The 2021 Ford Bronco: Five things to know about the resurrected SUV (2024)

The 2021 Ford Bronco: Five things to know about the resurrected SUV (1)

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Ford relaunches Bronco SUV after 25-year hiatus—Here are the details

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Ford Motorhas unveiled itsresurrected Bronco SUVwith a stable of features for off-road drivers as well as built-in tentsfor people who love camping.

Ford's "Sasquatch package" comes with 35-inch tires for those who want to do some serious off-roading. For the tailgater or fair weather camper, Ford offers a slide-out table and bottle opener in the rear.

The Bronco, unveiled Monday night, is one of the mostimportant new vehicles for the Detroit automakeras it reenters the off-road SUV market for the first time in nearly 25 years.

Here are five things you should know about the 2021 Bronco.

It's a family affair

The original Bronco models, which Ford produced from 1965 until 1996, were two-door SUVs. It's one of the reasons the company discontinued the Bronco as consumer preference moved to four-door models.

The new Bronco is available in two- and four-door variants. It's a formula Fiat Chrysler successfully transitioned to more than a decade ago with its Jeep Wrangler, which the Bronco was designed to directly compete against.

The new 2021 Bronco family of SUVs include the Bronco two-door, Bronco four-door and Bronco Sport (left to right).

Ford

Ford also is offering a new vehicle called the Bronco Sport. Consider it a cousin of the Bronco. The Bronco is based on a truck platform while the smaller Bronco Sport comes with less powerful four-cylinder engines and is based on a car or crossover structure for a smoother ride.

The vehicles also are produced differently and feature distinct mechanics but are styled similarly. Ford executives have promised the Bronco Sport wouldn't bear the Bronco name without having off-road capabilities as well.

The Bronco Sport will be produced at the automaker's factory in Hermosillo Sonora, Mexico. The Bronco will be produced at a plant in Michigan.

Price and profits

Ford is pricing the new Bronco starting at $29,995, including destination charges, just $205 above a base Jeep Wrangler. Top-end models with additional features and equipment can cost more than $60,000. A limited "First Edition" Bronco model starts at $60,800, according to Ford's website.

The 2021 Bronco four-door Badlands series with available Sasquatch off-road package in cactus Gray.

Ford

The Bronco would contribute nearly $1 billion to Ford's North American pretax earnings if sales reached 125,000 units, according to Credit Suisse. That's based on profits per vehicle of about $7,500, which would make the Bronco one of Ford's most profitable models, according to Credit Suisse analyst Dan Levy.

Starting pricing for the Bronco Sport ranges from about $28,000 to $40,000.

The Bronco Sport is expected to begin arriving in dealerships by the end of this year, followed by the Bronco next spring. Ford began taking $100 refundable deposits for the vehicles Monday night.

Bronco bonanza

If you didn't know it was a Bronco from looking at it, Ford set out to make sure you knew it was one nearly anywhere you looked.

The word "Bronco" and the bucking Bronco logo are branded in obvious places such as the steering wheel, grille, seats and infotainment system. They're also in less blatant places such as the gear shifter and bolts holding together pieces of the vehicle's interior.

The 2021 Ford Bronco interior includes an available 12-inch infotainment system, optional leather trim seating, console - mounted transmission shifter/selector and G.O.A.T. Modes control knob.

Ford

Auto companies, particularly Fiat Chrysler's Jeep brand, are increasingly adding hidden design elements commonly known as "Easter eggs" to new vehicles.

Another one on the Bronco is the design of the push-button ignition that starts the vehicle. It is the same design as one of the Bronco's headlights.

Sasquatch package

Ford is squarely positioning the Bronco SUV against the Jeep Wrangler, which has dominated the off-road vehicle market for decades.

Ford is launching the 2021 Bronco with more than 200 factory-backed aftermarket accessories for more capability and personalization.

Source: Ford

Many competitors have tried to dethrone the Wrangler, but the Bronco takes it to another level. That includes a "Sasquatch package" that's loaded with off-road equipment.

The optional package includes 35-inch tires with 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, front- and rear-locking differentials and other trail and off-road features. The package is available across the Bronco lineup, including standard on the top-end model.

Bronco models range from a "no-frills" SUV to "extreme off-road adventuring" vehicles. The trims are: Big Bend, Black Diamond and Outer Banks, Wildtrak and Badlands. A limited-production "First Edition" will be offered at launch.

Here's a look at a sample of the different models provided by Ford:

Open air

What's the point of having an off-road vehicle if you can't experience the open air? In true Jeep Wrangler fashion, the Bronco's doors and roof can be removed to provide a "quick, easy and fun" open-air experience, according to Ford.

The four-door 2021 Bronco will have available removeable modular roof sections – left and right front panels, a full-width center panel and a rear section.

Ford

Two-door models come with a standard three-section removal roof system. Four-door models have four removable roof sections, but come standard with a cloth soft top. The roof panels are removed by unlocking latches from the interior of the vehicle.

