As the automotive supply chain constraints lessen and more vehicles head to dealerships, Ford is offering a way to clear its order log of Bronco SUVs.
The unfulfilled waitlist for the Ford Bronco might not be extremely long, but it does present specific supply-related problems. Many customers placed a reservation for the 2023 Bronco Wildtrak, but they might not be able to receive this model with everything it’s expected to include. To offset the disappointment in the unavailable model, Ford offers reservation holders something to ease their disappointment.
What does Ford offer these reservation holders?
If a customer waiting for the Wildtrak trim agrees, they will receive $2,500 toward a discounted price of the Big Bend, Outer Banks, or Badlands trim without the molded-in color hardtop roof, Sasquatch package, or Lux package. For those customers who would rather choose a different Ford vehicle instead of stepping down to a lower trim of the Bronco, they can receive a discounted price for an in-stock 2022 or 2023 model of the Ford Escape, Bronco Sport, Edge, Explorer, Expedition, Ranger, or F-150. This gives reservation holders some great options and ways to receive a Ford vehicle, even if it’s not the one they reserved.
How is Ford notifying customers?
The initial news of the discounts and choices Ford offered customers came in the form of a 2023-Model Bronco Cancel Order & Purchase Replacement Offer bulletin, which was sent to dealers to inform customers that had reservations at their dealership. Since that bulletin came out, Ford also sent emails to these customers to outline the various options that could be enjoyed if they chose to pick a different version of the Bronco. Most reservation holders can still receive their Ford Bronco if they simply remove the constrained features.
Why does Ford have so many unfulfilled reservations?
The supply chain isn’t the only reason this Ford SUV faces problems and can’t seem to get to customers as quickly as they would like. The initial launch of the Bronco faced supplier quality issues which delayed production. Of course, the microchip shortage caused a large car lot of Broncos to be built but not sent to dealers while Ford waited for these chips to arrive. During the waiting period, Ford sent branded gifts to many customers to keep them engaged and willing to wait for this new off-road SUV to arrive at their local dealership.
Are Bronco MSRPs still protected?
Customers that agree to purchase their Ford Bronco without the constrained features will receive MSRP price protection, which was locked in when they placed their reservation. These customers will also enjoy the $2,500 rebate toward their purchase or lease price. Reservation holders that take no action will lose their reservation. These customers will need to reorder their Bronco at the 2024 model-year prices if their model cannot be delivered to them in 2023. This is a reversal of Ford’s commitment to protecting prices, but it seems pretty fair considering what Ford is offering reservation holders.
Once we cross into the 2024 model year, the 2023 Ford Bronco Wildtrak reservation list will finally be gone. What does this version of the Bronco offer? Let’s find out.
What you’ll find in this Bronco
The Wildtrak trim of the Bronco gives you the benefits of the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine and the Advanced Automatic on Demand 4WD system. Although all Bronco trims have 4WD, this system takes things farther, giving you a much more capable vehicle than what’s found at lower trims. This improvement in capability makes sense when you consider the reservations still waiting to be fulfilled.
The Wildtrak takes the features offered in the Outer Banks model to give you:
- A Full-size spare tire
- Wildtrak hood graphics
- HOSS 3.0 with Fox internal bypass dampers
- Front powder-coated steel bumper
- Front bash plates
- Ford Severe Performance heavy-duty steering rack and tie-rod ends
When you move into the Wildtrak trim, the G.O.A.T. Modes add another member to include Baja mode with the Normal, Sport, Eco, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand.
The Sasquatch Package and High and Lux Packages are optional for this model, which means reservation holders would have to give up these options along with the roof to receive a Wildtrak trim of the 2023 Ford Bronco.
What do customers stepping down to the Badlands model receive?
The Badlands trim is the top version of the Bronco with the base 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine. This engine delivers 275 horsepower, while the V6 increases power for the Wildtrak to 315 horsepower.
The Badlands trim also adds a few items to the Big Bend version to give you:
- Powder-coated front and rear steel bumpers
- Full vehicle steel bash plates
- Rock rails
- Front and rear tow hooks
- 17-inch aluminum wheels with 33-inch A/T tires
- Auxiliary switches
- Marine-grade vinyl seats with Molle straps
- Rubberized floor with drain plugs
- HOSS 2.0 with Bilstein dampers
- Front stabilizer bar disconnect
Does it make sense for reservation holders to choose the Outer Banks trim?
The Ford Bronco Outer Banks has the same powertrain as the Badlands model. This trim sits lower on the ladder, but it still gives you a generous array of equipment.
The Outer Banks model has the Big Bend’s standard features plus:
- Mid Package
- LED headlights and taillights
- 18-inch wheels with 32-inch A/T tires
- Powder-coated tube steps
The Outer Banks trim also offers some optional equipment with the High Package that gives you:
- 12-inch infotainment touchscreen
- 360-degree camera
- Front parking sensors
- Side mirrors with Led approach lamps
- LED spotlight
- The Information on Demand panel as part of the SYNC 4 system
Finally, some reservation holders might choose the Big Bend Edition
The Ford Bronco Big Bend is only one step above the base version of this Ford SUV. This model adds the Mud/Ruts mode to the G.O.A.T. system. The Big Bend trim also gives you:
- LED fog lights
- BRONCO grille script
- 17-inch tires with 32-inch A/T tires
- Rear privacy glass
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- Optional Mid Package
- Connected Navigation
- Intelligent Access keyless entry
- Heated front seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Remote engine start
- Rear parking sensors
- Co-Pilot 360
- Lane departure warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alerts
- Lane-keeping assist
If you were a Ford Bronco Wildtrak reservation holder, what would you want to do?
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