The Ford Bronco continues the revived legacy of this iconic off-road SUV with various trim levels designed to suit different driving preferences and lifestyle needs. Among the popular mid-range options, the Big Bend and Outer Banks trims offer distinct experiences for adventure seekers. While they share the same Bronco DNA, these two trims cater to different priorities—the Big Bend focusing on off-road capability with essential comforts, and the Outer Banks emphasizing a premium experience without sacrificing capability.

Powertrain and Performance

Both the Big Bend and Outer Banks come standard with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine producing approximately 300 horsepower. This turbocharged powerplant delivers responsive acceleration and ample torque for both on-road driving and off-road adventures. Both trims offer the option to upgrade to the more powerful 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine, which generates approximately 330 horsepower, for enhanced performance.

The transmission options are similar across both trims, with a standard 7-speed manual transmission or an optional 10-speed automatic transmission. The Outer Banks, however, comes standard with the 10-speed automatic transmission, reflecting its more premium positioning in the lineup.

Both models feature the G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) drive modes, but the Outer Banks includes additional refinements to the system for a more controlled off-road experience.

Exterior Design Differences

The Big Bend and Outer Banks trims are visually distinguishable by several exterior design elements. The Big Bend boasts a more rugged, utilitarian appearance, featuring 17-inch aluminum wheels, all-terrain tires, and a carbonized grey grille. Its design emphasizes functionality with standard LED headlamps and fog lamps for improved visibility on trails.

In contrast, the Outer Banks projects a more upscale image with its body-coloured door handles, mirror caps, and fender flares. It rolls on larger 18-inch high-gloss black-painted aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires, offering a more refined on-road experience while maintaining off-road capability. The Outer Banks also features signature LED lighting with unique daytime running lamps that distinguish it from other trims.

Interior Comfort and Technology

The interior is where the two trims diverge significantly. The Big Bend offers a practical cabin with easy-to-clean surfaces, cloth seats, and essential comfort features. The latest model includes an 8-inch touchscreen with the latest SYNC system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats as standard.

The Outer Banks elevates the interior experience with premium leather-trimmed seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and ambient lighting. The new model features a larger 12-inch touchscreen with enhanced voice recognition and navigation. Additional comfort features include a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function and a premium sound system, which is not available on the Big Bend.

Both trims include standard wireless smartphone connectivity, but the Outer Banks adds wireless charging capability and additional USB ports for rear passengers.

Off-Road Capabilities

While both trims are built on the Ford High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (H.O.S.S.) system, there are notable differences in their off-road equipment. The Big Bend comes with standard 4×4 capability, heavy-duty modular front bumper, and bash plates for engine and transmission protection. It can handle moderate off-road trails with confidence.

The Outer Banks retains these capabilities but adds more sophisticated features like Trail Turn Assist and Trail One-Pedal Drive. However, it’s important to note that the Outer Banks focus on premium features means some of its design elements (like the body-coloured fender flares) may be more susceptible to trail damage than the more utilitarian Big Bend.

Both trims offer the Sasquatch Package, which adds 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch mud-terrain tires, electronic locking front and rear axles, and a higher suspension lift, catering to serious off-road enthusiasts.

Practical Considerations

The Big Bend and Outer Banks share identical cargo capacity, with approximately 635 litres behind the second row in the two-door models, and 1,008 litres in the four-door versions. With the rear seats folded, the four-door models offer up to 2,207 litres of cargo space.

Fuel efficiency is similar between the two, with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine consuming approximately 12.8 L/100 km combined. The 2.7L V6 option increases consumption to around 13.5 L/100 km combined.

Both trims offer a maximum towing capacity of approximately 1,588 kg when properly equipped, making them capable of hauling small trailers, boats, or camping gear for weekend adventures.

Five Facts About the 2025 Ford Bronco Trims

• The Bronco G.O.A.T. modes system adapts the vehicle’s performance for different terrains, with the Outer Banks featuring additional calibration for improved comfort on rough surfaces.
• Both the Big Bend and Outer Banks can ford water up to 85 cm deep when equipped with the available Sasquatch package.
• The Bronco removable doors can be stored in protective bags in the cargo area of four-door models, a feature available on both Big Bend and Outer Banks trims.
• The Trail Turn Assist feature available on the Outer Banks can reduce the turning radius by up to 40% by applying braking to the inside rear wheel during tight turns on trails.
• The latest models feature an improved sound-deadening system in the Outer Banks trim, reducing wind and road noise by approximately 30% compared to the Big Bend.

Questions and Answers About the 2025 Ford Bronco Big Bend and Outer Banks

What is the main difference between the Big Bend and Outer Banks trims?

• The Big Bend focuses on essential off-road capability with practical features, while the Outer Banks emphasizes premium comfort and technology without sacrificing off-road performance.

Do both trims come with the same engine options?

• Yes, both trims offer the standard 2.3L EcoBoost engine with approximately 300 horsepower and the optional 2.7L EcoBoost V6 with around 330 horsepower.

Which trim has better off-road capability?

• Both have similar base off-road capabilities, but the more utilitarian design of the Big Bend may be better suited for aggressive trail use, while the Outer Banks offers more sophisticated trail technologies like Trail Turn Assist.

What are the key interior differences between the trims?

• The Outer Banks features premium leather-trimmed seats, a larger 12-inch touchscreen, ambient lighting, and more comfort features compared to the more practical cloth interior and 8-inch screen in the Big Bend.

Can I get the Sasquatch Package on both trims?

• Yes, this package, which adds 35-inch tires, locking differentials, and lifted suspension, is available on both the Big Bend and Outer Banks.

How do the exterior designs differ between these trims?

• The Big Bend has a more rugged appearance, featuring 17-inch wheels and carbonized grey accents, while the Outer Banks boasts body-coloured door handles, fender flares, and 18-inch high-gloss black wheels for a more premium look.

Is there a difference in fuel efficiency between the two trims?

• The base fuel efficiency is similar, with both consuming approximately 12.8 L/100 km, combined with the 2.3L engine. However, the Outer Banks may be slightly less efficient due to its additional features and weight.

Which trim offers better technology features?

• The Outer Banks offers more advanced technology, including a larger 12-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, enhanced voice recognition, and additional driver assistance features compared to the Big Bend.

Do both trims offer the same cargo capacity?

• Yes, both trims provide identical cargo capacity, with approximately 635 litres behind the second row in two-door models and 1,008 litres in four-door versions.

Which trim is better for daily driving vs. weekend adventures?

• The Outer Banks provides a more comfortable daily driving experience with its premium features and refined ride, while the Big Bend might be more suitable for frequent off-road adventures due to its more rugged construction and trail-ready features.