The Bronco is back. Well, again, following the release of the tamer Bronco Sport compact crossover variant released a few months ago, Ford is finally launching the truck-based SUV that’s produced in a dizzying combination of form factors and trim levels. Among them, the four-door model we had an opportunity to test at a first drive event held recently in Ontario.
(The blue model in these pictures is the Bronco 4-door Advanced 4×4 Wildtrak, to be specific.) If you’re partial to the 2-door Bronco, check out that review here.
“The goal with this version was to provide a Bronco built for all off-road adventures, including high speed, and then we also infused it with F-series toughness, innovative design and technology to really deliver on our ‘Built Wild’ promise,” said Jeff Burdick, vehicle line marketing manager at Ford.
“It’s been 25 years since we’ve been in the market with the Bronco and when we did our research it was very clear the customers had a clear idea on what Bronco means and represents. They wanted freedom, which is not a problem when you retract the roof. There is no intrusion, no bar: the sky’s the limit. Other than our Mustang convertible there aren’t many better options for that open air feeling.”
Open-Air Freedom, Done the Bronco Way
Doors Off, Roof Off: How Easy Is It Really?
The aforementioned cloth soft-top is standard on the full-size SUV — not offered on its smaller counterpart — and a four-piece hardtop is optional. Flexibility is the name of the game here, applying to the roof as well as nearly every component of the vehicle.
Undoing a couple of clasps is all it takes: fold the first section back and let the sun in above the front seats. Straps are included to anchor the flap down, preventing bouncing during off-road maneuvers. To put the top down completely, simply unbuckle and stow the side and rear panels in the cargo area. Or for a truly unencumbered good time, yank the whole thing off by removing and unbolting some interior paneling and fasteners.
Thanks to an increase in length of nearly 400 millimeters over the two-door model, all four doors can be taken off fairly easily and stored onboard in available protective bags. And because the mirrors are mounted on the cowl, the impact on visibility is nil.
Built Wild: Trims, Sasquatch, and Real Capability
And let’s talk about its looks. From a subjectively aesthetic point of view, the larger sibling provides a more balanced, rugged appearance (and of course added practicality). On the other hand, the alternative exudes first-gen retro vibes and is, dare I say, quite cute. As far as accessories go, here are 5 Bronco units with some aftermarket inspiration.
All Broncos are sold in one of six grades, starting with the Base ($28,500 USD/40,499 CAD) and topping out with the Badlands ($42,095 USD/$52,994 CAD).
The latter features a nifty hydraulic front stabilizer bar that may be disconnected at the touch of a button when traveling below 20 mph (32 km/h), yielding greater articulation while traversing rocky terrain. This function is particularly handy on the four-door, where the longer wheelbase isn’t as adept at tackling challenging surfaces as the shorter two.
The examples we drove at the launch featured the Sasquatch Package, bundling a host of off-road-designed equipment like 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires, higher clearance suspension, electronic locking axles, fender flares, and specialty Bilstein shocks.
Our test route involved a buffet of environments, and I never once felt the Bronco was the least bit struggling or uncomfortable, whether driving over rutty trails or on the long stretches of highway.
Powertrains That Match the Personality
A 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four-cylinder engine, making 275 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque, is standard, mated to either a seven-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can upgrade to a 2.7-liter EcoBoost, which bumps output to 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft (automatic gearbox only).
To really ramp it up, Hennessey Performance Engineering will swap out the V6 for an insane 750-hp supercharged 5.0L Ford V8 engine paired to a 3.0L supercharger system and stock 10-speed automatic transmission, replacing the standard 6-cylinder, 2.7-liter powerplant. Or have tuner shop Maxlider stretch this beast out into a stealthy 6X6 for a cool $399,000.
No matter the type of body style, trim, or powertrain, the 2021 Ford Bronco full-size SUV offers the ultimate 4×4 experience along with some throwback-cool nostalgia. If you’re a single-vehicle household, though, the extra-versatile four-door might be a more prudent choice. Check out more 2021 and 2021 SUVs here.
2021 Ford Bronco 4-Door Photo Gallery
