image: Ford
With the launch of the 2025 model year, Ford’s rugged Black Diamond Bronco has been retired as a trim but turned into a package. Like Wildtrak, you may be able to snag a 2024 model off the lots, but the trim can no longer be ordered. Which 2025 Bronco can you get that’s comparable in features and close in price? We have a few suggestions.
Black Diamond’s Appeal and Benefits
Owners of the Black Diamond trim have loved it for its washout flooring and Marine Grade Vinyl upholstery, standard rear locker, steel underbody protection, and rock rails.
Available from 2021-2024 in a 2- or 4-door, 7-speed manual or 10-speed automatic, and 2.3L or 2.7L engine, the model was configurable and highly capable straight off the factory line. In 2024, the starting price was $43,330 for a 2-door and $44,070 for the 4-door version, making it a nice alternative to the $50,095/$51,385 Badlands while sharing some of that trim’s key features.
Options to Consider Instead
The features you wanted from a Black Diamond can help guide your decision for 2025. Was it the rear locker, skid plates, and rock rails? The washout flooring and easy-to-clean seats? The 2-door format or the manual? The price?
Knowing your non-negotiable items will make the selection process easier.
Read:
2025 Big Bend with the Black Diamond Package
The most direct comparison will be the 2025 Big Bend with the Black Diamond Package.
In November 2022, Ford introduced the Black Diamond Package as an option for the 2023+ Sport. Maybe the writing was on the wall for the Bronco trim’s fate as early as then, but at any rate, it’s the option Bronco buyers have for Black Diamond features now.
Only available on Big Bend, the Black Diamond Package supplies much of what the actual trim provided as standard or optional, like:
- Advanced 4x4
- Auxiliary switches
- Steel bumpers
- Full vehicle steel bash plates
- Rock rails
- Rubberized flooring
- LT265/70R17 All-Terrain (A/T) (32”) tires
- 4.46 Final Drive Ratio with open front differential and electronic-locking rear axle
The package is $4,495. Add it to a Big Bend order with no other changes, and you’re looking at a starting price of $47,455.
One glaring downside of this option: There’s no 2-door format on Big Bend for 2025, but if you want a 4-door Bronco, this alternative may be right for you. There’s also no 2.7L engine option, but you can get it in a manual.
2025 Badlands
With or without the Sasquatch Package, Badlands could be a stand-in for Black Diamond, if customers are ready to step up further in price. You’ll get all the main features of the Black Diamond trim plus some extras, including the stabilizer bar disconnect, heated steering wheel, and front locker as standard. You’ll swap Sport Mode for Baja, but if you order it with MGV instead of leather, and you’ll feel quite at home behind the wheel, even if you’re slightly higher off the ground (Badlands comes with HOSS 2.0 and 33” tires as standard).
Starting at $50,095, the Badlands is an awesome trim, but you may be paying for more Bronco than you need, especially if you don’t plan to frequently use the sta-bar disconnect and front locker.
The Wild Cards
2025 Stroppe Special Edition
I hesitate to include Stroppe, since you’re looking at a starting price of $75,635. However, if you really love MGV, rubberized flooring, full vehicle underbody protection, lockers, the 2-door body style, AND the 2.7L engine, this is the replacement for you. You’re also gaining the Sasquatch and Lux Packages as standard, as well as HOSS 3.0.
2025 Bronco Base
My last suggestion would be to consider the Bronco Base with the Sasquatch Package. With that, you’ll get front and rear lockers, the option for a 2-door Bronco, and the chance at a starting point under $50k –– Base plus Sasquatch begins at $49,340.
Still, there are downsides, including the late availability; lack of MGV/washout flooring, if that’s important to you; and no opportunity for Mid Package or hIgher. Those may be compromises you’re fine with, and in that case, Base with Sasquatch gets you semi-close to a Black Diamond in price as well as door count and transmission options.
What Do You Think?
Given the options available for 2025, current Black Diamond owners and fans of its features: What would you choose, and why? We welcome any additional tips and thoughts on configurations below!
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