2021 Ford Bronco Review

Name: 2021 Ford Bronco Review
Brand: Ford
Price: 34590 USD

2021 Ford Bronco Black Diamond 2dr SUV Exterior

2021 Ford Bronco Black Diamond 2dr SUV Exterior Shown

+446

The Ford Bronco is a highly capable off-roader that makes minimal sacrifices to on-road drivability. Downsides include fuel economy, wind noise, braking distances and some cheap-looking interior materials. Otherwise the Bronco is enjoyable to drive and easy to live with. From its character and design to its helpful drive modes and wide availability of its off-road package, the Bronco is the best buy among its competition for most shoppers.

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Ford Bronco model years

Ford Bronco for Sale

2022
2021

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2021 Ford Bronco Review

byKurt Niebuhr^{Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.}

Pros

Impressive all-terrain capability
Pleasant on-road steering and comfort
Helpful technology features for off-roading
Offers extraordinary level of customization

Cons

Lots of wind noise at highway speeds
Lackluster fuel economy

What's new

An all-new off-road-focused SUV
Offered in two- and four-door configurations
Part of the sixth Bronco generation, revived for 2021

Overview

Just like Hollywood, Ford has no qualms about remakes of past hits. Its latest is the 2021 Ford Bronco, which is both a revival of a famous nameplate and a highly capable off-road 4x4. After a 20-plus-year absence, this storied SUV has arrived at Ford dealerships boasting the style and spirit of the original 1966 Bronco. Its strong off-road capability, extensive customization options and modern technology features make it an intriguing rival to the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner and Land Rover Defender.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Ford Bronco 2dr SUV 4WD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 7M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$258/mo

$179/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Available in two- and four-door versions, the 2021 Bronco is a body-on-frame vehicle like traditionally defined SUVs and most modern pickup trucks. (Just don't confuse it with the Bronco Sport. That's an entirely different, smaller and less capable vehicle that's based on the Ford Escape crossover SUV.) Power comes by way of a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine or an optional and more powerful turbocharged V6. It also has cool touches such as an easily removable roof and doors and available rubberized floors with drain plugs — remove them and you literally see the ground underneath.

Not all remakes are good, but Ford has created a blockbuster hit with the new Bronco. Getting your hands on one — and paying a fair price — might be difficult for this inaugural year, but overall this is a great pick for a SUV with loads of rugged character and rock-crawling capability.

What's it like to live with?

We got our hands on a 2021 Ford Bronco First Edition and can't wait to spend 20,000 miles with it as it joins our long-term review fleet. We'll put the Bronco through its paces, check out where it shines and where it comes up short and find out who on the team most excels at cleaning crusted dirt off brushed steel. Check out our experiences with our 2021 Ford Bronco First Edition here.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the Bronco drive? Whether you stick with the turbo four-cylinder or opt for the turbo V6, the Bronco has sufficient and smooth power for daily driving with a quick-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. The extra oomph from the V6 makes on-ramps and short merges easier and more fun, and the V6 Bronco reaches 60 mph from a standstill in 7.3 seconds, an average showing considering the big tires and four-door configuration.

Jumping hard on the brakes produces plenty of nosedive — normal for off-road SUVs — though emergency stopping distances were much longer than we'd like. From 60 mph, a panic stop took 146 feet — we typically see that kind of distance with heavy-duty pickup trucks. It should be noted that our test Bronco was equipped with the Sasquatch off-road package and its rugged tires, but other Broncos we've tested with less aggressive rubber only stopped a mere 10 feet shorter — that's still longer than we'd like to see.

The real star is the steering. Thanks to an independent front suspension, the Bronco's steering wheel relays confidence and stability to its driver at freeway speeds. While you shouldn't expect excitement on curvy roads, you'll appreciate that the steering on long-distance drives won't leave you fatigued.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the Bronco? While far from a luxury vehicle, the Bronco is more comfortable on the road than an equivalent Jeep Wrangler, its most direct competitor. The Bronco's seats feature better support and enough adjustments to reduce fatigue on long freeway drives. A truck-based construction means the ride is a bit firmer and bouncier than in other SUVs, but not enough to make you want to drive it any less.

The available, and effective, dual-zone climate control allows you to adjust the intensity of the auto setting, and the heated front seats work extremely fast, which is excellent if you've got the doors off on a cold day. The removable hardtop lets in a significant amount of wind noise at pretty much any speed, dragging down the Bronco's score in this category. There were also several rattles and vibrations during our off-road testing.

