2021 Ford Bronco Overview

The older Broncos were a force to be reckoned with. The first and second versions became classics within the Ford collection. Still a popular car amongst SUV enthusiasts and collectors in general, the Bronco series is forever a part of the Ford nostalgia.
A reboot to the classic has long been teased and rumored online. Over the last several years computer-generated prototype photos and concept drawings have been released but nothing set in stone. Finally, in July of 2020, the final design for the 2021 Ford Bronco was unveiled. Listed officially as the Bronco Sport, can this version live up to the legend of the original?

2021 Ford Bronco Basics

The new Ford Bronco is offered in two- and four-door versions. The engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four with a seven-speed Getrag manual transmission and is estimated to produce 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. When combined with the optional automatic four-wheel-drive system, Ford refers to the first gear as a crawler gear. Paired with the optional four-wheel-drive transfer case in first gear, the Ford Bronco cranks out a 94:8-1 “crawl ratio”.

Exterior Style

Some of the original stylings of the early Ford Bronco remain but a lot of new touches have been incorporated. There are clean-cut corners and square proportions on the smooth, uncomplicated surfaces. It also has a big stance, which is accentuated by flared fenders with a quick-release attachment that allows for better customization. On the front grille, the Ford Blue Oval is noticeably missing. Rather, the word ‘Bronco’ is stamped on.
The open-air exterior of the new Ford Bronco is, however, its most distinguishing feature. You can go for a hardtop, which comes standard on the 2-door model, or a soft top, which comes standard on the 4-door model. Both options, as well as the doors, can be quickly removed to place you right in the middle of nature on your next off-road adventure.

Interior Design

The dash and door panels are made up of an unusual combination of textures and fabrics. The instrument binnacle hood, which stretches behind the screen, is made of hard plastic with a small pebble grain that gives it a cheap appearance. A nicer soft-touch material surrounds it, with a knit cloth look rather than an animal-hide cloth.
This material also covers the door frames, and the door handles are surrounded by an anodized-look trim in a variety of colors that also covers the A/C vents, door pulls, the cubby bin under the audio, and infotainment controls, and the center console.
The door armrests and the center console bin are coated in a trendy stitched soft material. These features are common on all models, with the color of the stitching and anodized-look trim distinguishing the trim grades and seat upholstery styles providing more wow factor on higher trim levels.

Upgrade Options: The Badlands Edition

One of the more popular upgrades is the Badlands trim, which is the second most expensive under the First Version. It is also the one with extras including metal bash plates, special 17-inch alloy wheels, and somewhat knobby Pirelli Scorpion ATR all-terrain tires that are intended to better express the Bronco Sport’s off-road ambitions. With an additional inch or two of ground clearance (also included in the Badlands upgrade), you’ve got a crossover that’s about the same size as a Jeep Compass, but taller and much better looking.
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is as at home in a residential driveway as it is in the dirt, though the Badlands trim leans more toward the latter. The suspension is stiffer in this spec, partly to compensate for a marginally heavier engine, resulting in a firmer ride in regular use, though it does not make much of a difference; it just means that some of the sharper freeway expansion joints make their existence known in the cabin, that’s all. In general, the Bronco Sport Badlands is already well-balanced in everyday driving. Other than the Badlands edition, the Bronco will offer several other trim levels with varying options and standard equipment.

The Bottom Line

At least on the lighter, unibody side of off-roading, the Bronco has returned to actually offer Jeep a worthy competitor. The Bronco pushes the boundaries of what can be done on a unibody platform, and that will be more than enough for most dedicated off-road explorers.