The anticipation for the 2021 Ford Bronco was palpable. In my years in the automotive industry, few vehicles have generated as much buzz and excitement as the Bronco’s revival. Sure, there was fanfare for cars like the Honda Civic Type R and Dodge Demon, but the Bronco occupies a different space – a more broadly appealing segment of automotive passion. Its return isn’t just about a new car; it’s the resurrection of an icon, a nameplate that resonates with personal memories and cultural touchstones. More importantly, the 2021 Bronco steps directly into the ring with long-dominant off-road SUVs that also serve as daily drivers, promising a fresh and compelling alternative.
Often, press vehicles are generously optioned, showcasing the most luxurious and expensive configurations. This Bronco review experience was different. The four-door Bronco arrived in a more relatable, modestly equipped trim, carrying a price tag just north of $40,000. In today’s market, where car prices are soaring, a genuinely capable 4×4 SUV at this price point felt surprisingly reasonable. Despite its approachable price, the Bronco’s standard features list was impressive: a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, a seven-speed manual transmission (including a crawl gear), practical steel wheels, family-friendly four doors, and a spacious cargo area, easily accommodating even a large dog. For a non-luxury, adventure-ready SUV, this base model Bronco seemed to offer an excellent starting point.
2021 Ford Bronco Four-Door Advanced Black Diamond 4×4 Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Base Price (as Tested) | $40,835 ($42,720) |
| Powertrain | 2.3-liter turbo inline-four |
| Horsepower | 275 @ 5,700 rpm |
| Torque | 315 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 5,117 pounds |
| Ground Clearance | 8.4 inches |
| Off-Road Angles | 35.5° approach, 20° breakover, 29.7° departure |
| Cargo Volume | 35.6 cubic feet |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 17 mpg city |
| Quick Take | Unpretentious and capable, a genuinely good truck with expected truck compromises. |
| Score | 8/10 |
The Bronco Basics: Design and Interior
Ford clearly took notes from the Jeep Wrangler playbook when designing the Bronco. Mirroring the Wrangler’s approach, the Bronco is available in both two-door and four-door configurations, catering to a wide range of needs and budgets across various trim levels. Whether you need a no-frills workhorse in the base two-door model, or a more attention-grabbing, feature-rich four-door Wildtrak to rival the Jeep Rubicon at school drop-off, there’s a Bronco for different lifestyles.
Visually, all 2021 Broncos share a similar DNA. The design is undeniably boxy, with a Jeep-esque silhouette (forgive the comparison), and a generally straightforward aesthetic. The exterior design prioritizes function over flashiness, with the iconic front grille serving as the most prominent design element. While trim levels offer variations in fender flares, bumpers, and minor panel details, the core Bronco look emphasizes simplicity and ruggedness, particularly evident in its short overhangs, crucial for off-road maneuverability.
This functional design philosophy extends to the Bronco’s interior. Durable, easily cleaned materials dominate the cabin, ready to withstand muddy adventures. The vinyl-covered dash and transmission tunnel, combined with a rubberized floor featuring drain plugs, literally allow for hosing out the interior after a day on the trails. The seats, upholstered in what feels like marine-grade vinyl, are equally easy to wipe down, making it stress-free to bring the outdoors in.
Under the hood, the 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers a respectable 275 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque. In the test vehicle, this engine was paired with a seven-speed manual transmission. For serious off-roading, the Bronco includes 4-low and a crawl gear, features that unfortunately weren’t tested during this suburban-focused review. This configuration boasts an 8.4-inch ground clearance and a 3,500-pound towing capacity, further highlighting its practical capabilities.
Driving the 2021 Ford Bronco: On-Road and Beyond
The 2021 Ford Bronco’s driving experience aligns with its rugged appearance. Behind the wheel, it’s clear that off-road capability is in its DNA. However, it strikes a good balance for everyday street driving. The cabin feels noticeably more spacious and the seats more comfortable than those in a Jeep Wrangler, making it a practical choice for families or anyone frequently carrying passengers. The week-long test involved typical daily routines: school runs, dog park trips, errands, and even hauling gear for a community cleanup – classic suburban dad duties.
The Bronco handled these diverse tasks with ease, performing well at low speeds and offering enough agility for navigating city traffic. The interior’s versatility and practicality were exactly what one would expect from an off-road-oriented SUV. However, highway driving revealed a significant drawback: wind noise. Conversations at highway speeds required raised voices, and turning up the radio became a frequent solution to drown out the noise.
