2025 Ford Bronco: Base Returns, Raptor Drops $10K

Ford Bronco 2025 Update

We’ve seen quite a few models come and go over the years, and few have seen the kind of rollercoaster ride the Ford Bronco has been on since its return. 

Between supply chain chaos and overwhelming demand, the Bronco lineup has been tweaked and changed more than a few times already. The 2025 model year brings perhaps the most significant shake-up yet – Ford’s attempt to simplify the lineup while making it more accessible to different buyers.

The Base trim is back after a one-year hiatus, the Raptor just got nearly $10,000 cheaper, and Ford has culled several trims from the lineup. It's a move that feels like Ford finally taking a breath and asking what really matters to Bronco buyers. So what’s behind the changes?

A Quick Look At The Bronco Updates

• Base Trim Returns: Manual transmission, steel wheels, $40,990 starting price

• Raptor Price Slash: Nearly $10K off, now starts at $81,990

• Trims Cut: Black Diamond, Wildtrak, Everglades, Heritage Limited gone

• New Options: Matte wraps, Free Wheeling package, updated tech across lineup

• Sasquatch Package: Still available on Base trim for budget-minded trail runners

Bring on the Base (and the Stick Shift)

Dropped for 2024 due to production constraints, the Base trim returns as a "late availability" model for 2025. Don't expect to see these on lots immediately, but when they arrive, they'll bring something special: simplicity.

The Base comes standard with the 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder mated to a seven-speed manual transmission. That manual includes a crawler 'granny gear' for technical terrain, plus crank-in-gear capability and hill descent control.

The 10-speed automatic remains optional for those who prefer to let the computer do the shifting, and it includes Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist.

Outside, the Base keeps things simple. You get 16-inch steel wheels wrapped in 255/70R16 all-season tires, a black Molded-in-Color (MIC) grille with white "Bronco" lettering, black bumpers, LED headlights, and two front tow hooks. 

Two-doors come with a MIC hardtop in Carbonized Gray, while four-doors get a black soft top. The Base rides on the HOSS 1.0 (High-speed Off-road Suspension System) and includes a full-size spare tire, plus active grille shutters for improved efficiency.

The interior follows the same philosophy but doesn't feel stripped down. A 12-inch digital gauge cluster comes standard – a significant upgrade from the previous eight-inch unit – along with a 12-inch infotainment screen running Ford's Sync 4 system with FordPass Connect. 

Sasquatch Package Still Stomps

Here's where things get interesting for budget-conscious trail runners. The Base trim can still be optioned with the Sasquatch Package, which upgrades your base Bronco into a rock crawler.

The Sasquatch treatment includes 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels wrapped in massive 35-inch (315/70R17) tires, high-clearance fenders, and position-sensitive Bilstein dampers. 

While they're not the Fox Internal Bypass units found on higher trims, the Bilsteins represent a serious upgrade over standard shocks. Electronic locking differentials front and rear with 4.7:1 gearing give you a higher mechanical grip. The package also includes high-clearance suspension and tube steps, making entry and exit easier despite the lifted stance.

What does this mean in real terms? You can walk into a Ford dealer and order a brand-new Bronco with factory 35s, lockers, and proper suspension for well under $50,000.

Raptor Gets a Massive Price Cut

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Bronco Raptor just became significantly more attainable for buyers. 

Ford slashed the MSRP by $9,940, bringing the desert-running beast down to $81,990. That's still serious money, but it puts the Raptor within reach of buyers who might have been on the fence. The Badlands trim also sees a price reduction, though a more modest $900 drop. 

It's worth noting that while these flagship models got cheaper, most other trims saw price increases ranging from $100 to $1,100. The Base model's return comes with a $1,100 premium over its 2023 pricing, while the Big Bend jumped $950.

Trims Disappear, Options Expand

Ford's trim consolidation removes the Black Diamond, Wildtrak, Everglades, and Heritage Limited Edition from the lineup. 

The two-door versions of Big Bend and Heritage also got the axe. While Ford claims the new Stroppe Special Edition replaces the Wildtrak, it's unclear whether production volumes will match demand.

But new appearance packages are filling the gaps, including a retro-inspired Free Wheeling package and expanded Black Appearance options. 

Perhaps most intriguing is the new factory matte wrap option available across the lineup. For those wanting their Bronco to stand out without the maintenance headaches of aftermarket matte paint, this could be a game-changer.

Some changes feel like cost-cutting measures. The hoop step moves from factory-installed to dealer-installed on Big Bend models, and wireless charging disappears from the High/Lux package.

Updated 2025 Pricing Recap

Taken all together, the Bronco pricing shuffle creates some clear winners and losers:

Winners:

• Bronco Raptor: A reduction of $9,940 → $81,990

• Bronco Badlands: A smaller reduction of $900 → $52,380

Mixed Results:

• Bronco Base: An increase of $1,100 → $40,990 (but hey, it exists again)

• Bronco Big Bend: An increase of $950 → $43,215

Minimal Impact:

• Outer Banks, Heritage Edition, Stroppe Edition: An increase of $100 each

So what’s Ford's strategy? When you look at the pricing, it seems they are working to make the halo products more accessible while slightly increasing prices on volume sellers. 

It's a calculated move that might help move more high-margin Raptors while maintaining profitability across the range.

Price Changes Are The New Norm

The 2025 Bronco lineup feels like Ford finally settling into a rhythm. Instead of being “everything for everyone”, it seems like we’re getting a more focused range that better serves distinct buyer groups.

The return of the Base trim with manual transmission speaks to enthusiasts who value engagement over convenience. And new customization options like matte wraps show Ford understands that Bronco buyers want to stand out, even within the Bronco community.

We’re always looking to keep our team updated with the latest updates and changes to our favorite model prices – and with Ford continuing to change their offerings, it’s clear that price changes may be here to stay. 

Throw in economic changes due to tariffs (even for domestically-made vehicles), and you’ll want to make sure you stay ahead of any big price fluctuations as they come. (But we’ll keep you covered!)

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