Was the 2021 Ford Bronco reveal worth the wait?

After almost two years of hinting, teasing and testing an all new Bronco, Ford finally released the reboot of this iconic off-roader. The big question is, did they get it right? It’s a valid question in todays automotive climate. And after I watched the reveal video and started digging into the specs, I can comfortably say they nailed it. In fact, the more I researched, the more I was checking my bank account. And wondering if I pulled the trigger on a dated FJ Cruiser too soon. If a manufacturer is going to dust off an icon such as the Bronco and give birth to a modern version, they have to go big or go home. Otherwise the critics and cult fans will have a field day if you don’t hit it out of the park.

Ford is offering three body styles from their “Flagship of a new, all-4×4 family of rugged SUV’s”. Each with its own personality and purpose. The Bronco will be available in a short wheelbase 2 door model. As well as a longer 4 door model as well as the smaller Sport model. The 2 and 4 door Broncos look like they have the Jeep Wrangler square in their gun sights. Ford either has a team of mind readers working in the basement or they’ve actually been listening to what consumers are craving in a dedicated off-road SUV. And what’s been lacking in the current market.

2021 Bronco 2 and 4 Door

Up front, Ford offers a pair of EcoBoost power plant options for the consumer. A 2.3L 4-cylinder turbo producing 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Or a more powerful twin turbo 2.7L 6-cylinder which is projected to crank out a whopping 310 horsepower and 400 pound feet of twist. Which is more in line with current market V-8 numbers. But with better fuel milage hopefully. Power is delivered through a 7-speed manual transmission in the 2.3L variant, or a 10-speed automatic available in both engines. And put to the ground via an advanced 4×4 system with a Dana 44 AdvanTEK solid rear axle. Additionally, something most hard core enthusiasts yearn for, electronic front and rear differential locks. Necessary kit that will get this beast out of the stickiest of situations.

For the first time in history, the “Sasquatch” option places a meaty 35 inch tire on all four corners giving the Bronco a claimed 11.6 inch ground clearance. This muscular stance produces a best in class departure angle of 37.2 degrees, a 29 degree break over angle and 43.2 degree approach angle. All great numbers for those looking to take the Bronco on a true off-road adventure into the mountains or the playground of Moab. The exceptional clearance and a high mounted air intake allows the driver to ford water up to 33.5 inches. Which is pretty darn deep so you’d better make sure the doors are installed before testing the depth of a mountain river. Or filling in that hole in the door. Whatever that is.

“The Sasquatch Package is available on every Bronco Series and standard on WildTrak. Package includes 35-inch tires with 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, front- and rear-locking differentials, Trail Control,^™ 4.7 Final Drive Ratio with electronic-locking front and rear axle. There’s also a high-clearance suspension and high-clearance fender flares.” -ford.com

200 Ford Approved Accessories

With 6 trim levels to pick from in the 2 or 4 door Broncos. And over 200 Ford approved accessories already available. The 2021 Bronco is going to give the Wrangler a run for its money. Because if there’s one thing off-roaders like to do, it’s modify and personalize their rigs. And Ford obviously gets that. Thoughtful touches like body mounted rear view mirrors. Which allow the driver to remove the doors without losing the mirrors. You can even store the doors in the back of the 4-door model. Multiple configurations of a removable top. Roof racks to mount a tent or sports equipment. An interior mounted bike rack. They even placed drains in the floor boards to help evacuate water.

With the base model Bronco 2 door starting at $28,500, Ford targeted customers looking to get into hard core off-roading. Between all 6 trim levels and a hundreds of accessories and packages to add on, you can easily get carried away, peaking out with a hefty mid $60’s price tag. But I applaud Ford for allowing such a robust pallet to fine tune your Bronco straight from the factory. I love the a-la-carte build method and have already priced what I would do if a Ford Bronco was in my future.

2021 Ford Bronco Sport

Rounding out the trio in the Bronco Family is the smaller Sport model. Aimed at the compact SUV market, this petite version lacks nothing in features. The Sport comes standard with 4×4 and a Terrain Management System with G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain). Great name by the way. Possibly the Greatest-Of-All-Time. With seven driver selectable modes including Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand, Baja, Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl, Ford seems to have thought of everything.

The Sport features a pair of smaller power plants. The 2.0L EcoBoost with a projected output of 245 horsepower and 275 pound feet of torque. And the tiny 1.5L EcoBoost with 181 horsepower and 190 pound feet of torque. Ford opted to mate both of these power plants to the reliable 8 speed automatic transmission. Some higher trim levels even offer steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. The Bronco Sport, although not a hard core off-road vehicle, offers an entry level launch pad for those looking to dabble in this addicting habit. Giving the weekend warrior a robust enough tool box not to get into trouble. While still allowing them to get off the trail and explore on a regular basis.

Starting at $26,600 and peaking in the mid to high $30’s for higher trim levels, the Bronco Sport has a very attainable price point.

2021 Bronco World Premier

If those pictures and video of the 2021 Ford Bronco didn’t excite your inner explorer, you need to check your pulse. I don’t recall a vehicle release that has pumped me up as much as the 2021 Ford Bronco has. I’d say that Ford knocked it out of the park with the 2021 Bronco Family. I’m envisioning an Orange or Silver 4 door Bronco Wildtrack with a RoofNest Falcon on top and getting lost for a month somewhere out west. This could be a perfect Overland vehicle. But I’m still curious about a few specs. Like the fuel tank capacity and range of the 2 and 4 door models. Since one of my biggest complaints of the FJ is its 200 mile range. Although the “First Edition” Broncos quickly sold out, there is still time to reserve your model on the Ford website.

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