Ford finally unveiled the new Bronco Monday night. After being delayed for nearly a month the 2021 model finally debuted. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, the reveal was done virtually so there was no press trip to a venue, no fireworks, smoke, food, drink…oh anyway, the 2021 Ford Bronco is built atop a fully boxed frame that shares some of its genetic makeup with the Ranger.
Yes, is sort of looks like a Jeep but the four-seat model rides on a 100.4-inch wheelbase (3.6 inches longer than the Jeep), while the four-door, five-seat Bronco sits on a 116.1-inch wheelbase that’s 2.3-inches shorter than its rival.
The new Bronco uses EcoBoost® engines with segment-exclusive 7-speed manual transmission and available 35-inch tires; Bronco will also have available best-in-class 94.75:1 crawl ratio, ground clearance, suspension travel and water fording capabilities.
“We created the Bronco family to elevate every aspect of off-road adventure and equipped them with class-leading chassis hardware and exclusive technologies to raise the bar in the rugged 4×4 segment and take people further into the wild,” said Jim Farley, Ford chief operating officer. “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.”
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.
“Bronco’s advanced four-wheel-drive technology is at the core of its off-road capabilities, and 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.
Two 4×4 systems are offered on all Bronco models, a base setup and advanced 4×4. 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.
So finally, we have seen it. Will it give the Wrangler a run for its money? Only time will tell. I just hope to be able to go a real in-person debut sometime in the future.
Greg has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.