There’s something exhilarating about feeling the rush of wind and the hum of power beneath you when you’re behind the wheel of the All-New Ford Bronco Outer Banks Sasquatch Package. On the long, open stretch of TPLEx, this SUV monster surged effortlessly forward, its size and bulk almost deceiving in their smoothness.
The ride was so steady, so composed, that it was easy to lose track of the 100 km/h speed limit. In fact, I had to remind myself to slow down—not because the speed was uncomfortable, but because the Bronco’s stability made it feel like it could go on forever.
At over 10.5 inches wider than the Ford Everest, the Bronco is a true behemoth. And while that may sound intimidating, it’s anything but. Despite its imposing size and weight, the Bronco effortlessly zoomed past 140 kph without missing a beat. Picture driving a tank that could easily outpace most sports cars—a tank that doesn’t just move, it glides.
Of course, this isn’t just any SUV. The Ford Bronco has earned its place in global pop culture, beloved for its rugged off-roading pedigree and its iconic design.
The unit I had the pleasure of testing, painted in a bold and striking Eruption Green, commanded attention wherever it went. Its aggressive, boxy exterior—coupled with its daring color—was a head-turner, drawing stares and admiration from onlookers and fellow motorists alike.
On the highways, the Bronco’s smoothness belied its off-road reputation. But let’s not forget the essence of the Bronco. Built to take on any terrain, this latest iteration has a variety of driving modes that are collectively known as the G.O.A.T. modes—Go Over Any Terrain.
With just the flick of a dial, the Bronco optimizes its suspension, transmission, traction control, and throttle sensitivity for different conditions, including Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand/Snow, Baja, Mud/Ruts, Rock Crawl, and more.
Regrettably, I wasn’t able to fully test these modes. But I did take the Bronco over a gravel-strewn stretch near Lagangilang Bridge in Abra, which gave me a taste of its capability. This particular stretch, regularly traversed by heavy trucks due to nearby quarrying operations along the Abra River, was a rough test for any vehicle. The area was also the epicenter of the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that shook the region in July 2022, adding an extra layer of challenge to the drive.
There’s a whole other dimension to the Bronco, though, that I didn’t get to experience—the removable hard top and doors. Just imagine cruising through a dry riverbed with the sun beating down, the wind rushing through your hair, and the roar of the engine as you tear across the terrain like something out of an action movie.
Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. The roads leading to the rocky riverbed were off-limits for construction, and the top and doors require more than one person to remove.
Regardless, the Bronco’s 10-speed automatic transmission paired with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine delivered performance that was a joy to experience. The unit I tested came with the Sasquatch Package, which takes the Bronco’s already impressive features and amps them up.
The Sasquatch Package comes equipped with 35-inch mud-terrain tires, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, high-clearance fender flares, and Bilstein position-sensitive shock absorbers, which contribute to the vehicle’s smooth ride on and off-road.
On the highway, the only sound that broke through the noise of the engine was the soft hum of the removable roof—comprising four panels—that, while making a slight sound on the expressway, still added to the overall experience.
And while the window controls might take some getting used to (they’re located on the right-hand console, near the G.O.A.T. dial), they’re a small price to pay for the thrill of driving a true icon.
Inside, the Bronco keeps things simple and functional, with a 12-inch touchscreen dash that’s all about performance.
It features Ford Co-Pilot 360 assist, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, front/rear sensors, and 360-degree cameras. For entertainment, the 10-speaker sound system, complete with subwoofers, makes sure you stay pumped for any adventure—plus it easily syncs with smartphones.
All of these features come with a price tag: P4,998,000. But for an SUV that combines iconic looks, powerful performance, and off-road prowess, it’s well worth it.