Ford Bronco Everglades Edition: A Deep Dive into Water Fording Mastery
The Ford Bronco has roared back onto the scene, reclaiming its position as an icon of off-road capability. Among the many exciting trims and configurations, the Everglades Edition stands out as a purpose-built machine designed for conquering the most challenging terrains, with a particular emphasis on water fording. This review dives deep into the Everglades Edition’s water fording capabilities, exploring its features, performance, and how it stacks up against the competition.
A Heritage of Adventure, Optimized for Water
The Bronco’s lineage is deeply intertwined with exploration and adventure. The Everglades Edition builds upon this legacy with a suite of upgrades and enhancements specifically tailored for navigating watery landscapes. It’s not just about slapping on some bigger tires; Ford has meticulously engineered this variant to be a true amphibious performer.
Key Features for Water Fording Prowess
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High-Mounted Air Intake (Snorkel): The most visually striking feature is undoubtedly the factory-installed snorkel. This raises the engine’s air intake point, allowing the Bronco to breathe clean, dry air even when the hood is submerged. The snorkel is seamlessly integrated into the Bronco’s design, not just an afterthought, and contributes to the vehicle’s rugged aesthetic.
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35-Inch Goodyear Mud-Terrain Tires: Aggressive tread patterns and robust sidewalls provide exceptional grip in mud, sand, and rocky riverbeds. The larger diameter also increases ground clearance, further enhancing the Bronco’s ability to navigate deep water.
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Heavy-Duty Modular Front Bumper with Winch: The Everglades Edition comes standard with a Warn winch, capable of pulling up to 10,000 pounds. This is an invaluable tool for self-recovery if you encounter unexpected obstacles or get stuck in deep mud. The heavy-duty bumper provides a solid mounting point and protects the front of the vehicle.
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Sasquatch Package: While not exclusive to the Everglades Edition, the inclusion of the Sasquatch Package is crucial for its off-road prowess. This package adds features like electronic-locking front and rear axles, a higher suspension lift, and wider fender flares to accommodate the larger tires.
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Marine-Grade Vinyl Upholstery: The interior is designed to withstand the rigors of off-road adventures, including exposure to water. The marine-grade vinyl upholstery is durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean.
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Upgraded Breather Tubes: Ford has extended the breather tubes for the axles, transfer case, and transmission, preventing water from entering these critical components and causing damage.
Water Fording Performance: Testing the Limits
The Everglades Edition boasts an impressive maximum water fording depth of 36.4 inches. This is a significant increase compared to the standard Bronco and puts it in a league of its own among factory-produced SUVs.
During testing, the Bronco Everglades Edition confidently waded through streams, rivers, and flooded trails. The high-mounted air intake performed flawlessly, ensuring a steady supply of clean air to the engine. The 35-inch tires provided excellent traction, even in slippery conditions. The electronic-locking differentials allowed for precise control and maximum grip when navigating uneven terrain underwater.
The Bronco’s robust construction and well-sealed body minimized water intrusion into the cabin. Even after prolonged exposure to water, the interior remained relatively dry, and the marine-grade vinyl upholstery proved easy to clean.
Beyond the Numbers: The Experience of Water Fording
Water fording is not just about the numbers; it’s about the experience. The Everglades Edition delivers a unique and exhilarating driving experience that few other vehicles can match.
The feeling of driving into a body of water, knowing that your vehicle is specifically designed for this purpose, is incredibly empowering. The Bronco’s high seating position provides excellent visibility, allowing you to carefully assess the terrain and navigate accordingly. The throaty exhaust note adds to the sense of adventure.
Considerations and Limitations
While the Everglades Edition is exceptionally capable, it’s essential to understand its limitations:
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Water Depth Awareness: It’s crucial to accurately assess the depth of the water before attempting to ford it. Exceeding the maximum fording depth can lead to serious engine damage and other mechanical issues.
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Current and Obstacles: Strong currents can be dangerous, even for a vehicle as capable as the Bronco Everglades Edition. Underwater obstacles, such as rocks and logs, can also pose a threat.
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Post-Fording Maintenance: After fording deep water, it’s recommended to inspect the vehicle for any signs of water intrusion and lubricate the chassis components.
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Price: The Everglades Edition commands a premium price compared to other Bronco trims.
The Competition
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is the most obvious competitor to the Bronco Everglades Edition. The Rubicon also offers impressive off-road capabilities and a range of features for water fording. However, the Everglades Edition’s factory-installed snorkel gives it a distinct advantage in extremely deep water.
Other off-road SUVs, such as the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro and Land Rover Defender, can also be modified for water fording. However, they typically require aftermarket modifications to achieve the same level of capability as the Everglades Edition.
Who is the Everglades Edition For?
The Ford Bronco Everglades Edition is designed for the serious off-road enthusiast who frequently encounters water crossings on their adventures. It’s for those who demand maximum capability straight from the factory and are willing to pay a premium for it.
It’s also an excellent choice for search and rescue teams, park rangers, and other professionals who need a reliable vehicle for navigating challenging terrain.
The Verdict
The Ford Bronco Everglades Edition is a true water fording master. Its unique combination of features, including the high-mounted air intake, 35-inch tires, and heavy-duty winch, makes it exceptionally capable in wet conditions. While it’s not the most affordable Bronco trim, its unparalleled water fording ability makes it a worthwhile investment for those who need it. If your adventures frequently take you through rivers, streams, or flooded trails, the Everglades Edition is the ultimate tool for the job. It’s a testament to Ford’s commitment to building vehicles that can conquer any terrain.
