The Ford Bronco has long been an icon in the world of off-road vehicles, and the latest model continues this legacy with a lineup that caters to a wide range of adventurers. Among the various trims available, the Heritage Edition is a unique offering that blends classic styling with modern technology and capability.
The Bronco Heritage Edition: A Tribute to the Past
The Ford Bronco Heritage Edition celebrates the original 1966 Bronco, offering vintage looks combined with the power, performance, and technology of today’s Bronco family. This special edition model is available in both two-door and four-door configurations, allowing buyers to choose the body style that best suits their needs.
Key Features of the Heritage Edition:
- Classic styling cues reminiscent of the 1966 Bronco
- Plaid cloth seats for a retro interior feel
- Oxford White instrument panel
- 1960’s style squared fenders
- 17-inch Oxford White wheels
- Special Heritage bodyside graphic
- Signature red “FORD” lettering on the front grille
- Floor liners with signature Heritage logo
Under the hood, the Heritage Edition comes standard with a 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine, with an optional upgrade to a more powerful 2.7L EcoBoost V6. This powertrain combination ensures that the Heritage Edition isn’t just about looks – it delivers modern performance to match its classic aesthetics.
The Heritage Edition also features the HOSS 2.0 System (High-performance Off-road Stability Suspension) with Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers (PSDs). This advanced suspension setup provides a comfortable pavement ride while offering excellent off-road capability.
Bronco Trim Lineup: From Capable to Extreme
To understand how the Heritage Edition fits into the broader Bronco family, let’s take a look at the full lineup of trims available:
Big Bend
The Big Bend serves as the entry point to the range, offering a balance of everyday usability and off-road capability. Key features include:
- Six G.O.A.T. modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain)
- Carbonized Gray grille with white “Bronco” branding
- 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob
- 17-inch wheels with 32-inch all-terrain tires
Black Diamond
The Black Diamond trim steps up the off-road credentials with:
- Seven G.O.A.T. modes
- Powder-coated steel bumpers with integrated LED fog lamps and tow hooks
- Rock rails and heavy-duty bash plates
- Marine-grade vinyl upholstery
- Rubberized flooring with drain plugs
Outer Banks
Focusing more on comfort and style, the Outer Banks trim includes:
- Signature LED headlamps and taillamps
- Body-coloured fender flares
- Powder-coated tube steps
- 18-inch bright machined black high gloss-painted aluminum wheels
- Available leather-trimmed seating
- Heated front seats
Badlands
The Badlands trim is for serious off-road enthusiasts, featuring:
- Unique Badlands suspension with front stabilizer bar disconnect
- 33-inch all-terrain tires
- Electronic-locking front and rear axles
- Seven G.O.A.T. modes, including Rock Crawl and Baja
Everglades
Built for tackling muddy and water-logged terrain, the Everglades trim boasts:
- Factory-installed snorkel
- Factory-installed WARN winch
- Special Everglades bodyside graphic
- Heavy-duty modular front bumper
- 35-inch mud-terrain tires
Wildtrak
The Wildtrak is optimized for high-speed off-roading, featuring:
- Standard 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine
- HOSS 3.0 with Fox internal bypass dampers
- Terrain Management System with Baja mode
- Wildtrak hood graphic
- Standard Sasquatch package
- Severe-duty steering rack and tie-rod ends
Heritage Limited Edition
Building upon the Heritage Edition, this model adds:
- Standard 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Perforated leather-trimmed seats with vinyl inserts
- Unique Heritage Limited Edition badging and graphics
Raptor
At the top of the range, the Raptor is the ultimate high-performance off-road variant:
- High-performance 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine
- Advanced 4×4 system
- HOSS 4.0 suspension system with Live Valve 3.1 Internal Bypass Semi-Active Dampers
- 37-inch all-terrain tires
- Unique Raptor styling and graphics
Powertrain Options and Performance
The Bronco lineup offers a range of powertrain options to suit different driving needs:
- 2.3L EcoBoost I-4: Standard on most trims, including the Heritage Edition
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6: Optional on many trims, standard on Wildtrak and Heritage Limited Edition
- 3.0L EcoBoost V6: Exclusive to the Raptor trim
Transmission options vary by trim:
- 7-speed manual transmission with crawler gear: Available on select trims
- 10-speed automatic transmission: Standard or optional, depending on the trim level
The G.O.A.T. modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) allow drivers to optimize the vehicle’s performance for various conditions. The number of modes varies by trim, with higher-end models offering up to seven modes, including specialized settings like Rock Crawl and Baja.
