's just under 50K so no real warranty. My thinking is I can fix the non-emergency small things but let a dealer take care of the larger components if needed.

I basically want to go in knowing that I didn't miss out on a package/option that is a must-have or if there's a better value proposition. I'm fairly open to exterior and interior colors which opens me up to a lot of vehicles. Being that I'm looking for a used one, that closes the pricing gap a bit between models with similar packages vs. buying new.

In terms of my use, it'll be a daily commuter, 75% highway, and a weekend fun vehicle. We will use it to tow but nothing too big. We're doing a lot more outdoor stuff and while I'll likely never be a heavy off-roader, the wife and I are very adventurous and like to go places most don't. I know it's not the best commuter but honestly it's more about the other drivers at this point. Too many incidents, including the last one, over the past few years to ignore and I think I'm done daily driving a sports car.

I really appreciate the feedback and help. I run an online automotive enthusiast forum and group so I know first hand about newbies and hitting the search button. Normally I'd just read for three months but I may be looking for a vehicle come Monday.

Thanks again,
-m

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[Doc TOC]

In 2022-23, the differences between a Wildtrack and Badlands were:
Wildtrack came standard with 2.7L, HOSS 3, Sasquatch, 4.7 ratio, mid or lux, mod bumper, winch, and wide flares. HOSS 3 gives you the severe duty steering.
Badlands had the electronic sway bar disconnect. You had to option up to get to the Wildtrack level. Dollars were about even when you did.

The sway bar disco offers a convenience to rock crawlers - which doesn't sound like you. (Other members may have a different opinion. That is mine.)

Based on what you stated, I agree the Wildtrak is the better choice. It's a great, all-around off roader, and ready-to-go.

 

[Ape Factory]

Thank you Doc. I'm not a rock crawler. My b*lls are big enough for that.

When you say winch on the 2023's, do you mean a mounting point for a winch?

 

[DriveAllNight]

If you like the ride of the Wildtrak with the Fox shocks, no other trim has that setup - unless you wait for the 25s and then option a Badlands with it. Also, 21 don't have it and only some 22s so don't just expect it unless it's a 2023 or 2024.

That aside, based on your comments, the Wildtrak is your best bet for your usage.

 

[Beach_Bum]

Thank you Doc. I'm not a rock crawler. My b*lls are big enough for that.

When you say winch on the 2023's, do you mean a mounting point for a winch?

Nevermind about the winch that was mentioned previously. The Everglades was the only model that came with a winch from the factory. The Everglades has been discontinued as a model. And it only had the 2.3L whereas you mentioned you want the 2.7L

Now back to your questions. The Wildtrack is what you want. But if you want the adaptive cruise, then you want the LUX package (previous model years). Otherwise, the HIGH package will get you most of what you want.

Stereo is an easy upgrade. You can add a visor with the integrated garage door opener. Extended warranty can be purchased via Granger.

 

[Ape Factory]

Thank you, keep it coming!

So the 21's and 22's have a lesser damper (shock) setup than the 23's then? A few more popped up overnight in my area, mostly 22's and one 21 that's loaded. Plus a first edition. I'm assuming the 2.7L was used in other vehicles and it wasn't introduced in the Bronco? I don't want a first year engine. I figured they'd have some of the bugs and parts QC issues solved with the 23's. The pandemic affected QC worldwide in many manufacturing and industry fields.

The Race Red ones keep calling to me for some reason. It's a very similar red to my current daily.

 

[Dral97]

I have a 21 but was careful to do some research and bought a Julian date outside of the problematic time frame. I'd say just stick with your plan of a more recent year though for other reasons.

I love ACC and won't live without it, but I also l also live in a fairly rural area where you don't get cut off when driving down the highway. I do drive around DC, Philly, and NYC and still use it there without too much problem. Honestly, I wish I didn't like it so much, since I wouldn't be as locked into Lux whenever I buy a bronco.

 

[Brian_B]

-Is it difficult to upgrade the basic stereo? I've read a few threads that said the B&O isn't all that. I did listen to one and my current car has a B&O system. It definitely sounded better than the base/mid tier stereo system but I didn't have a chance to really sit there and tweak either.

So the general consensus is the B&O does sound better than the basic stereo, but that’s a very low bar and by no means implies the B&O sounds good in the Bronco.

Both styles can be upgraded, but the basic stereo is less expensive / more traditional to upgrade than the B&O. The labor / effort is the same for either (and not terrible just the plastic trim is pretty fragile), you just need gear specific to the digital sound link for B&O, whereas on the base it’s your standard gear

 

[Ape Factory]

Thank you, keep it coming!

So the 21's and 22's have a lesser damper (shock) setup than the 23's then?

 

[MNBigfoot]

If I recall right: Hoss 3.0 starting on MY22.5 as an option on the Wildtrak. Then became standard in MY23. So if buying a MY22 Wildtrak look carefully what you get.

 

[Beach_Bum]

Thank you, keep it coming!

So the 21's and 22's have a lesser damper (shock) setup than the 23's then?

For '21 and '22, all Sasquatch Broncos had the HOSS 2.0 Bilstein suspension. Job2 MY'22 WT had HOSS 3.0 Fox suspension. It was in '23 that the WT received the HOSS 3.0 Fox suspension and upgraded steering rack.

 

[MNBigfoot]

Also worth mentioning the sweet-spot, I'd say the MY22 Wildtrak with the 2.0 was one of the worst value trims in the line-up. You could option a Base Bronco with the 2.7/auto/Sas (mechanically identical to the WT), and save $8k (?), you could not however get higher packages.

 

[Oldhippie]

Shoot for a wildtrack with optional fox coilovers and Hoss 3 rack…’23 1/2 & ’24…good hunting

 

[Ape Factory]

Also worth mentioning the sweet-spot, I'd say the MY22 Wildtrak with the 2.0 was one of the worst value trims in the line-up. You could option a Base Bronco with the 2.7/auto/Sas (mechanically identical to the WT), and save $8k (?), you could not however get higher packages.

Could you get the mid package? Maybe I broaden my search a bit although I heard the base with the 2.7 was hard to come by.

 

[MNBigfoot]

Could you get the mid package? Maybe I broaden my search a bit although I heard the base with the 2.7 was hard to come by.

No standard package only. A my22, Big Bend is basically a Wildtrak if you option it with 2.7 and Sas, can be had with the standard or mid-package. Ford made you pay around $3k to jump trims to get into the next package, so the mid package $1700(?) costs you $4700 and so, then tack on $3K again for the option to purchase the High package.

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