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Tags: 2021 ford bronco, Bronco, Ford Bronco, ford motor co, jeep wrangler, Off-Road Vehicle

2021 Ford Bronco: 6 Most Important Things To Know

Jill Ciminillo July 13, 2020

Ford Motor Co. finally took the wraps off its 2021 Ford Bronco. Set to take on the Jeep Wrangler, this all-new off-road-ready SUV is a throwback to the 1960s styling – with all the modern amenities.

While there is a lot of information (and a fair amount of speculation) floating around about the new Bronco, we wanted to boil it down to the most important things you need to know.

Base price under $30K

Let’s be clear, Ford hasn’t announced any detailed pricing information whatsoever. The only snippet of pricing information they’ve released is the base price for the two- and four-door models, which will be $29,995 and $34,695, respectively – and that includes the $1,495 destination fee.

Pre-production 2021 two-door Bronco Black Diamond series in Cyber Orange Metallic Tri-Coat with available Sasquatch off-road package. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

Since Wrangler is the obvious comparison here, the base price for that two-door model is about $200 less at $29,790, including its $1,495 destination fee. The 4-door Wrangler starts at $33,290, so the Bronco alternative will be a little pricier.

If we wanted to extrapolate a bit, we could guess the Badlands model, which would be the likely equivalent to the Rubicon, will probably start just north of $40K.

2021 marks Bronco’s first four-door model

The original Ford Bronco was a two-door-only model, but with the re-launch of the Bronco brand, Ford adds a set of rear doors. Rather than being just another four-door SUV, however, Bronco has some interesting features that ratchet up the cool factor.

The four-door 2021 Bronco will have available removeable modular roof sections – left and right front panels, a full-width center panel and a rear section. Roof panels on both two- and four-door models can be easily removed by unlocking the latches from the interior to provide the largest overall open-top view in its class to take in the sunshine or to gaze at the stars at night. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

First, on the modular hardtop models it’ll have four removable roof sections that can be removed by one person by unlocking the latches from the interior. Rear quarter windows are also removable without removing the roof panels.

This is the coolest thing by far: the frameless, removable doors can be stored onboard with protective door bags. That’s right – all four doors. This means you won’t have to padlock your doors to a tree and come back to get them – and re-attach them – after a long day of off-roading.

Note: A soft-top is standard on the four-door models, and if you don’t want to choose between soft or hard top, four-door models can be optioned with both.

Pre-production 2021 four-door Bronco Badlands in Cactus Gray with available Sasquatch off-road package. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

There are 7 trims for its first model year

Ford calls them “equipment levels,” but that’s just a fancy way of saying “trims.” The breakdown and Ford’s description of each level is as follows:

Base: Designed for customers who want a no-frills 4X4 SUV or for those looking to customize their very own vehicle for rugged off-road adventure.

Big Bend: For customers looking for off-road capability with greater comfort, technology and convenience

Black Diamond: Next-level outdoor adventure adds heavy-duty off-road hardware and marine-grade washout interior.

Colors and materials are inspired by natural palettes and outdoor gear in this prototype version of the all-new 2021 Bronco. With off-road functionality paramount, materials are tough and rugged. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

Outer Banks: For customers who prefer style and technology on-road and off.

Wildtrak: The all-out-desert runner, this model is equipped with the Sasquatch Package, 35-inch tires and seven G.O.A.T. modes including Baja.

Badlands: Designed for the ultimate in off-road capability, this model comes with its own unique heavy-duty suspension that includes a front stabilizer bar disconnect.

First Edition: This model debuts with Badlands mechanicals, Outer Banks interior appointments and rugged Wildtrak exterior features. Only 3,500 are slated to be built.

Be sure to enlarge the images below if you want to see a complete trim breakdown as well as package option levels.

35-inch tires available on every trim

This is kind of a BFD. You don’t have to do modifications or buy non-stock tires and hope they work. Ford is making 35-inch, off-road tires available on every trim on both two- and four-door models – and this is direct from the factory.

While we don’t know what this option will cost, it does open the doors to serious off-road capability at lower price points.

As noted above, the 35-inch tires come standard on the Wildtrak trim.

Trail sights on the front fenders serve as tie-downs, reminiscent of the first-generation Bronco. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

Made to get muddy inside

If you own a vehicle like the Ford Bronco, you probably have an active lifestyle. Whether you’ve gone muddin’ or got a pooch who got muddy then climbed inside your truck, the new Bronco makes it easy to clean up messes.

Think Honda Element easy to clean.

The Black Diamond, Badlands and First Edition trims will come equipped with washable rubberized floors, integrated drains and marine-grade vinyl seating surfaces that resist mildew.

Worried about the vehicle’s electronics? The instrument panel surfaces are wipeable and switches have silicone seals.

