2025 Ford Bronco Model Comparison Chart: A Complete Trim & Package Guide
The Ford Bronco has re-established itself as a dominant force in the off-road SUV market, offering a compelling blend of retro style and modern, rugged capability. However, navigating its complex lineup of trims, engines, and equipment packages can be a challenge for even a seasoned researcher.
This definitive guide is designed to decode the entire 2025 Ford Bronco lineup. We will provide a comprehensive comparison chart, break down every trim level from the Base to the Raptor, clarify the all-important equipment packages, and answer the most common questions to help you find the perfect Bronco for your needs.
2025 Ford Bronco: What’s New and What’s Gone?
For 2025, Ford has significantly streamlined the Bronco lineup, which may be a source of confusion for returning shoppers. The most notable change is the discontinuation of several popular trims.
For the 2025 model year, the Black Diamond, Everglades, and Wildtrak trims have been removed from the lineup.
This shakeup has two major consequences:
- The Stroppe Edition is In: The new Stroppe Edition joins the lineup, effectively replacing the Wildtrak as the premier high-speed “desert runner” trim.
- The Black Diamond Becomes a Package: The spirit of the rugged Black Diamond trim is not gone. Instead, its most desirable features (like steel bash plates and rock rails) have been consolidated into a new Black Diamond Package, which is now available as an option on the Big Bend trim.
This strategic shift simplifies the main trim ladder while elevating the Big Bend trim from a simple step-up to a highly modular “builder” platform. This creates a new “sweet spot” for buyers who want a well-equipped-but-affordable base upon which to add specific capability packages.
2025 Ford Bronco Model Comparison Chart
This comparison matrix provides a high-level overview of the 2025 Ford Bronco trim hierarchy. It is critical to note that MSRPs are estimates based on the latest available data, exclude destination fees and options, and are subject to change by Ford.
| Trim Level | Starting MSRP (Est.) | Standard Engine (HP / Torque) | Standard 4×4 System | G.O.A.T. Modes™ | Standard Suspension | Key Features | Best For… |
| Base | ~$38,995 | 2.3L I-4 (300 / 325) | 4×4 Part-Time | 5 Modes | HOSS 1.0 | 12″ SYNC 4 Screen, Removable Doors/Top | The Purist & Custom-Builder |
| Big Bend | ~$40,420 | 2.3L I-4 (300 / 325) | 4×4 Part-Time | 6 Modes | HOSS 1.0 | 17″ Wheels, Leather-Wrapped Wheel, Mid Pkg | The Smart Buy & Best All-Rounder |
| Outer Banks | ~$47,940 | 2.3L I-4 (300 / 325) | 4×4 Part-Time (10-Spd Auto Std) | 6 Modes | HOSS 1.0 | Body-Color Flares, Leather Seats, Side-Steps | The Daily Driver with Style |
| Heritage Ed. | ~$51,475 | 2.3L I-4 (300 / 325) | 4×4 Part-Time | 6 Modes | HOSS 2.0 (Sasquatch Pkg) | Retro Graphics, White Top, Plaid Seats, 35″ Tires | The Retro Off-Roader |
| Badlands | ~$49,585 | 2.3L I-4 (300 / 325) | Advanced 4×4 | 7 Modes (inc. Rock Crawl) | Badlands Suspension (Sway-Bar Disconnect) | 33″ Tires, Skid Plates, Bilstein Dampers | The Technical Rock-Crawler |
| Stroppe Ed. | ~$75,635 | 2.7L V6 (330 / 415) | Advanced 4×4 | 7 Modes (no Rock Crawl) | HOSS 3.0 (FOX Dampers) | Sasquatch & Lux Pkgs Std, 2.7L V6 Std | The High-Speed Desert-Runner |
| Raptor | ~$79,995 | 3.0L V6 (418 / 440) | Advanced 4×4 | 7 Modes (inc. Baja) | HOSS 4.0 (FOX Live Valve) | 37″ Tires, Heavy-Duty Axle, Wide Body | The Ultimate Off-Road Super-Truck |
Critical Clarification: Are You Looking for the Bronco or the Bronco Sport?
