Five generations of the Ford Bronco have come and gone, and now, there’s a new sixth generation model on the horizon. We’ve been able to catch spy shots of an early Bronco mule undergoing testing, from which we concluded that the production-intent Bronco won’t actually look anything like the mule. But now we wanna know: are you planning to buy the new Ford Bronco, sight unseen?
Frankly, that’s a big ask, since any big purchase should be examined with both eyes open. That said, the Bronco nameplate has the potential to command the kind of respect that makes folks plunk down their hard-earned cash without a second thought. Plus, based on what we’ve seen so far, it’s not necessarily an outrageous proposition to begin with.
For starters, we already know that the new Bronco will be based around the new Ford Ranger, offering exterior dimensions skinny enough to keep up with the Jeep Wrangler on narrow trails. As for the exterior design, we’re expecting classic Ford Bronco cues like a rear-mounted spare tire, boxy styling, and of course, two-tone paint. And don’t forget a roof capable of opening.
We probably won’t see a V8 under the hood, but there’s no doubt that the 2.3L EcoBoost four-banger will come as the standard powerplant, while a hybrid model will also be available. The Bronco will also feature solid front and rear axles that will help with off-road agility, as will heavy-duty skid plates and BF Goodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires, as revealed on test mules.
The new Ford Bronco is expected to arrive for the 2021 model year, but specifics and official details are still very much up in the air at this point. And all that brings us back to our original question – are you planning to buy the new Ford Bronco, sight unseen?
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Comments
I love my ’18 Fx4 crewcab with the V8. But I’ve always wanted a Bronco.
However, if the Bronco is only being made to “compete with Jeep”, then they’ve
already missed the boat, big time. I could care less what or where a Jeep is able
to go or do. I expect a Ford to shoot higher than that! Way higher. If the new
Bronco is narrow, small-framed, shorter than my 6′ body is tall, or has a tiny
4-banger engine, it won’t be for me (no matter how good looking it is) The
Bronco has a history. Not living up to or exceeding that, is a waste of my money …
im in the market for a new car as my old 97 honda is slowly succuming to age.
I always liked the jeep wrangler and its ability to be open air and go anywhere. However it seems that the jeep is not perfect and has many issues since its fiat buyout and weak underperforming engines and small tiny windshield with limited visibility all around.
Ford has a chance to do this right and break jeeps stranglehold on the off road recreational market.
Give us a bronco raptor with removable top made in the US and jeep is in deep trouble.
If the ford bronco is as open air as the wrangler , capable off road , and gets slightly better gas milage and has more visibility im 100% on board.
But it has to be open air for recreational purposes or no sale. I have no need for a ford raptor without a bed.
Trying to make my 2004 F150 make it until the NEW Bronco. I owned an ‘87 Bronco and really hope a manual transmission and at least a V6 engine – V8 would be nice!
I’m serious about buying the new Bronco ONLY with a manual transmission and V-6 or V-8. No four banger awfulmatic for me. Low on the tech stuff. Keep it simple and reliable.
Im just curious how they know its a solid front axle, every pic ive seen so far of the mule’s undercarriage had independent front suspension
I was thinking the same thing. I know they have the troller which is based on the t6 ranger platform in South America that has solid axles and I know there were plans to give the bronco a solid front axle but this CLEARLY ifs mule does make it a little difficult to believe.
I do plan to buy a new Bronco, it will be my first new vehicle ever. But, if there are things about it I dont like, I will probably just buy a Ranger XL 4×4 or F-150 4×4 instead.
some of the early artist renderings are very nice (the ones in different colors with the front winch and knobby tires) that show the front grill ( with the back drop of an industrial area)…..if they make something that looks something like that then I’m in!..but if they look any like the mules, mimic other builds like the troller (which looks like a toyota land cruiser btw!) or any other soccer parent suv appliance (based on what focus groups say) – then i will probably pass. I owned a 78 for almost 30 years and had it restored and eventually had to sell it – these new ones need to be bad arse!!..no exceptions.
If it is the size of the Wrangler, I’m out. We rented one in Puerto Rico, again in Mexico, the Jeeps are just too cramped on the inside for a daily driver. I’m not trying to crawl rocks down narrow paths on the way to work every morning.
Why is it that on nearly every message board about the Bronco, the comment section is always full of people saying they want a V8 engine and bigger body, but all the news we’re getting is about a small SUV with a 4-cylinder engine?
I think Ford missed the mark already.
