The return of the Ford Bronco nameplate ignited significant excitement in the automotive world, reviving a legendary rival to the Jeep Wrangler. Ford resurrected the Bronco not just as a nostalgic nod but as a serious contender in the increasingly popular off-road SUV segment. This modern iteration blends retro styling cues with cutting-edge technology and robust off-road capabilities, promising adventure seekers a compelling new option. But does it live up to the legacy and the intense anticipation surrounding its relaunch? Let's take a deep dive into what the Ford Bronco offers.
Design and Exterior
The Ford Bronco's design is a clear homage to its ancestors, featuring a boxy silhouette, round headlights, and a prominent grille. It successfully captures the spirit of the original while feeling thoroughly modern. A key differentiator is the range of configurations available, including a two-door and a four-door model, both designed for maximum open-air experience. The doors and roof panels are removable – a feature that adds significantly to its recreational appeal. The doors can even be stored onboard in padded bags, though the four-door's rear doors are quite large and heavy. Various trim levels offer different exterior treatments, from basic steel wheels and minimal cladding to aggressive fender flares, beadlock-capable wheels, and specialized bumpers.
The modular design extends to other elements like the fenders and grille, allowing for easy customization and potential replacement after off-road skirmishes. Ground clearance, approach, breakover, and departure angles are competitive, particularly on higher trims equipped with the Sasquatch package, making it well-equipped to tackle challenging terrain right off the showroom floor. The short overhangs front and rear further enhance its ability to navigate steep obstacles.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the Bronco is designed with durability and functionality in mind, befitting an vehicle intended for messy adventures. Many trims feature rubberized flooring and marine-grade vinyl seating that can be easily washed out. The dashboard design is straightforward and functional, with a large central touchscreen dominating the center stack. Ford's SYNC 4 infotainment system is generally intuitive and responsive, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims feature a larger 12-inch screen.
Practicality is evident throughout the cabin, with ample storage cubbies, grab handles for off-road stability, and auxiliary switches pre-wired for accessories like winches or extra lights. While the materials feel robust, some might find them less premium than typical road-focused SUVs, prioritizing toughness over luxury. The rear-seat space is decent in the four-door model, though the two-door is tighter. Cargo space is reasonable, especially with the rear seats folded down, but the swinging tailgate with the mounted spare tire can be less convenient than a traditional liftgate in tight spots.
Performance and Off-Road Capability
The Bronco offers two primary engine options: a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6. Both deliver ample power for daily driving and off-road excursions. The 2.3L is available with a 7-speed manual (6+1 crawl gear) or a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the 2.7L is automatic-only. The Wildtrak and Everglades trims get the V6 standard, while the high-performance Raptor boasts a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6.
Where the Bronco truly shines is off-road. It comes standard with four-wheel drive and features an independent front suspension (a departure from the Wrangler's solid axle), which contributes to better on-road comfort and stability while still offering impressive articulation. The solid rear axle is robust and capable. The heart of the Bronco's off-road tech is the G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Modes system, which adjusts various vehicle parameters like throttle response, transmission shifts, and traction control for specific conditions like Sand, Rock Crawl, Mud/Ruts, and more. Higher trims add advanced features like locking differentials (front and rear), a disconnecting front sway bar for increased articulation, and trail-specific aids like Trail Control (off-road cruise control) and Trail Turn Assist (reduces turning radius).
The Sasquatch package, available on most trims, significantly enhances off-road performance with 35-inch tires, beadlock-capable wheels, specific suspension tuning, and locking differentials, making even lower trims highly capable rock crawlers.
On-Road Driving Experience
Given its off-road focus, the Bronco's on-road manners are a pleasant surprise, though not car-like. The independent front suspension helps absorb bumps better than some rivals, resulting in a more comfortable ride, especially on the highway. Steering is reasonably precise, though it can feel a bit numb. Wind noise is noticeable at higher speeds, particularly with the modular roof setup. Fuel economy is not a strong suit, which is expected for a vehicle with this shape and capability. While it's perfectly capable of daily commuting, its natural habitat is clearly away from paved roads.
Safety Features
Ford offers a range of available safety features on the Bronco, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, some advanced features are bundled in higher-cost packages. It's worth checking which features are standard or optional on your chosen trim level.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Outstanding off-road capability; Iconic retro styling; Highly customizable with removable panels and accessories; Modern infotainment system; Wide range of trims and options; Good on-road ride quality for its class.
Cons: Poor fuel economy; Wind noise can be high; Interior materials prioritize durability over luxury; Cargo access can be awkward; Some desirable safety features are optional.
Overall, the Ford Bronco is a highly compelling package for anyone seeking a capable, fun, and customizable off-road SUV. It successfully blends heritage design with modern engineering and technology. While it has some compromises, particularly regarding fuel efficiency and on-road refinement compared to conventional SUVs, those are inherent trade-offs for its exceptional trail performance and open-air experience. If adventure and customization are high on your priority list, the Bronco is undoubtedly worth a closer look and lives up to much of the anticipation.