Before comparing trims, it is critical to answer one of the most common questions: Are you looking for the Ford Bronco or the Ford Bronco Sport? Ford intentionally uses the “Bronco” name to market two vastly different vehicles, which creates significant confusion.
This article focuses on the midsize, body-on-frame “Bronco.” Here is the fundamental difference:
- Ford Bronco (This Article): This is a midsize SUV built on the same rugged, body-on-frame platform as the Ford Ranger pickup truck. It is a “real” off-roader designed for maximum capability, featuring removable doors and roof panels, powerful longitudinal engines, and a true 4×4 system.
- Ford Bronco Sport: This is a compact crossover built on the unibody platform shared with the Ford Escape. It is designed for “sightseers” and “day-trippers”. While capable for a crossover, it is a lighter-duty vehicle with a transverse engine, fixed roof, and a focus on utility and fuel economy over extreme off-road prowess.
The data makes the distinction clear.
| Feature | Ford Bronco (Body-on-Frame SUV) | Ford Bronco Sport (Unibody Crossover) |
| Vehicle Class | Midsize SUV | Compact Crossover |
| Platform | Ford Ranger (Truck-Based) | Ford Escape (Car-Based) |
| Engine Options | 2.3L I-4, 2.7L V6, 3.0L V6 | 1.5L I-3, 2.0L I-4 |
| Horsepower Range | 300 – 418 hp | 181 – 250 hp |
| Max Ground Clearance | Up to 13.1 inches (Raptor) | ~8.8 inches (Badlands) |
| Key Feature | Removable Roof & Doors | Fixed Roof |
| Est. Combined MPG | 17-21 MPG | 23-26 MPG |
The Verdict: If you are looking for a rugged, highly capable, truck-based off-roader with removable panels, you want the Bronco, and this guide is for you. If you seek a more fuel-efficient, city-friendly compact SUV with rugged style and light trail capability, you should research the Bronco Sport.
2025 Bronco Engine, Transmission, and 4×4 Systems Explained
A trim’s performance is defined by its powertrain and 4×4 hardware. The 2025 Bronco offers three potent EcoBoost® engines, each tied to specific trims.
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Paired Transmission | Found In (Standard or Optional) |
| 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 | 300 hp | 325 lb-ft | 7-Speed Manual or 10-Speed Auto | Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Heritage, Badlands |
| 2.7L EcoBoost® V6 | 330 hp | 415 lb-ft | 10-Speed Auto only | Stroppe Ed. (Std.), Optional on Outer Banks & Badlands |
| 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 | 418 hp | 440 lb-ft | 10-Speed Auto only | Raptor (Exclusive) |
Transmission Choices
The Bronco is one of the few modern SUVs to still offer a manual transmission. The 7-speed manual (with a dedicated low-speed crawler gear) is a beloved feature for purists but is only available with the 2.3L I-4 engine. The 10-speed automatic transmission is the mainstream choice and is mandatory for all V6 engines.
4×4 Systems
There are two distinct 4×4 systems available:
- Standard 4×4: Officially “4×4 with Part-Time Selectable Engagement”. This is a traditional, robust system with 2H (2-wheel drive), 4H (4-wheel drive High), and 4L (4-wheel drive Low). The driver must manually engage 4-wheel drive. This system is standard on Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Heritage Edition.
- Advanced 4×4: Officially “Advanced 4×4 with Automatic On-Demand Engagement”. This system includes all the modes of the standard system (2H, 4H, 4L) but adds a crucial “4A” (Automatic) mode. This 4A setting functions like an all-wheel-drive system, automatically sending power to the front wheels when slip is detected. This is a significant upgrade for daily driving, especially in rain, snow, or mixed-weather conditions. It is standard on Badlands, Stroppe Edition, and Raptor.
2025 Ford Bronco Trim Levels: A Deep Dive
With the core hardware explained, here is a detailed, trim-by-trim breakdown of what you get for your money.
Bronco Base
- At a Glance: The “Blank Canvas.” The Base model is the essential Bronco, stripped down to its core elements. It is the perfect, no-frills platform for those who want a pure off-road experience or a clean slate for heavy modification and aftermarket builds.