On four-door models, all doors can be stored onboard with protective bags.

Both the Bronco and Bronco Sport are expected to offer slide-out rear tables that can act as tables for tailgating parties or camping. They also can be equipped with overlanding-ready roof racks for a roof-top tent.

The Bronco Sport also features a bottle opener and flood flights on the tailgate of the vehicle that shine down when the back hatch is opened.

Bronco Sport offers a slide-out working table, part of the available five-way configurable cargo management system, as well asa 400-watt inverter and liftgate floodlamps that illuminate up to 129 square feet.

Ford

The 2021 Ford Bronco: Five things to know about the resurrected SUV (2024)

FAQs

How many miles will a 2021 Ford Bronco last? ›

The specific lifespan is a mystery as there are many factors that are bound to influence how long will a Bronco last. With proper maintenance and care, the new Bronco should last anywhere from 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more.

Is a 2021 Ford Bronco a good vehicle? ›

We found the boxy Bronco to be a superior daily-driver to the Jeep in many ways, with better handling and a more comfortable ride, yet like the Jeep it's an immensely-capable off-roader.

What makes the Ford Bronco so special? ›

Purpose-Built Off-Roader: The Bronco is purpose-built for off-roading, and this focus on capability and ruggedness has greatly contributed to its success. Ford engineered it from the ground up to excel in challenging terrains, making it a genuine off-road machine.

Which Bronco engine is more reliable? ›

Lastly, the 3.0L V6 found in the Raptor is by far the most thrilling and powerful of the three. In reality, the 2.4L 4-cylinder is likely the best as far as pure logic and value are concerned. However, if you want the best engine no matter the cost and reliability, the 3.0L V6 is the king of the crop.

Are there any problems with the 2021 Ford Bronco? ›

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

Are Broncos hard on gas? ›

2021 Ford Bronco: Real-World Fuel Economy

The EPA estimates that the best fuel economy you'll get out of any Bronco is 22 mpg on the highway, and that's with the base 2.3-liter engine.

What are the downsides of the Ford Bronco? ›

Cons for Buying a Ford Bronco

Not the Quietest Cabin: A SUV that puts the most effort into off-road capability means that you'll have one of the smoothest rides ever, but still, the wind and outside noises will be present during your journey.

What is the best engine in the Ford Bronco 2021? ›

In conclusion, the 2.7L EcoBoost engine is a robust and efficient choice for the Ford Bronco, offering impressive power and torque while maintaining fuel efficiency and low emissions.

What is a fun fact about the Ford Bronco? ›

A quick fun fact is that it wasn't until the 1977 model that Ford put a door over the gas cap. Until then it was always visible. It's a quick way to spot a 1977 Bronco as it was the only year with a door.

What is the most desirable year of Bronco? ›

Out of all the years of the first-generation Bronco, 1977 is widely considered to be the best year although anything from 74 is not only sought after, but more widely available.

What are some facts about the Ford Bronco? ›

Today, the Ford Bronco is 71.9 inches tall and 173.7 inches long, whereas it has a wide base of 75.9 inches and a wheelbase of 100.4 inches. Offered in two-door form, the first generation of Bronco was compact. Earlier, the Broncos had a wheelbase of 92 inches and were 152.1 inches long and 68.8 inches wide.

What Bronco motor has issues? ›

The 2.7-liter engine is the upgrade choice in the Bronco, but a string of failures is vexing some owners. Here's some potential bad news for reservation holders (and owners) of 2021 Ford Broncos equipped with the turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 engine.

How long do Bronco engines last? ›

With well-tested engines and few known problems, a Bronco Sport should last 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.

Which new Bronco is best for everyday driving? ›

There are several different ways you can outfit your Bronco, depending on how you plan to use it. For everyday commuting needs, we'd go for a four-door in the Outer Banks trim and get the optional hardtop. The Outer Banks is one of the more on-road-friendly Bronco trims, thanks to quieter street-or...

How many miles will a Ford Bronco last? ›

If you're buying a new 2023 Ford Bronco, you can expect your well-maintained SUV to last up to 200,000 miles without the need for any major repairs, barring any accidents. The life of a used model can be affected by how properly or improperly that vehicle is being cared for.

How many miles will a Ford Bronco get? ›

The Ford Bronco delivers a maximum range of around 416 city miles and around 436.8 highway miles per tank of gas.

Will a Ford Bronco hold its value? ›

There were many SUVs to choose from on the 2023 Best Resale Value awards. The table below shows all of the SUVs with the best resale value for 2023, according to the experts at KBB. At the top of that list is the 2023 Ford Bronco, retaining 65.4% of its value over the first five years of ownership.

How many miles to break in Bronco? ›

Moderator. A agree with Ford on the no towing or heavy loads on the engine the first 1000 miles, I've even heard higher mileage before towing. I'm not sure if it's needed anymore, but I also vary the speed/engine RPM's for the first 1000 miles.

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