The 2023 Ford Bronco is an impressive off-road SUV with features that should satisfy most enthusiasts. Shoppers have many customization options through various trim levels, configurations, and packages. A fully loaded model has all the bells and whistles, but it costs as much as a luxury SUV. Most consumers pick a more affordable Ford Bronco trim.  

Overview of the 2023 Ford Bronco and trims

Its fuel economy may not be the best, but the 2023 Ford Bronco packs plenty of power. The base model has a 2.3-liter inline-four producing 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. And the seven-speed manual transmission and four-wheel-drive system give drivers more control in harsher environments. The same could be said of the standard safety features, such as stability and traction control and Ford Co-Pilot360 advanced driver-assistance systems. 

Depending on the trim, the 2023 Bronco can be configured with two or four removable doors. The two-door models have a hardtop and four seats, while the four-door versions have a standard soft top, an optional hardtop, and five seats. Regardless of the passenger capacity, the interior offers comfortable seating.

The two-door, four-seat base model includes keyless ignition, cruise control, a manual tilt/telescopic steering wheel, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and the Sync4 infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This standard trim starts at $34,890.

If you’d like more features, Ford offers eight other 2023 Bronco trims. Each appeals to various consumer needs and desires. 

For instance, the Black Diamond, which costs about $41,250, is advertised as the most rugged Bronco trim. (The Everglades trim was a souped-up version of the Black Diamond but has already been discontinued.)

At $46,350, the Outer Banks is more luxury-oriented than the other trims. Starting at $46,605 and $69,195, the Heritage and Heritage Limited evoke nostalgia for older models. Meanwhile, the Badlands and Wildtrak trims, starting at $47,395 and $58,025, maximize off-road capabilities.

Finally, the most expensive model is the Ford Bronco Raptor. This range-topping four-door hardtop starts at $86,080.

The Big Bend trim is the most popular

Edmunds data shows the Big Bend is the best-selling Bronco model. It’s also the most affordable 2023 Ford Bronco trim after the base model. The Big Bend has a 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine and a seven-speed manual transmission. It also boasts LED fog lights, 17-inch wheels, 32-inch all-terrain tires, and rear privacy glass.  

Furthermore, it adds an extra Mud/Ruts option to the G.O.A.T. modes to provide more support and performance on rough terrain. Other details include manual climate control with air conditioning, automatic high-beam headlamps, and post-collision braking. 

Pricing for the Big Bend starts at $38,880. 

Which 2023 Ford Bronco trim provides the best value for money?

Even though the Big Bend is the most popular, other 2023 Ford Bronco trims represent a better value. Edmunds recommends the Heritage Edition because it provides the Mid (heated front seats, remote start, and rear parking sensors) and Sasquatch packages (35-inch mud tires, electronic-locking front and rear axles, and fender flares). Meanwhile, Car and Driver reviewers prefer the Wildtrack trim. 

So why is the Big Bend the most popular among shoppers? Cost is likely a considerable factor. The Heritage and Wildtrak might give consumers more bang for their buck, but they’re also more expensive. Prospective buyers might view the additional features as not worth the money for their preferences or not having much use for their lifestyle, but they still want convenience features the base model doesn’t provide.