Ok so I’m hoping after what I’m about to say someone from Ford will take this into consideration. First off I would love to buy the new bronco but I have demands that I think 90% of US consumers would want. I understand it might have to be a 4 dr but please make a 2 dr for the younger generation with no kids. ( Personally I want the new bronco to be a 4 door on F-150 frame, solid axles, removable top, removable doors, spare tire on back, with a 3.5 eco boost twin turbo and 5.0 coyote as engine options, it must have a Boxy Body and have room for tall people like me 6ft or taller. I hate the wrangler because it’s nit made for tall people it’s severely cramped.
Ok so I’m hoping after what I’m about to say someone from Ford will take this into consideration. First off I would love to buy the new bronco but I have demands that I think 90% of US consumers would want. I understand it might have to be a 4 dr but please make a 2 dr for the younger generation with no kids. ( Personally I want the new bronco to be a 4 door on F-150 frame, solid axles, removable top, removable doors, spare tire on back, with a 3.5 eco boost twin turbo and 5.0 coyote as engine options, it must have a Boxy Body and have room for tall people like me 6ft or taller. I hate the wrangler because it’s nit made for tall people it’s severely cramped. I like the rendering of the one that has the mountains in the background with different colors with bronco spelled out on the grill instead of the blue oval. If it looks like that Ford I will buy a Bronco in a heartbeat. I’ve been saving 3 years for this and I’m so pumped to see what it looks like. No one wants a grocery getter crossover. We all want a a full size 2 or 4 dr that a convertible 4×4 off road beast that lives up to the Name BRONCO!!! Ford please don’t disappoint me this will be my first new car I’ve ever bought been driving used cars for years and finally you guys are gonna make something I really want hopefully!!!
If it’s a serious off road vehicle I’d love to buy some for my company. Think diesel engine. electric locking diffs, rubber floor mats instead of carpet, an interior you can wash out with a hose. Plus skidplates, heavy duty springs, manual transmission, Jake brake, and offer it in a short, narrow two door.
If it’s a serious off road vehicle I’d love to buy some for my company. Think diesel engine. electric locking diffs, rubber floor mats instead of carpet, an interior you can wash out with a hose. Plus skidplates, heavy duty springs, manual transmission, Jake brake, and offer it in a short, narrow two door.
I can’t wait for the new bronc to come out Iv’e had a 85 xlt and a 88 eddie bauer edition. Would like to see a small v-8 or a turbo charged six for starters and go from there.
Very interested in Bronco, however the mule looks VERY discouraging. If it looks anything like the new ranger with a rounded body and a more swept-back windshield, which is “aerodynamic” then forget about it. The boxier look is mandatory. Also, NO 4 cylinder period. V6 or better, and a diesel option. Solid front axle highly desireable.
If the Bronco turns out to be a re-stylized Escape, with leanings toward the new Ranger, then I will consider it an epic fail by Ford. Make it very off road capable, make it fun to look at. Leave the “sensible” out….
nope! No V8 & not on an F-Series frame, Ford can keep this garbage!
First, anyone who thinks or hopes that the Bronco will get a V8 needs to wake up and understand that this is 2019. Second, anyone who thinks that the production version will look like the test mule needs to stop doing lines. Third, people will ALWAYS find a way to b***h about it regardless of the looks, powerplant, equipment, etc.
I currently own a 2010 Ford Raptor which I bought new in 2009 and if the new Bronco resembles in any form the appearance of my ten year old raptor then I’m buying one, I think ford has done an excellent job with there design on the F150 Raptor and I hope it continues on with there new Bronco. To copy Jeep or anyone else would be a shame…
If they dont make a full size Bronco or if they don’t screw it up like chevy did the blazer. Really hope for a full size but it atleast better be more bronco shaped than the mule they’ve been testing. Super excited but scared they will screw it up and I’ll have to become a jeep owner
I have an ’08 4 door Wrangler with a manual and the weak V6 and a ’17 V8 Durango auto only. If I can get a Bronco to split the difference on performance with a manual and have a removable top with either 2 or 4 doors (preferable removable with the open brace design), I’ll get rid of both and jump in. I had a K5 Blazer back in the day and I agree that Chevy screwed up the name plate on that one. Never owned a Ford but I buy what I like not brands.
I wrote Ford several years back when Chevy upgraded their Colorado and asked them to bring back the Ford Ranger…well they did I’m sure not because of me but I was so disappointed with the body style and interior. So now I’m waiting on the new Bronco. I Hope it’s not an Escape knockoff. I, like another viewer, like the boxier sportier style. I am a Ford Girl…I’ve had 2 Rangers, 2 Ford Escapes, a Mustang and now would love a brand new Bronco!
