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The Ford Bronco comes in several different trim levels. Each trim level is equipped for a different type of terrain or driver. Which Ford SUV should you get, the Outer Banks, or the First Edition?

The Ford Bronco Outer Banks is the perfect Bronco daily driver

A blue 2021 Ford Bronco is parked.
The 2021 Ford Bronco | Scott Olson via Getty Images

The Ford Bronco Outer Banks is the best Bronco trim to drive daily. Most off-road SUVs don’t make great daily drivers because of their unique designs. The Jeep Wrangler is a perfect example of an amazing small off-road SUV that struggles with everyday driving.

The Jeep Wrangler crushes off-roading trails but is incredibly unreliable as a daily driver. Fuel economy is also an important factor to consider when choosing a daily driver that is a capable off-roader. Many capable off-roaders have poor fuel economy.

The Ford Bronco Outer Banks gets 20 miles per gallon in the city and 22 miles per gallon on the highway. A combined 21 miles per gallon isn’t great, but it’s better than all the other available Ford Bronco trims. The Bronco Outer Banks uses a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 300 horsepower. This is more than enough horses to keep drivers happy on their daily commutes.

The Ford Bronco Outer Banks has a removable top and removable doors. It also comes standard with ambient footwell lighting, two 12-volt interior outlets, and an 8-inch color digital instrument panel. It starts at $39,355 for the two-door model and $41,700 for the four-door model. According to Car and Driver, the Bronco Outer Banks is the best Bronco daily driver.

The Ford Bronco First Edition is the ideal off-road Bronco

A yellow 2021 Ford Bronco Sport First Edition on rocks.
2021 Ford Bronco Sport First Edition | Ford

The Ford Bronco First Edition is the “kitchen sink” Bronco. It is the final Bronco trim and includes everything that the Wildtrak model includes. It also comes standard with the coveted Ford Sasquatch Package.

It has a whopping 11.5 inches of ground clearance thanks to a suspension upgrade. The Bronco First Edition includes mud-terrain tires and plenty of standard off-roading features like trail turn assist. It also includes an electronic-locking front and rear axle as well as a front stabilizer bar disconnect.

The Ford Bronco First Edition comes standard with a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an 8-inch color instrument cluster. It uses a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine to make a massive 310 horsepower. The Bronco First Edition starts at $56,915 for the two-door version and $61,110 for the four-door version.

The Ford Bronco is born to be wild

A gray Ford Bronco is driving in shallow water.
The Ford Bronco | Ford

The Ford Bronco First Edition is much more expensive than the Bronco Outer Banks, but it’s the Bronco that best encapsulates the spirit of the original Ford Bronco. These small SUVs are meant to take on challenges. Though many drivers will use the Bronco daily on normal roads, the Bronco’s true nature beckons to it from the wilderness.

The Ford Bronco First Edition is the best Ford Bronco trim because it’s perfect for those who like to live life on the wild side. If you’re looking for an SUV that’s a great daily driver and has off-roading ability, go for something like the Subaru Forester. The Bronco First Edition crawls, climbs, and overcomes obstacles best, and isn’t that what the Bronco is all about?

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