2021 Ford Bronco Wildtrak Tested: The Ultimate Bronco (for Now)

The Ford Bronco universe is at a steady simmer now that the Blue Oval's reimagined off-road icon has become part of the landscape (quite literally in the case of the one that got beached on a sand bar in Maine). Internet infamy aside, we've begun seeing them every day around metro Detroit, and Ford is readying a second act with the upcoming hard-core Raptor model. But before we indulge in that special version's 400-plus horsepower and 37-inch tires, we wanted to test a four-door model with the otherwise-gnarliest Sasquatch package—one of the regular truck's headline configurations.

In truth, we just wanted another excuse to hit the trails. Thus far, we've tested two four-cylinder models: a two-door Black Diamond with the seven-speed manual transmission and a four-door Outer Banks with the 10-speed automatic. Plus, we've flown through the air in a two-door First Edition, which was mechanically similar to this six-cylinder 2021 Wildtrak example, save for the latter's additional doors and 15.8-inch longer wheelbase; both trims feature the Sasquatch gear as standard.

Those unfamiliar with Bronco lingo can refer to our handy trim-level guide. But know that the Wildtrak is an upper-level desert-running setup, complete with 35-inch all-terrain tires, electronically locking front and rear differentials, a lifted suspension with upgraded Bilstein dampers, and seven G.O.A.T drive modes including a Baja setting. Ticking the Wildtrak box also mandates the optional 330-hp twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6, 10-speed gearbox, a four-wheel-drive system with a full-time Auto 4HI mode, and a shorter final-drive ratio. Those seeking additional mud-bogging capability can check out the new four-door-only Everglades model, which also includes the Sasquatch package yet only comes with the base 300-hp 2.3-liter turbo-four. Likewise, you can spec a manual Sasquatch setup in the Badlands model but only when paired with the smaller engine.

Surprisingly, our 4971-pound test truck weighed less than the two-door First Edition, albeit by a scant four pounds. Chalk up our four-door Wildtrak's weight savings mostly to it lacking some of the features and amenities found on the relatively luxurious First Edition, particularly the front stabilizer bar disconnect mechanism and the $2195 power-adjustable leather seats. Our test truck made do with manually adjustable cloth chairs, though both arrangements are heated.

The Wildtrak posted a virtually identical 60-mph run (6.2 seconds), quarter-mile pass (15.0 seconds at 92 mph), and modest lateral-grip figure (0.71 g) as did that earlier First Edition. While it did stop from 70 mph in eight fewer feet, at 189, that's the same distance that the 254-pound-lighter Outer Banks model needed. Given that less-powerful version also was just 0.3-second slower to 60 mph, there's less of a performance difference between the Bronco's various trims than you might think.