New Ford Bronco: All the details

If ever there was a reason to rue right-hand drive, the new Ford Bronco is it.

Launched this morning (Aussie time) in the USA across multiple broadcast formats including Disney free-to-air and streaming television services, the sixth-generation Ford Bronco is the Blue Oval’s self-declared Jeep Wrangler beater.

Reborn as a two-door and – for the first time – a four-door and with a smaller Bronco Sport model joining the family as well, the Bronco will be in US dealers in early 2021 with a starting price of $US29,995 ($A43,180).

The new-generation Ford Bronco is based on the latest development of the T6 ladder frame architecture used by the Australian-developed Ford Ranger ute and Everest family SUV.

The T6 base means Ford’s Australian product development centre has its hands all over the Bronco, and also means it could have been right-hand drive – if Ford wanted it to be.

“The Ford Bronco isn’t being offered in right-hand drive, and so won’t be available in Australia or New Zealand,” is the stock response from Ford Australia.

So the product development team at Ford’s Melbourne, You Yangs and Geelong campuses get to pat themselves on the back for the work they’ve put in to the Bronco’s chassis and drivetrains – the bodies or top-hats were developed in North America – but they won’t get the chance to see their handywork sold in local dealerships.

Dig in further and it comes down to the old problem – small right-hand drive volumes and the high cost of ex-factory right-hand drive business programs.

Local right-hand drive converters must be rubbing their hands together with glee, even if the Bronco is listed by Ford as being destined for its International Markets Group sales region, which includes Australia, making it possible we’ll see a full-factory RHD Bronco here one day.

For now, Ford Australia’s official line is exactly the same for the smaller Bronco Sport rolled out today, despite it being based on the same platform as the new Escape mid-size SUV that launches in Australia within months.

In that case avoiding a clash is perhaps more understandable, even though Aussie demand for compact SUVs is high. For more on the Bronco Sport see our separate story coming soon.

So what are we missing out on? The new Ford Bronco builds on the heritage of the original that ran through five generations from 1965 to 1996.

Originally developed as a stand-alone model to take on the Jeep CJ (predecessor to the Wrangler) and International Scout, the Bronco transferred to an F-series platform for its next four generations.

Always a two-door, it was eventually phased out as four-door wagons such as the Explorer became more popular. Of course, it will always be known as the vehicle in which OJ Simpson made his infamous freeway drive in 1994.

The new Ford Bronco two-door measures up at least 4412mm long, 1928mm wide and 1826mm high, and rolls on a 2550mm wheelbase. The four-door measures up at least 4811mm long, 1826mm high, 1854mm high and has an 2949mm wheelbase.

All up, there are seven Ford Bronco variants – including base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, the more familiar Wildtrak, Badlands and First Edition – matched with colour and trim combinations. Overlaying that are four content packages and plenty of other options and accessories.

The $US29,995 price applies to the base Bronco two-door. The only other pricing revealed today is $US34,695 ($A50,050) for the four-door. Customers in North America can make a $US100 ($A144) reservation from today.

The 2021 Ford Bronco will be offered with the choice of two turbo-petrol engines – a 2.3-litre four-cylinder projected to make at least 201kW and 420Nm, and a twin-turbo 2.7-litre V6 making 231kW and 542Nm.

The 2.3-litre engine will be available with both a seven-speed manual and 10-speed auto, but the 2.7 will be auto-only.

There is no mention today of the hybrid system expected to eventually be offered with Bronco – and Ranger and Everest eventually too. Nor was there any mention of the Bronco version of the Ranger Raptor, which is tipped to be dubbed Warthog.

The Bronco’s base 4x4 system utilises 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.

Ford claims the manual transmission delivers a crawl ratio as low as 94.75:1 with the high-spec 4x4 system. The auto’s crawl ratio of 67.8:1.

Bronco’s Terrain Management System includes GOAT – go over any terrain (a reference to the original design credo of the Bronco) – modes including normal, eco, sport, slippery and sand, with Baja, mud/ruts and rock crawl for off-road driving.

Ford claims big numbers when it comes to key off-roading specs, including up to 295mm of ground clearance, a maximum 43.2 degree approach angle, a 29-degree breakover angle and 37.2-degree departure angle. Water fording is claimed to be best in class at 851mm.

The new Ford Bronco comes with an independent front suspension, while the solid rear axle is supplemented by coil springs and five locating links. Long-travel position-sensitive Bilstein dampers with end-stop control valves are available for serious off-road work.

A semi-active hydraulic stabiliser bar disconnect is also available for improved articulation and increased ramp angle index for off-camber terrain.

Wheels are a choice of 16- and 17-inch steel and aluminium. At the top of the range are 35-inch off-road tyres are available on every trim level, while beadlock-capable wheels are available.

Maximum towing capacity is an unimpressive 1588kg. Maximum payload up to 621kg. No kerb weights or fuel consumption figures were stated in the material issued by Ford today.

Ford hasn’t only chucked mechanical capability at the new Bronco, it’s gone all out on the design and equipment as well.

Shaped to pay tribute to the squared-off original, the 2021 Ford Bronco also offers the same open-air experience – something that’s a Wrangler feature as well.

Two-door models come with two types of removable hard-top and the four-door with one four-panel top. Ford claims one person can detach and attach the panels. A cloth soft-top is also standard on four-door models.

Rear quarter windows are removable without taking off the roof panels, the frameless doors are also removable. Ford claims all this can be done more easily than competitors – ie: Wrangler – can.

The original Bronco also inspired the instrument panel of the new generation, although Ford didn’t offer colour LCDs in 1965! An 8.0-inch colour touch-screen is standard and a 12-inch screen containing the latest SYNC4 infotainment system is available.

Ford is hyping a new topographical trail-mapping system in the Bronco as “a game changer”. It features more than 1000 trail maps. At the other extreme, semi-autonomous Ford360 Co-Pilot is also available for on-road cruising.

Some Broncos come with washable rubberised floors with integrated drains and marine-grade vinyl seating surfaces that resist mildew. Instrument panel surfaces are wipeable, with seamless silicone rubber on the dash-mounted hero switches, while rubber touchpoints protect against dirt and water.

Six available upfitter switches mounted overhead are silicone-sealed to protect against the elements and are pre-wired leads to key accessory points.

A 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.