The 2021 Ford Bronco’s cool and unusual seven-speed manual transmission (with a “dogleg” shift pattern that includes a crawler gear at the bottom left position and six, typically placed, forward gears for day-to-day driving), is the sort of thing that gets our attention. For one, there’s no denying the extra level of connection you get from driving a manual transmission vehicle—if you get it, you get it. And that crawler gear, combined with the Bronco’s robust four-wheel-drive system’s two-speed transfer case and various off-road driving modes, should provide some incredible low-speed control over any really technical stuff. But if you want it with the Sasquatch package, then, for now, you’re out of luck.
Ford states the Sasquatch package will only be available with the SUV’s optional 10-speed automatic transmission. That’s a fine gearbox, but it’s disappointing that Ford is making consumers choose between the manual transmission and the best factory-backed off-road kit. Remember, the Sasquatch package adds 17-inch beadlock-compatible wheels wrapped in 35-inch mud tires, an electromechanical transfer case, locking front and rear axles, larger fender flares, additional suspension clearance, and heavy-duty Bilstein shocks to any trim. Even the base Bronco.
But there’s a glimmer of good news. A Ford spokesperson, responding to a conversation on Twitter about this very subject, suggested that Ford is open to offering the Sasquatch with a manual. Basically, the company is collecting feedback on the issue. If you want to make your opinion heard, get ahold of Ford through your preferred medium here.
There’s certainly no guarantee that Ford will change its mind, even with strong feedback from the public. But if no one pipes up, the window of opportunity closes even further. If it’s something you feel strongly about, speak up—politely, please.
