The last time people got excited about a Ford Bronco was 1994. The people of Ford just revealed that they are reviving the Ford Bronco with their 2021 addition, paying homage to the classic Bronco. The 1966-1977 models. At the same time, they are giving the beloved Bronco a much-needed modern twist. It has been nearly 24 years since Ford made the Bronco, and if this bad boy does not drop some panties. I do not know what will.
The newly designed 2021 Bronco, engineered with a highly capable chassis and drivetrain, is going to challenge the Jeep Wranglers off-roading capabilities. Although on paper, the Jeep Wrangler and the Ford Bronco have similar specs. If you take a closer look, you will see the difference.
Both companies’ off-road vehicles offer a 4-cylinder and a V6. Fords Bronco starts its offerings at a 2.3-liter EcoBoost. If this sounds familiar, it is because Ford offers this engine in the newly revived Ford Ranger. This engine cranks out 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand. Although comparable on the horsepower only produces 295 pound-feet in torque. Having a one up in torque gives the Ford Bronco a slight edge in this category.
That is not all that sets these two off-road kings apart. They use different types of suspension systems. Jeep has stuck with older technology in a solid axle system. While the Ford Bronco has opted for an independent front suspension system. This may seem arbitrary. But there are differences between the two types of systems.
If you are familiar with driving Jeeps like we are. You know that they handle like a boat and the ride is not the smoothest. This is because with a solid axel, if you hit a bump in the road, one side goes down and the other side goes up. Making for an extremely uncomfortable ride.
With an independent front suspension, you do not have this problem. If one wheel hits a hole in the road, only that wheel goes down. It moves independently from everything else. Hence the name independent front suspension.
Ford has spared no expense making this vehicle an off-road juggernaut. They even paid attention to the function of the electronics by adding impressive and inventive technology such as an off-road performance application programmed into your 12-inch, touchscreen head unit.
Getting lost on the trail is not going to be a thing anymore with this app. The application in your center infotainment system is equipped with over 1,000 trail maps. NeoTreks’ AccuTerra Maps, as well as Fun Treks trail guides. Offline maps are save-able, so you do not need to worry about losing the maps and your whereabouts when you are off the beaten path.
Ford is offering hundreds of accessories that you can pick up when you are picking out your new Bronco. Ford’s goal is to hit Jeep hard when it comes to the accessory game. Have you ever gone mudding and forgotten to bring a bottle opener for your cold beer? No longer do you have to remember to bring a bottle. You will find a bottle opener on the cargo door. That is right! A bottle opener! When was the last time Jeep did something sick like this?
Ford announced that there are seven trims to choose from for this upcoming SUV.
For M/T Base
- Available in two- or four-door
- 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
- Manual transmission (six-speed plus a crawler gear).
- Four-wheel drive
- Includes 16-inch steel wheels, LED headlights, cloth seats, carpeted flooring and
- Has eight-inch touchscreen in the interior
For A/T:
- 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 (or automatic transmission with the four-cylinder)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Advanced four-wheel-drive system comes along with it — you can also tack on an
- 17-inch bead lock-capable wheels wrapped in 35-inch mud-terrain tires
- Electronic-locking front and rear axles
- 4.7:1 final drive ratio
- Bilstein shocks
- High-clearance suspension and fender flares
Big Bend – This is named after the national park in Texas and meant to be slightly more upscale than the Base.
- Available in two- or four-door
- Same powertrain story as the Base
- 17-inch gray-painted aluminum wheels
- 32-inch all-terrain tires
- LED fog lamps
- With “carbonized” gray grille
- Has a leather-wrapped steering wheel
- With shift knob and privacy glass
- Has a sixth mode to the GOAT (Go Over Any Terrain) mode switcher
- Heated front seats (optional)
For A/T:
- Heated front seats
- Keyless entry and remote start
- 110-volt power outlet
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Rear parking sensors
- Sync infotainment system
- Co-Pilot 360 suite of driver assistance systems
Black Diamond -This has the features of Big Bend with more off-roading equipment and materials
Includes the following:
- Heavy-duty steel bumpers
- Rock rails
- Bash plates
- 17-inch black-painted steel wheels
- 32-inch all-terrain tires
- Vinyl-trimmed seats
- Rubberized washable floor
- Auxiliary switches built in the overhead console
- Has a 7th mode to the GOAT mode switcher
Note: All the optional equipment is the same with the Big Bend trim (V6, Sasquatch Package and Mid Package)
Outer Banks – This is created with different styling than the first three trims. It also includes all the Big Bend equipment. In addition to the Sasquatch Package, you can also combine it with the High Package, Lux Package, and leather seats.
Additional accessories include:
- Body-colored door handles
- Mirrors
- Fender flares
- Black-painted 18-inch aluminum wheels (for Mid Package)
- 32-inch all-terrain tires (for Mid Package)
- “Signature” LED headlights and taillights (for Mid Package)
- Powder-coated tube steps (for Mid Package)
- Heated cloth front seats (for Mid Package)
- Only has 6th mode to the GOAT mode switcher
Additional accessories for certain package:
- 12-inch touchscreen display (High Package)
- 360-degree camera (High Package)
- Sound deadening (High Package)
- Forward parking sensors (High Package)
- Side view mirror approach lighting (High Package)
- 10-speaker B&O audio system (Lux Package)
- Heated steering wheel (Lux Package)
- Wireless charging pad (Lux Package)
- Universal garage door opener (Lux Package)
- Two additional USB ports (Lux Package)
- Adaptive cruise control with Evasive Steering Assist and navigation (Lux Package)
Wildtrak – Ford called this as the “all-out desert runner” version. It includes all of the standard equipment from the Outer Banks trim. It can be combined with the Mid and Sasquatch package.
- Has a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 engine
- 10-speed automatic standard
- Built with more advanced four-wheel-drive system
- Has a 7th GOAT mode which makes it a Baja mode
- Has a black-painted hard top roof
- Made with Wildtrak hood graphic
- Leather seats (can be availed for both High Package and Lux Package)
Badlands – This is named after the Badlands National Park. Sasquatch Package, Mid Package, High Package and Lux Package are available. The V6 engine option is omitted in this trim.
- Unique heavy-duty suspension setup
- With a front stabilizer bar disconnect on the suspension
- Standard four-cylinder and manual transmission
- 17-inch gray-painted aluminum wheels
- 33-inch all-terrain tires
- Steel bumpers
- Vinyl-trimmed seats
- Washout rubberized flooring
- Auxiliary switches
- 7 different modes on the GOAT switcher
- Leather seats (can be added separately from the packages)
First Edition – Only 3500 units will be built for this trim and it is all sold out! It is the limited edition of the Bronco for the first model year. It has all off-road performance and luxury combined into this model. This trim also features a special styling package but there are no optional packages. This lineup includes the Mid, High and Lux packages and Sasquatch Package.
- Same as the Badlands mechanicals and heavy-duty suspension
- Same Outer Banks interior and Wildtrak exterior
- First Edition hood
- Has a unique interior spec
- With body side graphics
- Shadow Black-painted hardtop
- Safari bar
- Carpeted flooring
- Leather seats (power driver seat)
Aside from the famous Mustang, the classic Ford Bronco has left an undeniable heritage for Ford. The Bronco itself has created history by being a brand of its own. With its revival, Ford is being hopeful that the comeback will make for more sales and do justice to the beloved Bronco.
We just hope it lives up to its former glory day and can’t wait to drive our vary own Ford Bronco.
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