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| The 2021 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport are looking to shake up the off-roading scene and rekindle some nostalgia. |
Ford has taken the wraps off its highly anticipated Bronco
and Bronco Sport SUVs, so let’s talk about each briefly and then I’ll show you
which one I’d consider for myself.
Bronco:
The revived Ford Bronco is aimed at the Jeep Wrangler and is built on a high-strength steel platform. There will be two and four-door models and engines offered will be a 2.3L turbo inline four-cylinder making 270 HP and 310 lb.-ft. of torque and a 2.7L turbo V6 making 310 HP and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. While the 2.7L V6 will have a 10-speed automatic, the 2.3L I4 will have a 10-speed automatic or an optional 7-speed manual transmission. Broncos will only have 4 wheel-drive with an independent front suspension and a solid rear axle. The advanced 4WD setup has a two-speed electric transfer case with a heavy-duty Dana rear axle and available front and rear locking differentials. The roof and doors on both the two and four-door Broncos can be removed for a “drop top style” ride. Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment will be standard and includes several preloaded trails and allows users to share their off-road journeys as well. Of course, many skid plates, rock rails and other accessories will be offered through Ford (and I’m sure aftermarket as well as time passes).
Bronco Sport:
The Bronco Sport is aimed at the Jeep Renegade, Compass, and Cherokee among other “rugged” compact crossovers, such as the Toyota RAV4 Adventure and RAV4 TRD Off-Road. Unlike its big brother Bronco, the Bronco Sport is only offered as a four-door model. Trim levels are shared with the larger Bronco and are called Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands, and the limited run First Edition. Lower trims will have Ford’s 1.5L EcoBoost 3-cylinder engine making 181 HP and 190 lb.-ft. of torque. Badlands and First Edition models get a 2.0L EcoBoost turbo I4 making 245 HP and 250 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines have an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Bronco Sport will have an independent front and rear suspension, and on the Badlands and First Edition models you will get an advanced 4x4 system with a twin-clutch rear-drive unit and differential-lock. Drive modes are called “G.O.A.T.” (which means ‘goes over any type of terrain’ - this is also found in the bigger Bronco) and include Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand. Mud/Ruts, Trail Control, and Rock Crawl drive modes are included in the Badlands and First Edition models. Ford Co-Pilot360, which is Ford’s active safety package and ADAS, is standard across the Bronco Sport lineup.
Ford seems to be turning the Bronco into its own family within the Ford lineup. Reservations for the Bronco and Bronco Sport can be made for $100 on Ford’s website. You can build your dream Bronco Sport now. Speaking of which…
How I Would Buy It: 2021 Bronco Sport
The bigger Bronco isn’t quite my style, but here’s how I’d
get a Bronco Sport.
-Trim: Outer Banks
-Exterior Color: Alto Blue ($395)
-Interior Color: Ebony/Brown Leather Seats
-Features: 4WD, power passenger seat, reverse sensing system, heated
seats, heated steering wheel, cargo mat, Sync 3, SiriusXM Radio, front and rear
floor liners, class II trailer tow package ($495)
-Price: $35,095
Verdict: To me, this trim strikes the best value in the Bronco Sport lineup, since it has everything I’d personally want. 4WD, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, leather seats, and rugged looks make for a compelling package, along with sharp blue paint. Jeep would be smart to offer larger engine choices in the Compass, specifically.
Will you be reserving and buying a Bronco, and are you excited
for its return? The off-roading game is about to get interesting!
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| SPOTTED: Ford Transit Connect and Bronco Sport prototypes |
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