Yes, another first weeks (1000+ mile) ownership impressions, stats, and issues.

[pakrat]

Nice write up. Are you interested in selling the factory soft top?

Yes I am!

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[pakrat]

Thanks for the write up, I have the exact build except the lux, I went high package. I have the trektop in my garage awaiting my bronco which should arrive any day now. I love the look of the fastback, but I do wish it folded all the way back like the factory soft top. Question, is it difficult to remove trektop completely for full open air?

It is easy to open up to lets say 90-95% removed. Just slide out the back three windows and fold back back the top. Probably takes all of 2-3 minutes and is a one person job. To completely remove the whole thing is remove the three windows, fold it back, and on each side there are three screws which attach the arms to the roof. Unscrew and lift off with at least two people (a third would make it really easy). Probably take 5 - 10 minutes. Putting it back on shouldn't be too hard but definitely lining it up properly and not forcing things is a concern since neither soft top is built with the sturdiest of materials.

I have not removed it completely yet because when I removed the doors, back windows, and folded the top back it is nearly completely open anyhow. Also, it weighs about the same as the factory version.

One thing to note about the factory soft top is that you need someone relatively strong to remove it completely. Taller is better also. My wife struggled a bit with the height and weight to remove it completely and not scratch anything. Of course the sasquatch badlands is pretty tall, other models are probably much lower and easier/

 

[pakrat]

How are you getting such good MPG, I have nearly an identical badlands, differences are hard top and non-sas.

I've been getting a calculated MPG of 16-17, trip odo will say 17+ but actually calculating the MPG shows 16-17. On average I'd say the dash claims 1-1.5mpg better than actual. I have ≈1200 miles on my rig. (I use trip 1 to track each tank and trip 2 to track each oil change. At each fill up I divide trip 1 miles by gallons filled to get trip MPG for each tank)

That mileage was based on a road trip with almost 100% highway miles in good weather, no wind, no traffic so it was very efficient. Also, there was nothing strapped to the Bronco like racks, bike carriers, light bars, etc. It was also packed very light with just a duffle bag or two and one set of golf clubs. That being said, my latest numbers are hovering around 18 mpg even around town.

 

[pakrat]

I had the same issue although mine did show a quick warning on the instrument cluster. Dealer said see if it happens again…and then yesterday I got a flurry of 3 or 4 warnings on the cluster (nothing in the app) but they all cleared. Dealer thinks “it’s all the modules learning to talk to each other.” There are a few threads where people have had similar warnings, no common theme that I can see. Could be “computers”, could be a loose ABS sensor or ground wire. I don’t know. If you do bring it in I’m curious to hear what you learn.

Good to know.

 

[BD1]

It is easy to open up to lets say 90-95% removed. Just slide out the back three windows and fold back back the top. Probably takes all of 2-3 minutes and is a one person job. To completely remove the whole thing is remove the three windows, fold it back, and on each side there are three screws which attach the arms to the roof. Unscrew and lift off with at least two people (a third would make it really easy). Probably take 5 - 10 minutes. Putting it back on shouldn't be too hard but definitely lining it up properly and not forcing things is a concern since neither soft top is built with the sturdiest of materials.

I have not removed it completely yet because when I removed the doors, back windows, and folded the top back it is nearly completely open anyhow. Also, it weighs about the same as the factory version.

One thing to note about the factory soft top is that you need someone relatively strong to remove it completely. Taller is better also. My wife struggled a bit with the height and weight to remove it completely and not scratch anything. Of course the sasquatch badlands is pretty tall, other models are probably much lower and easier/

This all sounds good. I have 2 door trektop waiting for spring to put on.

At first I didn’t like that the trektop folds back on the top of the roll bar but I had JL and JK Jeeps with soft tops and when the top is down it is hard to see out the rear because the folded top blocks a lot of the view. I think this is a better functional design and have gotten used to the look.

And I am glad that if you want to take off the entire top it is only 3 screws so if I get a stretch of no rain I can easily take the top off.

 

[bgcfman]

That mileage was based on a road trip with almost 100% highway miles in good weather, no wind, no traffic so it was very efficient. Also, there was nothing strapped to the Bronco like racks, bike carriers, light bars, etc. It was also packed very light with just a duffle bag or two and one set of golf clubs. That being said, my latest numbers are hovering around 18 mpg even around town.

I’ve averaged 17.2 combined city and highway. I drive mostly eco mode city, and I don’t disable start/stop. Approximately 2,500 miles.

 

[pakrat]

Thanks for the update! You said it was quick and easy to take the doors on and off. I feel like most people post about the difficulty of doing it. I'd love it if you would post a video or put together a quick 'How To'. One of the reasons I was excited about the Bronco is because it is supposed to be so much easier than the Jeep, but I feel like I'm not seeing that reflected in people's posts.