Interior

8.0/10

How’s the interior? Like other off-road vehicles, getting in and out of the Bronco can require a decent step up or down, but there are plenty of grab handles placed throughout the cabin to help. We'd prefer the front grab handles be placed on the windshield pillars instead of the dashboard, but they'll do in a pinch. Inside, the generous adjustment ranges for the driver's seat and steering wheel will ensure that all controls and gauges are within easy view. We appreciate the large and chunky physical controls — their size and placement make them easy to see and use when you're wearing gloves.

Lots of headroom makes the Bronco's interior feel large. This feeling continues in the rear seat, even in two-door models, but accessing those seats in the two-door Bronco can feel like a pinch because the front seats don't slide forward far enough.

Technology

8.0/10

How’s the tech? There's the usual mix of standard and available driver's aids, including adaptive cruise control and exterior cameras. On top of that, the Bronco is available with a suite of useful off-road driver aids that can be individually controlled by experienced drivers or automatically deployed by the vehicle through different drive modes for novices. Unfortunately, we found some of the systems, including the adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, are poorly tuned.

Otherwise, the Bronco benefits from the latest Ford infotainment and connectivity software. The center display boasts clean graphics and easy integration with Android and Apple smartphones whether you want to use a cable or go wireless. The stereo in our test vehicle had trouble covering up road noise at freeway speeds.

Storage

7.0/10

How’s the storage? The Bronco's bigger size compared to the Wrangler translates into a larger interior with more cargo volume. But the four-door Bronco has a touch less space than the similarly sized Toyota 4Runner. The Bronco's rear swing gate opens to the passenger side and stays in place thanks to a strut. On hardtop models, the rear glass folds up easily, but the soft top doesn't open as far and needs a prop rod to stay up.

Interior storage options are adequate, with an appropriate number of cupholders and nooks and crannies for personal items. The netting on the door pockets is too shallow for most water bottles. The front seatbacks on some models have Molle-style attachment points for hanging equipment.

An optional trailer hitch that includes four- and seven-pin connectors gives the Bronco the ability to tow up to 3,500 pounds. A trailer brake controller is not included but is available as an accessory. All Broncos can be flat-towed (all four wheels on the ground).

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? Because it's a newer vehicle with a 10-speed automatic transmission, we expected better from the Bronco's fuel economy. Four-cylinder Broncos have an EPA-estimated fuel economy ranging from 17 to 20 mpg combined. Similarly, six-cylinder versions range from 17 mpg combined to 19 mpg combined. Generally these figures are lower than those for comparable Jeep Wrangler models.

Our test vehicle, a four-door First Edition Bronco with the 2.7-liter V6, had an EPA estimate of 17 mpg. We were able to match that estimate in mixed driving, but aside from the Jeep's V8-powered 392, that's a lower estimate than any Wrangler you can buy.

Value

7.0/10

Is the Bronco a good value? Some people might be disappointed with a few cheap-looking interior materials in the Bronco, especially in higher-end models, but others may see the benefit to long-term durability when the interior is exposed to the elements. The Bronco delivers off-road hardware more broadly through its pricing spectrum than the Jeep Wrangler, providing greater access for shoppers at different price points. It should be noted, though, that our test vehicle was a First Edition Bronco that cost over $60,000. That's a big price tag, but thankfully it comes with pretty much all the standard and optional equipment that the Bronco offers.

Warranty and ownership perks are about average with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The corrosion warranty lasts five years regardless of mileage, and roadside assistance is provided for five years or 60,000 miles.

Wildcard

10.0/10

The Bronco offers praiseworthy capability and character in equal measure. Its rugged design looks cool without trying too hard. As with the Wrangler, removing the Bronco's roof and doors makes for a highly enjoyable driving experience, but the Bronco has more on-road appeal with its superior ride and handling.

The off-road driver aids not only welcome rookies, but tools such as the Trail Turn Assist add genuine fun even for seasoned off-roaders. And if getting a manual transmission wasn't a bragging right already, the Bronco does one better by giving you a super high-ratio crawler gear.

Which Bronco does Edmunds recommend?

How dedicated you are to the off-roading lifestyle will certainly affect your decision, but we think the Big Bend is a great place to start. It offers a few extra items to differentiate it from the Base trim level and has access to the feature-filled Mid package. Should you really want to hit rugged trails, the Sasquatch package is also available.