The suspension leans towards the stiffer side, particularly noticeable at city speeds (35-45 mph). At higher speeds, the ride smooths out and becomes more comfortable. Steering is a highlight, offering a light yet communicative feel in all driving situations. The brakes, while initially feeling soft on the pedal, provide strong and confident stopping power.
The EcoBoost engine is a willing performer across the rev range. Acceleration is brisk, and the engine maintains strong pulling power throughout. It’s an engine that enjoys being revved, adding to the driving engagement. The seven-speed manual transmission complements the engine well, with short first and second gears for fuel efficiency and off-road crawling, and taller upper gears for comfortable highway cruising. While this review focused on on-road driving, colleague Kristen Lee’s off-road experience led her to declare the Bronco an “off-road god”, suggesting impressive capability when the pavement ends.
Bronco Highs and Lows: Strengths and Weaknesses
The 2021 Bronco’s greatest strength lies in its well-rounded package. It’s a genuinely rugged and purpose-built SUV that embraces its identity. It doesn’t try to be something it’s not. Its appearance is authentic, and the interior is surprisingly spacious and reasonably comfortable – at least for a vehicle in this off-road category. The cargo area is generously sized, accommodating gear for various activities, from outdoor adventures to everyday family needs.
However, the cabin noise is a notable drawback. While some road noise is expected in an off-road vehicle, the Bronco’s wind noise at highway speeds is excessive. A comparison ride in a new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, even with mud-terrain tires, revealed the Wrangler to be noticeably quieter. Another minor ergonomic issue is the placement of the window switches on the armrest stack. While understandable given the removable doors, they are somewhat awkward to operate, especially for the driver. Perhaps a relocation to the center console or even the doors themselves (with a disconnect for door removal) could improve usability.
Ford Bronco Features, Options, and the Competition
The test vehicle, a four-door Black Diamond model, occupies a mid-range position in the Bronco lineup in terms of features and price. Standard equipment on the Black Diamond includes a rear locking differential, front and rear metal bumpers, rock rails, heavy-duty skid plates, and seven selectable driving modes. The interior features durable vinyl trim and cloth seats, an eight-inch touchscreen with Ford’s SYNC4 system for basic media functions, and standard HVAC controls. Optional extras on the test vehicle included a molded hardtop ($695), cargo area rubber mat ($120), towing package ($595), keyless entry keypad ($110), and roof rails with crossbars ($365).
The most obvious competitor to the 2021 Ford Bronco is the Jeep Wrangler, particularly at the Black Diamond’s price point. In higher Bronco trims, the Land Rover Defender 90 emerges as another potential rival. However, for a direct comparison at this level, the Jeep Wrangler Sahara, with a similar starting price of around $42,340 and comparable performance, comfort, and technology, is the Bronco Black Diamond’s closest competitor.
Bronco’s Sustainability: Fuel Economy
The four-cylinder, manual transmission Bronco achieves EPA fuel economy ratings of 17 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined, according to EPA. For an SUV weighing over 5,100 pounds, these figures are respectable. During a cold-weather city driving test, fuel economy was observed to be close to these estimates.
Compared to competitors, however, the Bronco’s fuel economy in the Black Diamond trim is slightly on the lower side within the segment.
Value and Verdict: Is the 2021 Ford Bronco Worth It?
Having never driven a Bronco before, the week-long test provided a valuable first impression. The 2021 Ford Bronco is a practical, purposeful, and fundamentally utilitarian off-road SUV that knows what it is. It avoids trying to be a sports car, a luxury vehicle, or an over-the-top “bro-dozer.” It’s simply a capable and honest machine. This $42,000 Black Diamond model offered almost everything needed and little that wasn’t – heated seats and steering wheel being the notable exceptions for a Midwest winter. In terms of value, this Bronco configuration is a strong contender.
Overall, the 2021 Ford Bronco is a good vehicle, although not universally appealing. Its driving dynamics are similar to a Jeep Wrangler, but it offers a more spacious and practical interior and cargo area. While not the most refined or comfortable vehicle on the road, that’s expected in this class of SUV. It includes sufficient technology – Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rearview camera – without unnecessary frills. Ford has successfully struck a balance in equipping each trim level with features that resonate with typical Bronco owners.
If you’re seeking an SUV that can handle daily family duties during the week and deliver genuine off-road capability on weekends, the Bronco Black Diamond is a compelling option. Just be aware of the compromises, particularly regarding on-road noise and ride stiffness.
