Ever heard of Bronco Nation? It’s a website that describes itself as an enthusiast community, yet it’s not independent as some may lead you into believing it is. To the point, marketing agency Jackson Dawson runs it on behalf of Ford to hype up the mid-size utility vehicle.
In the three videos at the end of the story, Bronco Nation showcases the newcomer in two- and four-door body styles in off-road situations. Out in the woods, in the mud, and on wet trails, the Ranger-based SUV seems to handle its own pretty good. And if you look closely, you’ll also notice that all of them are validation prototypes. Look ever closer, and you’ll spot a pair of Jeeps.
Now ask yourself what are the JL and JLU doing there alongside Ford engineers and test drivers and the Bronco? Indeed, ladies and gents, the Blue Oval is pretty much implying that the Jeep Wrangler has met its match.
“Georgia clay” doesn’t stand a chance against the Bronco, and it’s also easy to notice how the inside rear wheel locks up while the front wheels keep spinning to reduce the turning radius. Toyota has a similar system in the Land Cruiser, called Turn Assist Control, activated by the Crawl Control Mode.
Needless to say, the Jeep Wrangler doesn’t have such a system. Not even the Rubicon, and there’s something else that Ford may do better that Fiat Chrysler’s off-roading legend. Remember the seven-speed manual rumor? Word has it the Bronco will get a “granny-geared” transmission for serious rock-crawling capability, but no official confirmation has been given yet.
Rumors also encompass the engine bay of the Bronco. Previously expected with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost and 2.7-liter EcoBoost motors, the mid-sized SUV in Raptor guise is expected with the 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6. The all-aluminum engine is an evolution of the 2.7, introduced for the 2020 model year in the Explorer and Aviator with up to 400 horsepower (406 PS) on deck.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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