2021 Ford Bronco models

The 2021 Ford Bronco is a four-wheel-drive SUV available in seven trim levels: Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Badlands, Wildtrak and the limited-production First Edition. It's also available as either a two-door or a four-door and can be kitted out with a long list of options, ranging from appearance and personalization options to different roofs to off-road hardware, wheels and other accessories. Highlighted features include:

Base:
Starts you off with:

2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 325 lb-ft)
Seven-speed manual transmission or optional 10-speed automatic
16-inch steel wheels
Tow hooks (two front, one rear)
LED headlights
Hardtop (two-door versions) or soft top (four-door versions)
Digital instrument panel
Cloth upholstery
Six-way manually adjustable front seats
Power windows
8-inch infotainment touchscreen
Six-speaker audio system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity)
Push-button start
Basic terrain management system with five drive modes

The Bronco's optional engine is a turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 good for 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. It comes with the 10-speed automatic transmission.

All Broncos also come with:

Hill start assist (momentarily holds the brakes to keep the Bronco from rolling backward at a stop)
Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
Hill descent control (keeps the Bronco at a constant speed while descending steep slopes)
Trailer sway damping (adjusts vehicle brakes to help control trailer movement if a trailer begins to sway)
Trail Turn Assist (can help the Bronco make very tight turns when off-road; automatic transmission only)

Big Bend
Adds some style and a few other features, such as:

LED foglights
Different grille
Tinted second-row and rear windows
17-inch alloy wheels
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
Interior grab handles
Upgraded terrain management system with six modes

Black Diamond
Ratchets up the off-road capability with:

Heavy-duty front and rear bumpers
Skid plates
Black grille
Rock rails (prevents body damage while off-roading)
17-inch steel wheels with all-terrain tires
Prewired auxiliary switches
Vinyl upholstery
Rubber flooring
Seven-mode terrain management system

Outer Banks
A fancier version of the Big Bend trim thanks to:

Body color-painted door handles, fender flares and mirrors
18-inch aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires
Side step rails
Upgraded LED headlights
Contents of the Mid package (detailed below)

Badlands
Combines the Big Bend's features and the Black Diamond's off-roading-oriented features. It also has:

Upgraded LED headlights
Unique Badlands suspension
Front stabilizer bar disconnect (allows for improved wheel articulation for off-road driving)
Seven-mode terrain management system

Wildtrak
Builds on the Outer Banks with:

Turbocharged V6 engine
Special graphics
Hardtop
Prewired auxiliary switches
Seven-mode terrain management system
Contents of the Mid and Sasquatch packages (detailed below)

First Edition
This limited-production trim adds to the Badlands with:

Turbocharged V6 engine
First Edition hood and body-side graphics
Heavy-duty bumper with brush guard
Leather and vinyl upholstery
Heated front seats
Power-adjustable front seats
Contents of the Mid, High, Lux and Sasquatch packages

Here's what you need to know about the Bronco's main optional packages.

Sasquatch package:
Optional on most trim levels, it adds more off-road capability thanks to:

17-inch beadlock-capable alloy wheels (beadlocks can secure the tire to the wheel to help maintain tire pressure at low pressure settings)
35-inch mud-terrain tires
Shorter final drive ratio with electronically locking front and rear axles
Lifted suspension
Modified fender flares

Mid package
Adds more tech and convenience via:

Proximity keyless entry
Ambient interior lighting
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Dual-zone climate control
Heated front seats
Remote start (available only with automatic transmission)
Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
Upgraded 8-inch touchscreen
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Lane keeping assist (steers the Bronco back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)

High package
Adds to the Mid package with:

12-inch infotainment touchscreen
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Bronco and its surroundings for tight situations)
Extra sound deadening
Front parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of the vehicle when parking)
Mirror-mounted approach lights and spotlights

Lux package
Requiring the High package, the Lux package adds:

Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Ford and the car in front)
Upgraded 10-speaker audio system
Integrated navigation system
Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
Heated steering wheel
Wireless smartphone charging pad

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Ford Bronco.

5 (100%)

4 (0%)

3 (0%)

2 (0%)

1 (0%)

