Ford Bronco 7-Speed Manual Review / Are We Dreaming?

While there are many interesting things about the 2021/2022 Ford Bronco, one of the most notable for me is the awesome 7-speed manual. The bronco might not have the pedigree of the Jeep Wrangler, or the reliability of the Toyota 4Runner or Tacoma, but it is hands down the most fun with the three pedal option!
Follow me on Instagram!
Tpark3030
Thank you @Tad Petts for helping film this review.
Thanks, Chris Parker, for letting me take out the Bronco!
Full Broco Review
• Ford Bronco Review / E...
Shout out to @Our Bronco Life for the sway-bar disconnect demonstration!
• 2021 Ford Bronco Badla...
Great Off-road demonstration
• NEW FORD BRONCO REAL O...
#bronco #manual

[@ewplayer3]

I bought a Bronco last week. This review was a big reason I even considered it. Keep up the great reviews. And, yes, I got the manual transmission.

[@Realistick]

Congratulations! Glad I could help.

[@JesusGarcia98.F]

I for one am DAMN glad they offer the luxury w the manual… it’s the best of both worlds. If you want a bare bones go for it but I for one appreciate new tech and cutting edge designs along w the old school manual tranny. Dope video man

[@maddiephillips6888]

The amount of Bronco configurations are both a blessing and curse! Choices are great, but the combinations and restrictions get tricky. Good review of the manual transmission - never thought I’d go for a 4 cyl Bronco, but it makes sense if you like to shift.

[@nfo1347]

i just wish they would make a massive displacement 6+liter v8 manual...

[@marxxmann8758]

​@@nfo1347 extremely especially a clean diesel version for power and fuel efficiency

[@meschker0507]

@@marxxmann8758I love to see them squeeze the baby powerstroke in this. Would be awesome!

[@Realistick]

CORRECTION, for manual trans only, you have to step up to the Badlands to get the mid (standard on badlands), high, or lux packages according to the 2022 Ford Builder. Thanks @mark rhino

[@thedirtbag7]

I ordered a 2 door big bend with the manual Trans. The only option I ordered was the rear locker. This video about the stick and drivability of each trim makes me very happy with my decision. Thank you for that confirmation bias

[@Realistick]

Anytime!

[@Chris-bg8mk]

People need to walk away from dealer markups.

[@totalglitch]

Yeah today he said due to demand they are 5k above the MSRP. That was after he wasted an hour of my time. Sent him a screenshot of a dealer 40 miles away that was 47k out the door.

[@goldiewulf]

got mine for $35k last week. 2 door 7 speed manual with 35's on it.

[@devn3813]

@@goldiewulfthat’s awesome

[@COSBROWN151]

Your video is spot on. My wife just got her 2022 Badlands lux with a hardtop after two years waiting. We ordered it with the seven speed manual and the 2.3 L engine. I also wished it came with the V6. So far it’s been a great vehicle. It’s very fun to drive the manual after years of having to drive automatics. Because we reserved it in 2020, we were able to get it through our dealer at MSRP price. He also told us that if we wanted to we could probably sell it for 20,000 over MSRP as soon as we left the lot. The only thing we’ve changed on it so far is the rock rails. We removed those and put on a set of Ford runningboards. The chance of her or I actually using it to its full off-road capacity and needing the rock rails is pretty unlikely. We are both a little vertically challenged, and since the bronco is not, she wanted the extra boost to step in.

[@Realistick]

Congrats on finally getting it! Sincerely sorry about the two years

[@COSBROWN151]

@@Realistick It’s all good. It was worth the wait. She paid her $100 reservation and placed the order back in July of 2020. They sent some silly free promo items periodically and we made the wait longer by sticking with the backorder of the “real” hard too as well as the factory tow package. Best thing was being able to lock in a price and having a dealer that didn’t try to get more than the MSRP showed.

[@Realistick]

@@COSBROWN151 Patience pays off. Those hard tops are hard to get, glad the dealer stuck to their word too.

[@ddgish]

Great recap of the entire product line. I have one picked out that I am buying this weekend. This video answered many of my questions.

[@qcnsllcqcnsupport7616]

Thanks for all the great videos... and keep up the great work. I'm definitely getting a manual!!

[@SPLITTINIMAGE]

I’d like to have a 2.7 in it…. But being a service advisor at a ford dealer, they currently have an issue where they’ll literally drop a valve into the cylinder. I’ll take the 2.3 and be happy

[@SuperQuantum69]

Manual transmission is freaking awesome!