- Key Standard Features: 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, 7-speed manual transmission, 4×4 with Part-Time Selectable Engagement, 5 G.O.A.T. Modes™ (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain), HOSS 1.0 Suspension, 16-inch steel wheels, and the now-standard 12-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen. It also includes manual climate control and all the fundamentals like removable doors and top.
- Who is this trim for? The off-road purist, the custom-builder, or the buyer on the strictest budget who still wants the full, authentic Bronco experience.
- Key Option: The Sasquatch Package. A “Base-squatch” is a highly sought-after combination, as it pairs the most potent off-road hardware with the lightest and simplest trim.
Bronco Big Bend
- At a Glance: “The Smart Buy.” The Big Bend is the logical and recommended starting point for the majority of buyers. It adds key comfort, convenience, and technology features over the Base model, making it a much more livable all-rounder.
- Key Standard Features: Includes Base features and adds 17-inch Carbonized Gray-painted aluminum wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and an additional (sixth) G.O.A.T. Mode™.
- The Big Upgrade: The Big Bend trim comes standard with the Mid Package. This is a massive step up from the Base, adding heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a navigation system, and key Ford Co-Pilot360 safety aids like blind-spot warning.
- The Game-Changing Option: For 2025, the Big Bend is the only trim eligible for the new Black Diamond Package. This package adds the heavy-duty modular front bumper, steel skid plates, rock rails, and electronically locking rear axle that defined the old Black Diamond trim.1
- Who is this trim for? This is the new “sweet spot” for 2025. A buyer can get a Big Bend for a great daily driver or use it as a modular base, adding the Black Diamond package for ruggedness, the Sasquatch package for all-out capability, or both.
Bronco Outer Banks
- At a Glance: “The Stylish Daily Driver.” The Outer Banks is the “lifestyle” trim, focusing on on-road comfort, technology, and appearance rather than maximum off-road hardware.
- Key Standard Features: It builds on the Big Bend (with the Mid Package) and makes the 10-speed automatic transmission standard. It is visually distinguished by 18-inch high-gloss-painted aluminum wheels, body-color fender flares and door handles, signature LED headlights and taillamps, and powder-coated tube steps (side-steps). The interior is also upgraded with leather-trimmed seats.
- Who is this trim for? This is the ideal trim for the person who loves the Bronco’s iconic look and wants a comfortable, well-equipped SUV for daily driving but is unlikely to tackle technical rock-crawling trails.
- Key Option: The 2.7L V6 engine and the Lux Package. These options allow a buyer to transform the Outer Banks into a true luxury-focused SUV.
Bronco Heritage Edition
- At a Glance: “The Retro Off-Roader.” This trim is a pure styling play, blending a heavy dose of throwback design with modern, top-tier capability.
- Key Standard Features: The Heritage Edition builds on the Big Bend trim and adds the Sasquatch Package as standard.1 This means it comes out of the box with 35-inch tires, locking front and rear axles, and the lifted HOSS 2.0 suspension. Its unique look comes from retro-style bumpers and graphics, a white hardtop, a white grille, and distinctive plaid cloth upholstery.1
- Who is this trim for? The buyer who wants the full capability of the Sasquatch package but prefers a unique, head-turning retro design over the standard Bronco look.
Bronco Badlands
- At a Glance: “The Technical Rock-Crawler.” This is the first of the highly specialized, “go-anywhere” trims. It is purpose-built for low-speed, technical off-roading.
- Key Standard Features: The Badlands hardware is unique. It comes standard with the 2.3L I-4 and 7-speed manual, the Advanced 4×4 system, and a 7-mode G.O.A.T. Modes™ system that includes an exclusive “Rock Crawl” mode.1 It also features a heavy-duty modular front bumper, steel skid plates, rock rails, and 33-inch all-terrain tires.1
- The Killer Feature: The Badlands has a unique suspension system with Bilstein dampers and a front sway-bar disconnect.1 This disconnect feature allows the front wheels to articulate (move) independently over large obstacles, providing extreme traction and stability in the most technical, low-speed situations.
- Who is this trim for? The serious off-roader who prioritizes technical, slow-speed capability (rock crawling) above all else.