I can't imagine the process getting much simpler or easier. It's two bolts per door with the tool supplied and at the ready in the glove box. Roll the window down, open door, unscrew two easily accessed bolts, unclip the wiring harness (which is well designed and super easy), lift where indicated, and store.

I placed mine in the garage with towels for protection which went easy. I did not put them in the back which would take more finesse and time. As noted, putting them back on the first time should be down in the daylight. Lining up the two mounting points is not super easy, and if you are doing it by yourself you are holding the weight of the door while lining them up.

One other thing is you will think they are not aligned properly if you try and move the door before reinstalling the bolts. The hinges are designed to make a "pop" noise like the whole thing is binding up if the doors are not bolted down. As soon as you tighten the bolts it seems to seat the hinge and that goes away. Presumably a safety feature to let you know they are not properly secured.

I did not look it up in the owners manual or watch any videos, just jumped right in and it was pretty much self explanatory.

 

[pakrat]

This all sounds good. I have 2 door trektop waiting for spring to put on.

At first I didn’t like that the trektop folds back on the top of the roll bar but I had JL and JK Jeeps with soft tops and when the top is down it is hard to see out the rear because the folded top blocks a lot of the view. I think this is a better functional design and have gotten used to the look.

And I am glad that if you want to take off the entire top it is only 3 screws so if I get a stretch of no rain I can easily take the top off.

I would say the biggest shortcoming is Bestop should offer some storage bags for the windows. I would not want to just toss them in the back because I can see them getting scratched up pretty quickly.

 

[broncoGIRL21]

I can't imagine the process getting much simpler or easier. It's two bolts per door with the tool supplied and at the ready in the glove box. Roll the window down, open door, unscrew two easily accessed bolts, unclip the wiring harness (which is well designed and super easy), lift where indicated, and store.

I placed mine in the garage with towels for protection which went easy. I did not put them in the back which would take more finesse and time. As noted, putting them back on the first time should be down in the daylight. Lining up the two mounting points is not super easy, and if you are doing it by yourself you are holding the weight of the door while lining them up.

One other thing is you will think they are not aligned properly if you try and move the door before reinstalling the bolts. The hinges are designed to make a "pop" noise like the whole thing is binding up if the doors are not bolted down. As soon as you tighten the bolts it seems to seat the hinge and that goes away. Presumably a safety feature to let you know they are not properly secured.

I did not look it up in the owners manual or watch any videos, just jumped right in and it was pretty much self explanatory.

Thank you so much!!

 

[SoCalDawg]

One of the guys I ski with has a 4Runner. He has just over 450k miles on it. Has had very little issues with it and is looking at getting another one. Yeah the Toyota is an old tool in the shed that is reliable. But it sure needs an update. Maybe they will reintroduce the FJ.

6th Gen 4Runner coming 2023 I think. He could grab a 5 year old GX & do some mild cutting. That gets him a V8, full-time 4WD, and a very cozy interior…and very capable.

 

[pakrat]

I’ve averaged 17.2 combined city and highway. I drive mostly eco mode city, and I don’t disable start/stop. Approximately 2,500 miles.

Yeah hard to say. Definitely dropping around town. But the 10 spd transmission paired with the 2.7 is just so efficient on the highway. Cruising at 75 mph you are only doing 2000-2100 rpms at most. One of the biggest selling points to me was the factory 4.7 gearing with the Sasquatch pkg. People underestimate how important the final drive ratio can be for fuel efficiency and power. "Self-Squatching" by just adding bigger tires and a spacer lift really isn't the same thing. Less power, less fuel efficiency, and more drivetrain stress is what you get going that route.

 

[Mrpenn46]

That mileage was based on a road trip with almost 100% highway miles in good weather, no wind, no traffic so it was very efficient. Also, there was nothing strapped to the Bronco like racks, bike carriers, light bars, etc. It was also packed very light with just a duffle bag or two and one set of golf clubs. That being said, my latest numbers are hovering around 18 mpg even around town.

Is that based on calculating mileage at the end of the tank or the dash display? I suspect the dash displays are slightly optimistic.

 

[bbkat]

I can't imagine the process getting much simpler or easier. It's two bolts per door with the tool supplied and at the ready in the glove box. Roll the window down, open door, unscrew two easily accessed bolts, unclip the wiring harness (which is well designed and super easy), lift where indicated, and store.

I placed mine in the garage with towels for protection which went easy. I did not put them in the back which would take more finesse and time. As noted, putting them back on the first time should be down in the daylight. Lining up the two mounting points is not super easy, and if you are doing it by yourself you are holding the weight of the door while lining them up.

