It’s been just over a week since I brought home my 2025 Ford Bronco Big Bend with the 7-speed manual transmission, and I’m already obsessed. As someone who believes driving should be more than just commuting, this truck speaks to the soul. It’s got attitude, purpose, and most importantly – a stick shift. It’s the kind of vehicle that makes you take the long way home, just to downshift one more time.

I picked up the Bronco from Brown Bros Ford in Vancouver, and while the overall buying experience was smooth and professional, I’ll be honest, not everything was perfect. But more on that in a bit.

For now, let me take you through what it’s like to own and drive this unique, manual-equipped beast of an SUV, why I chose it over the Tacoma and Wrangler, and what little quirks you might want to watch out for if you’re thinking about getting one yourself.

Why I Chose the Bronco Big Bend (Manual)

Before pulling the trigger on the Bronco, I did what any reasonable person would do: obsessively research every mid-sized off-road-capable vehicle that still comes with a manual transmission (a sadly shrinking list).

My top contenders were:

  • Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Manual
  • Jeep Wrangler Sport Manual
  • Ford Bronco Big Bend Manual

Each had its own appeal.

Tacoma TRD Manual: Reliable but Rear-Seat Regret

The Tacoma was high on my list. The Toyota name brings with it a reputation for reliability, off-road capability, and resale value. But the rear seat space is unforgivable. With a child in a car seat, the Tacoma’s back row feels like an afterthought. It’s tight, upright, and made me worry that every family drive would turn into an exercise in knees-to-the-back discomfort.

Also, the interior feels a bit stuck in 2014. It’s functional, sure – but compared to the Bronco’s more open and airy cabin with modern tech, it felt claustrophobic and dated.

Jeep Wrangler Sport Manual: Cool Until You Drive It on Pavement

The Wrangler is iconic. The idea of removable doors, folding windshields, and a Jeep badge is tempting, especially for the off-road fantasy in all of us. But after talking to owners and spending time in online forums, I got scared off.

Between suspension issues, electrical gremlins, stiff ride quality, and the infamous death wobble, I realized I’d be trading in peace of mind for trail cred I’d rarely use. Plus, its manual gearbox – while serviceable – didn’t feel as refined as Ford’s Getrag unit in the Bronco.

Driving Experience: The Bronco Makes You Smile

Let’s talk about what it’s like to drive this thing, especially with the manual transmission.

The Stick Shift: Engaging, Smooth, and Fun

This isn’t a sports car, but it delivers genuine joy every time you row through the gears. The clutch is light but gives good feedback. Gear throws are reasonably short for an SUV, and it just feels right, not clunky or vague like you might expect from a rugged 4×4.

And yes, it’s a true 7-speed, with a crawler gear (labeled “C”) for off-road situations. You’ll likely never use C unless you’re climbing boulders or traversing mud pits, but it’s there, and it’s cool.

Rev-Matching: Cool Trick, But Let Me Opt Out!

Ford includes rev-matching on downshifts, which some might love. I personally wish I could turn it off. There’s something deeply satisfying about blipping the throttle and executing your own perfect downshift. Here, the computer does it for you, and while it’s smooth, it robs a bit of the connection.

Ford, if you’re listening: please give us a way to disable rev-match in the manual models. Let the drivers drive.

On-Road Behavior: Surprisingly Civilized

The Bronco’s ride quality impressed me right out of the gate. Despite being body-on-frame and riding on 32-inch tires, it doesn’t bounce or wander like I expected. It tracks straight, soaks up potholes well, and has much better on-road manners than the Jeep.

It’s tall, sure, but the view from the driver’s seat is commanding. Parking is manageable thanks to great visibility and a decent turning radius. The rear camera helps, and the steering is responsive for something this size.

You can daily this thing in the city, no problem. And the best part? It doesn’t feel like you’re driving an appliance. The Bronco engages you every time you start it up.

Interior Comfort and Family Friendliness

Despite its rugged bones, the Bronco Big Bend is remarkably comfortable inside. The seats are supportive on long drives. The cabin is upright and spacious, with plenty of headroom, even for tall folks like me. And rear-seat passengers actually have legroom, a concept foreign to the Tacoma.

I installed a child seat in the back and still had room for my front seat to recline. That alone was a deciding factor.

