By: Peter Gregorian
February 9, 2025
The Ford Bronco is no stranger to rugged terrains and adventure-driven enthusiasts, and the 2024 Bronco Everglades takes the iconic SUV’s off-road prowess to an entirely new level. Tailored for the most demanding off-road expeditions, the Everglades trim is not just a Bronco with bells and whistles; it’s a purpose-built machine engineered to dominate in environments that test both vehicle and driver—a claim we were quick to discover as factual during an adventure-filled week in the Everglades edition, thanks to Ford Canada.
The 2024 Bronco Everglades immediately stands out with its functional yet bold exterior design. Available exclusively in a four-door configuration, it’s equipped with a factory-installed snorkel, which is a standout feature for those looking to explore waterlogged trails or dusty backroads. The snorkel allows for optimal engine performance in challenging conditions by ensuring clean airflow, whether navigating through water crossings or battling heavy dust.
The SUV also features unique squared-off wheel arches that accommodate its 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires. Combined with 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, the Everglades is clearly ready for serious off-road punishment. A heavy-duty modular front bumper with integrated winch capability, designed by Warn Industries, adds to its functional aesthetic. Easter eggs scattered throughout the design pay homage to the Bronco’s storied past, adding a layer of charm for enthusiasts.
Additionally, the styling strikes a balance between ruggedness and approachability, giving the Everglades a commanding road presence without feeling overly aggressive.
While the exterior screams ruggedness, the interior of the Bronco Everglades offers a balance of practicality and comfort. Designed for adventurers, the cabin includes marine-grade vinyl upholstery that can withstand mud, water, and general wear. Drain plugs in the rubberized floor allow for easy cleaning after a messy day on the trails, making this SUV an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts who don’t shy away from unpredictable weather. The waterproof interior also adds to the convenience, making cleanup after off-road excursions a breeze.
However, the practical interior does have its shortcomings, with plastic components in the cabin and within the door cards rattling uncontrollably. Thankfully, if driven beyond the point of sanity with the rattles, the versatility of the Bronco allows the doors and roof to come off rather easily for an open-air driving experience. Although the lack of a 360-degree camera is a missed opportunity—especially when tackling trails without a spotter—without doors or a roof, it becomes quite easy to gauge angles of attack on rutted trails.
Tech-savvy drivers will appreciate the inclusion of Ford’s SYNC 4 system, displayed on a 12-inch touchscreen. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, along with GPS navigation tailored for off-road use. Other thoughtful touches include storage solutions tailored to keep essentials secure during rough rides, and a retractable rear cargo shelf adds further practicality, especially for tailgating or camping trips.
Under the hood, the Bronco Everglades houses Ford’s 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, delivering 315 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel. This powerplant is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing seamless shifts and ensuring that torque is readily available when crawling over rocks or climbing steep inclines. For a vehicle of this mass, the steering is quite responsive and delivers relatively neutral handling despite the large off-road tires.
The Everglades trim takes the Bronco’s legendary off-road abilities to even greater heights. It comes standard with the Sasquatch Package, which includes front and rear locking differentials, Bilstein position-sensitive dampers, and a 4.7:1 final drive ratio. These features provide exceptional traction and control, even on the most challenging terrains.
The suspension system is clearly tuned for off-road use, making it glide effortlessly over rocky trails or deep mud. However, this tuning can result in a harsher ride over broken pavement, something urban or highway users may find less than ideal. Cabin noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) were also observed to be higher than expected, making conversations difficult, particularly at highway speeds.
The addition of a factory-installed winch, capable of pulling up to 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds), is particularly noteworthy. This feature provides an added layer of security for drivers venturing into remote backcountry, where self-recovery tools are often a necessity. Paired with 11.5 inches of ground clearance and the Bronco’s water-fording capability of 92 centimetres (36.4 inches), the Everglades feels ready for the end of the world.
The debate still stands on whether this is the “Greatest of All Time,” but Ford’s Terrain Management System, nicknamed G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain), offers seven drive modes to suit certain situations one may find themselves in. These modes include Sand, Mud/Ruts, Rock Crawl, and Baja, among other more pedestrian modes, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle’s performance to match the terrain and driving conditions.
Although a four-cylinder is found under the hood, a combination of poor aerodynamic prowess, high rolling resistance all-terrain tires, and a 2,200-kilogram (4,860-pound) curb weight contribute to fuel economy figures that are far from stellar. Across mixed trail, highway, and city driving, the Bronco Everglades achieved 15.0 L/100 km, which was slightly worse than the 13.4 L/100 km claimed by Ford across combined driving. While not the most economical option, the trade-off is justified by its off-road capability.
In Canada, the 2024 Ford Bronco Everglades is priced starting at approximately $77,210 CAD, placing it in the premium off-road SUV segment but well below the $116,570 Bronco Raptor, which lies three trim models above the Everglades edition. While this price point may seem steep to some, the Everglades delivers exceptional value for those who need a vehicle that can perform in the most demanding conditions.
The Bronco Everglades comes well-equipped, but for buyers looking to customize their Everglades further, Ford offers a range of accessories and add-ons, including a ($910) Trailer Tow Package, a Hardtop-Soft Top Roof Option ($1,695 to $2,290), and Tube Doors ($2,800).
While the 2024 Ford Bronco Everglades might be rough around the edges for most, it is built by design for those who live to explore the great outdoors. It combines rugged design, advanced off-road capability, and thoughtful features that cater to adventurous spirits. While its shortcomings—such as a noisy cabin and average fuel economy—may deter some, its off-road prowess and unique features ensure it’s worth every penny for those who need a vehicle that’s as outgoing as they are.