[@AarmOZ84]

I ordered a Big Bend 2 door in January 2022 with 7 speed manual. Now it is a 2023 model order and still waiting. Good news is that my dealership has a "no mark-ups" policy on special order vehicles. :D I am having them add a few custom accessories once it is built and arrives in the dealership, but for the most part it has no added options.

[@desmondw1987]

Any update? Still own it? If so any regrets?

[@AarmOZ84]

@@desmondw1987 I ended up purchasing a base Bronco with 7 speed manual in 2023. I have owned it for over a year now. This truck has had very few problems and I can honestly say that I love it. It is both a great off-road vehicle and a daily driver. I almost have 14,000 miles on the odometer. The manual is easy to operate. I drove it through one blizzard and had no issues. Great for mountain driving and off-roading.

[@desmondw1987]

@AarmOZ84 Nice. Yes, I recently read they discontinued the manual in 2023 because of the lack of sales. The used 1 is still holding value because I can't find it cheaper than $42k. Right now, I'm considering the base model of the 2024 big bend

[@mawage666]

Getting my 2 door Base manual next month in March. Can't wait! Love the in depth video.

[@Realistick]

Congrats!

[@garrettbarbosa3080]

I built a 2 door black diamond with the manual, drove a 4 door today and it kind of makes me think of focas st becomes a truck.I got way over speed limits on all roads in just seconds plenty fast and i almost got a wrx yesterday because when im not in my tricked out ranger I wanted a fun sporty stick and this is both . Rugged truck and sporty stick fun. They realy got this thing perfect.Much better than my manual gladiator Rubicon and that was one of my favorite trucks but this is a whole new level!

[@sunnyvalentino]

The manual Badlands or Black Diamond 4 door hardtop is perfect for me. I'd take the mid package as well. Nothing else needed.

[@augustrusso5413]

Getting our 2 d BL today so excited been waiting 700 days 👍🏾

[@Realistick]

Congratulations, really sorry it took so long but it'll be worth it!

[@subterfusion4005]

Per Ford spec sheet; if you run high octane in your 2.3, it gets 300 hp and 325 torque. Makes sense as my 2015 ecoboost mustang got 310/330.

[@GyroPyro121212]

I managed 7.8 0-60 (7.5 with 1ft rollout) with a Big Bend Manual 4 Door on the basic wheels and tires. I feel that there is probably a few more tenths in it, but the road was salty and cold so I launched and shifted easy.

[@BuckingBronco]

Excellent, thoughtful review. I appreciate your candid remarks. Great food for thought.

[@NorthShoreOverland]

Nice review! I have a 2 door manual Badlands with High package. I put 35 inch mud terrain tires on it and it still drives amazing with the 7 speed. I love that Crawler gear soooooo much!

[@kirkeric]

Hey brotha, outstanding video. I have a deposit down on a Black Diamond manual transmission and the manual transmission is perhaps the only thing that's between doing it and not once I drive it and determine whether I like it. Since you mention Toyota I'm also a Toyota owner with the 4 runner and like you this is the 1st time I've even considered straying from that. This Bronco is due in and May June time frame. Edited. Turns out the one I'm waiting in is actually a Black Diamond. Getting excited to drive it.

[@Mark-ou8nu]

You can't have a manual and mid package on the Big Bend and Black Diamond. So the cheapest manual Bronco, with the keyless entry that you mentioned, is the Badlands at $44k - a big jump over the base.

[@Realistick]

Good note, I'll place a correction. I really wish Ford made this more clear, researching for this was a nightmare.

[@Mark-ou8nu]

@@Realistick Totally agree, so I think you did a great job on the video. Just look at the weight specs, what a joke. I am still waiting on my manual base, so this helps to keep me placated.

[@Realistick]

@@Mark-ou8nu Congrats, definitely worth the wait. I heard just a couple days ago that they were stopping orders, so you got in yours at the right time.

[@mark5862]

I have always driven small cars and never owned a truck. Still the steering and handling in the Bronco feels tight and responsive with good feedback. Ford nailed it in this important area.

[@mark5862]

You can get 2 door Base with manual for around $30K. You still get push button start. Who cares about keyless entry.

[@radanju3]

16:12 to 16:15 WAIT WHAT OMG THAT IS SO COOOOOOL!!!!!

