2021 Ford Bronco

Pros: Off-road ability; versatile body allows both open-air and weather-tight driving; broad model lineup

Cons: Comfort and fuel-economy compromises for off-road ability; expensive

CG Says: Ford’s long-awaited revival of its iconic Bronco off-road SUV finally arrives as a 2021 model. The new Bronco’s styling recalls the look of the original Ford Bronco, which debuted for 1966 and continued through the 1977 model year. The original Bronco came only as a 2-door, but the 2021 Bronco is available in both 2-door and 4-door versions; in terms of size, off-road ability, and overall attitude, it is aimed squarely at the Jeep Wrangler. (Ford has also introduced a smaller Bronco Sport SUV that is based on the basic platform of the Ford Escape crossover SUV and comes only as a 4-door; see separate report.) The Bronco is built on a fully boxed steel chassis with independent front suspension and a solid rear axle. The doors and roof panels are removable for open-air driving. Two EcoBoost engines are offered: a 270-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder with 310 lb-ft of torque and a 310-hp turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 with 400 lb-ft of torque. The 4-cylinder offers a choice of 7-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmissions, while the V6 comes only with the 10-speed. A part-time 4-wheel-drive system is standard and full-time 4WD is available—both with a 2-speed transfer case. Available off-road equipment includes locking front and rear differentials, skid plates, side rock rails, a stabilizer-bar disconnect feature (for better articulation over uneven terrain), 35-inch off-road tires, Trail Control (essentially cruise control for low-speed trail driving), and navigation with off-road mapping. For customers looking to personalize their Bronco, more than 200 factory-backed aftermarket accessories are available. The available Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features includes pre-collision warning with automatic braking, blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, adaptive cruise control, reverse brake assist, hill-descent control, and automatic high-beam headlights. The 2021 Ford Bronco promises serious off-road capability, and its broad model lineup and long list of available features allow buyers to tailor a Bronco from bare-bones to luxurious. Like its Jeep Wrangler rival, the Bronco won’t be bargain priced, but it should appeal to both hardcore off-roaders and those who just want an adventurous-looking open-air runabout.