Hey all, I’ve got a Gladiator Rubicon that I absolutely love, but we just had a baby and I’m thinking it’s time for more interior space. We go camping and take road trips all over California, almost every weekend. Has anyone made the switch from a Gladiator (or Wrangler) to a Bronco? I’m looking at the Big Bend 4-door, which I can get for about $40k. Is that a good deal? Should I go for a higher trim? Trying to get familiar with the different packages and what the Bronco has to offer. Thanks for any advice!
@Ty
Thanks for the info! I sat in one today, and while I liked the space, I wasn’t thrilled with the features. Might look at a higher trim. But wow, that extra interior space is crazy compared to the Gladiator. Rear seat space was a bit smaller than I expected though.
Go for the Badlands. You won’t regret it.
I made the switch from a Gladiator to a Bronco and I love it. The seats are wider and more comfortable, and it feels a lot bigger inside. But, you’ll miss the storage from the truck bed. Just so you know, there aren’t any air vents in the back seats, and the trim you choose will really depend on your preferences.
@Willow
I think they’re adding rear seat vents in the 2025 models.
@Willow
Thanks for the heads-up about the rear vents! That’s important with a baby, especially during the summer. I didn’t know that, so I really appreciate the info.
I switched from a Gladiator Rubicon to a Big Bend 4-door with the mid package. While I love my Big Bend, I miss some of the features I had with the Rubicon. Just make sure to pick the trim that fits what you really want, because you might miss those extras down the road. Good luck!
@Remy
That’s my big worry. I sat in a Big Bend today, and while it was nice, I wasn’t blown away by the features. I’m going to do some more research into the higher trims and see what works best for us.
I’m in the same situation right now. I’d miss the bed space for sure, and my Mojave is fully loaded. My hesitation is mostly about the price difference for a Badlands compared to my current truck. There don’t seem to be many incentives for Broncos besides the Jeep conquest rebate.
@Wei
Yeah, the price difference is definitely tough to swallow, especially compared to what I paid for my Gladiator.
The Big Bend is perfect for camping and road trips. You don’t really need the more off-road-focused models unless you’re planning to do serious trails. I had a 2021 Base, put bigger tires on it, and never found a place it couldn’t handle, on or off-road. You can also get some nice aftermarket leather seat covers if you miss that feel.
@Bali
That’s really helpful, thanks! I’m definitely leaning toward the Big Bend. In the three years I’ve had the Gladiator, I’ve only used the lockers once on the Rubicon trail, and I’m not planning on taking a Bronco through that!
@Chao
Yeah, you’ll love it. Plus, with the top off, it’s almost like having a truck!
I had two Gladiators before switching to the Bronco, thinking the pickup bed would be a game changer. Now, I wouldn’t own one again.
@Farley
Interesting… Do you miss having the bed? Also, RIP your username lol.