Ford has just launched the retro-inspired all-new 2021 Ford Bronco SUV in America a mere 48 hours ago as I write this. Here are 12 things you might want to know to get acquainted with this prodigal nameplate.
1. I call it prodigal because it’s been 24 years since Ford offered a Bronco in its lineup. That year was 1996. Bill Clinton was the newly reelected POTUS. In the Philippines, Fidel V. Ramos was the President. The bestselling phone then was the Motorola StarTAC.
2. The 2021 Ford Bronco had a very long gestation period from concept car stage to final production model. How long? Try 16 years. Ford unveiled the Bronco concept SUV in the North American International Auto Show in Detroit way back in 2004. Ford doesn’t say why it took so long. Perhaps the fact that all its current SUVs (Escape, Explorer and Expedition) are selling like hotcakes in the US gave them pause to develop a completely new one.
3. Few people probably realize that they might have seen the Bronco—or at least its retro-futuristic concept car version—in the 2018 Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson monster gorilla movie, Rampage. In the action flick, the character played by Johnson drives a dusty and unassuming-looking silver SUV that oddly looks like no other car you’ve seen. The Rock never refers to the vehicle nor even takes a look at it as he jumps out of it. Eagle-eyed viewers, however, will notice the “BRONCO” name on the grille.
4. Ford has always positioned the Bronco as a lifestyle/recreational off-roader that blends F-150 toughness with Mustang performance (or at least, spirit).
5. The all-new Bronco is no front-wheel drive crossover wimp but a true sport utility vehicle. As such re-enters the scene with an all-4×4 lineup with production in Michigan beginning in early 2021 and first models arriving in U.S. Ford dealerships the following spring. That’s early 2022. In America. So if you’re wondering if it’ll make it to the Philippines, don’t hold your breath.
6. The new Bronco comes as a two-door truck, like the original model, or a first-for-Bronco four-door model. Both models boast frameless door windows and removable roof panels for a completely open-air experience.The handy frameless doors can be removed as well and come with their own protective door bags for storage.
7. The four-door model comes standard with a cloth soft top but can be ordered with both soft and hard tops. Cowl-mounted mirrors maintain sideview visibility when the doors are removed.
8. There’s a smaller compact-sized Bronco Sport model that’s available only as a four-door, bringing the total number of Bronco models to three.
9. Reminiscent of the first-generation model, the new Bronco sports square proportions, short overhangs and a wide stance. The side profile features a flat, no-nonsense surface with clear-cut edges and robustly flared fenders. Large, open wheel wells are a modular design with a quick-release attachment for simple customization.
10. Earlier reports speculated that the Bronco will be based on the Ranger/Everest platform. Ford hasn’t confirmed that yet although the Bronco does have the Ranger Raptor’s 10-speed automatic and its multi-mode Terrain Management System with its delightful Baja Mode for high-performance off-roading. The Bronco does the Raptor one better with its G.O.A.T Mode. And if you want to know. G.O.A.T stands for Goes Over Any Terrain.
11. The Bronco doesn’t have the Ranger Raptor’s bespoke Fox racing shock absorbers but does have equally high-tech long-travel, position-sensitive Bilsteins with end-stop control valves for off-road toughness and reduced harshness. Both Fords share a front independent/rear solid axle with coil spring suspension layout.
12. Perhaps the biggest mechanical difference is that the Bronco uses 2.3- and 2.7-liter EcoBoost gasoline engines only and has an available 7-speed manual transmission option, at least for the U.S. market. The Bronco Sport uses an even smaller 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine.
