The iconic first-generation Ford Bronco always had an exciting reputation. Most of that may come from the OJ Simpson case, but the Bronco always made its fans smile with its legendary style and impressive off-road capabilities. That is why it is among the shortlist of vehicles that have made their mark in popular culture. And now, after a 25-year hiatus, Ford updated the iconic off-road vehicle with modern lines, improved interior, and robust engines.
Let’s take a look at the New Ford Bronco
First of all, you can immediately tell it’s a Bronco just by looking at it. The new Bronco takes the bulging fenders and angular design directly from its ancestor, and with its retro looks, it brings 1966 to your driveway.
Body
You have two options for body types, 2 or 4 doors. The doors and roof panels are easily removable in both options, but unlike a convertible car, your trunk area will be unprotected when the panels are removed. You will definitely need this soft tonneau cover (PDF Brochure: Product D on page 17) for obvious safety reasons and to keep your trunk in order while driving. It would be best if you also thought about investing in these heavy-duty roof panel storage bags (link of product E on page 17) and heavy-duty door storage bags (PDF Brochure: Product F on page 17) to store them.
Although the cabin does not seem very striking at first, it becomes clear that it is a thoughtful environment when examined a little. Ford engineers have applied leather upholstery reminding of horse saddles to most of the cabin, and it looks great. However, leather is hard to protect in off-road conditions. Don’t worry; Coverking offers custom-fit waterproof neoprene seat covers you can use to protect against every kind of situation.
The orange details have interestingly brightened the whole interior. However, in our opinion, the metal roof is a bit too robust, so you should really get this headliner cover kit (PDF Brochure: Product A on page 48) to make it feel more civilized. The console, which resembles the new F-150, draws attention with a multimedia screen and a fully digital panel.
BRONCO labels are embroidered on everything from the handles to most center console parts. In addition, the presence of multiple nut inlets will allow customers to easily add and remove more than 200 accessories that Ford launched with the Bronco in the spring of 2021, leaving customers with a wide range of customization. If you are into customizing the exterior of your truck, you should definitely take a look at the chunky spare tire covers on the market. Coverking offers a customizable version, and you can just choose your tire size and upload the logo you want here.
We should also mention that you can attach an action camera, navigation system, or mobile phone to the incredible gadget mounting bar right behind the windshield! Moreover, there is also a USB output at the bottom of the windshield. These are examples of "Smart Thinking" developed for the target audience but don't think about leaving your equipment attached under the sun unless you have these (PDF Brochure: Product C on page 24) cockpit covers.
In the new Ford Bronco entry version, the Sync 4 infotainment system utilizes an 8.0-inch screen, but optionally, this screen can be 12.0 inches. In addition, the system has large and comfortable buttons for the controls that make it user-friendly, even with winter gloves on.
There are also several homages you can find on the new Bronco to the 1966 version. For example, the keyless start button looks like the old version's headlight switch, and the B form taillights closely resemble the original model.
While referencing 1966 stylishly, Bronco still wants you to know that it is ready for the 2020s with its 360-degree trail & parking camera, off-road navigation, and the version of the FordPass Performance application adjusted specially for Bronco. The digital instrument panel should also constantly remind you that you are in the 21st century.
Engine
The new Bronco has two engine options: the 2.3-liter EcoBoost and the 2.7-liter V6 EcoBoost. The entry version produces 273 PS of power, 420 Nm of torque and comes with a 7-speed Getrag manual gearbox, including climbing gear. The V6 engine produces 314 Ps of power, 542 Nm of torque and comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which can be purchased as an option in lower models.
Bronco Sport
Although the model is similar to the new Bronco, the Bronco Sport shares its infrastructure architecture with the new Focus and Kuga. Rising from the C2 platform, the model draws the image of a "mid-size SUV" rather than being a purebred off-road machine like the Bronco. But, of course, this does not mean that Bronco Sport cannot wander off the paved streets.
Body
The Bronco Sport is 4.38 meters in length, 2.08 meters in width, including mirrors, and 1.78 meters in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,670 mm, which puts it at a point between Jeep Renegade and Compass. Thus, Ford is competing with the Wrangler using the Bronco, while its younger brother Bronco Sport aims to pressure other Jeep models.
The front grille of the new Bronco Sport, which refers to the original Bronco with its angular design, is similar to the new Bronco. However, the rest of the body tells a different story with straight lines. As a result, the model has a very different character than Ford Kuga, and it looks a bit more like a Ford Flex.
However, it is possible to find traces of Ford Kuga, Ford Focus, and Ford Ranger combined in the interior. The steering wheel is lifted directly from Focus, and the general layout is similar to Ranger. Therefore, we cannot see an interior with as much "character" as the new Bronco in Bronco Sport. The floating multimedia screen has the most up-to-date Sync system and reaches users via an 8.0-inch screen.
Engine
Another point Bronco Sport shares with the new Kuga is the engine options. The three-cylinder 1.5 EcoBoost produces 184 PS at 6,000 rpm, 258 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, and utilizes an 8-speed fully automatic transmission. The 2.0 EcoBoost offers 248 Ps and 373 Nm as the top model. In this version, shift paddles are also included in the standard equipment.
Ford states that the new Bronco Sport comes with an all-wheel-drive with differential lock. Therefore, the 4WD system can send all the power to any of the rear wheels, and it comes equipped with seven driving modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand, Mud, Rock. In addition, the rear suspension is independent, and the front suspension uses the McPhersons.
Future of the New Ford Bronco: The Bronco Raptor
With the new Bronco, Ford has already increased its sales in its home base, the USA. The manufacturer, who wants to take advantage of this interest in Bronco, has been working on new variants of the vehicle for a while. In this context, the cover of the land monster Bronco Raptor, which we have been waiting for a long time, has been lifted.
Under the hood, the Raptor will have the 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 that can produce over 400 horsepower. However, Ford has yet to reveal the engine's net output, as it underlines that the Bronco Raptor will have a "customized" engine.
It has also become clear that the Bronco Raptor will only be available with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The gearbox will transmit its power to all four wheels with wide shafts connected to Dana axles, and it will also offer a special terrain mode called Baja as standard. So yes, this land beast will really appeal to a specific audience.
After noting the extra power and new transmission options, let's come to the suspension, which is another detail that makes this model special. Taking the suspension system directly from the models in the Ultra4 Racing series, the Bronco Raptor will use what Ford calls High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (HOSS). In addition, this system comes with Fox semi-active springs. In other words, the vehicle can adjust the suspension stiffness automatically according to its position and road conditions.
The Bronco Raptor will also look astonishing with 37-inch BFGoodrich brand tires, which are the most oversized tires Ford has ever used. In addition, the truck, which is 24 cm wider than the standard Bronco, will reflect aggressiveness in its exterior design.
Resources
https://www.ford.com/suvs/bronco/
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/ford/bronco/
https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/bronco
Coverking Links
https://broncosparetire.coverking.com/
https://coverking.com/products/2022-ford-bronco-seat-cover
ABT-4697-Bronco_Accessories_Catalog.pdf
Tankut Basar
Tankut Basar is an ARA (American Rally Assoc.) Racing Driver and an FIA Bronze Category License Holder. His passion for driving began with karting like most racers. He started racing internationally at the age of 22. Tankut loves everything car-related and will keep enjoying the drive until the end.