Only interested if it’s full size and proper suspension for true offroading with a proper v8 and manual option will be only way along with true bronco icon to the root of its style not resembling any other ford. If they want to stand out this is what they will have to do.
I can almost guarantee I’ll buy one if–and ONLY if– it is made available with a manual transmission (full manual, three pedals, no paddle shifters). Otherwise I’ll purchase NO new vehicles at all.
I would buy one if they put a 5 litter V8 in the bronco. Why not go big with the 7.3 litter V8
While the count of my Bronco herd is eight (eleven, if you include Bronco II) and covers every generation, I’m only *probably* going to buy the new ones. I have seen some less attractive renderings that if proven to be true will preclude purchase. If they look like the 2004 prototype, I will be more likely.
Larger than a Jeep, truly utilitarian with options for a strip down model, foxy body with horizontal hood line, affordable. That’s what I’m looking for. Okay
If Ford does a Raptor version, I’m getting one as soon as they are available. If they look anything like the small one with the Cano rap on them I won’t even go to the lot and look at them. Do us right Ford and give the people what they want.
Ideally, the new Bronco will have a cabin the size of a F-150 crew cab, with maximum leg, head shoulder room. Obviously, shorter length than a pickup truck. 2.7 liter, hybrid engine would also be good.
V8 and probably. If it’s a V6, they better knock the rest of it out of the park. With a 4-banger, it’s just be a waste of money. I don’t give a damn about any eco-BS or fuel economy.
Will one be able to identify the Bronco at a distance and profile? Will it out Rubicon a Rubicon? Crawl over most anything? Have double lockers? 4 to 1 transfer gearing? Removable rear side windows? Lower front windshield? That is required to meet with the Wrangler. I hope the Bronco makes it. Mine was a ’76.
I would really like to buy the new Ford Bronco. I have been holding off purchasing a new Jeep Wrangler so I can get myself back into a Bronco (owned one in the 80’s) . What I am looking for. An engine that can tow more than the 3500 lbs that the Wrangler can tow. I’d like tobtow an RV with it. Removable doors/tops. Manual transmission. Although I want a 2 door practically speaking I will probably buy a 4 door. I really like the look of the Sahara where the top color matches the body color (silver looks sharp) . Leather interior will be nice. Style wise the 2004 concept is speaking my language. Ultimately I have a 2004 vehicle so I am hoping it comes out soon. Once my car breaks down I’ll need to get my hands on the best available option at that time. Here’s hoping it’s a Ford Bronco!
I havent bought a new vehicle in 14 years, since I got my xterra in ’04. This new bronco is rustling my jimmies. If the design is right and I can get some topless offroad action on the new Bronco, I’m in.
Please just get this thing to Market in raptor trim. Hopefully it will be with the original timeline of a 2020 model , stay true to the roots of the bronco manual transmission, two door and four-door, Oodles of power, solid front and rear axles, beefy tires, and at the very least option a winch factory installed. And for the most part make the bronco aftermarket friendly as we like to modify our vehicles to suit our needs.
Thanks Johnnymac
Probably not as I’ve seen the order sheet listed in the mechanics part list as 2021 bronco with a 2.3l even if looks and suspension is good it need a 5.0 for a serious enthusiast idk about you but bronco week the many bronco enthusiast have power pumping out of those give me a 5.0 with manual then I’ll be considering it.
I would buy one if it had a solid front axle and a 2.7 ecoboost.
Tired of waiting, just to see an official glimpse! of what Ford is packaging. Gonna go with the wrangler…loosing interest in the hype machine….
Only interested if it comes with solid front axle! I like the looks of the solid front axle. I’m not interested in blasting down the desert! For me a tough rugged suspension is the only way. I have Nissan Frontier 4×4 pro4x, and I hate the drive because I lifted it. Ifs ride quality decreases with additional lift. I would love to have midsize Jeep like vehicle that is not a ifs system! Ford don’t mess this up. I’ve been waiting since word came out that the bronco, I am excited. But, I may have wasted my time. Here’s hoping.
I have 3 Fords. One is a F-150 with the 2.7 turbo and the other two are Escapes. The new Bronco would be good for me as we live near the Smokies and the National Park roads are narrow and winding and I have to depend on checking the rear view right hand mirror more than I like when diving the pickup. So an Escape with a lot more ground clearance would be great for me.