After twenty years, Ford will finally return its iconic Bronco model. This model will arrive in the coming months and it challenges Jeep Wrangler. The 2021 Ford Bronco is already in the works and is recently caught testing on the public road. Blue Oval plans additional upgrades and innovations. Bronco is based on the Ford Ranger pickup and it will be a body-on-frame SUV.
Of course, the focus is on the off-road capabilities, just like Wrangler SUV. For 2021, Ford will introduce a couple of visual changes, more optional features and possibly a “Baby Bronco” version. No doubt, new Bronco will bring plenty of excitement and Blue Oval will try to make it even better for the next year.
2021 Ford Bronco Design
New Bronco will arrive as a body-on-frame SUV that shares the platform with the Ford Ranger pickup. When it arrives, Bronco will combine styling cues from Ranger and Everest models. Plenty of rumors are suggesting both two-door and four-door versions. We will ignore those speculations for now.
What we know for sure are Bronco’s boxy shape and robust appearance. The 2021 Ford Bronco will arrive with a couple of visual upgrades. The goal is to make this SUV more subtle and cleaner design is a must. You can expect from Ford to introduce more stylish mid-size SUV in 2021. There won’t be significant changes, that’s for sure. However, a couple of minor upgrades will surely happen.
Baby Bronco
Ford will also introduce a Baby Bronco version. A compact and high-performance SUV with off-road capabilities. Thanks to the internet, this variant was named “Baby Bronco”. Of course, Ford will deliver a different name that suits this compact model. Numerous reports are suggesting Ford Scout. Recently, Ford Adventurer appeared as the most likely outcome.
The 2021 Ford Bronco and Baby Bronco will share a lot of similarities. However, Baby Bronco will share the architecture with Ford Escape. That means the upcoming compact SUV will ride on a unibody platform, instead of body-on-frame structure. On top of that, Baby Bronco will borrow the Escape’s engine lineup.
2021 Ford Bronco Powertrain
For 2021, Blue Oval manufacturer should keep the things intact. That means the 2021 Ford Bronco will deploy a 2.3-liter turbo-four engine, the same powertrain that is available in Ford Ranger. This unit produces 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. On top of that, new Bronco could arrive with an optional V6 engine.
Some reports are even suggesting a 3.5-liter twin-turbo, another possible optional powertrain. A 10-speed automatic transmission is the only gearbox choices. The same gearbox is available in the Ford F-150 pickup truck. A hybrid powertrain is official and we are waiting for Blue Oval to deliver full details.
Competition
Logically, a new 2021 Ford Bronco will have only one real rival, a Jeep Wrangler SUV. Both models are focusing on off-road capability. However, both Wrangler and Bronco will deliver the modern and rugged look, along with upscale interior and great performances. However, there are numerous off-road SUVs on the market. Whatsoever, some of the manufacturers are willing to enter the race.
For that reason, Toyota will introduce major upgrades on its 4Runner model. Lexus offers its GX model and Land Rover Discovery is also a great option. Still, all of these models are two steps behind Wrangler. We still don’t know how will Bronco rank in this segment. On the other hand, SUV experts are convinced that new Bronco will cause a huge splash.
Price and Release Date
All-new 2021 Ford Bronco will cost the same as its predecessor. A small number of updates will keep the price intact. That means the upcoming Bronco will cost in line with Jeep Wrangler, around $36,000.
We are still waiting for more info about the Baby Bronco version that will carry the same Ford Scout or Ford Adventurer. The 2021 Bronco will go on sale later next year.