Ford Bronco Filson Soothes, Does Not Civilize the BroncoFord (Ford)Ford will add the new Filson to its Bronco lineup early next year.Coming off-road-ready with big tires, meaty diffs, and it's own take on the Bronco Raptor's V6 engine, the beast also gets refinements to make it quieter.Look for it in early 2027 priced in the mid-70s.The Ford Bronco will get yet another new edition early next year, after the 2026 Bill Stroppe Edition, Heritage Edition, and 60th Anniversary Edition. This one will be called the Filson Edition. Yes, Filson.The coming Bronco Filson gets new trim, softer suspension, and added sound insulation, along with, most impressively, its own version of the 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 as the current Raptor, which makes 418 ponies there, though horsepower specs were not released for the Filson rig.AdvertisementAdvertisementBut just because it's getting new trim, softer suspension, and better sound insulation doesn't mean it's getting civilized. Ford fears that might dent its rugged reputation. The Blue Oval wants to make sure no one says that the Bronco Filson is more civilized than the rest of the Bronco line."This is not luxury," said chief engineer Ed Krenz, with practiced adamance.Well then, if it's not luxury, what is it? And first of all, what the heck is a Filson?Ford (Ford)C.C. Filson's Pioneer Alaska Clothing and Blanket Manufacturers began making outdoor gear in 1897 for rugged miners heading north to the Klondike Gold Rush. That company's still in business, with a small manufacturing facility and store in Seattle, other stores across the US and Canada, and even two in Italy. While most Filson clothing manufacturing has been offshored, Filson maintains an authentic, outdoorsy, American vibe—picture men in hats posing next to strings of trout, or over a downed deer.AdvertisementAdvertisementYou may recall the Ford Eddie Bauer Edition Explorers, Expeditions, Broncos, F-150s, and even Aerostars and Taurus Xs. Eddie Bauer was another 100-year-old Seattle clothing manufacturer that licensed itself to Ford. But after Eddie Bauer declared bankruptcy in 2009 and again in 2026, Ford needed another rugged outdoorsy brand with which to align itself. Enter the Filson.Ford (Ford)Ford says the Bronco Filson gets:The Sasquatch off-road package with front and rear electronic-locking differentials.Standard high-performance Fox shocks with internal bypass technology to improve off-road durability and reduce harshness over rocky terrain.Standard 35-inch rugged-terrain tires—the largest of any premium 4x4 SUV that help reduce road noise without sacrificing off-road grip.Standard Trail Turn Assist to tighten off-road turning radius.Trail 1-Pedal Drive for "precise and confident" slow-mode rock crawling.Terrain Management System to navigate any type of terrain.Seven driver-selectable modes including Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Baja, Off-Road, and Rock Crawl for off-road driving.And that proven 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 shared with the Bronco Raptor and refined with application-specific tuning. Output was not listed but in the Raptor it gets 418 hp.So it's a pretty capable off-roader to begin with. But the Bronco in general is loud and a little crude, like your friend from high school who insists you meet for drinks. You, and some Bronco buyers, may be ready to trade up for some refinement.AdvertisementAdvertisementSo Filson offers improved external airflow, acoustic glass, and enhanced seals to reduce wind and road noise almost 20 percent versus the 2021 Bronco, "…creating a more refined, comfortable space for conversation, music, and the journey ahead."Ford (Ford)There are also ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and an upgraded Bang & Olufsen-branded audio system to take advantage of the new quiet. In fact, Ford says, "…the Bronco Filson offers a quiet, climate-controlled retreat when the weather outside turns harsh."Just don't call it "civilized."Inside, the Filson gets handy, soft-sided storage bags throughout, a new digital rearview mirror to see over all the gear, power running boards, a new grille, painted wheel arches, painted mirror caps, and exclusive trail sights on the outer corners of the hood that serve as tie-downs for securing longer items like canoes and moose carcasses.AdvertisementAdvertisementA First Edition model will come slathered in exclusive Iron Sands Copper Metallic exterior paint, a unique fender badge, a custom serialized console badge commemorating the collaboration, and its own Filson-inspired cargo storage bags.Pricing wasn't announced but expect it to start in the mid-70s. You can place an order this fall, and deliveries will start in early 2027. Sounds like a civilized plan.The last few workers at Filson in Seattle.Mark Vaughn (Mark Vaughn)
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