I've had 2 outer banks, one with the optional modular type metal bumper, which btw came with metal skid plates. It was a mid package Bronco with a 4 cylinder. I currently have a high package, 6cyl, with the SAS package Outer Banks. I would have been fine with the first truck had it survived the rear ender, but alas it did not. The only things I had planned to do on the first truck was give it a 2" level kit and add 35's as I like that look better. Had purchased the kit and wheels/tires which were on its way when the accident occurred. My current newer replacement is shod with the wheel tire combo I was putting on the first truck. I would have been totally happy with that first 6g, even with it being School bus yellow.
Great drivers, I liked the 4 cylinder just fine in automatic. Truck isn't meant to tear up the pavement so the power was great. Yea, the new truck has a 6 cylinder but I keep it in Eco mode exclusively unless I'm out on a trail. I test drove a 4cyl standard when seeking a replacement, that thing shifted great... Better than the Ford Focus RS I was coming out of. I do not believe you would go wrong with the Outer Banks. For what its worth, my 2c.