The Ford Bronco Everglades Edition.

It is not like the original Bronco. Heck, even O.J.’s is bigger. But the Ford Bronco Everglades Edition is one stout off-road capable sport ute. Part of Ford’s new Bronco lineup, the Bronco Advanced 4 x 4 comes with everything you could want to get from here to there and back again. Napleton News is ready to go whenever and wherever the roads will take us. Hop into this highboy and let’s go.

The Rebirth Of A Legend

For 2023, the Ford Bronco returns like a conquering hero after a stint at the Baja 1000 off-road race from Ensenada to La Paz, Mexico. This time, it is available in two body styles, with three engine possibilities and up to 10 new trim levels. Segment-wise, it goes head-to-head with the Jeep Wrangler.

The lineup includes the following trim levels:

• Bronco: Because it’s all about that bass, er, base.
• Bronco Big Bend.
• Bronco Black Diamond.
• Bronco Outer Banks.
• Bronco Heritage.
• Bronco Badlands.
• Bronco Wildtrak
• Bronco Everglades.
• Bronco Heritage Limited.
• Bronco Raptor.

Prices are variable depending on supply and demand. And a reminder, there’s no escaping the $1,595 destination fee. At nearly $1,600 per vehicle, that delivery fee has become a point of profit for the manufacturer.

What’s under the hood of the Ford Bronco Everglades Edition?

There are three engines available. All provide adequate power and vary according to how much you want to spend and your mileage expectations.

Our Ford Bronco Everglades Edition was delivered with the base 2.3-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. It’s small but potent, delivering 275 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel. Give it the good stuff (premium) and the engine will produce 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque.

The next step up involves a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that makes 315 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque with regular fuel but graduates to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque using premium fuel.

Finally, the Bronco Raptor packs quite the punch with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine  making 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. It also has a dual exhaust system with active-valve technology with exhaust notes that range from Baja, Quiet, Sport and Normal modes.

All versions of the Bronco receive a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Our Everglades model included a front axle locking differential.

How Does the Ford Bronco Everglades Edition look?

In a phrase, the Bronco Everglades Edition is about as aero-capable as a Whirlpool refrigerator. Meaning it’s not very aerodynamic at all. But that’s not the reason you bought the Bronco in the first place. You knew what you were getting when you first signed up, right?

In the case of our Everglades (Sasquatch) model, it features a light beige called “Desert Sand” that has us thinking of the colors that were prominent during the Gulf War. It’s just the thing for some off-road desert cruising. It is festooned with various fender flares, tow hooks, tie-offs, roof racks and other pieces of kit.

The Everglades model rides on 35-inch tall Goodyear off-road tires mounted on 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. They can crawl over almost anything so have at it. Another cool feature is the Warn Winch mounted on the front bumper. It’s joined with other off-road necessities like  a snorkel for river fording up to 36.4 inches deep. A vinyl side graphic even has notches to help drivers see how deep they are into the drink.

Remember to check depths first. Otherwise, you may actually have to put the Warn Winch into use to pull you out.

How about inside the Bronco Everglades Edition?

If you are out in the great beyond, the Bronco can handle almost everything you toss its way. That includes dirt, mud, snow and more. If it gets in, pull the drain plugs and rinse it out.

Vinyl seats are comfortable and supportive in both rows, and there is actually some decent cargo space in back. As this Bronco is fully adaptable, there is a removable roof, and doors that come off with a quick turn of the wrench from the included Bronco tool kit. The roof also comes off but you will likely need some help in removing it from the vehicle.

Inside, you’ll find manual seats because of the wash-out cabin. But the other usual accoutrements, including Apple CarPlay, and Molle strap system are on board to make the drive a bit more enjoyable. There is also a 12-inch touchscreen display and Hotspot Telematics modem to keep connected, regardless of where you may find yourself.

What’s It Like Behind the Wheel?

In a word, it’s loud. We’re not talking Rolls-Royce quiet. This is an off-road vehicle running 35-inch tall Goodyear tires capable of rock climbing and more. But, it requires you to yell while communicating on a call while cruising down the highway.

Acceleration from the 2.3-liter turbo four is surprisingly fast considering the mass of this vehicle. Steering is responsive and the Bronco’s turning circle is impressively tiny. That way you can make change directions by a flip of the wheel, with no need for a three-point turn.

Once underway, the Bronco does drone on. In this way, it is no different from a Jeep Wrangler. It’s a very capable vehicle, this Ford Bronco. But it won’t be your only vehicle.

2023 Ford Bronco Everglades Edition Specifications

	2023 Ford Bronco Everglades Edition
Engine Type	2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 cylinder
Horsepower	275 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Torque	315 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm
Transmission	10-speed automatic transmission
Fuel Economy (Combined/City/Hwy)	18  combined 18/17 MPG
Suspension F/R	Short and long arm / Multi-link
Turning Circle	35.5 ft.
Also Available	Two other engines, 2-door, various trim levels.
Specs
Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	4-star
Max Seating Capacity	5
Wheelbase	116.1 inches
Overall Length	198.9 inches
Width	79.4 inches
Height	78.7 inches
Cargo Room (Behind 1st and 2nd row)	83.0/38.3 Cubic Feet
Headroom, Front	43.3 inches
Headroom, 2nd	41.1 inches
Legroom, 1st	43.1 inches
Legroom, 2nd	36.3 inches
Shoulder room, 1st row	55.7 inches
Shoulder room, 2nd row	56.5 inches