Prototype version, not representative of production model, of the all-new 2021 Bronco interior is highlighted by an available 12-inch SYNC 4 system, optional leather trim seating, console-mounted transmission shifter/selector and G.O.A.T. Modes control knob. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

Bronco is all teched out

Just because the Bronco is decked out with off-road capability and throw-back design features doesn’t mean it’s not teched out, too. After Mach-E and F-150, Bronco is the next vehicle in the Ford lineup to get Sync 4, with a 12-inch screen and over-the-air updates.

One of the coolest features, however, has to be the advanced topographic trail maps, which feature content from NeoTrek’s AccuTerra Maps, Trails Offroad trail guides and FunTreks trail guides. With this trail-mapping system, owners will be able to select curated trail maps and then track and share their personal experiences with others.

Other available high-tech features of note: a 360-degree camera system, a B&O Sound System, evasive steer assist, wireless charging, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The bottom line

We’ve been waiting for the Ford Bronco for a long time. A long time. And it looks really good on paper. We love the 1960s-era throwback design details as well as the well-thought-out features.

Though we can’t say for sure until we drive it, Ford might have just found a vehicle to give Wrangler a run for its money.

We’re looking at every aspect of the 2021 Ford Bronco, so be sure to check out our Bronco landing page to catch all our stories, photo galleries and videos.

: The four-door 2021 Bronco will have available removable modular roof sections – left and right front panels, a full-width center panel and a rear section. Roof panels on both two- and four-door models can be easily removed by unlocking the latches from the interior to provide the largest overall open-top view in its class to take in the sunshine or to gaze at the stars at night. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

: removeable modular roof sections – left and right front panels, a full-width center panel and a rear section. Roof panels on both two- and four-door models can be easily removed by unlocking the latches from the interior to provide the largest overall open-top view in its class to take in the sunshine or to gaze at the stars at night. Prototype not representative of production vehicle. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

: The four-door 2021 Bronco will have available removable modular roof sections – left and right front panels, a full-width center panel and a rear section. Roof panels on both two- and four-door models can be easily removed by unlocking the latches from the interior to provide the largest overall open-top view in its class to take in the sunshine or to gaze at the stars at night. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

: The four-door 2021 Bronco will have available removeable modular roof sections – left and right front panels, a full-width center panel and a rear section. Roof panels on both two- and four-door models can be easily removed by unlocking the latches from the interior to provide the largest overall open-top view in its class to take in the sunshine or to gaze at the stars at night. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

: The four-door 2021 Bronco will have available removeable modular roof sections – left and right front panels, a full-width center panel and a rear section. Roof panels on both two- and four-door models can be easily removed by unlocking the latches from the interior to provide the largest overall open-top view in its class to take in the sunshine or to gaze at the stars at night. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

: The four-door 2021 Bronco will have available removeable modular roof sections – left and right front panels, a full-width center panel and a rear section. Roof panels on both two- and four-door models can be easily removed by unlocking the latches from the interior to provide the largest overall open-top view in its class to take in the sunshine or to gaze at the stars at night. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

: The four-door 2021 Bronco will have available removeable modular roof sections – left and right front panels, a full-width center panel and a rear section. Roof panels on both two- and four-door models can be easily removed by unlocking the latches from the interior to provide the largest overall open-top view in its class to take in the sunshine or to gaze at the stars at night.(Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

: The four-door 2021 Ford Bronco will have available removable modular roof sections – left and right front panels, a full-width center panel and a rear section. Roof panels on both two- and four-door models can be easily removed by unlocking the latches from the interior to provide the largest overall open-top view in its class to take in the sunshine or to gaze at the stars at night. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

: The four-door 2021 Bronco will have available removeable modular roof sections – left and right front panels, a full-width center panel and a rear section. Roof panels on both two- and four-door models can be easily removed by unlocking the latches from the interior to provide the largest overall open-top view in its class to take in the sunshine or to gaze at the stars at night. (Prototype not representative of production vehicle.)

: All 2021 Bronco two- and four-door models offer a swing-out tailgate for easier access to the cargo area, as shown on this four-door Bronco prototype. (Prototype not representative of production vehicle.)

: On select models, rubberized washable flooring is available with integrated drain plugs to make cleanup simple and quick. (Prototype not representative of production model. Static display on private property with aftermarket accessories not available for sale.)

: Class-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission and standard Terrain Management System™ with G.O.A.T. Modes™ in this prototype version of the 2021 Bronco can help off-roaders venture over any type of terrain (not representative of production model). (Static display on private property with aftermarket accessories not available for sale.)

: Interior seating details are shown on this prototype version, (not representative of production model) of a 2021 Bronco four-door model. (Static display on private property with aftermarket accessories not available for sale.)

