Top 10: Facts about the 2021 Ford Bronco

After much anticipation, Ford has finally unveiled the 2021 Bronco family of SUVs. Here are ten things worth knowing about these all-new arrivals:

1. The 2021 Bronco range actually consists of two distinct models

The Bronco (which is being built in 2-Door and longer 4-Door forms) has rugged body-on-frame construction. Its separate high-strength steel chassis is essentially shared with the Ford Ranger pick-up.

Ford Bronco 2-Door (2021) Front Side
Bronco 2-Door

Ford Bronco 4-Door (2021) Rear Side
Bronco 4-Door

Alternatively, the less extreme Bronco Sport is based on the same platform that underpins the Ford Escape.

Ford Bronco 2-Door (2021) Sport
Bronco Sport

2. Deciding on a specification could be an intensive process

Besides a Base variant, the Bronco line-up comprises Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Wildtrak, Badlands and, for a limited period, First Edition trim grades. Then there’s a selection of eleven paintwork colours, too.

A slightly more straightforward situation for the Bronco Sport involves just five choices: Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands and First Edition.

Ford Bronco 2-Door (2021) Dashboard

3. Ford is offering plenty of cost options

In addition to umpteen factory options, Bronco buyers will be faced with in excess of 200 dealer-installed accessories. Personalisation and customisation are easily achievable, in other words.

For the Bronco Sport, that accessory number is roughly halved. Even so, four themed packages named Bike, Camping, Snow and Water have been devised to help make things simpler.

Ford Bronco 2-Door (2021) Top

4. Powertrains vary by version

The Bronco may be equipped with either 2.3 litre I4 or 2.7 litre V6 EcoBoost turbocharged gasoline engines. The former is expected to produce 270 bhp (201 kW / 273 PS) plus 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of peak torque, while the latter outputs 310 bhp (231 kW / 314 PS) and 542 Nm (400 lb-ft).

A seven-speed manual transmission (six and a low-ratio crawler gear) is available exclusively for the 2.3 litre I4. Otherwise, a ten-speed SelectShift automatic gets fitted.

Ordinarily, the Bronco Sport features a 1.5 litre EcoBoost unit with 181 bhp (134 kW / 183 PS) and 257 Nm (190 lb-ft). However, Badlands and First Edition examples receive a 2.0 litre EcoBoost motor instead that’s rated at 245 bhp (182 kW / 248 PS) and 372 Nm (275 lb-ft). An eight-speed automatic is the sole transmission.

Ford Bronco 4-Door (2021) Front Side

5. Off-road ability should be impressive

The basic part-time 4x4 set-up on the Bronco combines a two-speed electronic ‘shift-on-the-fly’ transfer case, a solid rear axle, independent front suspension, coil springs all-round and Bilstein dampers.

If extra capability is needed, then several upgrades have been developed. Among them are a two-speed electromechanical transfer case (with auto switching between 2H and 4H), Spicer Performa-TraK electronic locking differentials, and a semi-active hydraulic stabiliser bar that can disconnect during articulation.

35” tyres and beadlock wheels are other useful enhancements. Indeed, they play a key role in raising the Base 2-Door’s ground clearance from 8.4” (21.3 cm) to 11.6” (29.4 cm). Similarly, its usual 35.5° approach, 21.1° break-over and 29.8° departure angles are increased to 43.2°, 29.0° and 37.2° respectively. The maximum possible wading depth is 33.5” (85.0 cm).

Every Bronco Sport comes with four-wheel drive and independent suspension front and rear. Badlands and First Edition grades also benefit from softer springs, bespoke front struts, thicker monotube rear dampers and a twin-clutch rear-drive unit with differential locking.

Ford Bronco 4-Door (2021) Interior

6. There are numerous driving aids

As well as the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety and assistance technologies, both the Bronco and Bronco Sport can have up to seven driving modes and Trail Control (low-speed cruise control intended for rough terrain).

Furthermore, on the Bronco, Trail Control is part of the ‘Trail Toolbox’ together with Trail Turn Assist (tightens cornering radii via torque vectoring) and Trail One-Pedal Drive.

Ford Bronco 4-Door (2021) Side

7. The Bronco is almost a convertible

To fully experience the great outdoors, the Bronco 2-Door and 4-Door boast lift-off modular roof sections. The rear-side windows and frameless doors are likewise removable.

Ford Bronco Sport (2021) Rear Side

8. Infotainment and connectivity are decent

Ford’s latest Sync 4 infotainment system appears in the Bronco, paired with a large 12” central display. When away from paved roads, a special off-road navigation function utilises over 1,000 trial routes garnered from NeoTreks’ AccuTerra Maps, Trails Offroad and FunTreks.

By contrast, the Bronco Sport makes do with Sync 3 and an 8” touchscreen.

Ford Bronco Sport (2021) Dashboard

9. Prices vary dramatically

In the United States, Bronco MSRPs (excluding destination, delivery and other charges) start at a fairly reasonable $28,500. That amount has the potential to more than double though, as the list below shows:
  • Bronco Base 2-Door – $28,500
  • Bronco Base 4-Door – $33,200
  • Bronco Big Bend 2-Door – $33,385
  • Bronco Big Bend 4-Door – $35,880
  • Bronco Black Diamond 2-Door – $36,050
  • Bronco Black Diamond 4-Door – $38,545
  • Bronco Outer Banks 2-Door – $38,995
  • Bronco Outer Banks 4-Door – $41,450
  • Bronco Badlands 2-Door – $42,095
  • Bronco Badlands 4-Door – $44,590
  • Bronco Wildtrak 2-Door – $48,875
  • Bronco Wildtrak 4-Door – $51,370
  • Bronco First Edition 2-Door – $59,305
  • Bronco First Edition 4-Door – $63,500
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the cost spread for the Bronco Sport is a lot narrower:
  • Bronco Sport Base – $26,660
  • Bronco Sport Big Bend – $28,160
  • Bronco Sport Outer Banks – $32,160
  • Bronco Sport Badlands – $32,660
  • Bronco Sport First Edition – $38,500
Ford Bronco Sport (2021) Interior

10. Reservations are already being accepted

Paying a $100 fee via Ford’s web site secures a place in one of the queues. The Bronco is due in spring or summer 2021, but the Bronco Sport should reach Ford dealers before the end of this year.

At the moment, Ford isn’t envisaging any exports outside of North America.

Ford Bronco Sport (2021) Side

Related posts:
Three off-road packages for the Ford Ranger
Active and Trail variants join the Transit range
Ford introduces the 2020 Ranger Thunder

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