Ford currently sells 7 different models of its Bronco off-roader, each with its merits. Regular powertrain choices include a 300-horse turbocharged four-cylinder or a 330-horse twin-turbo V6. There is a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 that produces 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque, but this wicked mill is only paired with the range-topping, Baja 1000-ready Bronco Raptor. Until 2027 that is, as Ford is opening up the order books on an all-new Bronco special edition…the Filson.
All photography by Tyler Stender, see the full gallery here.
Eddie Bauer 2.0
Back in the late 80s and early 90s, Ford partnered with Eddie Bauer to great acclaim. At least in my mind. Eddie Bauer Fords had a whiff of fancy with that signature two-tone gold exterior and spruced-up cabin with extra leathery-wooden goodness. Fun fact: Though the Explorer was easily the most common Eddie Bauer-ed Blue Oval product, Ford also applied it to the big old Aerostar and the short-lived Taurus X. Since then, Eddie Bauer has, um, not done great. Enter Filson.
A long-running, iconic American outdoor gear brand, Filson earned its stripes outfitting folks who did things like prospect during the Klondike Gold Rush along with the U.S. Forest Service. Today, it remains a high-end supplier of ruggedly handsome goods, from shirts and coats to bags and bibs. In other words, the perfect partner to a Ford Bronco in need of a new special edition.
No Need, All Want
Now, I’m already a big fan of the Bronco. It’s just a cool rig. I have no real need for one, but that doesn’t I don’t very much want one. So getting a look at the upcoming Bronco Filson in Boston was an all-but-guaranteed hit in my book. Which is how Tyler and I found ourselves in the Boston Seaport a couple days ago, ogling Ford’s modern take on an outdoor brand vehicle collab. And oh my, did they nail it. Especially in First Edition duds.
Filson First Edition Is The One To Have
Only a couple thousand examples of the Bronco Filson First Edition are expected, according to Sean, a Ford marketing rep onsite in Boston who has earned the affectionate nickname “Bronco Jesus”. The regular Bronco Filson is a looker in its Field Green finish, but only First Edition buyers will behold the Iron Sands Copper Metallic paint job Ford has conjured. As you can see by Tyler’s photography skills, this is THE color to have.
Raptor Engine, Defender Vibes
With the color-keyed hardtop, mirror caps, and wheel arches, I daresay you’re looking at a Land Rover Defender competitor. And on the topic of wheel arches, note that these are of the so-called “narrow body” Bronco variety. Not to be confused with the extra-wide pieces found on the Bronco Raptor. Wicked as the Raptor may be, the extra width needed to cover its beefier suspension and wheels feels a bit afterthoughty to me. Regular narrow-body Broncos are more visually appealing in my book, and now, with the Filson edition, you can have the big, bad engine and the classy body lines.
Other key Bronco Filson goodies include everything from the existing Sasquatch package. 35” all-terrains, e-locking front and rear diffs, all the GOAT drive modes, and a special Filson-tune for the trick Fox dampers. One needs all the off-road things when one is out hunting big game, fly fishing, competing in the Iditarod, and doing other Bronco x Filson-y things after all.
Bronco x Filson Is A Handsome Devil
As for aesthetics, it’s all here, and I must say, looking very sharp. Outside, you’ll find a special front-end treatment, exclusive wheels with much dopeness, requisite fender badging, and a Filsonified spare tire carrier. Even the trail sight tie-downs have been updated to allow for longer gear, like canoes, per Ford. Inside, quilted leather and Filson-inspired twill cover the seats along with a touch of logo embossing and a splash of bronze trim. The dash is wrapped, Filson-branded storage bags are spread throughout, and, on the First Edition, a serialized plaque sits on the center console.
Final pricing has yet to be announced for the 2027 Bronco Filson, but Ford has pegged it in the mid-$70,000 range. So, above the current Stroppe Edition and below the mighty Raptor. The want, it is strong with this one.
About the author: Niel Stender is an automotive journalist. See more of his work on MuckRack.