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2021 FORD BRONCO REVIEW – A TRIM FOR EVERY TRAIL

Bronco 2-Door Black Diamond™ in Cyber Orange and 4-Door Badlands™ in Antimatter Blue.
Want a quick rundown on the new Ford Bronco trims? Here is our review of the 2021 Ford Bronco!
MAY 05, 2021

Well it’s back. Last seen in the early 1970’s, the Ford Bronco has been resurrected as a hot looking, retro SUV/truck designed to kick Jeep Wrangler out of first place in the off-road trail market. And by the looks of the preorders the Bronco is well on its way to accomplishing its goal. Preorders will not be delivered to dealers until summer of 2021due to overwhelming demand. 

When the 2021 Bronco does arrive at your local showroom understand this. If the one that is on the floor isn’t your cup of tea, there are six other trims to choose from. As a brand, Bronco tries to appeal to all kinds of off-road enthusiasts from those in the southwest who call the desert their playground, to drivers comfortable on mountain trails, to fishermen and hunters to wannabe off-roaders who want to look cool but want their luxury as well. To do this, Ford has created seven trims (counting the base) and provides every conceivable off-road feature. 

Trims on most brands are basically the same vehicle with stuff progressively stacked on top of the base model. At the end of the day, you have the same base with a bunch of extra stuff added on. With the Bronco there is some stacking but there are also features that change the very nature of the ride. If you want the Bronco that best fits your needs, it is important to understand just what makes up each trim.

The Seven Faces of the 2021 Ford Bronco

First, every trim is available in 2 or 4 door models. Secondly, each model has G.O.A.T. modes (go over any terrain) although some have more than others. Lastly, and most importantly, an off-road package called Sasquatch includes 35” all-terrain tires, front and rear locking differentials, Blistein position-sensitive monotube shocks, and high clearance fender flares that can be added to select trims.

Ford Base Bronco $28,500

If you are looking for a highly capable off-road ride, the Base Bronco is good to go without any extras. It comes standard with four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:2 low ratio. Ford packed their 2.3L EcoBoost inline four-cylinder mated to a seven-speed manual transmission as standard but provides the more powerful 2.7L engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission as optional equipment. The base has an 8” touchscreen, sits on 16” steel wheels wrapped in all-terrain rubber, has dive G.O.A.T. modes, and comes in your choice of seven different colors. 

Ford Bronco Big Bend $33,385

For an extra $5,000 the Big Bend offers one additional G.O.A.T driving mode, 17” aluminum wheels sporting larger all-terrain tires, an additional four colors to choose from including Area 51, and a cool-looking carbonized gray grille that matches the wheels and LED fog lamp housing. The power plant arrangement is the same as the base with the 2.3L standard and the 2.7L and automatic tranny optional. Inside you get a steering wheel wrapped in leather, remote start, and a 110W outlet in the center console to keep your devices powered up.

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Ford Bronco Black Diamond $36,050

If you like to play rough on the trail, the Black Diamond comes with some upgrades that might come in handy. A heavy-duty modular front bumper gives you protection on the trail and provides an excellent platform for aftermarket add-ons like winches and light packages. A steel reinforced rear bumper and upgrade bash plates (everybody else calls these skid plates) toughen up the undercarriage against rocks, stumps, etc. A seventh G.O.A.T. mode is added along with the balance of available colors. The same standard 270hp engine with an optional 2.7L powerplant applies to the Black Diamond. You don’t have to worry about getting the inside dirty. The seats are upholstered in vinyl and rubberized floor covers and drain plugs make it possible to wash out the interior. 

Ford Bronco Outer Banks $38, 955

Meant to compete with Jeep Wrangler Sahara, the Outer Banks comes with LED lights, heated front row bucket seats, remote start, a 12” touchscreen, Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 active safety features, and dual-zone climate control. The exterior features 18” wheels wrapped in all-terrain rubber, body-color matching door handles, mirrors, fender flares and powder coated tube steps removable doors and top.

Ford Bronco Badlands $42,095

Touted as the most off-road capable Bronco even though it does not have the Sasquatch package as standard, the badlands does pack some trail features that are pretty cool. That includes an exclusive suspension with hydraulic front sway bar disconnect, Advanced On Demand 4-Wheel Engagement, electronic locking front, and rear axle, and the addition of “crawling” to the G.O.A.T. selection of modes. It toughens up with the same bumper and bash plate package found on the Black Diamond. 

Ford Bronco Wildtrak $46,980

The Wildtrak is the desert runner of the group and is outfitted much the same as the Badlands except for two major improvements. The Wildtrak comes standard with the Sasquatch package and has the bigger 310 hp, 400 lb-ft of torque 2.7L EcoBoost with the 10-speed automatic. Because it has a bigger engine it also comes with Trail Control, Trail Turn Assis, and One-Pedal Driving. Also featured are Auxiliary Switches and wiring located in the overhead console for convenient hookup of all the aftermarket gadgets you will probably add over time. And of course, you get a Baja G.O.A.T. driving mode.

Ford Bronco First Edition $57,410

This is a limited edition model with only 3500 scheduled for production. Basically, it is a Wildtrak with the Sasquatch package and big engine, plus the Lux package that appeals to the more esoteric side of the driver. Aside from all the off-road capabilities, the Lux package delivers adaptive cruise control, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, voice-activated touchscreen navigation, and a wireless charging pad. It wouldn’t be a limited edition if it didn’t have exclusive features so Ford gave it a unique leather interior, distinctive hood and side graphics, and a safari bar. 

So there you have it, a quick rundown on the new Ford Bronco trims. Keep your eyes open for the first Jeep comparisons from consumers when they get their hands on their Brancos this summer.