2021 Ford Bronco: What We Know So Far

The original 1966 Ford Bronco lasted a little over a decade without undergoing many changes to subsequent year models. Perhaps this was a sign of times during which technology was not yet advancing at the rapid paces seen today. Perhaps it was a sign of times during which society was also not yet engaged in seemingly daily battles to possess the next best things. Maybe, however, the original Ford Bronco set a precedent not only as the first SUV (sport utility vehicle) in production, but also by being ruggedly well made. If it s not broken, why fix it?

The coming upgrades to the 2021 Ford Bronco do not imply anything was wrong with the earlier models. Ford is expanding the latest version of its reliable American classic with modernized safety and entertainment technology combined with an exterior throwback look. In short, the re-launched 2021 Ford Bronco is merging classic style with contemporary features, reminding consumers and competitors alike how great can always be greater.

The Beginning of the Bronco

Made with pride, the first Ford Bronco design was inspired by Ford’s production of wartime Jeeps and their popularity among American soldiers. As soldiers returned from war to civilian life, they needed a reliable car capable of safely transporting their families. The popular Jeep, however, needed improvements to be suitable for secure, comfortable use on the new U.S. highway systems.

The intention behind re-launching the Bronco today is the same as it was when envisioning the original model. The Ford Bronco was designed to combine the best of both worlds pursuant to modern automotive reliability and diversity of use. Don Frey, then VP of the Ford Motor Company, desired a vehicle suitable and safe for family use on one day and ready to handle off-road and utilitarian tasks such as plowing snow or towing the next. He wanted to produce a vehicle capable of going virtually anywhere while doing almost anything asked of it. Thus, the Ford Bronco was born.

Production of the Ford Bronco began in 1965 and halted thirty-one years later at the Michigan Truck Plant in 1996. Consumer preferences were changing and Ford released its powerful Expedition models to keep up with the times. The 2021 re-launch of the Ford Bronco is another bold move by the Ford Motor Company, anticipating consumer needs for retro ruggedness combined with modern technology and safety features.

Features of the 2021 Ford Bronco

The new Ford Bronco has compelling interior and exterior features certain to make this rebranding of an American classic an automotive highlight in 2021 and beyond. There are seven trims available for reserved purchase, which means the Bronco will have a version with features suitable for just about any driving need. All Broncos have off-road capabilities.  Some are designed to focus on more rugged terrain while others are for drivers who want to tackle the trails with a little more style.

Expected fuel economy for the new Bronco trims is 21 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. Broncos are considered capable of going over every type of terrain, and Ford named a feature specifically after this ability. The G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Every Terrain) Mode is Ford’s proprietary terrain management system, allowing drivers to change driving modes to better handle various road and weather conditions.

The new Bronco has options of four-pot or V6 engines. While this might seem like a disappointment on paper, in reality the engines have a lot of power. Standard engine specifications are turbocharged 2.3 liter, 270 horsepower and 310 pound/feet or torque. The second engine option is a twin turbo, 2.7 liter V6, 210 horsepower and 400 pound/feet or torque. The smaller models have a 7-speed manual transmission and the larger are equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission. All models have a tow rating of 3,500 pounds and can power through a little less than three feet of water.

2021 Ford Bronco Exterior Features

The exterior of the 2021 Bronco puts a shine to the retro look of older models. All the color options are bold and the vehicle simply looks powerful and in control. Models have flip-up rear glass, removable doors and top, tow hooks and optional dual tops. Some models have monstrous 35” tires for serious off-road activity. The two-door models look beach-ready and sporty without sacrificing their boldness, while the four-door models look as ready for safe, family road-trips as they do for long weekend off-road trips.

A feature Ford pulled off quite well is making the 2020 Bronco look sleek and compact, while actually giving it impressive size. The base two-door model has wheelbase of 100.4 inches and a length of 173.7 inches. The new four-door Broncos are 189.4 inches in length, a full three feet longer than the first Bronco off the lines in 1966. Most impressive of all is how much space certain trims have. For example, the Wildtrak trim is over 6.6 feet across. All trims are 6 feet tall or higher, as well.

2021 Ford Bronco Interior Features

The interior of the 2021 Bronco is equally impressive. Even the base model combines expected Bronco ruggedness with a sense of luxury and style. There are drain valves and rubber floors to make cleaning up after off-road experiences more convenient and efficient. Seating is comfortable and roomier than perhaps expected. While the two and four-door models seat two and four adults respectively, there is no feeling of being cramped.

The infotainment system includes maps for off-roading as well as regular traveling. All trims include Ford’s proprietary SYNC 4 system and 8-inch LCD touchscreens, which are upgrade-able to 12-inches with options. Additional driver assist and safety features are available in all models.

2021 Ford Bronco Prices and Trims

The 2021 Base Bronco is priced starting just under $30,000. The other six trims increase in price accordingly, all the way up to $60,800 for the limited, 1^st Edition trim. The 1^st Edition trim is purchasable by extremely limited reservation only. At the time of this article being written, only 7,000 1^st Edition trims were planned for production.