The Bronco Wild Track is Ford's mid-range trim, built for off-road driving without the price of the top models

The Ford Bronco Wild Track sits between the base model and the higher trims like the Badlands and Raptor. It adds off-road features that the base model leaves out — locking differentials, all-terrain tires, skid plates — while staying below the cost of fully loaded versions. If you want genuine off-road capability without paying for luxury features you won't use on a trail, this is the trim Ford designed for that choice.

The Wild Track comes in both two-door and four-door body styles, and Ford offers it with either a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine or a 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost, depending on the model year. The two-door version is lighter and more nimble on tight terrain; the four-door gives you more interior space and rear seat room.

Key Takeaways

  • The Wild Track includes electronic locking front and rear differentials, which let you lock the wheels on each axle together for better traction in rocks and mud.
  • All-terrain tires and reinforced skid plates come standard, protecting the undercarriage and giving you grip on unpaved surfaces.
  • The price falls roughly in the middle of the Bronco lineup — more than the base model, less than the Badlands or Raptor trims.
  • You get the same body-on-frame structure and removable doors and roof as other Broncos, so the trim difference is mostly about off-road hardware, not the core vehicle.

Off-Road Features That Come Standard on Wild Track

The defining feature of the Wild Track is the electronic locking differentials on both the front and rear axles. A differential is the part of your axle that lets the wheels turn at different speeds when you go around a corner. When you lock it, both wheels turn together, which gives you much better traction when one wheel is on rock and the other is on air, or when you are climbing a steep slope. You engage the locks with a button inside the cabin, and they disengage automatically when you reach highway speed.

The Wild Track also comes with all-terrain tires instead of the highway-focused rubber on the base model. All-terrain tires have deeper treads and stiffer sidewalls, so they grip unpaved surfaces better and resist punctures from sharp rocks. They are louder on pavement and wear faster on highways, but that is the trade-off for off-road performance.

Underneath, Ford adds skid plates that shield the fuel tank, transfer case, and other vulnerable parts from rocks and logs. These are not cosmetic — they prevent damage that could strand you miles from help. The Wild Track also includes a terrain management system with preset modes for different surfaces: rock crawl, sand, mud, and snow. Each mode adjusts throttle response, traction control, and transmission behavior to suit the terrain.

Suspension and Handling Differences

The Wild Track uses the same basic suspension as the base Bronco — a solid front axle and a solid rear axle with coil springs. Ford does not upgrade the suspension geometry or spring rates for the Wild Track the way it does for the Badlands or Raptor, so the ride height and articulation are identical to the base model. The difference is in what you can do with the suspension once you are off-road, thanks to the locking differentials and terrain modes.

If you plan to spend serious time rock crawling or need maximum suspension travel, the Badlands or Raptor trims offer upgraded shocks and higher spring rates. The Wild Track is built for moderate off-road use — forest roads, light rock, sand washes — where the standard suspension works well and the locking differentials make the real difference.

Interior and Comfort Features

The Wild Track cabin is more basic than the Badlands or higher trims. You get cloth seats, a smaller touchscreen (usually 8 inches), and fewer power conveniences. Ford does include air conditioning, power windows, and a backup camera as standard. The two-door version has a tight rear seat suitable for occasional passengers; the four-door has a full rear bench with decent legroom.

One practical feature across all Broncos is the removable doors and roof panels. On the Wild Track, you remove them manually — higher trims offer power-operated panels that lower at the push of a button. If you plan to drive doorless regularly, the manual system is not a major burden, but it is worth knowing the difference.

Engine Options and Fuel Economy

The 2.3-liter EcoBoost is the standard engine on most Wild Track models. It produces around 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It is adequate for off-road driving and returns better fuel economy than the larger engine — roughly 18 to 20 miles per gallon combined, depending on whether you choose two-wheel or four-wheel drive.

The 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost is available on some model years and trims. It produces around 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, giving noticeably better acceleration and towing capacity. The trade-off is lower fuel economy — expect 16 to 18 miles per gallon combined. If you plan to tow a trailer or want more power for steep terrain, the larger engine is worth the cost; for general off-road recreation, the 2.3 is sufficient.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The Wild Track with the 2.3-liter engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds and carry around 1,000 pounds of payload (the weight you can add to the truck bed). With the 3.0-liter engine, towing capacity rises to 4,600 pounds and payload to around 1,200 pounds. These numbers assume you are not carrying passengers or gear in the cabin, so the real-world payload is lower once you account for people and supplies.

If you plan to haul a small utility trailer or a jet ski, the Wild Track handles it. For heavier trailers or regular towing, the Raptor trim offers a higher capacity and a more robust frame. Always check the specific numbers for the model year and configuration you are considering, as Ford adjusts these figures year to year.

Price and Value Compared to Other Trims

The Wild Track typically costs between the base model and the Badlands trim. The exact price varies by model year, engine choice, and whether you choose two-door or four-door. As of recent model years, you can expect the Wild Track to start in the mid-$40,000 range for a two-door with the 2.3-liter engine, and climb toward $50,000 or more for a four-door with the larger engine and additional options.

The value proposition of the Wild Track is straightforward: you pay less than the Badlands but get the locking differentials and all-terrain tires that make a real difference off-road. If you rarely leave pavement, the base model saves you money. If you regularly drive unpaved roads or light trails, the Wild Track's off-road hardware justifies the extra cost. The Badlands and Raptor add luxury features, upgraded suspension, and higher towing capacity — worth the premium only if you use those features.

Two-Door Versus Four-Door: Which Makes Sense

The two-door Wild Track is lighter, shorter, and more nimble on tight trails. It has a smaller turning radius and better approach and departure angles, which matter when you are navigating rocks or steep terrain. The trade-off is a cramped rear seat and less cargo space. Choose the two-door if you drive alone or with one passenger most of the time, and you value off-road agility.

The four-door is heavier and longer, which slightly reduces off-road performance, but it gives you a usable rear seat and more interior storage. If you have a family or regularly carry passengers, the four-door is the practical choice. The off-road capability difference is real but not dramatic — both versions can handle the same terrain, just with slightly different characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Wild Track worth it over the base Bronco?

If you drive unpaved roads or light trails regularly, yes. The locking differentials and all-terrain tires make a significant difference in traction and control. If you stay on pavement, the base model is sufficient and costs less. The Wild Track is the middle ground for people who want genuine off-road capability without paying for luxury features.

Can you upgrade the Wild Track suspension later?

Yes, aftermarket suspension upgrades are available from companies like Eibach and Fox. However, upgrading suspension after purchase costs $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the system. If you know you want upgraded shocks and springs, buying the Badlands or Raptor trim upfront may be more cost-effective.

How does the Wild Track compare to the Badlands?

Both have locking differentials and all-terrain tires. The Badlands adds upgraded shocks, higher spring rates for more suspension travel, and luxury interior features like leather seats and a larger touchscreen. The Badlands costs more but is better for serious rock crawling. The Wild Track is better for moderate off-road use and lower cost.

What is the difference between the 2.3 and 3.0 engines?

The 2.3-liter produces 300 horsepower and gets better fuel economy. The 3.0-liter produces 400 horsepower, tows more weight, and accelerates faster. For off-road driving, the 2.3 is adequate. Choose the 3.0 if you tow regularly or want more power on steep terrain.

Do the removable doors and roof come standard?

Yes, all Broncos including the Wild Track have removable doors and roof panels. On the Wild Track, you remove them manually. Higher trims offer power-operated panels that lower with a button. The manual system works fine if you remove them occasionally; it is more tedious if you do it every weekend.