One other thing is you will think they are not aligned properly if you try and move the door before reinstalling the bolts. The hinges are designed to make a "pop" noise like the whole thing is binding up if the doors are not bolted down. As soon as you tighten the bolts it seems to seat the hinge and that goes away. Presumably a safety feature to let you know they are not properly secured.

I did not look it up in the owners manual or watch any videos, just jumped right in and it was pretty much self explanatory.

This.

Yes, the popping sound is a safety feature to ensure proper alignment and tightened bolts.

I would add that the storage bags help if you can get them. Slide them on before removing bolts, and use the handles to lift it out.

 

[BecksPadgr]

Took delivery 11/19 and started the half assed break-in period trying to get some easy miles on it before a long thanksgiving road trip. Immediately installed the Bestop Trektop, console vault in the armrest, and hood struts. Left for Thanksgiving road-trip with about 400 miles on it. Returned on Saturday with 1750 miles on it. Here are the nuts and bolts of driving a Sasqutach/Badlands/Lux/2.7 with 4.70 gearing.

Observations​

• Averaged 18.9 mpg since purchase using 91 octane. Half of the miles were at altitude and in the mountains (6000 ft.+)
• Trektop is louder than the factory soft top at speeds below 60 mph. Above 60 the Trektop seems to handle the speed quieter. Totally fine to have conversations, listen to music, sports, or podcats at 80 mph and above.
• Heated steering wheel seems plenty hot to me. I have had several cars with them and it is on par with all of the others. Could be a few degrees under our Yukon but those I have to turn off after a few minutes because they get too hot. The Broncos you can leave on and it is pleasant here in the mountains.
• Very comfortable seats. Loved them on my 8 hr. drive home and I have a jacked up lower back that usually is sore for a day or two after a long road trip. The 2020 4Runner I traded in was awful in comparison and I had the top level trim on that.
• Handled about the same or better than the 4Runner but so much better on road than my past Jeeps.
• Travelled to Palm Springs and was able to take doors and top off. Easy and awesome! They are light and easily handled. Wouldn't hesitate to remove them just for a Sunday drive or something short. Takes all of five minutes both directions.
• Easiest and best performing adaptive cruise control I have used (even in traffic).
• Sound system was great even with a soft top.
• 2.7 sounds great under acceleration and is far superior to anything Jeep offers at least in terms of power (392 obviously excluded). We will see about reliability going forward. I've driven the 2.3 and I can't imagine purchasing that after having the 2.7. My impression of the 2.3 with an automatic was that of a Nissan Sentra rental car. The 2.7 gets after it so much more it is hard to understand people buying the 2.3 unless they want a manual.
• The 10 speed transmission is very smooth and efficient. So much so that I had to use manual mode to select proper rpm ranges during break-in. Otherwise speed didn't matter...always in the 2000-2300 rpm range at highway speeds (65 mph+).
• Auto start/stop did not annoy me and is super easy to bypass anyhow.
• Love the 12" infotainment screen but the driver instrument cluster is bad. Ford really needs to rethink this. Absolutely hated it at first but now I that I am used to it I can live with it, though still not happy with it. Why put the speedometer gauge taking up half the space when you have to have the fixed digital readout there also? As reviews have said it needs improvement.
• Ran at 195-205 degrees almost all tehe time regardless of outside temperature. Going up a long steep grad it crept up to 226 for some time. Not sure if this is normal (seems a tad high compared to my other vehicles), but it cools down very fast when the grade eases up. Transmission never went above 210 but normally in the 200 range.

Problems and First Service

• No warning lights or warnings on the infotainment system but the Ford Pass app sent me a warning. "Hill Start Assist Warning." "The Hill Start Assist System has detected a failure." "Please have the system checked by an authorized dealer." So that will need to be checked soon but it did not affect drivability in any way.
• Changed oil after the road trip at 1763 miles. Got out almost exactly 7 qts. out and put same back in. Very easy DIY. Only four easy bolts to remove on the skid plate to get to the oil pan. In fact it takes about half the time as doing the same on my 4Runner or Tundras in the past (and that's never having done in before on the Bronco and not looking anything up).

In summary, it is as much fun to own as I was hoping for and I haven't even been able to off-road it yet. People will follow you and come take pictures and ask questions. Jeep owners are all green with jealousy when you smoothly pass them up mountain passes while they whine away at redline. If I was ordering it all over again I'd spec it the same if I had the $$$. After having driven both engines I'd 100% go 2.7 unless I had to have the manual transmission. Also, be aware it will immediately become the most popular car between you, your spouse, and your teenager when someone leaves the house.

