Sometimes you wonder “why,” and other times you think, “Yeah, that looks right.” Such is the case with Ford’s unveiling of the 2024 Bronco Sport “Free Wheeling” package, a retro slide that falls into the latter category. Harkening back to Ford’s 1970s graphics blitz of several models, if you asked us, we’d say No. But seeing it, we say Yes. 

The Free Wheeling packages were a popular 1970s upgrade for the F-Series, Bronco, and Econoline vans, according to CJ Pony Parts. While the latter sounds puzzling, keep in mind this was the era of shag carpet shaggin’ wagon vans. 

Haven’t we seen the Ford Free Wheeling package before?

Ford initially did a tongue-in-cheek one-off version for the show circuit when the Bronco Sport first hit the scene in 2021. But the response to the retro-cool appearance was so overwhelming that Ford just had to do it. And now here we are. 

The familiar classic spectrum of red, yellow, and orange stripes adorns the Bronco Sport’s sides, hood, and tailgate. It also gets carried over to the seats and stitching, with red accents on the door panels and dash. Back to the exterior, there are black and red alloy wheels and a silver paint grille. 

What else comes with the Bronco Sport Free Wheeling package?

The Free Wheeling graphics are bolder than the originals, yet cleaner as well. Rather than a railroad track of stripes, they stay horizontal and simple. Simply bold, that is. 

And though the Free Wheeling package is an appearance-only proposition, it comes standard with the Big Bend trim package. So it features a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-banger engine for 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. Behind it is an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. Also inside is a MOLLE strap system. 

All Big Bend Sport models come with five GOAT modes for different terrain experiences. Driver-assist features include pre-collision assistance with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep system, and BLS App-Link with Cross-Traffic alert. There is also the full range of Sync 3 features for voice recognition, touchscreen functionality, 911 assist, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and FordPass Connect. 

Will there be other Free Wheeling packages?

So all of that, along with the Free Wheeling appearance package and all-wheel drive, makes for a fun part-time off-roader that’s also great for family hauling. As long as you like getting noticed around town, this can be the perfect family whip—one with great functionality and fun looks. 

Will Mavericks and Rangers be the next Ford models to display a Free Wheeling package? If Ford uses its 1970s approach, we may well see it pop up on them. But we’ll have to wait and see if the retro fun vibes of the Bronco Sport indicate it’s worth a stab.