3 Reasons Why the 2023 Ford Bronco Is the Best Midsize 2-Row SUV for Families
While the original Ford Bronco represented an early predecessor of the modern SUV, it leaned heavier on the utility side of the acronym than most of today’s more comfortable versions. It’s doubtful anyone ever thought of the rugged 4×4 as a “Family Car,” except for the few times the family ventured into the countryside for a yearly camping trip. The 2023 Ford Bronco breaks that stereotype, earning the “Best Mid-Size 2-Row SUV” award in Good Housekeeping’s “Best New Family Cars” roundup.
Why is the 2023 Ford Bronco the best mid-size two-row SUV for families?
A Good Housekeeping staff member got to drive the 2023 Ford Bronco in extreme off-road conditions where she “crawled up rock walls and drove through water so deep it was coming up the hood of the car.” Yet, the Bronco’s comfort, capability, and utility kept her safe and comfortable through it all. In the end, three of the Ford Bronco’s traits stood out, putting it on the top of the list among mid-size two-row SUVs for families.
- Available with four doors
One of the features that kept the original Bronco from being a better family car was the absence of a four-door model. Today’s families, especially those with small children and child safety seats or teenagers with longer legs, require easy access to the rear seats via an extra set of doors. However, those families with children that can climb into the back row over a folded front seat and buckle themselves in safely might appreciate the more compact and less expensive two-door Bronco.
- Capable all-wheel drive and off-road ability
Families that enjoy exploring the great outdoors and venturing off the beaten path will appreciate the Ford Bronco’s “stellar and capable all-wheel drive system.” Some families will appreciate the rugged off-road appearance even if the widest open space they visit is the local mall parking lot; no judgment here. In either case, the Bronco’s upright seating posture and elevated driving position make navigating off-road obstacles or parking lot bumpers a breeze.
- Removable doors and roof panels
While most convertibles never make the ranks of family cars, the 2023 Ford Bronco’s removable doors and roof panels make it the coolest family car on the block. Your trip through the school pick-up line will never be the same after pulling up in an open-air Bronco. Removing the doors and roof panels is easier than you’d suspect using the tool kit provided by Ford.
2023 Ford Bronco specs
If you can find one on a dealer lot, the base two-door 2023 Ford Bronco is the least expensive option, starting at $34,595, and the base four-door is $37,745. Stepping up a level to the Big Bend trim adds about $4,000 to the two-door model and almost $2,000 to the four-door.
According to Ford’s online build and price tool, six levels offer two- or four-door versions, with prices climbing to $70k between the Big Bend and the range-topping Bronco Raptor. The mighty 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor starts at $83,580. It only comes as an off-road-ready four-door model rolling on 37-inch all-terrain tires, a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, seven driver-selectable GOAT modes, and the HOSS 4.0 suspension system with “FOX Live Valve 3.1 Internal Bypass Semi-Active Dampers.”
Other SUVs in Good Housekeeping’s roundup
Good Housekeeping listed five other SUVs in its list of “Best New Family Cars,” including the following:
- 2023 Genesis GV70 – Best Luxury Mid-Size Two-Row SUV
- 2023 Kia Telluride – Best Mid-Size Three-Row SUV
- 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 – Best Luxury Mid-Size Three-Row SUV
- 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe – Best Large SUV
- 2023 Lincoln Navigator L – Best Luxury Large SUV
This list includes SUVs from all walks of life. From luxury rides to more practical choices, there are tons of family-friendly SUVs to choose from.