[@Zackary-gp7eh]

They need the 7 speed in the new ranger

[@DutchKC9UOD]

glad they came out with the 7 speed or I would just keep rebuilding old stick trucks

[@Ebacherville]

just put the ford performance tuner on the 4 banger and you have the power of the v6 and keep your warrantee since its from ford. My 2.3 Bronco is fast enough for me, its actually kind of crazy how much power that 4 banger turbo makes just stock.

[@winkydee]

Ive got a 2021, 2 door Cactus Gray Manual with High Package and optional beadlocks. One little mistake here, you get the 4.7 with the manual on the Badlands, even without Sasquatch. You also get slightly more travel though less clearance on the 7speed mt without Sasquatch.

[@Realistick]

Oh, I think I mentioned the gearing, but I didn't realize you got more travel?!

[@chrisdakins2010]

Great review! This was the first video I’ve seen and I’m subscribed

[@agentchowdown4938]

10/10 video, well made sir!

[@carltonwagner]

Nice looking production quality on this video.

[@augustrusso5413]

Thank you I was questioning my choice on the seven speed 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@secredeath]

Am a JDM guy but if I ever buy american Ford bronco all the way

[@WEBUYGOLFCLUBS3]

I just stumbled upon this channel, great work!

[@Realistick]

Thank you!

[@fannatick2]

In reference to the manual, I can't stand the displayed RPM bar. I don't feel like it offers an accurate representation of the rpms when quickly glancing down at the dash. The traditional dial style gouges offer a quick reference to where your RPM's are in a fraction of a second. The needle is 1/2 way in the dial, and boom! you know where you're at. They should have made the display customizable so you can switch. Also, the auto start/stop is ridiculous on a manual. Especially bc you need to push it every time you start the engine.

[@Realistick]

I still prefer a traditional tach too, but to ford's credit, once I got used to it, I was fine. I thought I'd be annoyed by it too but it worked just fine. For the manual, I'd really prefer if they had the analog tach and then a digital speedometer. My old SI had that and I enjoyed that. But that is a lot to ask for, this was easy to get used to, the auto stop start was a bit of surprise with the MT, im sure it isn't the first but I haven't seen a manual with it. But I'd take those and a good transmission over no nannies and a meh trans like the competition (I own a manual taco too).

[@CarlosAmaya-nb6ps]

I need to get this bad ass Bronco.

[@ericdavisii3912]

Man if only those prices were still in existence

[@mark5862]

The 2.3L is plenty of power in any Bronco. I have it in my 4dr Automatic.

[@DaDaDo661]

How have you liked the vehicle so far? Have you had people in the backseat yet? I was looking to get this as a family vehicle

[@micahrichey5335]

I have one like this on order. Trying to decide if I should move up to Sasquatch or stay with the 33’s.

[@Realistick]

Personally, if it's a Badlands, I'd stick with it as is and save some money. I went offroading with this one and my tacoma a month after this video and it was extremely capable since you still have K02s, the upgrade suspension, f&r lockers, and that sway bar disconnect!

[@BrianHealy]

Just ordered my 23 Bad Lands with a 7MT with lux package

[@mountainhobo]

It's interesting how enthusiasts love stick (guilty as charged here), but if you listen to interviews with people who do real hardcore offroad, they tend strongly toward auto.

[@Realistick]

This makes sense if you consider how stressful a hill start can be with a manual. But I think the crawl ratio makes this much more approachable and something that should make those people reconsider.

[@billredding2000]

True...plus in some cases the manual transmission reduces the towing capacity big-time, which wouldn't work for me. :-( -- BR (2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, 8-speed automatic)

[@rideoregonfirst]

Super slow rock crawling can prefer an auto, because the torque converter allows slip and torque multiplication...but general driving on bad dirt & gravel roads gives a big advantage to the speed & torque control of a manual.

