Is the Ford Bronco the Best Modern Overlander?

It's no secret that the team here at Morris 4x4 Center is crazy about Jeeps. In fact, Morris has been the number one source for upgrades and accessories for all Jeep models for decades. But the Wrangler, the Cherokee, and the Grand Cherokee are not the only 4WDs under the sun. We live in a golden age of highly capable off-roaders, and there's no doubt about it, one of the best is the Ford Bronco.

In fact, there is hardly a more talked-about new 4x4 on the market today than the Bronco. Missing from Ford’s lineup since 1996, enthusiasts have been clamoring for a new version of the beloved nameplate ever since. The collector market bears this out with first and second generation Broncos going for big dollars at auction. In fact, it’s the very first 1966 model that Ford took its inspiration from to launch the sixth generation Bronco in 2021.

With killer retro looks and a huge range of options, trims, and equipment, the new Bronco hits the mark for lots of different drivers. From the family-haulers to the hard-core rock crawlers, you can configure Ford’s new Bronco in a myriad of ways to fit your off-road lifestyle. But what about the overland life? Let’s take a look at how the kicking horse can be a great overlander.

2023 Ford Bronco Wildtrak Specifications

The Wildtrak is a popular trim with buyers who intend to see more off-road driving than the average buyer. With a torquey twin-turbo V6 and upgraded M/T tires and suspension it also hits near the top of the price range for the model - not nearly as expensive as the wild Bronco Raptor, but a sight more than the base Bronco, which starts at $33,000. Of course, for the overlander, the higher payload and larger interior storage space of the four-door version is preferable to the two-door.

Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

Base Price: $54,320

Specifications

Off-Road in the 2023 Ford Bronco 

There's a lot to brag about when it comes to off-roading the new Bronco. Straight off the lot, the Wildtrak comes with 35-inch 315-section mud terrain tires and tougher suspension components, which yield a substantial 11.5 inches of ground clearance, 30.8 degrees of breakover angle, 47.2 degrees of approach angle, and a departure angle of 40.5 degrees.

Those are pretty solid numbers, and combined with the 10 speed automatic transmission, low range transfer case, and Ford’s Terrain Management system (an electronic traction control program that lets you adjust the way the truck behaves in certain road conditions), there’s hardly any place you won’t be able to go. In addition, the Wildtrak comes standard with independently actuated electronic front and rear locking differentials for when the trail gets really intense. Underbody armor is fairly robust on this trim package as well.

Ford Bronco Fuel Economy

Off-road is not the only road, however, and as most of us know, overlanding often means spending a far higher percentage of our time on the pavement than tackling boulder-strewn trails. Overlanders demand a level of versatility in our vehicles that rock-crawlers don’t necessarily need. It’s great to have that capability when you want it, but living with the truck day in and day out for long periods is usually a more pressing consideration, especially fuel economy.

One of the drawbacks of the Wildtrak is its range. So far there is no diesel or hybrid option for the Bronco (unlike its main competitor, the Jeep Wrangler). The combined fuel economy rating of the twin-turbo V6 rings in at an EPA-measured 17 mpg, and that’s under perfect conditions. Toss in a ton of camping gear and supplies and your whole family, plus a roof rack and roof tent, and you’re probably going to see that number land closer to 12 or 13 mpg. Demanding terrain, like deep sand, or lots of time spent in low range will pull it down even further. Turning over those heavy and inefficient 35-inch tires doesn’t help, either.

This is the case with every overland vehicle, but the lower the starting point for fuel economy, the more critical the situation can get. By comparison, the Wrangler 4xe hybrid returns 20 mpg and 49 MPGe, and the diesel model checks in at 25 mpg combined, including 29 mpg (wow!) on the highway. The Wildtrak hits just 18 mpg in highway driving. It may be worth throwing a couple of jerry cans on your Bronco's roof rack or bumper carrier.

Overlanding with the Ford Bronco

There are a handful of other key factors the overlander should consider - payload, storage space, and towing capacity. The Bronco falls in the middle of the pack in all these metrics for these types of vehicles. Thirty-six cubic feet of storage is highly useful, and the side-swinging tailgate opens 150 degrees, which makes loading and unloading gear extremely easy. Ford even offers a factory-option tailgate table for the Bronco. Payload is also about average at 1370 pounds, and the Wildtrak should have no problem towing a well-equipped overland trailer with a towing capacity of 3500 pounds. Up top, the Bronco can shoulder a dynamic roof load of up to 110 pounds, and carry a static roof load of up to 450 pounds.

There are many other touches in the Bronco that make living out of the vehicle that much more enjoyable, including lots of 12 volt and 110 volt power outlets, an easy-to-clean interior, and soft-touch materials throughout the cabin. The many roof options for the Bronco are also appealing - from the removable hard top, to the highly configurable soft top, you can outfit your Wildtrak for all kinds of driving. Ford also offers a wide range of factory accessories right at the dealership to make your camping and off-roading life that much better - from roof racks, to bumper upgrades, to cargo area organizers. 

You can also customize your Bronco with lots of color combinations, wheels, and appearance packages, so yours can stand out from the crowd. In fact, I find Ford’s color options for the Bronco to be one of the best in the business. And, don’t forget that the off-road and overlanding aftermarket has fully embraced Ford’s flagship off-roader. However you want to upgrade your Bronco, you’ll find a solution. While the aftermarket isn’t quite as robust yet as that for the Jeep Wrangler, it’s definitely catching up.

Ford Bronco - Parting Thoughts

The biggest challenge to making a Bronco your overland platform of choice may just be tracking one down. Models on the dealership floor are scarce (and often have huge dealer mark-ups) as Ford continues to struggle with production set-backs, and ordering one direct from the factory may require a seriously long wait. Used Broncos are commanding a big price premium on the second-hand market. Like with all new, clean-sheet vehicles, early models suffered from some front-of-line production issues (especially with the stock soft-top). If you’re patient, you’ll eventually find yourself behind the wheel of one, but don't say we didn't warn you.

As for the overland question - is it the best overland rig? I would argue that’s a firm… maybe? Is it comfortable, capable, and versatile? Definitely. Can it take you pretty much wherever you want to go? For sure. Is it a worthy competitor to the Wrangler, which has dominated this segment for decades? No question. Should you choose a Bronco over the Jeep? That’s only a question you can answer. 

If you say yes, Morris 4x4 Center is your source for kitting out your Bronco for overlanding exactly how you want it. Call or chat with our team of experts to find the right suspension, bumpers, soft-tops, and interior protection for your new (or old) Bronco. We carry the top names in the industry, from ARB, to Bestop, to Baja Designs, and back them up with our Price Match Guarantee. Fords or Jeeps - no matter which brand's banner you fly, we've got the best advice and know-how you can find.