Baby Ford Bronco Spied, What’s GM’s Answer?
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Earlier this week, our sister publication, Ford Authority, published the very first spy shots at an upcoming off-road-oriented crossover from GM’s cross-town rival, the Ford Motor Company. Known colloquially as the “baby” Ford Bronco, the upcoming crossover was spied for the first time in integrated prototype form on a dusty trail and covered in camo. Of course, seeing this prototype leads us to the realization that GM will have no viable alternative to this model, which is concerning.
In other words, not only will GM not have a viable alternative to the “baby Ford Bronco”, but it also has yet to officially announce plans for the “regular” Ford Bronco rival. In an environment where the popularity of utility vehicles – crossovers and SUVs – are continuing to grow by leaps and bounds, not having entries in two up-and-coming segments should not be taken lightly.
As of right now, we are not aware of any future GM vehicle that would be capable of taking on the upcoming “baby” Ford Bronco. That model will share the general platform with the new 2020 Ford Escape, but with a completely different body characterized by upright angles, a boxy shape, short overhangs, more clearance than a traditional crossover, and an upgraded suspension system to have some capability in the rough stuff. For reference, the upcoming Blue Oval product will most likely carry a different name than the popular “baby Ford Bronco” label currently attached to it.
The General’s baby Ford Bronco fighter could be built either on the GM D2 platform that underpins the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, or D2’s direct successor – the GM VSS-F vehicle set that will underpins all transverse-engined GM vehicles in developed markets. Obviously, such a vehicle would also need all the right bits and pieces to help it hold up in the rough stuff, including an upgraded suspension setup, higher ground clearance, and short overhangs. Whether there’s enough demand to support both, Chevrolet and GMC versions, of such a hypothetical vehicle is currently unclear.
An early Ford Bronco mule captured in May 2019. This model will be joined by a small, crossover Bronco model currently referred to as the “baby” Ford Bronco.
Meanwhile, a GM rival for the actual Ford Bronco could be on the way. As we reported back in May, GM was benchmarking the Jeep Wrangler at its Milford Proving Grounds, suggesting that some kind of Jeep Wrangler fighter (and by proxy, Ford Bronco fighter) was being considered. Back then, we hypothesized that a pair of brand-new Chevrolet and GMC entries rocking a new look and new nameplates would fit the bill nicely, especially if constructed on GM’s upcoming VSS-T architecture / vehicle set.
Naturally, we think GM should have something to compete with both the actual Ford Bronco and its smaller twin, especially considering the growing popularity of crossovers and SUVs. We’ll stay on the lookout for any and all updates, but in the meantime, make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Meanwhile, you can see the fresh baby Ford Bronco spy shots at the link below.
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I think a Terrain AT4 could be an adequate competitor to this. It’s the actual Bronco that GM really has no match for.
agree 100% or even 200%. this “baby bronco” wont be much of a SUV. EcoSport unibody? I would probably buy a jeep renegade before this “baby bronco.” The Terrain is already a more capable off road vehicle than this baby bronco ever will be, all it needs is an off road wheel package. It has more style, capacity, HP and TQ in about the same size. GM needs to take one of its SUV,s and at least add a trail boss package with a 2 speed autotrac transfer case. The Acadia would be a great option really. it could use some updated styling id say.
The Terrain is a soccer mom car. Just like everything else we make right now. Low clearance, front wheel drive, small tires. They would be starting with a handicap already. Why GM doesn’t take the Colorado/ Canyon platform and make a true blazer is beyond me
GM makes the Trailblazer based in the Colorado platform but they don’t sell it in North America, just in Southeast Asia and Latin America. In my country we have them, they look just like a colorado and apparently they are good.
Seems like Ford is going for the retro market which has some hot items at auctions right now. Such as original Broncos and Full size Blazers, and IH Scout. Seems like an obvious market to get into.
One has to imagine that Chevrolet’s Trax or Trailblazer would be the competitor to Ford’s ‘baby’ Bronco; but given the pricing, one has to wonder whether the ‘baby’ Bronco would match up against the next generation Equinox.
GM has no answer to this because they don’t think it matters in their grandiose delusion scheme of Zero Zero Zero.
I’m beginning to think that Barra’s Triple Zero vision is Zero Growth, Zero Customer Satisfaction, and Zero Leadership.
I’d Say a Trailblazer Activ.
GM needs to import the Suzuki Jimny. The thing would sell like hot cakes. The new Jimny has been a smash success for Suzuki.
GM has no answer. We’re back to the days of platform engineering and making the styling fit the platform (GM 1980’s). An Equinox in no shape or form could compete with a front engine, RWD/4×4/AWD anything. I don’t care who made it. These platforms aren’t capable of competing with a true off road platform. They’re car based SUV’s. Itll never work
I agree. 100%
And we’re back to the days of GM TELLING customers what they are going to buy instead of finding out what they want to buy. Machete Mary is sadly mistaken.
Hmmmm. I quite like that `paint`job……(just kidding guys). I used to have a Jimmy S15. Loved that little brute. It forded small ponds ( not on purpose), climbed Mt Mansfield In Vermont, & explored many back roads in Quebec,& Ontario. Had lots of power, skid plates, good clearance, & was very comfortable. It`s only problem was the paint kept peeling off, as well major rusting & GM was, ummm, not very customer friendly with honoring their warranty on either of those two concerns.
That thing is so ugly, let’s just say “fugly” that GM can safely ignore it.
I’m planning on buying a MOAB Wangler soon because GM abandoned the true 4×4 market. I had hoped that the return of the Blazer might be something I could have warmed to, but an awd SUV’s is not for me.
I miss my K5, and the Tahoe looks like it might loose half it’s value if it were actually taken off the pavement.
I have a 4×4 Sierra, but a pickup is not a Jeep.
Come on GM, build something for the off-roaders.
Jerry, I have to agree. I was hoping for much more when they brought out the `new`Blazer. Huge disappointment. And I won`t be taking my Sierra where I used to go with my little Jimmy.
Calling that overpriced Equinox-looking CUV a Blazer is an abomination. It is not even in the same ballpark as the K5s.
1st off: ALL 3 SUV’s pictured in their story are “NOT” the SAME rig!! 2nd: Someone stated right: Chevrolet “DOES NOT” offer a competing rig!
GM’s answer. Most likely something underpowered, that is no real off roader and built in Korea or Mexico.
NIVA, original Tracker…… but GM using nameplate wrong place…. let trax name plate live gm….
That’s another mule looks just like an escape
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I still think that GM’s logo looks like as if it was created by free logo makers. Someone needs a rebranding.
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