Dearborn, Michigan, USA

“Similar to the first-generation model, Bronco’s square proportions, short overhangs and wide stance are optimized for off-road adventure,” said Paul Wraith, Bronco chief designer.

“The side profile features a flat, no-nonsense surface with clear-cut edges and robustly flared fenders. Large, open-wheel wells are a modular design with a quick-release attachment for simple customization.”

The Ford Bronco is finally making its comeback after being off the assembly line for 24 years.

The Michigan-based automaker has unveiled three new Ford Broncos including the Bronco Sport, which is smaller and available now, and then a two-door and four-door full-size model Wraith and his design team at Ford have developed the Bronco flagship of an all-new family of rugged off-road vehicles.

Like the first-generation Bronco, nicknamed G.O.A.T., the mission of the all-new 2021 Bronco is to deliver maximum 4×4 go-anywhere, anytime capability and confidence.

Thanks to Bronco’s legendary Baja racing DNA, each model brings forth a thrilling off-road experience and delivers it with modern, heritage-inspired style.

It all began in a Ford design studio with a life-size digital scan of a first-generation model that served to influence the proportions and design of the all-new Bronco for maximum off-road capability and performance.

The all-new Bronco architecture for two- and four-door models is based on a fully boxed, high-strength steel chassis that delivers available best-in-class suspension travel – 17 percent more both front and rear over the closest competitor to thrive in rugged environments.

To deliver thrilling high-speed off-roading and overall driving performance, every Bronco comes with an independent front suspension for improved control, confidence and comfort.

At the rear, a rugged solid axle design featuring coil springs with five locating links delivers both strength and off-road control.

Long-travel position-sensitive Bilstein® dampers with end-stop control valves at every corner are available for added off-road durability and reduced harshness.

Both Bronco two- and four-door models make the open-air experience quick, easy and fun.

Two-door models come with a standard three-section roof system – left and right front sections and a rear section – molded-in color and an available premium painted modular top with four sections that adds a removable panel over the rear seats and cargo area.

Four-door models have four removable roof sections – left and right front panels, a full-width center panel and a rear section.

Roof panels on all models can be removed by one person by unlocking the latches from the interior.

First-row panels stow away onboard on two-door models.

All modular hardtops have rear quarter windows that are removable in three easy steps – snap, push and lift away in a fraction of the time it takes for competitors – without removing the roof panels.

By locating the sportbar behind the second row, both Bronco two- and four-door models offer the largest overall open-top view in its class to take in the sunshine or to gaze at the stars at night.

A cloth soft top, standard on four-door models, provides easy access to the open air and a unique tilt-up function for quick access to the rear cargo area.

For customers who don’t want to choose between a soft or hardtop, the four-door model can be optioned with both.

Every Bronco comes with class-exclusive frameless doors that make them easier to remove than what competitors offer.

On four-door Bronco models, all four doors can be stored onboard with protective door bags. Exclusive cowl-mounted mirrors maintain side view visibility when the doors are removed.

Trail sights on the front fenders also serve as tie-downs, reminiscent of the first-generation Bronco, have a 150-pound capacity for securing longer items like canoes.

Bronco Sport is smartly designed to transport two mountain bikes standing up in its cargo area – and two cyclists up front.

Four available accessory bundles – in addition to more than 100 factory-backed standalone accessories – let owners easily make the vehicle their own by outfitting it to transport kayaks, skis, camping equipment or whatever gear propels their adventure.

Staying true to the DNA of the first-generation Bronco, the all-new Bronco Sport SUV pays it forward with modern, heritage-inspired style, agile off-road architecture and optimized suspension for better control in all environments.

The Bronco Sport SUV’s design inspiration is directly linked to the all-new Bronco halo model.

Its rugged design attributes include signature encapsulated cartridge grille, round headlamps, clean, flat bodysides, and timeless proportions that enable the short front and rear overhangs required for off-road maneuvers.

Tough unpainted finishes smartly cover exterior contact points, so the vehicle is ready for almost anything the rough and tumble outdoors can throw at it.

Inside, all Bronco models are purpose-built and ready for action.

“We spent a lot of time engaging in the outdoors with off-road enthusiasts and understood Bronco had to elevate the off-road camping experience with cleverness and comfort,” said Bill Mangan, Bronco chief interior designer.

“So, we made sure our four-door models could accommodate in-car camping and we followed it with best in class overall openness with the top removed so campers can enjoy spectacular nighttime views.”

The instrument panel is inspired by the first-generation model, with gauges and controls clearly visible and intuitive.

Colors and materials are inspired by natural palettes and outdoor gear.

With off-road functionality paramount, materials are tough and rugged.

A multifunction color LCD instrument panel is front and center with the transmission shifter/ selector and G.O.A.T. Modes controller in the center console.

Available grab handles are integrated into the modular instrument panel and center console, while available MOLLE hooks are mounted in the seatbacks.

Attachment points are built into the instrument panel to mount a bring-your-own-device rack, with 12-volt power connections to easily mount cameras, navigation units, phones or other devices.

Bronco also incorporates off-road mapping and drive technologies to give novice adventurers as much fun as hard-core off-road experts, while its Built Wild durability makes for lasting performance in the harshest of conditions for generations to come.

“Bronco is designed to be more than just the rugged 4×4 that gets you there, but also the destination in itself,” Mangan said.

“You can have fun all day running in the desert sands or crawling along rocky trails – and at the end of the day, it’s your base camp and place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.”

“We created the Bronco family to elevate every aspect of off-road adventure and equipped them with class-leading chassis hardware and exclusive technologies to raise the bar in the rugged 4×4 segment and take people further into the wild,” said Jim Farley, Ford chief operating officer.

“They’re built with the toughness of an F-Series truck and performance spirit of Mustang – and come wrapped in one of the most stunning and functional off-road designs that’s true to the original Bronco design.

The all-new Bronco re-enters the scene with an all-4×4 lineup with production beginning in early 2021 and first models arriving in Ford dealerships next spring.

Bronco owners can choose from an extensive lineup of more than 200 factory-backed accessories for maximum personalization, enabling dealers to provide outfitting-on-demand for each customer’s individual adventure needs.

Project: Ford 2021 Bronco Family
Designers: Ford Motor Company
Client: Ford Motor Company