The Ford Bronco retook the SUV stage in 2021, marking this model’s 55th anniversary. Ford resurrected the Bronco line by first rolling out the Bronco Sport, a crossover based on the Ford Escape. This automaker followed with two- and four-door versions of the Bronco SUV, giving the automaker a strong presence in the market.
It is not hard to admire the Bronco, given its history and the model at hand. Its styling cues hearken to the original model without losing the modern touches we want, including LED lights, electronic locking differentials, a robust infotainment system, and advanced driver-assist technologies.
We will explore the Ford Bronco in detail, in the coming week, building on yesterday’s preview, by following with an engine overview today. Our off-road antics await as does our opportunity to showcase this vehicle at a local car event. We’ve added more photos to the mix as well, to give everyone a taste of what the Bronco is all about.
Three Engine Choices
Engine No. 1 – 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
The standard engine is a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. If the size seems familiar, it is the same engine powering the Ford Mustang. This engine makes 275 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque with regular grade gasoline. Fuel with premium-grade gasoline, the performance quotient increases to 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Power routes to all four wheels utilizing a 6/7-speed Getrag manual transmission with a crawler gear or an available 10-speed automatic transmission.
Engine No. 2 – 2.7-liter turbocharged V6
Buyers can upgrade to a V6 engine with twin-turbo power. This one is found in the F-150 pickup truck and makes 315 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque with regular gasoline. Opt for premium gasoline and the power to go with it, specifically 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The same transmission and four-wheel-drive system is standard.
Engine No. 3 – 3.0-liter turbocharged V6
Exclusive to the Ranger Raptor performance variant arriving Summer 2022 is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine. We initially saw this engine in the now-retired Lincoln MKZ sedan. Here, it delivers 400 horsepower and an undetermined amount of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission shifts power to all four wheels.
Drive, Suspension, and Dampers
From this point forward, we won’t mention the Bronco Raptor. There are far more details to mention about that model than we are willing to cover here. We will save those details for when the Bronco Raptor arrives to the market.
Ford equips the Bronco with a part-time four-wheel-drive system with electronic shift-on-the-fly action. Also available is an advanced system with automatic four-wheel drive. The Bronco has a Dana AdvanTEK M190 independent front suspension with a Dana 44™ AdvanTEK M220 solid rear differential. An upgraded package with M210 system with Spicer Performa-Trak electronic locker can be had.
The standard suspension system involves twin forged alloy A-arms with long-travel coil-over springs and HOSS-tuned heavy-duty dampers up front and a 220-mm solid rear axle with long-travel, variable rate coilover springs, HOSS-tuned heavy-duty dampers at the rear.
Off-Roading and Towing
There are slight differences in off-road capabilities for the Bronco, based on whether you choose the two- or the four-door model. Nevertheless, the Bronco is as capable of an off-roader as the Jeep Wrangler. That news should eliminate any concerns about this vehicle.
Choose the two-door model and this one boasts an approach angle of (degrees) 35.5/43.2 (Base/35-inch tires) to 35.5/43.2 (Base/35-inch tires) for the four-door. As for breakover angle (degrees) 21.1/29.0 (Base/35-inch tires) for the two door and 20.0/26.3 (Base/35-inch tires) for the four door.
Moving to the departure angle and we see (degrees) 29.8/37.2 (Base/35-inch tires) with the two door and 29.7/37.0 (Base/35-inch tires) with the four door. Models equipped with the Sasquatch package boast 33.5 inches of maximum water fording.
If you are planning to tow, the Bronco delivers upwards of 3,500 pounds of trailering capacity.
Ford Bronco SUV
The Ford Bronco is designed to withstand much off-road punishment. Even base models get the job done, although with select trim and package upgrades, the ultimate experience is at the ready.
More Photos
Photos copyright Stumpwater Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved.
