The Ford Bronco’s 7-speed manual and 10-speed automatic are not just two ways to shift; each unlocks different off-road features. The manual brings a crawler “granny gear,” a crank-in-gear function and Hill Descent Control, while the automatic brings Trail Control, Trail Turn Assist, Trail One-Pedal Driving and remote start. For most Nassau County drivers the automatic is the better daily tool, but the manual has a devoted following for good reason. Here is how to choose.
Bottom Line: Choose the 10-speed automatic if the Bronco is a commuter or family vehicle; choose the 7-speed manual if you want the crawler gear and the most engaging Bronco you can buy, and you are fine with the 2.3L engine.
- Manual: 2.3L EcoBoost only, includes crawler gear, crank-in-gear and Hill Descent Control
- Automatic: available with every engine, includes Trail Control, Trail Turn Assist, Trail One-Pedal Driving and rear HVAC on 4-Doors
- Standard on Outer Banks, Stroppe Edition and Raptor; the manual is standard on Base, Big Bend, Badlands and Heritage with the 2.3L
The 7-Speed Manual: Crawler Gear and Hill Descent Control
Ford’s 7-speed manual is really a 6-speed with an extra-low crawler ratio, often called the granny gear. That gear is meant for creeping over rocks or through deep sand at walking pace without slipping the clutch. The transmission also has a crank-in-gear function, so you can start the engine while in gear on a steep incline, and Hill Descent Control is included with the manual to hold a steady speed on downhill sections.
The manual is tied to the 2.3L EcoBoost, which makes 275 hp and 315 lb-ft on regular fuel (300 hp and 325 lb-ft on premium). It is standard on Base, Big Bend, Badlands and Heritage Edition when the four-cylinder is selected, and it comes with a molded gear shift knob. You cannot pair it with the 2.7L V6 or with the Raptor’s 3.0L. Our 2.3L vs 2.7L engine comparison covers the output gap that decision creates.
The 10-Speed Automatic: Trail Control and One-Pedal Driving
The 10-speed automatic unlocks a different set of off-road aids. Trail Control is off-road cruise control that manages throttle and braking at low speed. Trail Turn Assist brakes the inside rear wheel to tighten the turning circle on narrow trails. Trail One-Pedal Driving lets you modulate both acceleration and braking with the throttle alone in technical terrain.
On the road, the automatic adds conveniences the manual cannot: remote start with the Mid Package, and rear HVAC vents on 4-Door models. It includes a transmission oil cooler and a leather gear shift knob. It is the only transmission offered with the 2.7L V6 and the 3.0L V6, and it is standard on Outer Banks, Stroppe Edition and Raptor. New for 2026, it can also be ordered on the Heritage Edition with the 2.3L, a change we cover in our 2026 Heritage Edition guide.
"The manual Bronco buyer usually knows before they walk in. They want the crawler gear and three pedals on the beach at Robert Moses. Everyone else, especially anyone commuting on the Wantagh or Meadowbrook, is better served by the ten-speed and remote start in the winter."
General Manager, Levittown Ford
Manual vs. Automatic: Scorecard
| Feature | 7-Speed Manual | 10-Speed Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Engines | 2.3L EcoBoost only | ✓ 2.3L, 2.7L V6, 3.0L V6 |
| Low-speed crawling | ✓ Crawler gear, crank-in-gear | Trail Control, One-Pedal Driving |
| Descent assistance | Hill Descent Control | Trail Control manages descents |
| Tight-trail maneuvering | Driver skill | ✓ Trail Turn Assist |
| Remote start (Mid Package) | Not available | ✓ Included |
| Rear HVAC (4-Door) | Not available | ✓ Included |
| Trims where standard | Base, Big Bend, Badlands, Heritage (2.3L) | Outer Banks, Stroppe Edition, Raptor |
Both transmissions work with every drive mode. G.O.A.T. Modes, the locking axles in Sasquatch and the front stabilizer bar disconnect are independent of the gearbox, so a manual Badlands Sasquatch is every bit as capable as an automatic one. See our Bronco off-road capability guide for how those systems work together.
Curious how each feels? Browse Levittown Ford’s Bronco inventory to find both transmissions in stock, or check current Bronco specials.
Which Transmission Is Right for Nassau County Driving?
Daily driving on the Southern State, Meadowbrook or LIE: automatic. Stop-and-go traffic, remote start on cold mornings, and the option to add adaptive cruise control through the Lux Package make it the practical choice for the majority of Levittown and East Meadow buyers.
Weekend truck with a second daily driver: either. If you enjoy driving a manual, the Bronco’s is one of the few left in a body-on-frame 4x4, and the crawler gear is a genuine tool on soft sand at Smith Point.
Anyone who wants the V6 or Raptor: automatic, because it is the only option. Likewise, anyone who wants Outer Banks or Stroppe Edition gets the automatic as standard. Safety systems are the same either way; federal test results are posted at the NHTSA vehicle ratings site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Ford Bronco trims offer a manual transmission? Base, Big Bend, Badlands and Heritage Edition, and only with the 2.3L EcoBoost. Outer Banks, Stroppe Edition and Raptor are automatic-only.
Can I get the Bronco V6 with a manual? No. The 2.7L V6 and the Raptor’s 3.0L V6 are paired exclusively with the 10-speed automatic.
What is the Bronco’s crawler gear? It is the extra-low first ratio in the 7-speed manual, designed for very slow, controlled movement over rocks or through sand without riding the clutch.
What do Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist do? Trail Control is low-speed off-road cruise control that manages throttle and braking. Trail Turn Assist brakes the inside rear wheel to tighten turns on narrow trails. Both come with the 10-speed automatic.
Does the manual Bronco get Hill Descent Control? Yes. Hill Descent Control is included with the 7-speed manual. Raptor, which is automatic-only, does not include it because Trail Control handles the same task.
Is the manual Bronco harder to find on Long Island? Automatics are far more common in stock because they sell in higher volume. Levittown Ford can locate or order a manual in your preferred trim and color.
Drive Both at Levittown Ford
Levittown Ford serves Levittown, East Meadow, Wantagh, Seaford and all of Nassau County. Browse Bronco inventory, view current specials, or contact us to book a back-to-back test drive of both transmissions.