Car Buying Strategies
Search Car Buying Strategies Makes & Models Select a Make and Model Makes & Models Select a Make and Model New Cars Prices Buying Advice
Home / New Cars / Ford Buying Guides / 2021 Ford Bronco

2021 Ford Bronco Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

2021 Ford Bronco Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons: Base vs Big Bend vs Black Diamond, Outer Banks vs Badlands, Wildtrak & First Edition

What 2021 Ford Bronco Trim Level Should you Buy? What is the Difference Between Trims?

The Ford Bronco name has a long and storied history. The first vehicles to use this name rolled off of Ford assembly lines in 1966. The last version of the Bronco was discontinued and ultimately replaced in 1996. Now for 2021, Ford is bringing back this iconic SUV in a couple of different variations. There's the standard Ford Bronco and also a compact SUV called the Bronco Sport.

The full-size Bronco has the most in common with the classic versions of this SUV. This includes several design cues for the exterior that give the modern Bronco a classic appearance. It's a nice throwback while still introducing some new aesthetics and modern design elements. One thing that the old-school Broncos were known for was their off-road capabilities. Ford made sure that this was a priority for the new models too.

The new Bronco will come in two-door and four-door variations. The two-door configuration was a staple for classic Broncos that were once built on Ford's truck platforms. The modern Broncos will be built from the ground up with their own chassis and frame. They will feature removable doors and roof elements to offer an open-air riding experience. The 2021 Ford Bronco was clearly made with outdoor enthusiasts in mind.

Ford offers a lot of ways to customize your Bronco to meet your specific needs. There are a total of seven different trim levels. Each was designed with a different type of adventuring in mind. Once you select you trim level, Ford makes it easy to add on optional features. We will take a closer look at each trim level to see what they have to offer.

 

Compare the 2021 Ford Bronco Base vs Big Bend Trims. What is the difference?

The Base model of the 2021 Ford Bronco only includes the essentials. From there, Ford provides over 200 options for customization. The Base trim level comes equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost I4 Engine. This engine produces 270 horsepower with 310 pound-feet of torque. It comes stock with a 7-speed manual transmission that has a special crawler gear for off-road situations.

Ford also offers a more powerful V6 engine, even for this Base model. The V6 is a 2.7-liter EcoBoost that's capable of producing 310 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. It will be paired with an automatic 10-speed transmission system. The automatic transmission has a special Trail Control setting. Like all models of the new Ford Bronco, the Base trim will come equipped with 4X4 all-wheel drive.

Ford offers more than one 4X4 system for this lineup. The Base trim gets the basic system with Part-Time Selectable Engagement. It also offers Ford's Terrain Management System with five different G.O.A.T. modes. This acronym is short for Goes Over Any Type of Terrain. The modes can be selected for optimal performance in different situations and over different types of terrain.

On the outside of the Base trim, there's a set of 16-inch steel wheels. These come equipped with a set of all-season tires. Ford includes two tow hooks for the front and one for the rear. This trim level offers LED headlights and taillights. The door handles, exterior mirrors and fender flares are all black.

On the inside, the Base trim gets cloth upholstery and a carpeted floor. There's Push-Button Start and a manual air conditioner. You also get the Ford SYNC 4 Infotainment System with an 8-inch touchscreen display. SYNC 4 has an extremely fast processor and Voice Recognition Technology for hands-free use. The doors and roof can be easily removed for an open-air experience that's even better than a convertible.

The Big Bend trim level was designed with mainstream off-roading in mind. This model is ideal for those who want the Bronco for comfortable daily transportation with the option for an occasional off-road adventure. This trim level comes stock with the same engine, transmission and 4X4 system as the Base trim.

Some new convenience features here include Remote Start and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Big Bend also gets heated seats up front. The wheels are upgraded to a 17-inch aluminum set with a Carbonize-Gray paint scheme. These come with 32-inch all-terrain tires for better off-road performance.

The Big Bend trim levels adds on LED fog lamps. The Terrain Management System now comes with six modes instead of five like the Base trim has. The windows in back now use privacy glass. This trim also gets access to Ford's Mid Package for a whole bunch of new optional features.

The Mid Package gets you Automatic Temperature Control and Ford's Co-Pilot360 technology. This technology package includes a number of driver-assist features. Some notable additions include Automatic Emergency Braking, Pre-Collision Assist and a Blind-Spot Information System.

Compare the 2021 Bronco Big Bend vs Black Diamond Trims. What is the difference?

The Black Diamond model comes with some upgrades for even better off-road performance. It was designed for the more serious off-road enthusiast. There are now seven G.O.A.T. modes including a new Rock Crawl option. You now get a locking rear differential. Rock rails and heavy-duty skid plates provide some extra under-body protection.

Special care was taken with the design of the Black Diamond to make sure it's easy to clean and maintain. This is exactly what you would want for a vehicle that's going to see a lot of off-road action. The floors are rubberized with special drains so you can hose out the interior. Marine-grade vinyl upholstery is easy to wipe off even when covered with mud.