[@chartedtravel1776]

@@billredding2000 there is nothing to tow with this little car

[@billredding2000]

@@chartedtravel1776 Even a vehicle with only 3500lbs towing-capacity can tow something, even if not much. I wasn't addressing this particular vehicle, was just saying I needed more than 3500lbs -- actually the minimum would be 5000lbs (like my previous 2016 Honda Pilot AWD had -- so the 7000lbs capacity of my Gladiator (Rubicon) was even better. I prefer not to tow at or even close to capacity (maybe 4500lbs max), I just like having the extra headroom: It's easier on my vehicle wear & tear-wise, and easier trailer handling/riding on the hwy. And I needed a mid-size vehicle, not full size. Was goign to get a 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2, but back then (April 2021) none were available (due to GM's chip-shortage)...but it had a 5000lbs capacity. That would have been okay, but not ideal. NOW, however, I see the 2023 Colorado ZR2 has 7700lbs towing-capacity -- nice! Were I buying TODAY, I'd be looking at the new ZR2 (which seems MUCH improved over the earlier models) -- as well as the Gladiator (Rubicon). "Jeep Wave" -- BR

[@alexl6976]

My opinion, it's better to use an analog dial unless a digital dial has a retina screen.

[@Realliberal]

Should have used primitive door hinges like G wagon and jeeps.

[@marxxmann8758]

They should've marked the shift pattern as 1-7 since there is no forward number lower than 1

[@TeyCallMeBigMac]

Call me crazy, but i'd rather it be enjoyable to row through the gears than be a speed demon, because nobody is under the illusion that this is for speed, theyre buying it for fun.

[@aaronbarkley539]

I don’t really like “trucks” but this is so much different I feel like. I own an S2000 and am thinking about getting something like this maybe instead who knows.

[@oskarfan6474]

La maravilla de manejar manual

[@802yotaguy5]

I thought I saw a white pack of zig zags in the cup holder but my eyes lied to me

[@Holden-McGroin]

I would spec mine as Base 2-dr manual w/sasquatch. Done.

[@ronaldsteiger7562]

Great review I am looking for SPECIFIC information on the Bronco OUTERBANKS model with the standard tire and wheel combo, ( 255/70R/18 Bridgestone Dueler A/T RHS) not the Sasquatch package. I already know ground clearance runs 8.4-11.6 inches depending on model and max water fording on SAS is 33.5 inches Need specific info with the standard tire wheel size as mentioned above. Thank you, this is what I am looking for. 1 What is the ground clearance ? 2 what is clearance on the water fording ?

[@Realistick]

Considering the ground clearance is really based on tire size, and the outer banks has a 32 inch tire vs the base 8.4/.5. I'd say it's about 9.4 inches and the water fording would be around 32 in.

[@ronaldsteiger7562]

@@Realistick thank you

[@idahoman325]

Never seen this dude's reviews but truck guys approach things entirely different I'd say on nearly all topics. I'd say this guy is a car guy through & through & that's okay.

[@justbrowsin5961]

Thank you

[@reymartinez8830]

Ok I thought this blog is about standard trans

[@pimpmyride7278]

Hottest nerd I’ve ever seen. 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@juliennizan3129]

I’m a little lost with that crawler gear, is it ok to shift it immediately into 1st from a stop or do you have to start from that crawler gear?

[@wbharris1031]

You can start from first. Crawler gear is used in certain situations off-road.

[@benqsmith6871]

Which model made in USA

[@rsstnnr76]

Does manual make it less reliable?

[@johncarter9964]

“Resemblance”. Did you mean semblance?

[@joel-em8zp]

i always like Ford cars but im scared with reliability

[@joel-em8zp]

ranger should be manual currently driving a tacoma

[@DtotheS2595]

It’s OK that it does not come with the 2.7 L engine, that engine blows up and has issues anyways

[@Billy28376]

No. It sure doesn’t.

[@djkenny1202]

I want the most stripped one, when they offer a plug in hybrid or EV. The low 20’s are too low. Or, incentives bringing the base down below 26k, like Ford commonly offered pre pandemic. I’ll give it a few years. Never buy a new car first 3 years is a rule of mine. Especially American cars.

[@Realistick]

Probably not a bad idea, but this thing is so much fun, if I could find one in a 7 speed for msrp, and KZbin steps up the pay, I might buy it!

[@brianr1899]

Get out of here with your stupid talk of hybrid, EV nonsense. Also, go ahead and keep driving your foreign made crap.

[@timsunday3064]

I like ford bronco manual trans

[@mikedavidson8879]

I've tried to give it the benefit of the doubt, but the B&O system is absolute garbage. If somebody is upgrading to LUX for better audio, they're going to be disappointed. I could build a better system for $1000 out of a Crutchfield catalog

[@dc76384]

Realistick where are you based?

[@Realistick]

Bloomington, Indiana

[@dc76384]

@@Realistick Saw the Indiana plate. Happy to support a hoosier you tuber.

