5 Reasons The 2-Door Badlands is the PERFECT Bronco!

Intro

After testing out the most affordable 4-Door Bronco with the Sasquatch Package... And then the most expensive Bronco ever made... Ford finally sent over a 2-Door Bronco for review. And, wow, does it tick off all the right boxes. Race Red. Two doors. Badlands trim. Sasquatch package. Full disclosure, I own a Race Red Boss 302 which also features black accents and wheels. It's just a terrific color combo that pops. And with the 35-inch Sasquatch Package tires, the whole thing screams off-roader and looks a lot like the 1960s original.

Around town and off-road, prepare to make a lot of friends if you drive one. (Unless they're angry Jeep owners, of course, but I digress.)

Our loaner was about as fully loaded as you can spec a 2-Door Bronco, coming in $58,515 MSRP. This one features the High Package (premium radio and all the gadgets) along with the Sasquatch Package (beefed-up suspension with lager 35" tires), towing, and keyless entry. (You know, for when the hardtop roof is actually on.)

Overall, while we had a few gripes that you can read about HERE, the Bronco Badlands Sasquatch is an awesome SUV -- small enough for the city, capable for weekend adventures. Surprisingly practical for a two-door vehicle. And above all else, so much freaking fun. It might not be as fast as its Mustang siblings, but, friends, the Bronco carries the same spirit.

Here are the top five reasons we think this 2-Door Bronco Badlands Sasquatch is the PERFECT Bronco!

1. Terrific Manual Transmission

If you want the larger 2.7L V6 engine or the Bronco Raptor, the only transmission option is the 10-speed auto. It's really good, of course, but the new 7-speed manual, available with the 2.3L 4-cylinder EcoBoost is the jam. This is the way Broncos were meant to be driven. Engaging. Easy to shift. A very light clutch. And of course, one of the gears is actually a crawler gear and, dang, in that gear, the Bronco can practically idle up and down hills.

Having grown up driving smaller truck manual transmissions, this transmission is a massive upgrade and a joy to drive.

2. Off the Charts Fun Factor

The 4-Door Bronco has a lot going for it in terms of space and seating, but many the 2-Door Bronco is a LOT more fun to drive on and off the road. It's lighter and feels quicker off the line. Its shorter wheelbase provides a more spirited, darty turning experience which is great for maneuvering on trails and in parking lots. It more easily fits places. And the whole experience, with the big tires and top-down makes the driver and passengers feel like they're on an adventure... even when running daily errands. If you're looking for a vehicle to brighten your day, this is it!

3. The Badlands Trim is the Only Model with Sway Bar Disconnect

Full disclosure, I'm not a sway-bar disconnect expert. But it's a remarkable feature (on both Jeeps and Broncos) for making a vehicle feel more planted in complicated, angular terrain. Unfortunately, the only way to get this feature on a Bronco is to pony up for the Badlands trim, which is on the pricier side. It would be better if sway-bar disconnect was part of, say, the Sasquatch Package, but since it's not, it's a prime (and perhaps the) reason to purchase this particular configuration. Most folks probably don't need it. But if you do, this is the one to get.

4. The Sasquatch Package is Capable Off-Road and Comfortable On-Road

Much has already been written about the Bronco's on-road driving dynamics. It simply shames the Wrangler in every way. (Although, to be fair, the Wrangler's suspension is better designed for off-road abuse.) Perhaps most surprising is how true this remains with the Sasquatch Package. Around town, speed bumps and potholes are minimized while there's zero sense of looseness or wandering while at larger speeds. Off road, the Sasquatch Package provides extra ground clearance and improved approach/depature angles while the large tires are soft and grippy without being too loud.

5. Classic Bronco Looks

Do yourself a favor. If you're not a people person, do NOT buy this Bronco. Because everyone's going to talk to you about it. Gas stations. School pickup. Parking lots. Even your driveway after you come home from work. The sixth-gen Bronco is among the best retro-inspired modern vehicles ever designed. Because it's all new in every way, but looks just like the 1960s model in all of the important, box-on-wheels ways. (Naturally, first-gen aficionados would probably argue the opposite, but my intention here is to talk about more general audiences.) This thing screams, "Hey I'm a Bronco" and even non-enthusiasts types dig it.