What’s the difference between the 2023 Ford Bronco and the 2023 Ford Bronco? These rugged midsize SUVs have more in common than not, but our buying guide is here to walk you through what little has changed!
Key Takeaways
- The 2023 Bronco starts at $34,890. Since the used market is somewhat unpredictable right now, you may just get a better deal by ordering the newest model.
- Although these two model years share the same main trim levels, the 2023 Bronco introduces two new options, the Heritage and Heritage Limited Edition.
- Both Broncos offer the same powertrain options, giving you up to 418 horsepower in the Bronco Raptor!
- You can equip either model year for a very rugged performance.
Price
Looking for the best deal on a new Bronco? Surprisingly, that just might be the 2023 Bronco, which starts at $34,890. Since you can no longer order a new 2022 Bronco, you’ll have to shop the used market to get one. Not only have used cars reached record-high prices lately, but the used market has also been flush with higher-end trim models. To make sure you get the best deal and all the features you crave, building a 2023 Bronco from the ground-up just might be your best option.
Trim Models & Equipment
Both the 2023 and 2022 Ford Broncos are available as eight main trim models: Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Badlands, Wildtrak, Everglades, and Raptor. Each has its perks, with its own list of comfort, convenience, and performance features. For example, the Base gives you the lowest price on an off-roading SUV, plus an impressive standard lineup (including smartphone-friendly infotainment and a terrain management system with five drive modes).
Moving up the list means more convenience features, such as LED foglights on the Big Bend trim model and up. The Outer Banks model is especially swanky, and the Badlands is particularly capable in off-road terrain. With the Everglades, you’re equipped to travel through up to 3 feet of water. And the desert-racing Raptor gives you the gear you need to roll up and down sand dunes at speed.
For 2023, however, the Bronco introduces a few new options: the Heritage and Heritage Limited Edition trims. Both add exclusive styling designed to resemble the original 1966 Bronco, including an Oxford White roof and Oxford White wheels. The Heritage builds on the mid-level Big Bend trim with these special styling details, and the Heritage Limited Edition builds on the rugged Badlands model.
Powertrain Options
No matter which Bronco model year you end up driving home, you’ll choose from the same engine options:
- Standard turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 325 lb-ft of torque)
- Optional turbo 2.7L V6 (330 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- Raptor-specific turbo 3.0L V6 (418 hp, 440 lb-ft)
- Seven-speed manual transmission
- Optional 10-speed automatic transmission
- Four-wheel drive
Every Bronco sends power to all four wheels, so you’ll have more than enough traction to splash through the mud. Most trim models come standard with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but the sturdier turbo V6 is widely available. Both are powerful options, giving you more than enough oomph to tackle difficult trails. If you’re after even more horses, however, you can always check out the high-performance Bronco Raptor. Its exclusive V6 is the most powerful option overall.
Rugged Performance
Since every Bronco comes standard with four-wheel drive, every Bronco is ready to hit the trail in earnest. Other standard features include a terrain management system (to help you tailor suspension settings to suit your surroundings) and Ford’s Trail Turn Assist system (to help you turn around in a very tight spot).
For greater off-road capabilities, the Sasquatch package is available for most Broncos. It adds 35-inch mud-terrain tires, beadlock-capable wheels, a lifted suspension, and other upgrades to help you slash through especially difficult terrain.
Certain Bronco trim models can also help you move through the wilderness with increasing stamina. For example, the Black Diamond adds heavy-duty front and rear bumpers. And the Badlands features unique suspension tuning and a disconnecting front stabilizer bar.
The Best Bronco for You
In the end, these Bronco model years have just about everything in common. If you want to build your Bronco from the ground up, selecting all the features you want, you’re going to have to stick with the 2023 model, however. The same goes for shoppers who are interested in the stylish Heritage models.
On the other hand, if you're lucky enough to find the perfect 2022 Bronco on the used lot, we say go for it! You won’t be missing out on any of the Bronco’s rugged capabilities or modern tech features.