The interior materials aren’t luxury-level, but they’re solid, durable, and easy to clean, which is exactly what I want in something I plan to take on dirt roads and mountain trails.

Tech, Features, and Everyday Usefulness

The Big Bend trim offers a sweet spot of features without going overboard:

  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • 8” touchscreen with intuitive UI
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  • Terrain Management System (with Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, Sand)
  • Push-button start
  • Heated seats (Canadian winters, thank you)
  • Rubberized floor mats (which already saved me from a coffee disaster)

It’s enough to make the Bronco feel modern and connected, without becoming a rolling smartphone.

And the customization options? Practically endless. Modular bumpers, roof options, auxiliary switches, winch mounts, side steps, the Bronco is built like an adult LEGO set. I’m already planning a few tweaks once the accessories I ordered finally arrive (more on that later).

The Windshield Problem: Beauty and the Chip

Now, onto my biggest concern, the upright windshield. It gives the Bronco that classic, Jeep-rivaling square-jawed look. It helps visibility. It contributes to the retro charm.

But it’s a magnet for rocks.

Because of the vertical angle, it doesn’t deflect flying debris like a sloped windshield would. Every stone kicked up by a truck ahead slaps the glass dead-on. I’ve read plenty of stories from other owners about chips and cracks happening early.

This brings me to…

Buying from Brown Bros Ford: Mostly Great, One Big Miss

I purchased my Bronco from Brown Bros Ford in Vancouver. The team was helpful and professional, and overall I had a positive experience. Shout-out to Nikhil and Nico, both were responsive throughout the buying process. Nico, in particular, was patient with my many anxious messages (including some rants about tariffs and wait times), and always made sure I got updates.

But I have to mention a disappointing part of the experience.

Where Are My Accessories?

I ordered several accessories with the vehicle, including a hood deflector, which is particularly important given the windshield design. Unfortunately, these were not installed before delivery.

I was told they’d be added later, but I’m still waiting. And frankly, it’s making me nervous to drive the vehicle. I don’t want to be that guy who gets a cracked windshield one week after picking up his dream SUV.

For something so visible and important, I really wish they had prioritized installing the hood deflector before hand-off. At the very least, I’d feel a lot safer driving the vehicle right now.

I hope this gets resolved soon, because it’s the only sour note in an otherwise exciting new chapter of ownership.

Practicality as a Daily Driver

Despite the rugged looks and 4×4 roots, the Bronco Big Bend Manual is absolutely usable as a daily driver. It’s not too big for the city, fits in normal parking spaces, and is easy to maneuver thanks to its visibility and light steering.

It handles cold mornings with heated seats, does school drop-offs without drama, and still looks cool enough that I don’t feel like I gave up fun for function.

Would I drive it across the province? Absolutely. Would I drive it to pick up takeout? Already have. It’s a car that feels at home in every scenario, not just on a trail.

Final Verdict (After 1 Week)

What I Love

  • The manual transmission, fun, engaging, and rare these days
  • Commanding visibility and comfortable cabin
  • Rear-seat space that makes it family-friendly
  • Rugged looks, but daily drivable
  • Customization options galore
  • Competent and balanced on-road ride
  • Strong infotainment and tech package

What Could Be Better

  • No way to disable rev-matching
  • Upright windshield prone to chips
  • Brown Bros Ford didn’t install accessories as promised
  • Still waiting on hood deflector, which feels essential
  • Would love a bit more torque at low RPMs (though it’s adequate)

Would I Buy It Again?

Absolutely. Even with the hiccup around accessories and the windshield paranoia, I don’t regret this purchase one bit. The 2025 Bronco Big Bend Manual is fun, functional, and full of personality. It makes every drive feel intentional. It makes errands more exciting. It makes you want to take a detour.

There’s a reason people wave at other Broncos on the road, it’s a community, not just a car. And if you’re lucky enough to get the manual? You’re part of a club within a club.

Just, Ford… please let us turn off the rev-match. And Brown Bros, I’m still waiting on that hood deflector.

If you’ve been thinking about pulling the trigger on a manual Bronco, here’s your sign. It’s not just a car, it’s a companion. One that stalls occasionally, sure, but also one that makes you feel like you’re driving again.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to downshift unnecessarily — again.