Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes
The Ford Bronco has been back for a few years now, and as I wrote last year, it still hasn't lost its magic. In fact, it's objectively better than it ever has been.
I recently spent some time in the 2025 Bronco Badlands and I'm still convinced this is one of the most compelling and versatile vehicles you can buy today, for both on and off-road use. Ford changed up the trims for 2025 — including axing the very cool Wildtrak trim — but still, the Bronco remains a chief standout in a crowded market.
Here are six reasons I love the 2025 Bronco and why it might just be the perfect fit for you.
Competitive pricing for ultra-capability
I'll say this upfront: the Bronco is not priced like an economy car. But — and hear me out — it can still be considered a bargain. My Badlands tester started at $51,385 and rang in at $71,495 after nearly $20,000 in options. That's a serious chunk of change. But, when you look at what you're getting — an out-of-the-box, trail-and-mountain-conquering SUV with warrantied, serious off-road hardware — the value becomes clearer. Truly, only something costing tens of thousands of dollars more could potentially beat this thing off the beaten path.
As far as hardware is concerned, options like a 330-horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque 2.7-liter V6, leather seats and the Sasquatch package with 35-inch tires, locking differentials and a disconnecting sway bar all bring the goods in a big way. My tester also had the High-Performance Off-Road Stability (HOSS) 3.0 Fox dampers, which make the Bronco Badlands a dream around town and a revelation off-road.
As Drew Dorian of Car and Driver wrote, "Available with two or four doors, soft tops or hardtops and removable doors and roof panels, the 2025 Ford Bronco SUV is among the best ways to experience the great outdoors … As one of our favorites in its segment, the Ford Bronco has earned a spot on our Editors' Choice list for 2025."
The body-colored hardtop is a gorgeous, head-turning option
One standout option for 2025 and beyond is the $2,700 body-color painted hardtop. Painted in the same Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat as the rest of my tester's body, it not only looked stunning, but drew compliments everywhere I went. Several people I spoke with didn't know Ford offered a painted hardtop option and were much more interested in the Bronco once I told them.
The top is also functional, easy to use and exceptionally well designed. In fact, it's so easy to remove that even my 9-year-old could take off the front three panels, mostly on his own, in just minutes. And don't worry about water getting in. I took the Bronco through a high-pressure car wash to check for leaks. How many did I find? Zero.
Driving character that feels alive
In an era of numb-driving, homogenized crossovers, the Bronco stands out for how engaging and alive it feels to drive. The 2.7-liter V6 is potent, with serious oomph down low and in the rpm midrange, making merging, passing and getting to the grocery store a growling piece of cake. To have this much responsiveness in what is essentially a block on wheels is exciting and loads of fun.
Despite its off-road expertise, the Bronco is surprisingly comfortable on pavement and in regular city driving. Its tight turning radius makes it easy to navigate parking lots, and of course, the drive-thru at Nielsen's Frozen Custard. It's also reasonably quiet inside, even on the freeway, and doesn't require you to raise your voice in conversations or while talking on the phone via Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay.
I agree with Drew Dorian of Car and Driver who wrote, "After our first driving impressions, the Bronco showed us surprisingly livable on-road refinement. Not only is its steering more precise than the Wrangler's, but the Ford simply handles better overall … Still, the Bronco isn't a one-trick pony, and it's capable of conquering truly treacherous terrain."
There are incentives to be had
Since its initial return, deals on the Bronco have been few and far between. Not so now. Ford is actively incentivizing them. At the time of this review, Ford is offering competitive, discounted pricing as well as conquest cash up to $2,000 off, depending on what vehicle you own. With those incentives and other discounts that might be available, it's potentially possible a $71,000 Bronco could drop into the low to mid $60,000 range, making it a far more enticing option for some buyers.
Still not convinced? Ford is also offering a two-year, 25,000-mile (whichever comes first) maintenance plan to further whet your appetite.
Surprising practicality
Hear me out: the off-road-focused four-door Bronco, while certainly adventurous, is probably better at doing regular family-hauling and daily driving duties than many traditional SUVs. For example, its squared-off cargo area can swallow pretty much anything, the back seat can comfortably fit three kids and the interior materials are far easier to clean milk and crushed crackers out of than pretty much any other interior on the market. Furthermore, for 2025, Ford added rear air vents to help keep the littles ultra-cool on those hot Utah summer days.
And while the Bronco looks big, it drives much smaller than it appears. It's easy to maneuver, park and take pretty much wherever you want. The steering is also locked in, stable and precise, with no wandering to speak of on the highway. And if you're someone who prizes an upright seating position with excellent outward visibility, the Bronco is your beau.
Small but meaningful interior updates
For 2025, Ford made subtle but welcome updates to the Bronco's interior. Aside from the fan-demanded rear air vents, the material choices look and feel slightly more upscale, with new textures, darker accents, detailed stitching and a fully digital gauge cluster.
It's not a full redesign, but this interior is so well thought out and so comfortable, I don't see the need for one. The changes freshen up the cabin just enough to make buyers fall in love with it all over again, especially with its perfectly integrated screen and toasty seat heaters and heated steering wheel.
Drawbacks?
I'll be honest, after several days of driving the 2025 Bronco Badlands, I had a really hard time thinking of things I didn't like about it. Better fuel economy would be nice, but the same can be said of every model of vehicle on the road.
Final thoughts
Ford had a long time to think about what the Bronco should be when it came back, and that thought and care are evident from the first few moments behind the wheel. From the removable top to the thoughtful interior details, to the expert-level suspension tuning and powerful V6, this is an SUV that delivers personality and performance in spades.
If you've been on the fence about picking one of these up, now may be the best time to make it happen. The deals are better, the equipment and tech are better and it remains one of the most enjoyable, versatile and flat-out fun vehicles on the road today. I want one — again.
"With throwback styling, numerous configurations, and serious trail capability, the Bronco is built for fun adventures," wrote Bob Hernandez of Motor Trend. "Dripping with nostalgia and cool design, it's hard to not be charmed by the Ford Bronco."
More photos below:
_About the author: Jason Bell is a lifelong car enthusiast who shares his passions as a teacher and automotive journalist. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. You can contact him at jasonbellcars@gmail.com and on his YouTube channel._