- Key Option: The Sasquatch Package. Adding this package gives the Badlands 35-inch tires and swaps its unique Bilstein dampers for the Sasquatch-specific HOSS 2.0 setup.
Bronco Stroppe Edition
- At a Glance: “The High-Speed Desert-Runner.” This is the new-for-2025 trim that directly replaces the discontinued Wildtrak. It is a high-performance, high-margin “heritage halo” vehicle.
- Key Standard Features: The Stroppe Edition comes almost fully loaded. It makes the 2.7L V6 1, 10-speed automatic, Advanced 4×4, Sasquatch Package, and the Lux Package all standard. It is visually set apart by racing-inspired Code Orange accents and graphics.
- The Killer Feature: This is the only non-Raptor trim to get the HOSS 3.0 Suspension Package with FOX™ Internal Bypass Dampers. This suspension is not built for slow-speed crawling; it is engineered for high-speed “Baja” style off-roading, designed to absorb massive impacts at speed while keeping the vehicle stable.
- Who is this trim for? The buyer who wants a “Raptor-lite.” It is for the person who prioritizes high-speed desert running over slow-speed rock crawling and wants a fully loaded truck from the factory.
Bronco Raptor
- At a Glance: “The Ultimate Off-Road Super-Truck.” This is the pinnacle of the Bronco lineup. It is wider, taller, and more powerful than any other trim, existing in a class of its own.
- Key Standard Features: The Raptor is defined by its exclusive hardware. It features a high-output 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (418 hp, 440 lb-ft), a heavy-duty rear axle, 37-inch all-terrain tires, and the most advanced HOSS 4.0 suspension with FOX™ Live Valve shocks that adapt in real-time.1 It also includes a disconnecting front stabilizer bar and unique, wide-body fender flares to accommodate its massive track width.1
- Who is this trim for? The enthusiast who demands the absolute most-capable, most-powerful, and most-aggressive Bronco ever built, with a price tag to match.
The Raptor is truly a unique vehicle. Get the full specs in our(https://fordmasterx.com/ford-bronco-raptor-specs).
Decoding the 2025 Bronco Equipment Packages (Mid, Lux, & Sasquatch)
Understanding the 2025 Bronco lineup requires looking beyond the trims to the optional equipment packages. These packages are arguably more important than the trims themselves, as they define the comfort, technology, and capability of the vehicle. A Base Bronco with the Sasquatch package is far more capable off-road than a standard Badlands.
Mid Package vs. Lux Package
These two “Equipment Groups” define the comfort and technology level of your Bronco.
| Feature | Mid Package | Lux Package |
| Proximity Keyless Entry | Standard | Standard |
| Heated Front Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | Standard | Standard |
| Navigation System | Standard | Standard |
| Ford Co-Pilot360 (Safety) | Standard | Standard |
| Sound System | Standard 7-Speaker | 10-Speaker B&O Audio |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Not Included | Standard |
| 360-Degree Camera | Not Included | Standard |
| Wireless Charging Pad | Not Included | Standard |
| Evasive Steering Assist | Not Included | Standard |
Availability:
- Mid Package: Standard on Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Heritage Edition.1
- Lux Package: Standard on Stroppe Edition and Raptor.1 Optional on Outer Banks and Badlands.
The Icon: The Sasquatch Package
This is the “easy button” for ultimate off-road capability. The Sasquatch Package is available as an option on the Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Badlands trims, and it comes standard on the Heritage and Stroppe Editions.1
This package bundles 5 key pieces of hardware 1:
- 17-inch Beadlock-Capable Wheels
- 35-inch Goodyear Mud-Terrain Tires
- Electronically Locking Front and Rear Axles
- Lifted Suspension (HOSS 2.0)
- High-Clearance Fender Flares
According to Ford, the HOSS (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) system is designed to “help drivers maintain composure and comfort while off-roading”.
Trim Showdown: Badlands vs. Stroppe Edition
With the Wildtrak trim discontinued, the most common high-performance comparison is now between the Badlands and the new Stroppe Edition. The choice is simple and comes down to one question: Do you want to go rock-crawling or desert-running?
The Badlands: The Rock-Crawling Specialist
The Badlands is purpose-built for low-speed, technical terrain.
