Manual Ford Bronco Base Sasquatch Review: It Met All My Expectations

      The most significant car news and reviews, no nonsense.

      Our free daily newsletter delivers the crucial stories right to you, every weekday.

      Many vehicles are attempting to capitalize on the American aspiration of owning a truck that embodies a classic look with a modern vibe. After testing numerous options, I’ve finally found the best: the two-door Ford Bronco, specifically the base model with the Sasquatch package. It strikes an ideal balance between ruggedness and refinement, practicality and power. It’s one of my top new vehicle experiences in quite some time.

      The sixth-generation Bronco has been around for nearly six years, and general opinions are well-documented. I’ll forgo typical car-review discussions and focus instead on this specific sub-model and my experience during a light off-road outing in Southern California.

      What makes this Bronco particularly intriguing is that it represents the ultimate enthusiast specification: the lowest possible MSRP with just one factory option: Ford’s top-tier off-road package.

      The “Basequatch”

      Every Bronco boasts decent off-road capabilities due to its design, but some models are better suited for rough terrains than others. The $80,000 Bronco Raptor is designed for high-speed desert runs, while the $50,000 Badlands model is well-equipped with essential features like large tires, rear lockers, and performance suspension. However, the $43,000 base model paired with the $8,500 Sasquatch kit offers the best value for extreme capability.

      Here's how adding the Sasquatch kit enhances the appearance of the base Bronco.

      This configuration is unofficially referred to as the “Basequatch,” and if off-roading is your plan, it’s an exceptional deal. The Sasquatch package includes front and rear lockers, 35-inch tires on stylish 17-inch wheels, pronounced fender flares, tall Bilstein dampers for high clearance and effective multi-surface damping, and a 4.7 final drive ratio that provides quicker low-speed power and assists the four-cylinder engine in managing those larger tires.

      Eight thousand five hundred dollars is quite a sum for an options package. However, I assure you that visiting an off-road shop and requesting all these features added to your current vehicle would cost more. Whether you’re a lifelong Ford fan or proudly sporting a Calvin-and-blue-oval sticker on your window, it’s hard to deny that having this bundle available as a factory-approved and warrantied setup right off the lot is pretty impressive.

      That said, the Sasquatch package isn’t required to enjoy a Bronco off-road. Similar to how one doesn’t need a Porsche to have fun on twisty roads or a racetrack. Yet, the Basequatch offers a fantastic all-in-one setup that you could use for years without needing further modifications. If you’re reaching the limits of what you can do with 35-inch tires and two lockers, you might need a dedicated rock-crawling vehicle.

      Swipe through the images below for a close look at the Bronco’s undercarriage. Ford has done well in tucking components up high and protecting vulnerable areas. The clearance, approach, and departure angles of the two-door Basequatch are remarkable—you can find the specifications at the end of this article.

      If you prefer the manual transmission (and you should), the only engine option for the Bronco is a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The specifications are quite solid (300 hp and even more torque, with tunes available for additional power). In practice, it’s... adequate. It’s not particularly speedy, but thanks to the gearing of this model, it provides the power where needed. It cruises at 75 mph without much strain. Crucially, this engine has been around long enough to provide reliability in case of any issues out in the wilderness.

      The Right Amount of Rough

      I adore my 1975 International Scout, but I can't deceive myself—driving it is a challenge. It’s slow, emits odors, and keeping it lane-centered feels like navigating a hungry dog through a deli. I also cherish my ’98 Montero, but every time I need to make a sudden stop, I’m reminded about the two outdated airbags that protect me from the outside. Those SUVs feel truck-like, which is great, but daily driving in fast-moving traffic can be strenuous. A new Bronco with a manual transmission and large tires feels truck-like as well. There's considerable wind noise, body roll, and aggressive acceleration isn’t particularly satisfying. However, the Bronco is overall less taxing while still capturing that classic appeal that makes my older vehicles so charming. Not to mention, the aesthetic is outstanding. The two-door sixth-gen Bronco has a striking appearance.

      The cockpit is impressive, featuring a good number of physical buttons. The seats aren’t the best in class, but they’re decent for a truck.

      It includes more airbags, auto emergency braking, excellent headlights, and good visibility. The only real