The wait is over: say hello to the new 2021 Ford Bronco, the long-anticipated reboot of the automaker’s iconic truck. Digging liberally into the back-catalog to
The wait is over: say hello to the new 2021 Ford Bronco, the long-anticipated reboot of the automaker’s iconic truck. Digging liberally into the back-catalog to pick out the best of what made the Bronco a best-seller, Ford’s 21st century resurrection adds a four-door version to sit alongside the two-door, along with a thoughtful injection of style, technology, and customization potential.
First thing’s first: don’t think of Bronco as being a single truck. Instead, Ford is positioning the classic nameplate as a whole new brand, one in which the Bronco 2-door, 4-door, and Bronco Sport are just three models. The overarching theme will be outdoor toughness and what Ford is referring to as “G. O. A. T.” or “go over any terrain.”
As well as the off-road capabilities of the three launch trucks, there’ll also be four new Bronco Off-Roadeos – off-road and outdoor adventure playgrounds intended to teach new drivers as well as give those more experienced at the wheel a place to play – around the US. Bronco Nation will be a new online community for owners, and there’ll be the inevitable Bronco merchandise too.
If the Bronco Sport offers a taste of the Bronco lifestyle, it’s the 2021 Bronco 2-door and 4-door that really deliver on what Ford is talking about. Whether it’s the classic 2-door design, or a more family-friendly 4-door, both promise a combination of style and off-roading ability.
They certainly look the part. Think squared-off edges, shot overhangs, and a chunky wide stance. The two-door comes with a three-section roof – separate left and right front panels, and a third rear section – as standard, while a four-section version – two front panels, a rear section, and a panel over the rear seats and cargo area is optional. The four-door has four sections as standard: two front panels, a full-width center panel, and a rear section. The first row panels stow away onboard on the two-door Bronco, and Ford says one person will be able to remove all of the panels on their own.
Rear quarter windows can be removed, without needing to take the roof panels off, while the four-door comes standard with a cloth top. Frameless doors are standard on both body styles, while cowl-mounted mirrors mean you still get rear visibility even with the doors detached. Trail sights on the front fenders can be used for tie-down points, and have a 150-pound capacity.
Inside, the original Bronco inspires the clean dashboard. There’s a multifunction color LCD instrument panel, and SYNC 4, with an optional 12-inch touchscreen. That can show the feed from the optional 360-degree camera, too, which is upgraded with off-road spotter views. Grab handles are available, as are MOLLE hooks in the setbacks. A bring-your-own-device rack can be fitted to the instrument panel, with 12-volt power connectors for cameras, navigation units, phones, or other gadgets.
Navigation is optional, with topographical trail maps that work offline or online on the 8- and 12-inch SYNC systems. Other options include rubberized floors with ingrates drains and marine-grade vinyl seating trim, which can b washed down and will resist mildew. Wipeable controls with silicone rubber seals, and a matching six-switch upfitter panel overhead can be added. Ford Co-Pilot360 is optional, while AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and Trailer Sway Control are standard.
Underneath there’s a fully boxed, high-strength steel chassis – with plenty of suspension travel – paired with independent front suspension and a rear solid axle with coil springs using five locating links.
