The First 10,000 Miles Down: 2025 Ford Bronco Ownership Update
Well… I already hit 10,000 miles in my 2025 Ford Bronco! I purchased it back in May of 2025, so that was a quick stack of miles. Between daily driving, road trips, events, and plenty of off-road time, this Bronco hasn’t exactly lived an easy life—and that’s exactly how I wanted it.
After 10,000 miles, I feel like I finally have a solid grasp on what it’s like to actually own a Bronco, not just admire one. From working with Bill Knight Ford, to trail use, mods, and maintenance, here’s my honest experience so far—and what I think you should know if you’re considering buying one.
Buying the Bronco & Working with Bill Knight Ford
I bought my Bronco from Bill Knight Ford, and the experience has been solid from day one. From the purchase process to service visits, everything has been straightforward and easy. When you’re buying a vehicle like a Bronco—especially one you plan to modify and use—it helps having a dealership that understands enthusiasts. I’m not just saying that. Bill Knight himself really cares about the Bronco experience for the owners. So much so that he made his own off-road course where a monthly event is held for any and all Bronco owners to learn the ropes! Sign Up Here!
So far, all service interactions have been smooth, and warranty-related items (only 1) have been handled without hassle. That peace of mind matters when you actually drive your vehicle instead of letting it sit in the garage.
Engine Choice: 2.3L vs 2.7L — My Honest Take
My Bronco has the 2.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder, and honestly… I’m glad I went this route.
A lot of people gravitate toward the 2.7L V6, and while it offers more power on paper, the 2.3L has proven to be:
- More reliable overall
- Less prone to reported issues
- Plenty capable for daily driving and off-road use
Unless you’re chasing power numbers, the 2.3L is more than enough—and it seems to come with fewer headaches. After 10,000 miles, I have zero regrets choosing it.
Trim Levels, Sasquatch Package & What You Actually Need
This is where I think a lot of buyers overspend.
If you’re not planning to off-road, I genuinely don’t think you need the Sasquatch package. The Bronco already comes with 4WD, and you can save a lot of money by skipping Sasquatch and putting that budget toward:
- Wheels you actually want
- Tires that fit your driving style
- Other mods that matter more to you
That said… if you are planning to off-road, I absolutely recommend Sasquatch.
I have an Outer Banks trim without Sasquatch, and while my Bronco is still very capable, I do wish I had:
- Lockers
- Sway bar disconnect
The sway bar disconnect is the biggest advantage in my opinion. It adds a huge amount of articulation and confidence on technical trails. MOST of the time if your tires can touch the ground, you can advance on the trail. There are a very few instances where you would need lockers, but with overland style trails, not needed. That is why the sway bar disconnect is the advantage.
Interior Must-Haves (Don’t Skip These)
If you’re shopping for a Bronco, pay attention to the interior options—they make a big difference long-term.
Sound Deadening Headliner (Must)
Make sure the Bronco has the sound-deadening headliner. It dramatically reduces wind noise, especially at highway speeds. This is non-negotiable for me.
B&O Sound System (Also a Must)
The B&O upgraded audio system is incredible. It sounds amazing, even with the top off.
⚠️ One small thing to watch out for:
- The bolt holding the subwoofer can come loose and cause a rattle
- Tightening it fixes the issue
- Adding a foam washer helps prevent it from coming back
Not a big deal—just something to be aware of.
Living With a Removable Roof & Doors
This is my first vehicle with a removable roof, and I absolutely love it.
That said, after 10,000 miles, I’ve noticed a few things:
- Repeatedly removing and reinstalling the roof does wear the rubber seals slightly
- No leaks so far, but I’m keeping an eye on it
- Wind noise has increased a bit, likely due to seal wear
I’ve taken the doors off once, and it was actually pretty easy—but honestly, for me:
Top off + windows down = perfect balance
Off-Roading the Bronco (Without Sasquatch)
If you follow along with my content, you know I actually off-road my Bronco.
Even without lockers or a sway bar disconnect, this thing is still incredibly capable. I do have to be more conscious of my line choice, but it continues to surprise me with what it can get through.
Known Weak Points
- Tie rods are a known issue when off-roading
- I broke mine around 8,000 miles
I replaced them with Rough Country tie rods, and they’ve been performing great so far.