- Key Hardware: Its defining feature is the front sway-bar disconnect. This allows the front wheels to move independently, or “articulate,” over massive, uneven obstacles like boulders. It also comes with 33-inch all-terrain tires (smaller and more agile for rock placement) and offers the 7-speed manual transmission for maximum control.1
- The “Why”: The sway-bar disconnect is the killer feature. As forum users note, you do not want to disconnect a sway bar at high speeds, which is why the high-speed Stroppe trim does not have it.
The Stroppe Edition: The High-Speed Specialist
The Stroppe Edition is purpose-built for high-speed, open terrain.
- Key Hardware: Its defining feature is the HOSS 3.0 suspension with FOX™ dampers. This advanced suspension is designed to absorb massive impacts at speed, keeping the truck stable and composed. It comes standard with the 2.7L V6 and 35-inch tires, which are ideal for “floating” over sand and rough terrain.1
- The “Why”: The HOSS 3.0 suspension is designed for soaking up terrain, not meticulously crawling over it.
The Verdict: Choose the Badlands if your ideal weekend involves finding the most technical, difficult, low-speed trails. Choose the Stroppe Edition if your ideal weekend is driving fast across open desert terrain and you want a fully-loaded, “ready-to-go” truck from the factory.
Final Verdict: Which 2025 Ford Bronco is Right for You?
- For the Daily Driver: Outer Banks. It has the Bronco style with all the creature comforts from the standard Mid Package. It is the only trim that prioritizes on-road comfort and appearance, and the option to add the 2.7L V6 and Lux Package makes it a truly comfortable commuter.
- For the Off-Road Purist: Base with Sasquatch Package. This combination gives you the 35-inch tires and all-important locking axles on the simplest, lightest, and most affordable platform, leaving it as a blank canvas for you to build upon.
- For the Best All-Around Value: Big Bend. As Edmunds suggests, this is the smartest starting point. The standard Mid Package provides all the modern essentials, and its new-for-2025 modularity allows you to add only what you need, like the Black Diamond Package for toughness or the Sasquatch Package for capability.
- For the Serious Rock-Crawler: Badlands. It is the undisputed king of technical, low-speed off-roading thanks to its exclusive front sway-bar disconnect.
- For the High-Speed Adventurer: Stroppe Edition. If you want a “Raptor-lite” for high-speed desert running, the Stroppe is your trim. It bundles the V6 engine, premium HOSS 3.0 suspension, and all the luxury features in one (expensive) package.
No matter which trim you choose, new Bronco buyers get exclusive access to the Bronco Off-Roadeo experience, a hands-on training school to learn your vehicle’s most advanced capabilities. Before visiting a dealership, it is wise to explore financing options online to get pre-approved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best 2025 Bronco trim for daily driving?
A: The Outer Banks is widely considered the best for daily driving. It comes standard with the 10-speed automatic, creature comforts from the Mid Package, and has appearance-focused upgrades like body-color flares and side steps. The Big Bend is also an excellent, more affordable choice.
Q: Is the 2025 Ford Bronco Sasquatch Package worth it?
A: If you plan to do any serious off-roading, yes. The package (costing around $8,460) includes 35-inch mud-terrain tires, electronically locking front and rear axles, and a lifted HOSS 2.0 suspension.1 The cost to add these high-quality components aftermarket would be significantly higher.
Q: What trim did the 2025 Stroppe Edition replace?
A: The Stroppe Edition replaces the Wildtrak trim. It fills the same role as the high-speed “desert runner” but adds a heritage name and bundles the HOSS 3.0 suspension, 2.7L V6, and Lux Package as standard.
Q: Can you get a manual transmission in the 2025 Bronco?
A: Yes. The 7-speed manual transmission is available on the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine for the Base, Big Bend, Badlands, and Heritage trims.
Q: What’s the main difference between the Bronco Badlands and Stroppe Edition?
A: The Badlands is a rock crawler (slow-speed) with a front sway-bar disconnect for maximum wheel articulation. The Stroppe Edition is a desert runner (high-speed) with HOSS 3.0 FOX dampers designed to absorb large impacts at speed.
