By Scott Smith
While the Bronco Nation team was at SEMA 2023, we kept our eyes open for Broncos suitable to use as daily drivers. It was an easy task because there’s no wrong Bronco to take out regularly; just match your build with your priorities.
Historically, I’ve picked a daily driver based on practicality and fun. I want to go where I want, haul what I want, and feel like I’ve got good taste doing so. Considerations for others more grounded may include gas mileage, comfort, safety, and road noise (prior to the Bronco, I’ve had only 1989-2000 XJs, a set of vehicles that effectively eliminated those features from the start).
Thankfully, by their nature, the 6 Gen Broncos and Bronco Sports give you a good mix of safety, practicality, and fun. You might have to compromise on MPGs, noise, and maybe space, but there are workarounds. Here are five Broncos from SEMA I’d use to get around town on the daily and why you might consider getting a similar version for yourself.
The Priority: Fuel Savings
The Bronco is a heavy vehicle. Curb weight ticks up as you move higher in the trims, but even the most stripped-down Bronco is not aerodynamic. And while many of us love the 2-door Bronco, don’t count on its smaller size to get you a ton of savings. It’s not much lighter than the 4-door, only about 200lbs less. The good news? One common complaint on the 2-door –– the smaller gas tank (16.9 gallons) –– becomes less of a concern when you’re using your Bronco in civilization. Sure, you’ll still be filling up more than you would with the 4-door’s 20.8 gallon tank, but when used as a commuter, surrounded by gas stations, you may feel the range disadvantage less.
If you’re looking to stay away from the pump as much as possible, though, you might want to avoid adding rooftop tents, heavy accessories, and larger tires to your daily driver. A full-size roof rack alone can reduce your fuel economy by approximately 3 miles per gallon, so think twice about always carrying your gear around town.
Additionally, to maximize fuel efficiency, some owners swear by using Eco, a G.O.A.T. Mode in all the 6 Gen trims except Raptor; others just go light on the accelerator at takeoff.
The Build
This Heritage-inspired Bronco by Buck’n Bronco Offroad Adventures with Wimbledon White painted top and powder-coated Detroit Steel Wheel Co. wheels goes easy on the accessories –– just the factory roof rails and Safari bar. A Bronco on 33s or less could provide you with some savings, but you can run 35s on the higher side of tire pressure if you want to keep more money in your pocket (and don’t mind being reminded you’re in an off-road vehicle with every bump).
The Priority: A Quieter, Comfortable Ride
A vehicle with a removable top will never be without some wind noise. If you like a more silent drive, the Sport is your best option in the Bronco family. It’s also extremely comfortable on long drives, even for tall people –– and will still get you to plenty of places off-road. Either way, Bronco or Sport, chose your tires carefully: Look for tires with a less-aggressive tread block pattern if you like to hear the radio or occupants vs. the whir of rubber.
The Build
Ford Performance had the sole Sport we could find at SEMA, and this blue Free Wheeling appearance package on a Big Bend has all the peace and comfort of your traditional Sport trim. You will pick up some throatier notes with the Borla cat-back exhaust, however!
The Priority: Practical Anywhere
Practical to me –– a Michigan-dwelling outdoor enthusiast –– means I can go anywhere, anytime, and in any weather. Traction, clearance, and visibility are important, even in a daily driver. I want to be ready to get off-road, launch my kayak in a lake, or take on a snowstorm. Get a vehicle with good lighting, a roof rack, and some light armor, and you’ll be more than prepared to do what you love, even right after work.
The Build
The RTR ROVR hits closest to my personal wish list for a daily. The RTR team describes it as “a statement that resonates with outdoor enthusiasts who crave the unknown. Building upon the legacy of the Bronco RTR, the ROVR package is a canvas of self-expression for the modern adventurer, offering an all-encompassing suite of features that not only tackle any off-road challenge but invites them.” With RTR’s an all-new roof rack, grille with LED lighting, high-clearance exhaust, rock sliders, and 35inch Nitto Ridge Grapplers, I’d be good to hit the backroads … or the grocery store.
The Priority: Fun!
If it doesn’t make me smile, I don’t want to drive it –– and I know many of you are the same way. Everyone has their version of what looks good and makes them excited to get behind the wheel, but accessories like donut doors, a favorite body color (paint or wrap), and great lines are winners for most.
The Builds
A Gen 1 is about as holy-grail fun as you can get, especially if you have power steering, good brakes, and don’t mind relying on the breeze to keep cool. Meguiar’s showcased this beautiful Early Bronco with Archetype Racing badges, WARN winch, Mickey Thompson Baja Boss mud terrains, and Hutchison beadlock wheels. Without a doubt, Mike Manit’s 1972 would be a treat to leave home in.
Moving up in years, Instagram user n_j_offroadtoys’ 2022 Wildtrak will speak to those who got the Bronco for its open-air experience. Anderson Composites’ Halo Doors are the star of this build, along with TIS Offroad wheels and tires, and King Shocks for a smooth ride.
Your Turn
Do you daily drive your Bronco, or is it dedicated to the trails only? I think the best option is a mix: While there’s no harm in daily driving a Bronco or Sport, it’s a shame to limit them to on-road use only, especially when they are so capable and fun off-road.
Let us know below, and tell us which of the SEMA Broncos you’d take out every day!
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