Thanks for the info. I tried to talk about the superiority of the 2.7 on my first post, and got blasted into the ground. It's good to hear someone agrees.

 

[Losy]

Took delivery 11/19 and started the half assed break-in period trying to get some easy miles on it before a long thanksgiving road trip. Immediately installed the Bestop Trektop, console vault in the armrest, and hood struts. Left for Thanksgiving road-trip with about 400 miles on it. Returned on Saturday with 1750 miles on it. Here are the nuts and bolts of driving a Sasqutach/Badlands/Lux/2.7 with 4.70 gearing.

Observations​

• Averaged 18.9 mpg since purchase using 91 octane. Half of the miles were at altitude and in the mountains (6000 ft.+)
• Trektop is louder than the factory soft top at speeds below 60 mph. Above 60 the Trektop seems to handle the speed quieter. Totally fine to have conversations, listen to music, sports, or podcats at 80 mph and above.
• Heated steering wheel seems plenty hot to me. I have had several cars with them and it is on par with all of the others. Could be a few degrees under our Yukon but those I have to turn off after a few minutes because they get too hot. The Broncos you can leave on and it is pleasant here in the mountains.
• Very comfortable seats. Loved them on my 8 hr. drive home and I have a jacked up lower back that usually is sore for a day or two after a long road trip. The 2020 4Runner I traded in was awful in comparison and I had the top level trim on that.
• Handled about the same or better than the 4Runner but so much better on road than my past Jeeps.
• Travelled to Palm Springs and was able to take doors and top off. Easy and awesome! They are light and easily handled. Wouldn't hesitate to remove them just for a Sunday drive or something short. Takes all of five minutes both directions.
• Easiest and best performing adaptive cruise control I have used (even in traffic).
• Sound system was great even with a soft top.
• 2.7 sounds great under acceleration and is far superior to anything Jeep offers at least in terms of power (392 obviously excluded). We will see about reliability going forward. I've driven the 2.3 and I can't imagine purchasing that after having the 2.7. My impression of the 2.3 with an automatic was that of a Nissan Sentra rental car. The 2.7 gets after it so much more it is hard to understand people buying the 2.3 unless they want a manual.
• The 10 speed transmission is very smooth and efficient. So much so that I had to use manual mode to select proper rpm ranges during break-in. Otherwise speed didn't matter...always in the 2000-2300 rpm range at highway speeds (65 mph+).
• Auto start/stop did not annoy me and is super easy to bypass anyhow.
• Love the 12" infotainment screen but the driver instrument cluster is bad. Ford really needs to rethink this. Absolutely hated it at first but now I that I am used to it I can live with it, though still not happy with it. Why put the speedometer gauge taking up half the space when you have to have the fixed digital readout there also? As reviews have said it needs improvement.
• Ran at 195-205 degrees almost all tehe time regardless of outside temperature. Going up a long steep grad it crept up to 226 for some time. Not sure if this is normal (seems a tad high compared to my other vehicles), but it cools down very fast when the grade eases up. Transmission never went above 210 but normally in the 200 range.

Problems and First Service

• No warning lights or warnings on the infotainment system but the Ford Pass app sent me a warning. "Hill Start Assist Warning." "The Hill Start Assist System has detected a failure." "Please have the system checked by an authorized dealer." So that will need to be checked soon but it did not affect drivability in any way.
• Changed oil after the road trip at 1763 miles. Got out almost exactly 7 qts. out and put same back in. Very easy DIY. Only four easy bolts to remove on the skid plate to get to the oil pan. In fact it takes about half the time as doing the same on my 4Runner or Tundras in the past (and that's never having done in before on the Bronco and not looking anything up).

In summary, it is as much fun to own as I was hoping for and I haven't even been able to off-road it yet. People will follow you and come take pictures and ask questions. Jeep owners are all green with jealousy when you smoothly pass them up mountain passes while they whine away at redline. If I was ordering it all over again I'd spec it the same if I had the $$$. After having driven both engines I'd 100% go 2.7 unless I had to have the manual transmission. Also, be aware it will immediately become the most popular car between you, your spouse, and your teenager when someone leaves the house.

Very nice Bronco! Great review. You discussed the systems many of us care about without being petty. Interesting about the soft being louder than OEM. Looks so much better... I will just deal with a little road noise. Since you have driven up the 50 or 80 freeways to Lake Tahoe and are happy with the 2.7, that speaks volumes. I ordered your twin vehicle. Nice to hear that Adaptive Cruise Control works well. 2nd to AWD, Adaptive Cruise Control is my favorite feature on my current SUV. Makes me feel a lot better about dropping 60k on my build.
Let us know how the stock tires handle snow in Tahoe.

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