Blog > Ford Bronco Test Drive: A Local Mom Takes the 2026 Big Bend for a Spin

Ford Bronco Test Drive: A Local Mom Takes the 2026 Big Bend for a Spin

TL;DR: What happens when a local Fraser Valley mom who loves SUVs takes the 2026 Ford Bronco Big Bend for a test drive? In Episode 2 of Honest Rides, Nikki (founder of Kiki and Me) and her daughter Kinsley take Ford’s iconic SUV out on the road. From its smooth handling and massive touchscreen to removable doors and drain plugs under the seats, this unscripted test drive shows what everyday drivers really think when experiencing the new Bronco for the first time.

Check our stock of Ford Bronco Trucks

Watch Honest Rides Episode 2 below.

Can an SUV Win Over a Daily Driver?

For many families, one question comes up before anything else:

Does an off-road-capable vehicle still work for everyday life?

That was exactly the question facing Nikki, a local business owner who grew up in the Fraser Valley and recently moved to Chilliwack. As a mom carrying gear, running errands, and traveling between local markets, she’s always favored functional SUVs over smaller vehicles.

Nikki wasn’t actively shopping at a dealership—she simply agreed to hop behind the wheel of the 2026 Ford Bronco Big Bend as part of MSA Ford’s Honest Rides series.

  • No scripts.
  • No sales pitch.
  • Just an honest conversation about how it handles in the real world.

Meet Nikki & Kinsley

Nikki wasn’t selected because she was a car salesperson. In fact, she runs her own local handcrafted goods business, Kiki and Me (named after her daughter Kinsley), specializing in candles, macramé, and accessories.

Guest Profile:

  • Name: Nikki (and her daughter, Kinsley)
  • Background: Grew up in Mission, lived in Abbotsford, currently lives in Chilliwack
  • Business: Owner of Kiki and Me
  • Driving Style: Prioritizes space, comfort, safety, and versatility for family road trips and camping
  • Fun Fact: Always dreamed of having a pink Bronco!

Every Test Drive Helps the Community

Every Honest Rides episode supports more than just automotive education.

  1. Participants receive a gift card to a local business for taking part.
  2. MSA Ford donates $25 to the Abbotsford Food Bank and gives $25 to the participant.
  3. At the end of each drive, guests answer five quick questions about the vehicle. Every correct answer earns an additional $5 towards their gift card or the food bank.

It’s a simple idea: Discover a new vehicle, support local businesses, and give back to the community.

First Impressions: Built for Adventure (and Spills!)

The first surprises came right when Nikki adjusted her seat.

Modular & Washable Interior

Because the Bronco is designed for real off-road adventure, it includes practical utility features like floor drain plugs right under the seats.

If you spill your coffee, get muddy after a day outdoors, or hose down the interior after camping, you can pull the plugs and let the water drain directly through to the ground.

Removable Doors & Roof

Nikki loved the classic style and heritage of the Bronco relaunch. The controls for the windows are located on the center console rather than the doors—a deliberate design choice so drivers can completely remove the doors and roof for open-air driving.

Tech, Comfort, and Daily Utility

During the drive around town, Nikki and the host explored several tech and comfort features inside the 2026 Big Bend trim:

  • Massive Center Screen: Offers direct media connectivity (including watching YouTube while parked and safe).
  • Buckle-Up Visualizer: Displays exactly who is sitting where and whether everyone’s seatbelt is fastened—a favorite feature for parents.
  • Dual-Zone Climate Control: Keeps both front passengers comfortable with individual controls and heated front seats.
  • Smart Driving Aids: Equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (adjusts speed dynamically with traffic) and Lane-Keep Assist.

Performance & Capability

Under the hood, the 2026 Bronco Big Bend features a 2.3L EcoBoost® Turbocharged Engine producing approximately 270 horsepower.

Off-Road Intelligence

The digital cluster features real-time pitch, roll, and angle displays, along with power distribution readouts across the axles. Combined with Ford’s G.O.A.T. Modes (Go Over Any Type of Terrain), it’s built for everything from rock crawling to highway cruising.

Towing Power

With the available trailer tow prep package, the Bronco can tow up to 3,500 lbs—perfect for pulling a pair of jet skis, a utility trailer, ATVs, or a lightweight camper for weekend family trips.

The Honest Rides Quiz

At the end of the drive, Nikki took on the 5-question challenge to raise extra money for charity:

  • Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs with the proper tow package (Correct!)
  • Cruise Control Type: Adaptive Cruise Control (Correct!)
  • Screen Features: Media and video playback when safely parked (Correct!)
  • Engine & Horsepower: 2.3L EcoBoost / ~270 HP (Correct!)
  • Bonus Feature: Removable doors and roof (Correct!)

Nikki aced the quiz, earning full bonus points for the community initiative!

Nikki’s Honest Verdict

After pulling into the parking lot, Nikki gave her genuine impression of the 2026 Bronco:

“It handles so nice… It’s so smooth. It’s a good ride, I really like it.”

She highlighted its balance of heavy-duty capability with smooth city street handling, spacious seating for kids and cargo, and intuitive dashboard tech.

Why Honest Rides Is Different

Most vehicle reviews come from automotive journalists reading spec sheets. Honest Rides is different. It features real people from around the Fraser Valley:

  • Local business owners
  • Parents
  • Community members
  • Everyday drivers

No rehearsed scripts—just authentic conversations showing what it’s actually like to live with these vehicles.

Experience the Ford Bronco at MSA Ford

Ready to see what driving a new Ford Bronco feels like?

Visit MSA Ford in the Fraser Valley Automall in Abbotsford to book your test drive. Experience the handling, explore the modular interior, and discover why the Bronco continues to be a favorite across the Valley!