2023 Ford Bronco Base
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $37,791–$47,932 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2023 Ford Bronco Base at 7.6/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.3/10, while Technology at 7.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.1/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.0/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.3/10. The Ford Bronco Base delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Tech rates a reasonable 7.0/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $37,791–$47,932, 20 MPG, seating 5, the Ford Bronco Base sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.4/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2023 Ford Bronco Base is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2023 Ford Bronco Base ranks #737 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 70% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $37,791 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $50k →
| Fuel (75,000 miles) | ~$13,125 ($2,625/year at $3.50/gal) |
|---|---|
| Insurance | Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying |
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Across the Bronco Base model years we've scored, the 2023 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.7/10 | $40,128 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $38,960 | Read review → |
| 2023 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $37,791 | |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $36,622 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.6/10 | $35,453 | Read review → |
We rate the 2023 Ford Bronco Base's reliability 7.1/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.
It scores 7.6/10 overall, ranking #737 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 70% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2023 Ford Bronco Base starts at $37,791 and ranges up to $47,932 across trims (MSRP when new). At 20 MPG, expect roughly $2,625/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
No standout weak years: across the 5 Bronco Base model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.7/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
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Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.