: A slide-out rear tailgate provides greater convenience for two- and four-door Bronco models. (Prototype not representative of production vehicle.)

: The instrument panel is inspired by the first-generation Bronco, with intuitive, clearly visible LED gauges and controls in this prototype version of the all-new 2021 Bronco four-door (not representative of production model). (Static display on private property with aftermarket accessories not available for sale.)

: Bronco two-door models come with a standard three-section roof system that is removeable quickly and easily with the first-row panels able to be stowed away on board. 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. (Prototype not representative of production vehicle.)

: With more than 200 factory-backed accessories available at launch, this 2021 Bronco two-door prototype shows how owners can personalize their SUV to get more out of their outdoor experiences. (Aftermarket accessories shown not available for sale. Prototype not representative of production vehicle.)

: Trail sights on the front fenders serve as tie-downs, reminiscent of the first-generation Bronco. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

: With more than 200 factory-backed accessories available at launch, this 2021 Bronco two-door prototype shows how owners can personalize their SUV to get more out of their outdoor experiences. Aftermarket accessories shown not available for sale. Prototype not representative of production vehicle. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

: With more than 200 factory-backed accessories available at launch, this 2021 Bronco two-door prototype shows how owners can personalize their SUV to get more out of their outdoor experiences. Aftermarket accessories shown not available for sale. Prototype not representative of production vehicle. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

: With more than 200 factory-backed accessories available at launch, this 2021 Bronco two-door prototype shows how owners can personalize their SUV to get more out of their outdoor experiences. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

: With more than 200 factory-backed accessories available at launch, this 2021 Bronco two-door prototype shows how owners can personalize their SUV to get more out of their outdoor experiences. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

: Customization details include an available leather-wrapped shift lever for the class-exclusive 7-speed manual transmission. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

: Instrument panel-mounted hero switches, an easy reach for the driver, feature seamless rubber touchpoints to protect against dirt and water and are easily washable in this prototype version of the 2021 Bronco. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

: MOLLE hooks are mounted in the seatbacks for safe transport when the trails get rough in this prototype version of the all-new 2021 Bronco (not representative of production model). (Static display on private property with aftermarket accessories not available for sale.)

: Bring-your-own-device accessory mount bar is available for easy access to a USB port on this prototype version of the all-new Bronco two- and four-door (not representative of production models). (Static display on private property with aftermarket accessories not available for sale.)

: 2021 Bronco two-door features class-leading open-air design roof and instrument panel inspired by the first-generation Bronco, with intuitive, clearly visible gauges and controls in this prototype version (not representative of production model). Prototype not representative of production model. (Static display on private property with aftermarket accessories not available for sale.)

: Colors and materials are inspired by natural palettes and outdoor gear in this prototype version of the all-new 2021 Bronco. With off-road functionality paramount, materials are tough and rugged. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

: With more than 200 factory-backed accessories available at launch, this 2021 Bronco two-door prototype shows how owners can personalize their SUV to get more out of their outdoor experiences. Aftermarket accessories shown not available for sale. Prototype not representative of production vehicle. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

: Modular doors on this prototype vehicle are among the Ford accessories available for Bronco two- and four-door models. Aftermarket accessories shown not available for sale. Prototype not representative of production vehicle. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

: Prototype version, not representative of production model, of the all-new 2021 Bronco interior is highlighted by an available 12-inch SYNC® 4 system, optional leather trim seating, console-mounted transmission shifter/selector and G.O.A.T. Modes™ control knob. (Static display on private property with aftermarket accessories not available for sale.)

: Pre-production 2021 two-door Bronco Black Diamond series in Cyber Orange Metallic Tri-Coat with available Sasquatch off-road package. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

: Pre-production 2021 two-door Bronco Black Diamond series in Cyber Orange Metallic Tri-Coat with available Sasquatch™ off-road package.

: Pre-production 2021 two-door Bronco Black Diamond series in Cyber Orange Metallic Tri-Coat with available Sasquatch off-road package. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

: Pre-production 2021 two-door Bronco Black Diamond series in Cyber Orange Metallic Tri-Coat with Sasquatch™ off-road package.

: Pre-production versions of the 2021 Bronco, shown here, include Bronco two-door in Cyber Orange Metallic Tri-Coat and Bronco four-door in Cactus Gray. (Image courtesy of Ford Motor Co.)

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Jill Ciminillo

Jill Ciminillo is a syndicated automotive writer. Jill also manages the “Drive, She Said” blog for ChicagoNow and posts reviews to DriveChicago. She is the president emeritus of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and has the distinction of being the first female president for that organization. She also serves as a judge for the Automotive Heritage Foundation Journalism Awards. Previously, Jill has been the automotive editor for the Sinclair Broadcast Group, the Chicago Sun-Times News Group and Pioneer Press Newspapers.