2025 Ford Bronco Base: Back To Basics, And Built For Adventure

As the age old saying goes, sometimes less really can be more. While we’re all about the pomp and flash, there’s something refreshing about a vehicle that simply does a job and does it well. When Ford launched the sixth-generation Bronco in 2021 it set out to build the best off-road SUV possible. While part of that meant catering to the current culture of luxury, the company also realized the need to stay true to the Bronco’s roots by offering a base model for 2025 is aptly called, Base.

The 2025 Ford Bronco Base is available in either two or four-door configuration and is decently equipped without very many additional options. It’s a pure four-wheel drive SUV for those looking for the basics at an affordable price and not much more. And it accomplishes this without looking or feeling “cheap.”

When Ford reached out and said they had a 2-door Bronco Base with a manual transmission and Sasquatch package (the only option package for a Base Bronco) available to sample we quickly agreed while trying to also downplay our overwhelming excitement.

The Bronco Sasquatch Package Is Where It’s At

While the 2025 Ford Bronco Base is cool in its own right, adding the Sasquatch package is really a no-brainer. For a price of $8,460 the Sasquatch package transforms Bronco into the ultimate trail slaying machine. Selecting the Sasquatch package replaces the standard four-wheel drive system with Ford’s advanced Automatic On Demand version. This adds a 4-Auto selection to the standard grouping.

Sasquatch doesn’t stop there, it also brings the high-clearance HOSS 2.0 suspension, which features a slight lift along with position-sensitive long-travel Bilstein dampers. High-clearance fender flares provide additional space for large 35-inch (LT315/70R17) Goodyear Territory RT off-road tires.

The final drive ratio in the Bronco’s axles is lowered from 3.73:1 (with an automatic) or 4.46:1 (with a manual) to 4.70:1. Electronic locking differentials are fit in both axles.

Really, the only disappointment is the loss of the Bronco Base’s gorgeous 16-inch polished steel wheels in favor of 17-inch Carbonized Gray painted aluminum wheels.

While the price tag may at first blush appear steep, consider that getting the same lift, wheels, tires, gears, and lockers from the aftermarket would cost more and not come with the same factory backing.

Under The 2025 Ford Bronco’s Hood

While Ford offers the Bronco with a trio of diverse engine options, the Bronco Base is only available with the company’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost I4. No slouch, this engine produces 300 hp at 5,700 RPM with 325 lb-ft of torque at 3,400. Those figures are on premium fuel. Filling the tank with regular drops output to 275 hp with 315 lb-ft. The engine comes mated to a 7-speed manual transmission standard. And Ford has made the 10-speed automatic available in this configuration for the first time in 2025.

For those wondering, the other engine options include a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 that produces 330 hp with 415 lb-ft of torque and a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 that offers 418 hp and 440 lb-ft. Getting the 2.7-liter option requires stepping up to an Outer Banks trim while the 3.0-liter is relegated to Bronco Raptor only.

The Bronco’s 7-Speed Manual Transmission Is Fantastic

We wholeheartedly applaud Ford to sticking with a manual transmission option. As of 2025, there are only two SUVs left in America with the ability to row your own gears: Ford’s Bronco and the Jeep Wrangler. And we’re here to tell you, without reservation, that Ford’s implementation is by far the best.

Operating the transmission is effortless. We found the clutch to offer a great feel with the perfect amount of resistance and weight and loved how easy it was to find and utilize the release point. Shifting was smooth and effortless with a solid engagement feel in each gear. From a mechanics point of view the gearing in the transmission is fairly wide and the deep 4.28:1 First gear matched with the 4.70:1 axle ratio meant that we were shifting through First and Second (2.37:1) gears relatively quickly. The meaty 35-inch tires and high torque peak meant that we often found ourselves needing to downshift on even the slightest of grade.

