DEARBORN, Michigan: Ford has unveiled the 2021 Bronco – including a classic two-door and first-ever four-door – the flagship of an all-new family of rugged off-road vehicles.
The all-4x4 Bronco brand is tagged Built Wild - delivering heritage-inspired style, engineering and smart off-road technology, plus innovative features for outdoor enthusiasts.
“They’re built with the toughness of an F-Series truck and performance spirit of Mustang – and come wrapped in one of the most stunning and functional off-road designs that’s true to the original Bronco design DNA,” said Jim Farley, Ford chief operating officer.
Just like the first-generation Bronco, nicknamed G.O.A.T., the mission of the all-new 2021 Bronco is to deliver maximum 4x4 go-anywhere.
"At the heart of it all is Bronco’s exclusive Terrain Management System with G.O.A.T. Modes that is designed to help drivers better navigate any type of terrain,” said Mark Grueber, Bronco consumer marketing manager.
Up to seven driver-selectable modes are offered including Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Sand, with Baja, Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl for off-road driving.
Two 4x4 systems are offered on all Bronco models, a base setup and advanced 4x4. The base system utilizes a two-speed electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case, while the optional advanced system features a two-speed electromechanical transfer case that adds an auto mode for on-demand engagement to select between 2H and 4H.
Power is distributed to a Dana 44 AdvanTEK solid rear axle and Dana AdvanTEK independent front differential unit – both with available Spicer Performa-TraK electronic locking differentials for improved traction over rough terrain.
Available segment-first Trail Toolbox gives Bronco owners a suite of exclusive technologies to elevate their off-road experience.
This includes Trail Control – cruise control for low-speed trail driving, while Trail Turn Assist tightens off-road turning radiuses through torque vectoring, and the innovative Trail One-Pedal Drive acceleration/braking control makes for more precise and confident slow-mode rock crawling.
Segment-leading levels of off-road capability are possible thanks to Bronco’s available best-in-class 11.6-inch ground clearance, maximum 29-degree breakover angle and 37.2-degree departure angle, plus best-in-class water fording capability of up to 33.5 inches.
Off-road capability is further reinforced by exposed tow hooks in the front and rear and available heavy-duty modular steel bumpers with integrated Ford Performance accessory winch mount.
Bronco’s strategically placed steel shields protect critical hardware. Higher-capability models get an available front bash plate, plus shields for the engine, transmission, transfer case and fuel tank. For those taking on the roughest rocky terrain, Bronco’s available side rock rails are strong enough to support the weight of each side of the vehicle.
“Bronco two- and four-door models leverage the company’s Built Ford Tough durability and performance testing and take it even further off-road with Built Wild Extreme Durability Testing in the harshest possible environments, including the brutal trails of the King of the
Hammers off-road competition,” said Dave Pericak, director, Ford enterprise product line management, Icons.
All-new Bronco architecture for two- and four-door models is based on a fully boxed, high-strength steel chassis that delivers available best-in-class suspension travel – 17 percent more both front and rear over the closest competitor to thrive in rugged environments.
Every Bronco comes with an independent front suspension and at the rear, a rugged solid axle design featuring coil springs with five locating links delivers both strength and off-road control.
Long-travel position-sensitive Bilstein dampers with end-stop control valves at every corner are available for added off-road durability and reduced harshness.
An available segment-exclusive semi-active hydraulic stabilizer bar disconnect design provides maximum articulation and increased ramp angle index for off-camber terrain.
This innovative system bests competitors by disconnecting during articulation; it can reconnect under all conditions to improve steering and stability at higher speeds.
Segment-first 35-inch off-road tires direct from the factory are available on every trim level of two- and four-door Bronco, while available segment-first beadlock-capable wheels allow customers to elevate off-road capability, regardless of price point.
“Race-bred EcoBoost engines and our segment-first 7-speed manual and available 10-speed automatic transmissions give the all-new Bronco the optimal combination of power, torque and gear ranges to perform in a wide variety of terrains and uses,” said Pericak.
Best-in-class projected petrol-powered horsepower and torque is available with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, which is projected to produce 310hp and 542Nm of torque, while the 2.3-liter EcoBoost is targeted to deliver best-in-class four-cylinder torque of 420Nm with an expected 270hp.
Every Bronco comes with class-exclusive frameless doors that make them easier to remove than what competitors offer.
A modern high-strength steel roll cage with integrated side curtain airbags in the upper structure and seats helps protect passengers from side impacts and complements driver and front passenger airbags.
Available Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist technologies plus standard AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and Trailer Sway Control help instill driver confidence.
There's also a smaller variant called the Bronco Sport, also with standard 4x4, and designed to transport two mountain bikes standing up in its cargo area – and two cyclists up front.
For the Bronco Sport, the Badlands and First Edition series are powered by a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that produces a targeted best-in-class 245hp and 373Nm of torque.
A cooling system with additional transmission and rear-drive coolers keeps 2.0-liter models running strong over tough terrain.
Other Bronco Sport variants consists of the Base, Big Bend and Outer Banks series feature the 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine with 181hp and 257Nm of torque.
Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The all-new Bronco Sport Badlands series in Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat. (Pre-production model pictured.)
Bronco Sport owners can opt for the Badlands series for the ultimate in off-road performance. (Pre-production model pictured.)
