2021 Ford Bronco Family Debuts, No Direct Rival From GM
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The 2021 Ford Bronco two-door and four-door, along with the new Bronco Sport crossover, made their official debut this week. Unfortunately for General Motors, the automaker has no direct rival to these highly anticipated new off-roaders at this time, leaving only Ford and Jeep to duke it out in the off-road arena.
Ford says the mission of the 2021 Bronco “is to deliver maximum 4×4 go-anywhere, anytime capability and confidence,” and provide “lasting performance in the harshest of conditions for generations to come.” Power comes from a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine producing 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet, while a twin-turbo 2.7L V6 with 310 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque will also be on offer. A seven-speed manual transmission and four-wheel drive are standard and Ford’s 10-speed automatic is also for a premium.
Two 4×4 systems will be available on all Bronco models: a base 4×4 setup and a more advanced system. The base system has a two-speed electronic shift transfer case, while the more advanced setup has a two-speed electromechanical transfer case with an auto mode for on-demand selection between 2H and 4H. Also standard is a Dana 44 AdvanTEK solid rear axle and a Dana independent front differential unit – both of which are available with Spicer electronic locking differentials for improved traction and off-road performance.
Ford claims the 2021 Bronco boasts “segment-leading levels of off-road capability,” thanks to its best-in-class ground clearance, (11.6-inches), 29-degree breakover angle, 37.2-degree departure angle and best-in-class water fording capability of 33.5 inches. The off-roader rides on a fully boxed high strength steel chassis with independent front suspension, a solid rear axle and available long-travel, position-sensitive Bilstein dampers. Buyers who want more capability can opt for the optional beadlock wheels and 35-inch tires – both of which are a first in this segment.
The interior of the 2021 Ford Bronco blends utility with comfort thanks to an available 12-inch infotainment display screen, washable rubberized floors with integrated drains, available marine-grade vinyl seats and a dashboard device rack that allows the user to easily mount GoPro cameras, phone mounts and more. The SUV also has an available off-road navigation system with topographic trail maps of more than 1,000 curated off-road trails. Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 suite of active safety technology is available on the SUV, too.
As for the removable roof panels, base two-door models come with a three-panel removable roof, while four-door models have four removable roof sections.
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport crossover, meanwhile, is for the Bronco enthusiast who wants a smaller, slightly less off-road oriented package. Power here comes from a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder, which is good for 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder is available, too, which makes 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel-drive. The four-wheel-drive system also has a segment-exclusive twin-clutch rear-drive unit with a differential lock feature.
Similar to the regular Bronco, the Bronco Sport’s interior is ready to face the elements thanks to its available with washable rubber flooring in the cabin and cargo area, easy-to-clean cloth seating surfaces and silicone-sealed control switches. The crossover is offered with an eight-inch Ford SYNC infotainment system and the Co-Pilot 360 range of active safety tech, as well.
Four underbody skid plates, available 28.5-inch all-terrain tires and available tow hooks give the Bronco Sport some additional capability and ensure it’s worthy of the Bronco nameplate.
The 2021 Ford Bronco will start at $29,995 for a base-level two-door model. Pricing for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport has not yet been announced. Both vehicles can be reserved via the automaker’s website now for $100.
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Meanwhile GM:
We will make more fwd based cars.
I’ll give Ford credit with the Bronco line, and if they keep updating it like the Raptor they should have a strong following. GM only has the ZR2 which is in need of an update other than a new bumper and paint colors. Hopefully when the Hummer debuts it will spark GM into something other than a few EVs that won’t sell in any significant numbers.
@TR
I agree with you about Ford and the Bronco. I also agree that GM pretty much has nothing except the ZR2 which needs to be replaced with a Totally New Truck. I read that The Ranger is now out selling Colorado.
But I will say that I truly believe if done right, the upcoming Hummer vehicles will sell and sell at a pretty decent clip.
Chevrolet Colorado Bison ZR2 off-road suspension components can transform the new Chevrolet TrailBlazer into a CUV with off-road capability and do so without breaking the bank.
In order to answer the bronco and the wrangler with a competitor GM need to introduce a Colorado-based platform and shorten it then give it a familiar name from the past.I think it’s about time that GM brings back the nomad.
And would you look at that! Interior color!!!! If this were GM it would have the 3 interior color options of black, black and charcoal.
@Joe Yoman
Interiors are my biggest Gripe with GM vehicles for years now.
And even IF GM came out with a 2 door SUV to compete with the ugly Bronco – the not so much new “Blazer” name has been taken. The execs at GM have seriously got their heads up their ……
Can I order one in white with a pair of black gloves in the glove compartment?
I am glad she is having her diversity inclusive beta brunch team expanded. I mean, GM has to lead in something these days….
If GM did made a competitor it would be a boring crossover that is basically lifted with Zr2 suspension with shocks hanging very low. Also it would have a ugly cheap dark interior. They could still use the K5 name with Blazer but GM must design a whole new vehicle from scratch that is a 2door convertible & offer a 4door. It should have a very rugged rock crawler retro design. But we all know that GM will not go all out like Ford and invest a lot of time,money, research. Even the 4runner will be better than what GM comes out with if they do.
If GM did came out with a vehicle to compete against the new Bronco and Wrangler it would not be a true iconic 4×4 vehicle. By knowing how GM is they would probable make an SUV version of the Zr2 which is similar to the modern Blazer in South America. It is a regular 4door SUV version of the Chevy Colorado so it’s nothing special about it. The interior would probable be dark and boring like all their vehicles. The reason why GM would do something like this is because they will not invest in the time, research, money, designing, and engineering. Chevy should put in the effort to build the true Blazer they could just name it K5 Blazer & give it other names for different trim models. For GM to be very competitive they must design a whole new vehicle from scratch like what Ford did with the Bronco. Ford did not went the cheap way by using the body of an Explorer or Escape and giving it off road goodies. This is why the Bronco is it’s own vehicle. GM should make the K5 Blazer retro, boxy, and convertible looking and offer it 2door also in 4door. A long time ago there was a 2door convertible Hummer concept name HX it’s very cool but not historical like Blazer. There are rumors about GM bringing back the GMC Jimmy which the new one would most likely be a GMC Acadia that is lifted with the same shocks as the Zr2 that hang very low.
Iconic car names mean nothing to 90 percent of the buying public. People buy on value, features and looks.
60mm had any brains at all they wouldn’t brush off the 99 2 door Blazer /Tahoe build a frame like a real truck with updated updated transmission, steering, & suspension and interior old-time sakes make the rear roof removable. Then they would have a winner. Right now GM has some of the ugliest most used vehicles on the market and I’m a fan of the Tahoe but not the new one and for God’s sake do something about that Trail Blazers it’s disgusting.