Maintenance Notes
- Two oil changes so far, nothing out of the ordinary
- Driver-side CV boot started leaking
- Being replaced under warranty in a few weeks
Those are the only major issues in 10,000 miles.
Mods & How They Changed the Bronco
Suspension, Wheels & Tires
The first big mods:
- 3” Bilstein lift
- 37” Nitto Ridge Grapplers
- 18” Method wheels
Installed by Silo Hill Customs
Downside: Fuel mileage
- Went from ~20 MPG → 14–15 MPG
⚠️ Tip:
Depending on the wheels you choose, you may need hub-centric rings to eliminate vibrations.
Bumpers, Winch & Weight Matters
Next up was a DIY install:
- Front & rear steel tubular bumpers
- Hidden 12,000 lb winch
- Synthetic rope (lighter than steel cable)
Weight matters. A lot.
After this install:
- MPG dropped again → 12–13 MPG
Even with:
- Roof rack installed
- Fully loaded camping gear
It stays consistently in that range.
What’s Next? Re-Gearing Plans
To help offset the added weight and tire size, I plan to re-gear the Bronco soon.
Benefits:
- Better drivability
- Less stress on the transmission
- More usable power
- Potential MPG improvement
- Opportunity to add lockers
That would be a huge upgrade and a major step toward making this Bronco even more capable.
Final Thoughts After 10,000 Miles
After 10,000 miles, I can confidently say the Bronco has been:
- Fun
- Capable
- Comfortable
- And surprisingly reliable
It’s not perfect—but no vehicle is, especially when you modify and use it the way I do. Overall, the experience has been incredibly positive, and I’m excited to see how it holds up as the miles keep stacking.
If you’re on the fence about buying a Bronco, hopefully this helps you make a more informed decision.
And when you’re ready to make that purchase, make sure you take advantage of the X-Plan Discount at any Bill Knight Ford location using the codeword: ‘SANDSTORM’. When you purchase your new vehicle with this codeword you’re entered to win $3,000 to spend at Silo Hill Customs on any parts you want!
🧠 Buyer Advice Box: Before You Buy a Ford Bronco
✔ Choose the 2.3L engine if you want reliability, fewer reported issues, and plenty of usable power for daily driving and trails.
✔ Skip the Sasquatch package if you don’t plan to off-road — save the money and build the Bronco your way with wheels and tires you actually want.
✔ Get the Sasquatch package if off-roading is even a “maybe.” Lockers and the sway bar disconnect are worth it.
✔ Make sure it has the sound-deadening headliner — it dramatically reduces wind noise.
✔ Don’t skip the B&O sound system — it’s one of the best factory audio systems I’ve heard.
✔ Plan for upgrades early — tie rods, tires, and gearing matter once you start hitting trails.
✔ Expect MPG drops once you lift it, add armor, or go bigger on tires.
🎯 Who This Bronco Is For
- Buyers who want a fun daily driver that can also hit trails
- People who love open-top driving and removable doors
- Off-roaders who want capability right out of the box
- Owners who plan to modify and personalize their vehicle
- Drivers who want modern tech without giving up ruggedness
- Weekend adventurers, campers, and trail riders
🚫 Who This Bronco Isn’t For
- Buyers expecting great fuel mileage long-term
- People who never plan to use 4WD or go off-road
- Anyone who dislikes wind noise or removable roofs
- Drivers who want a “set it and forget it” vehicle with no mods
- Those unwilling to address known weak points when off-roading
- Anyone looking for a quiet luxury SUV experience
✅❌ Pros & Cons at 10,000 Miles (Skimmable Section)
✅ Pros
- Extremely fun to drive, especially with the roof off
- 2.3L engine has been reliable and more than capable
- Very off-road capable even without Sasquatch
- Comfortable daily driver despite being trail-focused
- B&O sound system is outstanding
- Tons of aftermarket support
- Easy vehicle to modify and make your own
❌ Cons
- Tie rods are a known weak point when off-roading
- Fuel mileage drops quickly with lifts, tires, and armor
- Removing/reinstalling the roof wears rubber seals over time
- Wind noise increases as seals age
- Subwoofer bolt may loosen and cause rattling
- Non-Sasquatch models miss out on lockers and sway bar disconnect
There will be a 10,000mi review video here on 1/9/26.