Buying a Bronco… dealership couldn’t answer my questions

I’m looking into getting a 2024 Bronco. I’ve always been into rally cars (I currently drive a modded Evo X), but since I’m moving to Colorado, a Bronco seems like a solid choice. Plus, my partner loves them too. I took a 2-door Heritage edition for a test drive (it was the only 2-door available), and I loved it.

I’m not really into rock-crawling, but I’d love a ‘rally race truck’ for some spirited mountain driving and dirt roads. I know the Wildtrak has the HOSS 3.0 Suspension for that, but it’s out of my budget.

I’m aiming to keep the Bronco as lightweight as possible. I’m torn between getting the Sasquatch or not. My dealer couldn’t give me a 2024 spec sheet, but I found the 2022 one online. The Big Bend with the 4.27 rear locker seems like the lightest option (according to the 2022 specs, it’s about 300 lbs lighter than the Black Diamond).

I loved the Sasquatch during my test drive, but I’m curious—how much weight does the Sasquatch package add? Does anyone have weight info on the Big Bend Sasquatch or Heritage models? I’ve also heard mixed things about the Sasquatch MT tires in winter. Should I stick with them or swap them out?

I’ve also heard V6 models have brake-by-wire, which I’m not a fan of, so I might stick with the I4. I plan to get the Ford Performance Tune no matter what. Any advice on handling/acceleration/braking between Sasquatch and non-Sasquatch models? Any weight info or other tips?

You’ll definitely notice the unsprung weight of the Sasquatch more than skid plates. If budget’s tight, consider a non-Sasquatch Badlands. You get upgraded suspension without going full Sasquatch, and a better-sized tire (K03 might be too much as a 35).

@Echo
Good point, why do you think the K03 wouldn’t work as a 35?

@Jai
That would be awesome, thanks for looking into it!

Echo said:

Alby said:
@Echo
Good point, why do you think the K03 wouldn’t work as a 35?

Just thinking about your needs—it’d be a pretty heavy tire.

That makes sense, thanks!

@Alby
Bash plates are a big deal here in Colorado—lots of sharp rocks and rough terrain.

Alby said:
@Echo
Good point, why do you think the K03 wouldn’t work as a 35?

Also, 35” K03s are heavier than KO2s.

Alby said:
@Echo
Good point, why do you think the K03 wouldn’t work as a 35?

Right now, the only 315/70-17 K03 is an F load range, which is way too much. I think I read on a forum that a C load version might come out in late 2025 or early 2026.

I went backpacking in Sylvan Lake Park, Colorado a few years ago, and my friend let me borrow his Tacoma to get to the trailhead. It handled well, but the last thing I wanted was more speed—those trails were tight! One side of the trail dropped off the mountain, and passing was tricky. Sure, there are spots where you can go fast on dirt roads, but a few pounds won’t make a huge difference for most of what you’ll do. Stick with the Sasquatch. Going fast off-road is fun but risky. I’ve got a 4-door Sasquatch and love it!

@Yani
Don’t worry, I won’t be rallying on cliffs! There are safer spots for that. Thanks for your advice!

I’m in Colorado too. There are some dirt roads where you can pick up speed, but most off-roading here is narrow, rocky, and designed for Jeeps and buggies. Colorado and Utah are top spots for this type of off-roading—check out a trail app, and you’ll see how amazing the West is for it. You might want to balance between speed and rock-crawling since you’ll have a lot of both in your backyard. I’ve got a Badlands Sasquatch 4-door, and it’s great for both types of driving.

Someone once said the Sasquatch Bronco is like having a rally car on top of another rally car. I have a ‘22 Black Diamond Sasquatch 4-door, and it’s amazing off-road. That suspension really shines at high speeds.

Colorado local here! Just a heads-up, the Goodyear Territories were redesigned after 2022 and are now 3-peak-rated as mud terrain tires. My brother has a ‘24 Sasquatch with them, and I’ve got KO2s on my Badlands. Both work great in winter conditions here.

@Jai
How much off-roading have you done with your Badlands? I’ve been thinking about a non-Sasquatch Badlands but wasn’t sure if it has enough clearance for serious trails.

Blake said:
@Jai
How much off-roading have you done with your Badlands? I’ve been thinking about a non-Sasquatch Badlands but wasn’t sure if it has enough clearance for serious trails.

I haven’t done anything extreme, but it’s handled everything I’ve thrown at it. Ford benchmarked the Badlands against the Wrangler Rubicon, and it’s pretty close. I know folks who’ve taken a non-Sas Badlands on the Rubicon Trail in California. It’s got great articulation, and you only lose about 1” of clearance compared to the Sasquatch.

@Jai
That’s really interesting! I didn’t see the snowflake rating on Goodyear’s site, but you’re saying the new Bronco tires have it? That’d be a huge relief for me and my partner.

Alby said:
@Jai
That’s really interesting! I didn’t see the snowflake rating on Goodyear’s site, but you’re saying the new Bronco tires have it? That’d be a huge relief for me and my partner.

Now you’ve got me second-guessing myself. I’ll text my brother and get back to you when I find out. I’m 100% sure they’re mud terrains now, but I’ll check on the 3-peak rating.

Check out LSK Racing—they’re working on a Baja 1000 Bronco build.

I’ve got a ‘23 Big Bend 2-door with the 2.3L engine. You definitely feel a difference when you take off the 70 lb top. Can’t imagine what adding 400 lbs of 4x4 extras feels like, though the weight’s mostly down low. The stock tires (255 width) made the short wheelbase really fun, but the newer, wider 285 tires dialed that fun back a bit. The Sasquatch beadlock wheels are 30% heavier than the Big Bend wheels. They look great, but I bet they’d take away some of the driving fun.

Compared to my 630hp wagon, the Bronco still feels light and tossable, but I’m guessing a 4700lb Bronco wouldn’t feel as lively.

@Ashwin
This is what I was thinking when I posted about this on a couple Bronco forums. Most people suggest the Sasquatch for driving fun, but I wonder how many have driven a base. When you say the wider tires dialed back the fun, what exactly do you mean?