6 Things to Consider When You’re Custom Ordering a Bronco

When we say we have the Ford Bronco for sale here at Jim Ellis Ford, it sounds like we’re talking about a single vehicle. In truth, we’re talking about a base for the vehicle of your dreams. The Bronco is a highly configurable off-road SUV that can be customized to suit your needs, which is great news since drivers can have all kinds of reasons for wanting off-road capability. Whether you occasionally drive down unpaved rural roads, carve up the trails at your favorite OHV park every weekend, or fall somewhere in between, there’s a Bronco that’s right for you, and we won’t rest until we help you find it.

We work hard to carry a wide selection of new Broncos, but you aren’t limited to our current inventory. If we don’t have your dream Bronco on hand, we can help you build it from the ground up with a custom order. You can choose your trim, add optional features, and even pick the styling touches inside and out. We’ll send your order off to the factory, where they’ll build your Bronco to your exact specifications at no extra cost. If all of those decisions sound overwhelming, don’t worry. We’ll help you through the process from start to finish and answer any questions you may have. Today, we’ll get the ball rolling by exploring just a few of the elements you should consider when putting your order together so you get an idea of the freedom a factory order gives you.

#1 – Trims

First and foremost, you’ll want to decide what trim is best for you. The 2024 Bronco has nine levels to choose from, so you can find something perfect for you. First, you’ll want to pick a level that is right for your budget. If you’re doing a custom order, it can make sense to choose a cheaper option than necessary since you can spend the rest of your budget adding on only the upgrades you want, instead of getting saddled with the full suite of features that comes standard on higher trims.

However, you should know that some features and parts aren’t compatible with every trim. For instance, you can’t upgrade the engine or get full underbody bash plate coverage on the entry-level Big Bend trim, nor can you opt for a wireless charging pad. On the other hand, some trims have exclusive features that you can’t get anywhere else. These features can be cosmetic, like the retro coloring of the Heritage Edition or the bodyside graphics on the Everglades and Wildtrak, but they can also be more significant, like the many parts and features exclusive to the highly capable Raptor.

#2 – Engines

The Bronco offers three capable powertrains from which to choose. The standard engine in most trims is the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, which pairs with either a seven-speed manual transmission or a ten-speed automatic. When filled with premium fuel, this engine can produce 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty of power to help you conquer challenging terrain and have a good time doing it. If you need more oomph, opt for the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 to get 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. This more powerful engine pairs only with the ten-speed automatic transmission, comes standard on the Wildtrak and Heritage Limited Edition trims, and is an optional upgrade for the Black Diamond, Badlands, and Heritage Edition trims. Finally, there is the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 exclusive to the rugged Raptor trim. Most powerful of them all, this engine produces 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque for truly thrilling performance.

#3 – Rear Axle Ratio

Some options are big and broad, while others are more specific. If you’re a hardcore enthusiast, you might be excited that the Bronco lets you choose between multiple rear axle ratios. If you aren’t familiar with axle ratios, we won’t get into the nitty-gritty here; the gist is that higher numbers generally mean more towing capacity and better acceleration. This comes at the cost of fuel economy, so it’s worth finding a balance that is right for you. The 4.7 axle that comes standard on the Bronco Raptor and is an available upgrade on all other trims is the mightiest of the bunch, while the most efficient option is the 3.73 axle that comes standard on Big Bend and Outer Banks models equipped with automatic transmission. In between, 4.27 and 4.46 axles are standard on some trims and available on others.

#4 – Locking Differentials

Before we move on from the axles, we should also point out the available rear-locking differential. This part comes in handy during serious off-roading when you might hit a ditch or mud pit that causes a wheel to spin. The locking differential provides you with the extra traction you need to move past the obstacle and keep on trucking. A locking rear differential is an optional feature on the Big Bend and Outer Banks trim and standard across the rest of the lineup. Higher trims have front and rear electronic-locking axles for even more robust traction.

#5 – Roofs & Doors

All Bronco models have roofs and doors that can be removed to let you feel the wind rush by you as you drive, but not all models have precisely the same roofs and doors. For one thing, there are two-door and four-door versions of the Bronco. Most trims can be had with either configuration, but the Outer Banks, Everglades, and Raptor trims are only available as four-door vehicles.

Two-door models come standard with a hard top, while four-door models come standard with a soft top. But you can mix things up if the standard option doesn’t suit you. There are different colors, from shadow black to body-matching, retractable options that can open and close more easily, and mesh shade tops that allow airflow without letting in harsh sunlight. Some trims even allow you to get dual tops, so you can have both a hard and a soft option on hand. And if you want to use the roof for cargo storage, you can add on roof rails with crossbars to help you carry all of your gear.

#6 – Comfort Features

Off-road capability may be the Bronco’s main attraction, but it’s not the only thing it has to offer. You don’t have to rough it when you’re sitting inside the cabin—you can make the interior downright luxurious if that’s what you want. If you can’t stand it when the sun gets in your eyes at the wrong angle, upgrade to the auto-dimming rearview mirror to keep the glare at bay all day. If you want to stave off extreme heat and cold, you can get a remote start system with any model with an automatic transmission, letting you get the heat or AC running before you get to your Bronco. Or stay warm on cold mornings with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. And if you don’t want back pain to ruin your big adventure, consider upgrading from the base six-way manually adjustable driver seat to the available ten-way power adjustable seat that lets you get your position just right.