[@cyclonus01]

Towing capacity is terrible.

[@2000mn4]

Did you say $20,000 over msrp is normal?

[@Realistick]

No, but If you roll up to a Ford dealer without ordering one, numbers like those were common for some specs. This was 4 months ago, things might have changed but I doubt it.

[@DeeEllEff]

@@Realistick I’ve never bought a new vehicle off a dealer’s lot. If I can’t/don’t have them factory order what I want, then I have them trade something from their present or incoming inventory in order to get it.

[@Realistick]

@@DeeEllEff That's great, I used to sell cars and I would always fall back on that when I could. What you might not realize is that they don't just trade cars and call it a day. They cut checks for the difference in invoice (minus holdback). Or at least they used to, now, dealers are dealing with inflated pricing for trades too despite all dealers still getting their own cars for invoice. This can make trading a mess if there is a pricing discrepancy between dealers. Right now, most dealers I have personally spoken too, sell off of their allocations and hardly ever do trades. If you want to avoid paying above msrp, you will probably be ordering or going off of allocation unless you find a nice dealer. But if it's a bronco in question, i doubt that.

[@PrivateEyeYiYi]

It looks so big sitting next to the other SUV. Maybe too big for that garage.

[@Realistick]

It is very tall, but not so much so where it won't fit in most garages! (It fit in that one just fine)

[@marcusaurelius5576]

As a guy considering selling his manual 6 speed FJCRUISER and getting a manual Bronco what would be the absolute best package to get?

[@hrnfw4818]

I bought a badlands HI package for the360 camera which is great for off roading ( cresting hills with your nose in the air ) and for the Bilstein shocks . The sway bar disco also is nice for crawling rocky trails . Off Roadeo is a great way to test drive the vehicle and this guy is right about the tranny . My manual FJ is a great car and if Toyota still imported them I would just update as I fear Ford reliability. Off road the capability with the 33s is way above my FJ though. I hope this helps.

[@skydyleyw0037]

what kind of tacoma do you have?

[@Realistick]

09 access cab 4x4 2.7l MT. It's the heaviest truck you could get with the 4 cylinder!

[@skydyleyw0037]

@@Realistick how is this car on reliability? i would really love to have a MT truck that lasts a long time!

[@Realistick]

@@skydyleyw0037 Great, but the frame rust issue is real and is something I've recently paid a welder to fix and had to sand and paint many other spots myself. He even told me that it was one of the best ones he'd seen so really be cautious on that. Personally, I'd go with a new one if at all possible due to high resale but I do still enjoy my truck. I made a full review a few months ago where I go more in depth on the problems and stuff but I'd still recommend it!

[@nevadafreedom3049]

Eh, a four door....... thats a suburban not a bronco

[@user-gq2vn1xj2r]

It's an SUV, not a truck.

[@tadpetts]

Disappointed in the NFT diss, me and my jpegs are going elsewhere

[@Realistick]

🥴

[@BlessTMK]

Can one drive SOFT TOP into a CAR WASH ???

[@Realistick]

Great question! I don't know but the bronco 6g forum probably has you covered. My guess is that you can but it's probably unwise. I'd use a self serve machine

[@AnnatarTheMaia]

Way too much bla-bla about trims and options - I DON'T CARE - just show me how the manual shifts and what it looks like and what the engine sounds as you throttle blip while downshifting! Geez!!!

[@BlackGenez]

Too many Bs for me 😂

[@EpicConspiracy]

People still wants manual shifting in 2022 lmao

[@johntaylor9036]

Bc its fun

[@DeeEllEff]

Of course, I do (along with the entire staff of car mags like CandD, R&T, etc.) Over 15 years ago, I had someone who I gave a ride to say, “Manual, huh? So you couldn’t afford the automatic, eh?” Needless to say, they never got offered another ride home after that…! 😡

[@Holden-McGroin]

Manual vs auto is the difference between driving and going for a ride. If you don’t get it, you don’t get it.

[@secredeath]

Manual saves gas

[@jameswalker7420]

Yes and some of us still prefer pedal bikes over E-bikes. I've test driven a bunch of broncos, all the automatics I was completely bored, but the manuals I was having a great time and just wanted to keep driving. If a manual costs 5k extra, I'd pay it and never regret it.

[@shaggydogg630]

It IS a Bronco and I will love mine if I ever get it. 2.3 with a row your own. 4 door cactus grey Black Diamond. C’mon FORD!