In addition to the previously mentioned Mid Package, the Black Diamond also has access to the Sasquatch Package. This adds on electronic-locking front and rear axles. It also gives you an upgraded suspension system with even greater ground clearance than before. Bilstein shock absorbers and higher fender flares are added on to accommodate these suspension upgrades.

The heavy-duty modular front bumper can take more abuse than the previous trim levels. There's also a powder-coated steel rear for the Black Diamond trim. This model of the Ford Bronco comes with the same 2.3-liter engine as before with the option to upgrade to the V6. The transmission-system options are the same as the Big Bend.

Compare the 2021 Bronco Black Diamond vs Outer Banks Trim Level. What Is the Difference?

The Outer Banks continues to offer the amazing off-road performance of the previous trim levels. It adds on more cosmetic flourishes and creature comforts so that you can ride in style. It comes equipped with the standard 2.3-liter engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Terrain Management System actually loses a G.O.A.T. mode and goes back to offering only six.

The V6 engine is again offered as an option. The Outer Banks has 18-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with a black paint job. You get all-terrain tires and signature LED lights in front and in the rear. The door handles, fender flares and exterior mirrors now come painted to match the body color. Leather upholstery can now be added on as an optional feature.

This model of the Ford Bronco automatically comes with the Mid Package with all of those features we previously covered. It gains access to two new packages too. These are the High Package and The Lux Package. The High Package has a 12-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system. It also gets you better sound-proofing for the interior and a 360-degree camera system.

The Lux Package upgrades the stock audio setup. The new setup is a B&O Sound System with 10 speakers and a subwoofer. The infotainment system now has an Integrated Navigation System and Voice-Activated Touchscreen. There are extra USB charging ports as well as a wireless charging pad with this package.

Compare the 2021 Ford Bronco Outer Banks vs Badlands Trims. What Is the Difference?

The Badlands trim package is for the extreme off-road enthusiast. This model comes with the same 2.3-liter engine as the Outer Banks but goes back to the 7-speed manual transmission instead of the automatic. As always, you have the option to swap the engine out for the more powerful V6.

Some of the new off-road features include Billstein position-sensitive shocks and a disconnecting stabilizer bar. This model also gets locking differentials for the front and rear. You get your choice of either mud or all-terrain tires. You again get machined-face aluminum wheels, but they're now smaller than the Outer Banks wheels at 17-inches.

The Badlands gets seven G.O.A.T. modes. This includes Baja for some serious capabilities in the sand and Rock Crawl for of course, rock crawling. Being primarily designed to be an off-road machine, this model goes back to the easy-clean interior of the Black Diamond trim. This includes the vinyl upholstery and draining floors. This can all be swapped out for leather upholstery and carpeting if you prefer a more luxurious interior.

Compare the 2021 Bronco Badlands vs Wildtrak Trims. What is the difference?

The Wildtrak offers some exciting cosmetic upgrades to make your Ford Bronco stand out no matter where you go. This is the first trim level to automatically come equipped with the 2.7-liter V6 engine. It also comes with the 10-speed automatic transmission. This version of the 2021 Ford Bronco is all about looks and speed.

The Wildtrak has some unique graphics on the hood. It also gets a special blacked-out front grille and all-black wheels. These are a set of 17-inch, bedlock-capable wheels with a set of 35-inch mud-terrain tires. This model also gets the heavy-duty bash plates for some under-body protection.

The Wildtrak has access to the High and Lux Packages with all that that entails. It comes stock with heated front seats with cloth upholstery. This can be upgraded to leather if you so desire. All of the features from the Sasquatch Package and Mid Package are automatically included for this trim level.

Compare the 2021 Ford Bronco Wildtrak vs First Edition Trim. What is the difference?

The First Edition comes fully loaded with the best features that all of the previous trim levels had to offer. You get the sharp exterior of the Wildtrak with the luxurious interior of the Outer Banks. You also get all of the mechanical perks and off-road features of the Badlands trim level.

Like the Wildtrak, the First Edition gets the powerful V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. This SUV comes with the Sasquatch Package and the Lux Package already included. This means you get all of the previously mentioned driver-assist features and the upgraded audio system from B & O. The First Edition also includes a Safari Bar.

The First Edition has leather upholstery from the get go. The seats are 10-way power adjustable up front and also include the heating feature for those cold days. The floors are covered with premium carpet and you get carpeted floor mats. This trim level has unique graphics on the sides and for the hood.

 

Which Trim to Choose?

Ford has created each of the trim levels for a specific purpose and with a specific type of driver in mind. This means that the right trim level for you will largely depend on how you plan to use your 2021 Ford Bronco. If you're looking for an SUV that will mostly be used on paved streets, you can save some money by sticking to the Base trim or maybe the Big Bend.

Both models offer a good amount of convenience and safety features. They also allow you to take on tough terrain on occasion. Any extra features that you want can simply be added on to these trims. If you're a serious off-road enthusiast, go right for the Badlands trim. This gets you the best off-road performance available from the new Ford Bronco along with an easy-to-clean interior.

Save Money on a 2021 Ford Bronco: