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My wife and I had our first in-person experience with the Bronco at the Brandon Ford event in Tampa, FL. A Velocity Blue, Big Bend manual and a Rapid Red Outer Banks with Luxe package were on display. Both vehicles were preproduction, but the fit and finish of the exterior and interior was far better than anticipated. Photos fail to capture the vibrance and depth of the paint colors. You could not go wrong with either.
The leather seats in the OBX were impressively comfortable and a definite upgrade over the leathers used in past Ford SUVs in a similar segment. The OBX was clad in the Space Gray leather, which initially did not look all that great in photos. It’s actually quite nice in person and neutral enough to work with most exterior colors. I am 6’2”, 215lbs and had plenty of room in the driver’s seat. The passenger seat was also quite roomy. I have driven a Ford Edge and Explorer and the space in the passenger seat was very comparable to both. The Bronco offers a vastly more comfortable driver’s seat than what’s found in the Wrangler. Jeeps are uncomfortable narrow and give the feeling that you are right on top of the. The back seat was a bit cramped, but I won’t be spending in time back compared there. Compared to the Ford Edge, perhaps the Bronco sacrifices a bit of back seat room for increased cargo space?
There is lot of plastic in the bronco, but it’s not the thin, cheap material found in base model. The plastics appear thicker, durable, and have an appealing texture. I was concerned about the amount of plastic used, but its really a none-issue having seen the vehicles in person. The 12” screen is an absolute monster. Outside of the Tesla or high-end Rams, it’s the largest screen I’ve seen in a vehicle. The 8” was also great, but its big brother was next level impressive.
I was also surprised with how nice the Big Bend was. The cloth interior was much thicker and durable than one can really establish from pictures. The cloth is very similar to what is found in the Wranglers or the new Rangers, but perhaps slightly less textured. I would prefer the cloth to be a solid color, but the two-tone was not off-putting. For someone who does not need or who has zero interest in the high-end off-road capabilities of the more expensive trim packages, the Big Bend is a fantastic way to have the open air, Bronco experience without spending a ridiculous amount of money. It is also far superior in comfort and build quality than the Sport trim Wranglers.
Of final note, the storage bags for the doors appear to be incredibly well-made and durable. I have not seen this mentioned much, but Ford’s decision to move the rollbar cross member behind the back seat is a gamechanger. Even with the top on, the cabin is so much more open with the cross member pushed back. The top-off experience is going to be amazing.
The leather seats in the OBX were impressively comfortable and a definite upgrade over the leathers used in past Ford SUVs in a similar segment. The OBX was clad in the Space Gray leather, which initially did not look all that great in photos. It’s actually quite nice in person and neutral enough to work with most exterior colors. I am 6’2”, 215lbs and had plenty of room in the driver’s seat. The passenger seat was also quite roomy. I have driven a Ford Edge and Explorer and the space in the passenger seat was very comparable to both. The Bronco offers a vastly more comfortable driver’s seat than what’s found in the Wrangler. Jeeps are uncomfortable narrow and give the feeling that you are right on top of the. The back seat was a bit cramped, but I won’t be spending in time back compared there. Compared to the Ford Edge, perhaps the Bronco sacrifices a bit of back seat room for increased cargo space?
There is lot of plastic in the bronco, but it’s not the thin, cheap material found in base model. The plastics appear thicker, durable, and have an appealing texture. I was concerned about the amount of plastic used, but its really a none-issue having seen the vehicles in person. The 12” screen is an absolute monster. Outside of the Tesla or high-end Rams, it’s the largest screen I’ve seen in a vehicle. The 8” was also great, but its big brother was next level impressive.
I was also surprised with how nice the Big Bend was. The cloth interior was much thicker and durable than one can really establish from pictures. The cloth is very similar to what is found in the Wranglers or the new Rangers, but perhaps slightly less textured. I would prefer the cloth to be a solid color, but the two-tone was not off-putting. For someone who does not need or who has zero interest in the high-end off-road capabilities of the more expensive trim packages, the Big Bend is a fantastic way to have the open air, Bronco experience without spending a ridiculous amount of money. It is also far superior in comfort and build quality than the Sport trim Wranglers.
Of final note, the storage bags for the doors appear to be incredibly well-made and durable. I have not seen this mentioned much, but Ford’s decision to move the rollbar cross member behind the back seat is a gamechanger. Even with the top on, the cabin is so much more open with the cross member pushed back. The top-off experience is going to be amazing.
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