The 2024 Ford Bronco Everglades is a specialized off-road vehicle built for challenging environments like the Florida Everglades. While not designed for flooded paved roads, the Everglades edition thrives in swampy and rugged terrains. This version of the Bronco is perfect for those wanting to explore wetland areas or forests, with its features tailored for extreme conditions. The Everglades badge is fitting for a vehicle that excels in traversing difficult, flooded areas, much like the vast Everglades region in South Florida.
One of the standout features of the Bronco Everglades is its distinctive design. It is only available as a four-door hardtop and includes unique elements such as a topography map graphic on the fender and a “EVERGLADES” stamp. Additionally, it comes with custom 17-inch wheels and 35-inch Goodyear Territory M/T tires, providing 11.7 inches of ground clearance, slightly higher than the Sasquatch package. The model also includes a 10,000-pound Warn winch, designed to help pull the vehicle out of tricky spots, and a specialized snorkel that helps the vehicle handle water crossings.
The Everglades edition is powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and while it lacks a manual option, the engine is well-suited for slow, low-speed driving through mud and water. Despite being the base engine, it offers impressive low-end torque, and the vehicle handles highway speeds without issue. However, off-road enthusiasts looking for more power might find the engine lacking compared to the V6 found in other Bronco models.
For off-roading, the Bronco Everglades is equipped with Ford’s GOAT (Go Over Any Terrain) mode, offering seven selectable drive modes. The Mud/Ruts mode is particularly useful for handling muddy or waterlogged trails, activating the rear locker and 4Hi all-wheel drive to improve traction. With a water-fording capability of 36.4 inches, the Everglades can easily handle deep puddles and streams. However, the model lacks a front-facing camera, a feature that might have been helpful for rock crawling, but Ford chose to include a winch instead, prioritizing recovery over camera assistance.
On the road, the Bronco Everglades provides a comfortable ride, which is typical of off-road vehicles. The tires and roof rack do generate some wind and road noise, but the ride is compliant, and the interior is comfortable for daily use. The cabin is equipped with marine-grade seats and rubber fixtures that can handle muddy conditions. Additionally, it features a 12.0-inch touchscreen with Ford’s Sync 4 interface, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it practical for both off-road and regular driving.
Unfortunately, the Bronco Everglades is no longer available for purchase, as production ended in August 2024. With a starting price of $54,595, it was one of the more expensive Bronco models, second only to the Raptor. Despite its higher price, the Everglades offered excellent value with its unique features like the winch and snorkel, which made it stand out from other Broncos. Although the model is no longer in production, those who find one on a dealer lot will likely appreciate its combination of off-road capability and everyday usability.