Things get spicy on the trail thanks to Ford’s inclusion of a seventh cog in the form of a “crawler” gear. This low gear, accessed after a lockout like you’d find for reverse, offers a 6.56:1 ratio. When paired with 3.06:1 transfer case low range gear and 4.70:1 axle gears the manual-equipped Bronco offers a crawl ratio of 94.3:1, which is darn impressive. In practical applications, the Bronco can crawl with precision over just about any trail obstacle thanks to this ultra-low gearing. Speed and jerky motions are the last thing anyone wants on a technical rock trail, and this setup blows just about anything else out of the water. By comparison, a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with a manual transmission offers an 84.1:1 crawl ratio.

The Rear Seat Is, Umm, Tight

Time to address the elephant in the room… there’s a reason you don’t see very many two-door Broncos (or Wranglers, for that matter) on the road: the cab can be quite tight.  In the front seat it’s a total non-issue. Driver and front passenger comfort are fantastic, even with the more basic materials found in the Base Bronco. However, getting to, and residing in the rear two seats (four-door models offer room for three in the back row) can be a challenge for even moderately athletic adults. Children have an easier time making use of the back, however, we found that securing the required booster seats to be a daunting task.

The 2-Door 2025 Ford Bronco Base Just Works

In the case of the 2025 Ford Bronco, Base really doesn’t mean basic. This Bronco still comes standard with such niceties as power mirrors, LED headlamps, a digital instrument cluster, a massive 12-inch center infotainment touchscreen with Sync 4, Fordpass Connect, SiriusXM radio, Ford’s terrain management system with G.O.A.T. modes, remote keyless entry, push-button start, and so much more. Sure, the cloth seats are manually adjusted, but they’re also incredibly comfortable.

In fact, we found everything about the Bronco Base to be comfortable and convenient. The doors it does have are large and entry to the front seats is easy. With large doors comes large windows, which offers fantastic visibility out of the vehicle. The hood is large but low, offering decent forward visibility. And for times when it’s a bit tougher to see clearly, the “Trail Sights” at each corner help mark the edges.

We found the interior to be fantastically quiet for a hardtop convertible, part of which was due to the sound deadening headliner that comes with the Molded-in-Color hardtop (which is not standard on all Broncos). We could do without the piped-in “augmented” engine noise, but that sort of tomfoolery is just a fact of life these days. The audio system proved to be perfectly serviceable if not decent and didn’t really miss the more premium versions (for true audiophiles this might be a hangup).

Driving the Bronco both on and off-road proved to be a joy. Its diminutive stature made navigating urban environments a breeze. Off-road proved to be a similar situation as the two-door Bronco’s short wheelbase gives it a distinct advantage when it comes to maneuverability. Stability while climbing suffers a touch when compared to longer wheelbase four-door models, but it’s all negligible until you get into extreme situations. Armed with front and rear locking differentials, large grippy tires, and well executed drive modes this Bronco proved nearly unstoppable. If it’s the overland game you’re playing, however, the lack of interior space for gear and accessories might prove problematic.

Final Thoughts

No matter the trim, Ford’s sixth-generation Bronco is a fantastic vehicle. It’s immensely capable off-road, comfortable around town, and brings a proper amount of flare. With a base price of $39,995 (before $1,995 destination and delivery), the two-door Bronco Base brings an incredible value to the table. Adding the Sasquatch package brings the total to just $50,450. And if you need the extra space, bumping up to a 4-door adds just $395.

During our short time with the 2025 Ford Bronco Base two-door it proved why this combination still exists. It’s fun, sporty, maneuverable, and give a classic Bronco vibe that’s hard to match with a modern 4-door. In short, it’s a sort of pure driving fun that we hope sticks around for a long time.

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About the author

Jason Gonderman

Growing up reading every off-road magazine available, Jason bought his first 4x4, a Ford Ranger, while still in high school. Since then he has owned a variety of off-road vehicles including a Jeep Wrangler, Chevy Silverado HD, and Ford F-150 Raptor.
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