The Ford Bronco Sasquatch Package

 

Since the return of the Ford Bronco SUV (sports utility vehicle) in the four-wheel-drive arena, Ford enthusiasts have been making the most of its off-road capabilities and enjoying its many features. To boost the vehicle's capabilities, the company introduced the Sasquatch package, the most advanced off-road package ever offered on the Ford Bronco.

The Sasquatch package, available for all models in the Bronco lineup excluding the Raptor, is designed to offer next-level performance and capabilities. It includes 17-inch wheels sporting 35-inch all-terrain tires, a 4.7:1 final drive ratio, electronic locking front and rear differentials, heavy-duty Bilstein shocks, and high-performance off-road stability suspension (HOSS). The Sasquatch package also includes high-clearance fender flares to provide extra clearance for larger wheels and tires and rock rails to protect the body against damage.

When it comes to the interior, the Bronco's Sasquatch package offers both comfort and simplicity, with easy to operate and access controls. The 8-inch or 12-inch navigation touchscreen that the Sasquatch package features invites users to a world of information and entertainment, while additional accessories allow them to wirelessly charge their smartphone and integrate with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

The Sasquatch package's exterior pays homage to the iconic 1966-1977 Bronco, with the vertical taillight design and the round headlights enclosed in the single-piece rectangular grille as significant elements. The Bronco also comes with a two-door removable top option with a modular hardtop and a four-door option with a top that is removable and convertible.

With the sasquatch package, there are notable changes in the height of the Ford Bronco, with the base variant being 73”, the Wiltrak 75.2”, the Badlands 73.9”, and the Big Bend 72.9”. Also, the Bronco's departure, approach, and break-over angles without the Sasquatch Package are 29.8, 35.5, and 21.1 degrees for a two-door and 29.7, 35.5, and 20 degrees for a four-door vehicle, respectively. However, with the package, those angles become 37.2, 43.2, and 29 degrees for the two-door model and 37.0, 43.2, and 26.3 degrees for the four-door version.

Price-wise, upgrading to the Ford Bronco Sasquatch package is approximately $5000, but this may depend on the model purchased and the driving experience one wants. For instance, adding a $6,590 Sasquatch package on a $30,800 base variant of the Bronco may give one the ultimate driving experience on any terrain. However, because adding the Sasquatch package to a Bronco variant may sometimes be more expensive than acquiring a better variant, one should consider the features and benefits of purchasing a better variant versus upgrading the less expensive one.

How does the Ford Bronco's Sasquatch package compare with the Jeep Wrangler Willys edition? While both come with 17-inch wheels, the Wrangler sports 32-inch mud tires compared to the 35-inch of the Bronco. The Wrangler also has a limited-slip differential, rock rails, and shocks from the more capable Rubicon trim, and heftier brake calipers and rotors. When it comes to performance, the Bronco performs better on and off the road, while the Wrangler has better fuel economy and acceleration.

However, one main limitation of the Ford Bronco Sasquatch package is that it only comes with the 10-speed automatic transmission. Without the 7-speed manual option, drivers miss the crawler low gear, particularly designed for a better low-speed off-roading experience. When a user aired this concern on Twitter, Mike Levine, Ford's spokesman, confirmed that only the 10-speed automatic transmission was available in the package, and noted that the company was open to feedback.