Unboxing a brand new Ford Bronco is an undeniably exciting experience, especially after the years-long gestation of the iconic off-road SUV that reappeared in 2021. But the unwrapping of a 2024 or 2025 Bronco comes with more than just that new car smell: anyone who buys a Bronco, Bronco Sport or Bronco Raptor also gets the opportunity to attend Ford’s off-roading school under the careful watch of trained professionals, not sasquatches.
Recommended Videos
What is Bronco Off-Roadeo?
It’s all part of what Ford calls the “Bronco Off-Roadeo,” a complimentary one-day program in one of five locations across the U.S., from Moab in Utah, Nevada, Texas, Tennessee and New Hampshire. Automatically included with the purchase of a Bronco or Bronco Sport, the program also allows non-buyers to attend a half-day course for a fee of about US$750; that fee includes guests.
As far as incentives go, this could be one of the more mouth-watering in the industry for anyone who not only wants to see the true capabilities of their new rig, but also as a way to truly educate themselves about how to tackle the more serious side of the off-road world. Trails that have no right to claim “limited vehicle access” suddenly become passageways to the limits of approach, breakover and departure angles, with huge rocks becoming the only stepping stones to the way out. Drivers will often shake their heads in disbelief, or shriek with laughter, at the way a Bronco can deftly negotiate terrain better suited to a pack of mules.
What to expect at Ford’s off-roading school
At the Nevada course, about an hour outside Las Vegas, we explored several trails of the 1,150-acre site nested on arid land owned by the Boy Scouts of America, with a portion leased out to Ford for its Bronco Off-Rodeo and clubhouse. The day begins with breakfast, then instruction about off-road terms, signals and off-road etiquette, followed by driving techniques for tackling tricky trails. The instructors couldn’t be more professional, knowledgeable and fun.
After some basic schooling, we hit the trials again before lunch and more off-roading. Led by these experienced trail guides, with two-way radios in every vehicle so everyone knows what is going on with whom, the coaching and spotting includes tips, techniques and instruction about how, when and where to use the Bronco’s bounty of off-road kit. That includes everything from its “Goat” modes (Goes Over Any Terrain) to crawl control, terrain management, hill descent, locking differentials, to sway bar disconnect and transmission and transfer-case use.
How powerful is the Ford Bronco?
For anyone wondering just how off-road capable the new Bronco really is, the course will immediately dispel any myths that it’s just a “mall-crawler.” The Bronco really is as rugged as the course itself, the squared off front and fender markers making it easy to negotiate. Available in 10 different grades, from base to Heritage Limited, in either four doors or two, with soft tops or hard, with removable doors and roof panels and rubber or carpeted floors, the Bronco also still comes with an optional, seven-speed manual, albeit only on the base 2.3L engine.
That 2.3L makes 275 hp and 315 lb-ft on regular gas, but premium fuel amps those numbers to 300 and 325. The 2.3L can also be had with a 10-speed automatic and a part-time 4×4 system or a more sophisticated automatic on-demand feature. The optional 2.7L turbo-V6 makes 315 hp and 410 lb-ft on regular fuel through the 10-speed automatic. The automatic wasn’t always happy being used manually in sharp descents, but ascents were a snap. The auto can be had with either the part-time or on-demand 4×4 system. The Raptor version gets a 3.0L turbo-V6 making up to 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque, driving the on-demand 4×4 system through the 10-speed auto.
How much is the 2025 Ford Bronco?
In Canada, the 2025 Ford Bronco starts at $48,715 and new standard equipment includes a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and additional insulation to reduce cabin noise. Four-door models are the Base at $50,715; Big Bend at $52,715; Outer Banks at $60,640; Heritage Edition at $66,510; Badlands at $66,810; and Raptor at $115,275. All prices are before a destination and delivery charge of $2,195.
Is the Ford Bronco a good off-road SUV?
Ambling over large rocks, ruts or roots, our Bronco Everglades with factory-installed Warn winch behind an HD front bumper and factory snorkel, pretty much just shrugged at everything thrown at it, whether it was seriously steep descents, dangerously angled banks, or high pitch climbs. Anyone who was unsure about buying a Bronco for off-roading before the course will either be picking a favourite trim level before leaving the program or second-guessing their plans for a Jeep.
While the course, plus the use of a Bronco and instruction is free for Bronco buyers, participants still need to pay for their airfare, accommodations and usually the transport to and from the sites. Age appropriate guests are also allowed to tag along (for a fee), and lunch, dinner and campfire entertainment are included. Designed to appeal to both amateurs and the more experienced, the course definitely builds confidence and teaches skills that may someday prove invaluable out in the wild. It’s also an amazing perk just for buying a Bronco.
Ford is also currently holding a “Doors Off December” contest, inviting Canadian Bronco owners to show, via photo or video, examples of their SUV tackling winter conditions – with the doors off. Five people will win an all-expenses paid trip to Bronco Off-Roadeo in Maryville, Tennessee, and each can bring a friend. See Ford’s social media accounts for more.
Sign up for our newsletter Blind-Spot Monitor and follow our social channels on X, Tiktok and LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest automotive news, reviews, car culture, and vehicle shopping advice.