The much-awaited 6th generation Ford Bronco has finally made its debut with the full lineup including the first-ever 4-door variant. There’s also a 4-door Bronco Sport compact crossover with significant styling differences compared to the other two models; it is based on a different platform altogether.
With 2-door and 4-door variants, it’s clear that Ford is directly targeting the Wrangler buyers; the boxy design adds more to the competition. The front fascia has a unique grille with bold ‘BRONCO’ branding flanked by LED running lights that run into the circular headlights – pretty fancy stuff. The rest of the design, however, is functional but nothing fancy.
The 2-door models come with a standard three-section roof system – left and right front sections and a rear section. An available painted modular top with four sections adds a removable panel over the rear seats and cargo area. The 4-door models have four removable roof sections – left and right front panels, a full-width center panel and a rear section. Roof panels on all models can be removed by unlocking the latches from the interior. The first-row panels stow away onboard on 2-door models.
All modular hardtops have rear quarter windows that are removable without removing the roof panels. A cloth soft top is standard on 4-door models. Every Bronco comes with frameless doors that are claimed to be easier to remove than what competitors offer. On 4-door Broncos, all four doors can be stored onboard in bags as shown in one of the images above.
The new Bronco is based on Ford’s T6 architecture (except for Bronco Sport as mentioned earlier). The chassis is made of high-strength steel, and is claimed to offer the best-in-class suspension travel – 17% more – both front and rear over the “closest competitor”. Its off-road credentials include 11.6-inch ground clearance, 29-degree breakover angle and 37.2-degree departure angle, plus water fording capability of up to 33.5-inches (850 mm) – also claimed to be the best-in-class.
In addition, there are exposed tow hooks in the front and rear. Buyers also have the option of heavy-duty modular steel bumpers with integrated winch mount. The options list also includes 35-inch off-road tires available on every trim level of 2- and 4-door Broncos and beadlock-capable wheels.
The interior has a practical layout, nothing fancy but pretty similar to that of the Wrangler. Features include an LCD instrument cluster, optional 12-inch SYNC 4 system, attachment points on the dashboard to mount your own device, optional grab handles on the center console, optional Molle hooks on the seatbacks, 12-volt power outlets and so on.
As for safety, the high-strength steel roll cage with integrated side curtain airbags in the upper structure and seats protect occupants from side impacts while there are also airbags for driver and front passenger. Buyers can opt for Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist technologies. Included as standard are AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and Trailer Sway Control.
One of the big features the new Bronco boasts of is an exclusive Terrain Management System with G.O.A.T. Modes – an acronym for goes over any type of terrain. Up to 7 selectable modes are available including Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Sand, with Baja, Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl for off-road driving. Two 4×4 systems are offered on all Bronco models, a base setup and an advanced 4×4.
The base system utilizes a 2-speed electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case, while the optional advanced system features a 2-speed electromechanical transfer case that adds an auto mode for on-demand engagement to select between 2H and 4H. Power is distributed to a Dana 44 AdvanTEK solid rear axle and Dana AdvanTEK independent front differential unit – both with available Spicer Performa-TraK electronic locking differentials for improved traction over rough terrain.
Buyers have an option of Trail Toolbox. This includes Trail Control – cruise control for low-speed trail driving, Trail Turn Assist – tightens off-road turning radiuses through torque vectoring, and Trail One-Pedal Drive – makes acceleration/braking more precise during rock crawling.
The options list also includes semi-active hydraulic stabilizer bar disconnect that is claimed to deliver maximum articulation and increased ramp angle index for off-camber terrain.
Select Bronco models come with washable rubberized floors with integrated drains that make post-adventure cleanups easier. Download the Bronco trims information sheet here.
Powertrains
Moving on to the powertrains section, as standard, the new Bronco is powered by a 2.3-litre 4-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine that is estimated to deliver 270 hp and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque. There’s also an optional 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 engine that is estimated to develop 310 hp and 542 Nm (400 lb-ft) of torque.
The standard transmission is a 7-speed manual (2.3L engine only) while there’s also a 10-speed automatic on offer. Download the preliminary technical specifications sheet here.
The new Bronco will be built at Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan. MSRP for the base 2-door Bronco is $29,995, including $1,495 destination and delivery. Reservations can be made for $100 at Ford’s official website.
Also check out: 2021 Ford Bronco gets a Bronco Sport crossover sibling
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