The 2023 Ford Bronco comes in a whopping nine different configurations. The Blue Oval’s midsize off-road SUV is available in enough options to suit every type of driver, from the casual off-roader to the serious off-roading enthusiast. Which configuration is best for hardcore off-roaders?

The 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor pushes the limits

The Ford Bronco Raptor starts at $83,580. It uses a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine to make 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco Raptor gets 15 miles per gallon in the city and 16 miles per gallon on the highway.

The 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor comes standard with removable doors and a removable top, front and rear tow hooks, and rock rails. It also includes heated front seats, a terrain management system with seven different driving modes, and a 360-degree camera.

The Bronco Raptor is the best off-road configuration in terms of capability because of its many great standard features. According to Forbes Wheels, the midsize off-road SUV has a whopping 13.1 inches of ground clearance. That’s an incredible amount of ground clearance, making it easy to clear obstacles and protect the vehicle’s undercarriage when off-roading.

The 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor’s powerful engine, huge 37-inch all-terrain tires, and FOX suspension all contribute to its off-road dominance. It’s the most capable Bronco trim, but is it suitable for the average driver?

What is the best Ford Bronco off-road configuration for the average driver?

The Ford Bronco Raptor is amazing, but the average driver isn’t spending over $83,000 on a desert-running off-road SUV. Luckily, the Blue Oval offers more affordable Bronco configurations that still boast amazing capability.

If the Bronco Raptor is too pricey, the next best off-roading configuration is the 2023 Ford Bronco Wildtrak. The Bronco Wildtrak starts at $58,025, which is still expensive, but much more attainable than the Bronco Raptor.

The 2023 Bronco Wildtrak comes standard with the Blue Oval’s available Sasquatch Package. The Sasquatch Package features plenty of great off-roading features like 35-inch tires and Bilstein position-sensitive dampers. It has a terrain management system that features seven different driving modes and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

The Bronco Wildtrak also includes three tow hooks (two front, one rear), an individual tire pressure monitoring system, and side curtains with rollover sensors for both rows of seats. The 2023 Ford Bronco Wildtrak is the best off-roader for the everyman that Ford has to offer. There are also lower trim levels that offer different degrees of capability for more affordable prices.

What’s so great about the Ford Bronco?

Drivers love the Ford Bronco because of what it represents. The American-made SUV stands for freedom and adventure. It’s designed for thrill seekers that like to test the limitations of their vehicles. The Bronco, like the Jeep Wrangler, is meant for drivers with a passion for taking the road less traveled. Its return caught many Blue Oval fans by surprise after its long hiatus.

The re-emergence of the Bronco was driven by a heightened demand for midsize SUVs and vehicles with off-roading capability. Ford’s Bronco nameplate is capturing the hearts of a new generation of drivers looking to explore trails. Car and Driver gave it a perfect overall score. Is the 2023 Ford Bronco the best off-road midsize SUV on the market?