In skiing, the toughest trails are those marked with a black diamond. They have the steepest inclines, the most moguls and obstacles, and the quickest tracks. Black diamonds are meant for expert skiers. Those with inexperience or a faint heart need not apply. Back in my skiing days, I used to love going down black diamonds. That was until I tore up my left knee on one during President’s Day weekend 20 years ago. It is no surprise to me that when Ford decided to come out with its toughest Bronco Sport model yet, it decided to name this special package the Black Diamond.
The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is already an impressive model. A smaller, more road-friendly version of the Bronco, the Bronco Sport features many of the same systems that make these two of the best off-road SUVs on the market today. The difference is that the Bronco Sport is a subcompact SUV with a lower sales price, smaller engine, and overall better fuel economy. Nevertheless, it is built Ford Tough, meaning that the engineers at Ford have equipped the Bronco Sport with systems and features to tackle the toughest trails you are going to encounter. This is especially the case if you opt for the available Black Diamond package.
Standard Features That Are Out of the Ordinary
The Black Diamond package is available on the Big Bend and Outer Banks trims of the 2023 Bronco Sport. This means that you get the standard equipment from each of these trim levels, plus the features of the Black Diamond package. This will help you push your Ford Bronco Sport to the limit.
While there are two different engines offered on the 2023 Bronco Sport, the Black Diamond package comes with the smaller of the two, a 1.5-liter EcoBoost Turbo I-3 gas engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine has a dual overhead camshaft design, with 12 valves feeding the three cylinders. Like many Ford engines, it utilizes a combination of port and direct fuel injection to reap the rewards of both methodologies. As a result, this engine makes up to 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque.
The Ford Bronco Sport is perfect for those who are concerned about fuel economy. The Big Bend and Outer Banks models both provide solid numbers, giving you 25 miles per gallon in city driving and 28 miles per gallon on the highway. Auto stop-start is included to further improve fuel economy. As a result, these Bronco Sport models can serve as perfect commuter vehicles during the week as well as off-roading on the weekends.
All Bronco Sport models include standard four-wheel drive, which is an absolute must if you plan to take your vehicle off-roading. The Bronco Sport also has the G.O.A.T. modes, which stands for “Goes Over Any type of Terrain.” This model also has a HOSS suspension system to help smooth out the rough spots of the trail, so your passengers can enjoy the ride without feeling like they’re going to lose their lunch.
The Black Diamond Package Is No Diamond in the Rough
While you can take your 2023 Ford Bronco Sport trail running right out off the lot, the Black Diamond package adds a number of features that will give you peace of mind while off-roading. The Black Diamond package adds four steel bash plates, which protect the fuel tank, transfer case, canister shield, and underbody from damage caused by rocks and other debris along the trail. A front metal skid plate protects the Bronco Sport’s front end from protruding rocks. It is not unusual to butt up against these when off-roading, particularly if you misjudged your vehicle’s approach angle.
Ford has also given the Black Diamond package 17-inch carbonized gray low-gloss aluminum wheels exclusive to this package. They come wrapped with 225/65R17 all-terrain tires to improve the grip and performance over these two trim levels’ standard wheels and tires. Ford has also added a special matte black hood decal featuring the Bronco logo unique to the Black Diamond package, as well as “Bronco” graphics on the two front doors. With these sharp looks and added protection, you will have no problem taking on black diamond style off-road challenges.
A Black Diamond Bronco Off-Roadeo
Since the Bronco Sport is named for a horse, it’s not really that surprising that Ford offers drivers the opportunity to attend a number of Bronco Off-Roadeo events. These are designed to introduced Bronco Sport owners to the joys of pushing their vehicles to the limit while out on the trail.
“For adventurers who want to get more from their Bronco Sport, we’re enhancing ownership experience by offering more trail capability with the new Black Diamond Off-Road Package, plus an included opportunity to learn what their SUV can do at Bronco Off-Roadeo,” explains Mark Grueber, Ford’s Enthusiast Vehicle Marketing Manager.
This year, Ford will be hosting four Off-Roadeo experiences. These will be held at Horseshoe Bay in Texas, just outside of Austin, Mt. Potosi, Nevada near Las Vegas, Moab, Utah, and Gilford, New Hampshire. You should plan ahead for one that is nearest to you.
These Bronco Off-Roadeo events feature the chance to meet with off-road experts who will impart knowledge and wisdom about how each feature works on your Ford Bronco Sport Black Diamond. They will also teach you how to approach each obstacle, how to address the situation, and the best way to get up, over, or around the rocks, trees, or debris that are confronting you on the trail.
Attending one of these Bronco Off-Roadeo events will give you greater confidence in your Bronco Sport the next time you go off-roading. You will also have a better sense of how each feature on your Bronco Sport Black Diamond works, and how to maximize your experience every time you hit the trail. The key is to build upon your learning each time you go off-roading so that you have the experience, knowledge, and confidence you need to get through any obstacle you encounter.
Always Bet on Black Diamond
Choosing the right vehicle for off-roading is critical to an off-road enthusiast. This is no different than choosing the right skis for hitting a black diamond trail. The Black Diamond package on the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport provides all the equipment you are going to need to tackle the toughest trails, as well as entry into the Ford Bronco Off-Roadeo events. By going with the Black Diamond, you will have the confidence to handle black diamond level trails on your next off-road adventure.