Off-Road Capability and Technology
All Bronco models come with standard 4×4 capability, but the level of off-road readiness increases as you move up the trim ladder. Key off-road features include:
- High-performance Off-road Stability Suspension (HOSS) System: Varies by trim, with more advanced versions on higher-end models
- Available front and rear locking differentials
- Available disconnecting front sway bar
- Terrain Management System with G.O.A.T. modes
- Available 35-inch or 37-inch all-terrain tires
- Heavy-duty skid plates and bash plates on select trims
The Sasquatch Package, standard on some trims and optional on others, adds significant off-road capability with features like 35-inch tires, beadlock-capable wheels, and high-clearance suspension.
Interior Comfort and Technology
While the Bronco is for off-road adventures, it doesn’t skimp on interior comfort and modern technology:
- Available 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- SYNC 4 infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Available B&O premium sound system
- Climate control options ranging from single-zone to dual-zone automatic
- Variety of seating materials, from vinyl to leather, depending on the trim
- Available heated seats and steering wheel
- Rubberized flooring with drain plugs on select trims for easy cleaning after muddy adventures
The Heritage Edition, in particular, stands out with its plaid cloth seats and Oxford White instrument panel, creating a unique retro-inspired interior ambiance.
Exterior Design and Customization
Each trim has its distinct exterior features, allowing buyers to choose a look that matches their style:
- Grille designs range from the classic white “BRONCO” lettering to more aggressive styles on higher trims
- Fender flares can be black plastic or body-coloured, depending on the trim
- Wheel sizes range from 17 inches to 18 inches, with various designs and finishes
- Removable doors and roof panels are available across the lineup, offering an open-air driving experience
- Unique graphics and badging on special editions like the Heritage, Wildtrak, and Raptor
The Heritage Edition’s Oxford White accents, including the grille, wheels, and roof, create a distinctive look that differentiates it from other Bronco models.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The Bronco comes with a range of safety and driver assistance features, many of which are part of the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite:
- Available Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane-Keeping System
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert
- 360-degree camera system on select trims
- Trail Control for low-speed off-road cruising
- Trail Turn Assist to reduce turning radius on tight trails
These features ensure that the Bronco can go off-road and is safe and comfortable for everyday driving.
Customization and Accessories
Ford offers a wide range of accessories and customization options for the Bronco, allowing owners to tailor their vehicle to their specific needs and preferences. Some popular options include:
- Roof racks and cargo carriers
- Winches and recovery equipment
- Additional lighting options
- Interior organizers and storage solutions
- Performance upgrades for engine and suspension components
The aftermarket support for the Bronco is also extensive, providing even more options for personalization.
2024 Ford Bronco Lineup: An SUV For Every Lifestyle
The Ford Bronco lineup, with its diverse range of trims, including the standout Heritage Edition, offers something for every type of off-road enthusiast. From the capable Big Bend to the extreme Raptor, each trim level brings unique features, performance, and styling.
The Heritage Edition, in particular, balances modern capability and classic Bronco styling. It allows drivers to experience the nostalgia of the original 1966 Bronco while enjoying the benefits of contemporary automotive technology and performance.
Whether you’re looking for a daily driver with weekend off-road potential, a dedicated trail machine, or a unique retro-styled SUV, the Ford Bronco range has an option to suit your needs. With its robust construction, advanced off-road technology, and iconic design, the Bronco continues to uphold its legacy as one of the market’s most capable and desirable off-road vehicles.