5.0

8 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

We Said Goodbye Jeep Hello Bronco

OCYLBronco, 08/19/2021

2021 Ford Bronco Badlands 4dr SUV 4WD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 7M)

We have owned two jeep wranglers and both were great vehicles. We explored places from the desert to the mountains, took family trips etc. anyone who has owned a jeep knows the pros and cons. And the list on both sides is long. When Ford announced the Bronco we reserved right away. We just took possession of the Ford Bronco Badlands. And, after a few days of ownership we are very … impressed, surprised and so far the Bronco wins in every way over the Jeep. Highlights: 1. It’s comfortable in the front seats and backseats . Hands down amazingly more comfortable compared to jeep. You can actually ride in this vehicle for hours without being miserably uncomfortable. 2. Space is perfect in front and back. It’s slightly more spacious than the Jeep Wrangler and instead of feeling crammed in can there is proper spacing that makes it very comfortable. 3. Suspension and ride is great. Compared to the Jeep it blows jeep out of the water. Driving on various road conditions is superior and comfortable. 4. Drive: if you have driven a jeep say goodbye to death wobble or a vehicle that sounds like it’s dying passed 72mph … in the new bronco you can comfortably drive 80 mph or more if wanted and the vehicle doesn’t have hood wobbles, sound like engine is maxed or struggling on the highway. You might actually enjoy road-trips versus feeding the drive to the off-road destination. Storage: about same as wrangler it is more than adequate for vehicle type. Interior style: modern and simple. I think they nailed it. It’s not overly futuristic and not some cheesy retro play. It fits the times and looks timeless . Tech: awesome. The base modem stereos and tech and better than what comes on Jeep Wrangler in so many ways. But the upgraded tech available is far better. Ford did a great job of providing good technology options and audio . Thank you! Engine - everyone will have a preference. We chose the 4 cylinder and let’s just start by saying if I line up at a red light with a Jeep Wrangler we will blow it out of the water leaving it far behind all the way to 80mph . 300 hp with turbo. I’m sure the v6 is even better but the 4 cylinder is responsive, quick, and has no real lag. Hands down beats the wrangler. Roof options: we orders hard top and all aware of the delay. So ended up with soft top. Its growing on us and with windows popped out it’s actually very cool. When it’s open it’s amazing to have full roof open. TBD if we end up loving the soft top. Recommendation- invest in the upgraded stereo or plan to do so aftermarket. The base stereo tech is good but speakers and amplifier will make you wanting more. Ford offers a great upgrade to make it easy and it’s worth it . This is my first vehicle review. Felt compelled to share out first take. While we have been multi jeep owners, at this moment I don’t believe we will ever go back. The ford Bronco badlands is a superior vehicle in all the ways that matter for us as a family.

Best looking, driving, fun stick shift on the mark

Tammy F., 04/22/2023

2021 Ford Bronco 2dr SUV 4WD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 7M)

I exclusively drive manuals. I reluctantly sold my 2014 2SS 1LE Camaro because I wanted a 4x4 capable SUV next. I had seen the new Broncos advertised, but due to the supply chain issues, I had to make due with what I could get my hands on - a Tacoma. I absolutely hated it, and as soon as I was able, I traded for a 2021 Bronco 2-door base model with the manual transmission. I love the …

New 2021 Big Bend Soft Top WOW

Tamralynn , 06/26/2022

2021 Ford Bronco Big Bend 4dr SUV 4WD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 7M)

I have wanted a bronco since I first saw them a couple of years ago. When I called a dealership eight months ago, I was told it was a two and half year wait and you had to order one. I continue to see them on the road, scarcely, and still wanted one. Then came across my area 51 blue soft top. It had 1900 miles on it it was a 2021 and I got a great deal. And it is amazing. The ride is …

Best vehicle purchase ever!

Curtis Wilson, 04/21/2022

2021 Ford Bronco Outer Banks 4dr SUV 4WD w/Advanced 4x4 (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 10A)

Picked up a outer banks fully loaded 4-door. Took nearly two years from order to arrival, but so worth the wait. It’s such a beautiful capable and well thought out vehicle. Doesn’t hurt that it makes all the keep guys jealous. The heated seats and steering wheel, huge screen, wireless charger and wireless apple carplay in a serious off-roader bring it within the realm of daily driving. …

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2021 Ford Bronco videos

OFF-ROAD COMPARISON TEST: Mercedes-Benz G 550 Pro vs. Ford Bronco | Can the G-Wagen Keep Up?

Most Mercedes-Benz G-Class owners never even think about taking their SUVs off-road, instead relegating them to a life of mall-crawling and valet parking at high-end restaurants. But even though most will never see a speck of dirt, the G-wagen is famously capable off-road — so…

2021 Bronco Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$28,500
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$258/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	22.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	four wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Bronco models:

Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert: Warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse.
Trailer sway damping: Adjusts the brakes to help control trailer movement if a trailer begins to sway.
360-degree camera system: Gives you a top-down view of the Bronco and its surroundings for tight parking situations.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover3 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover25.6%

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2021 Ford Bronco Review

2021 Ford Bronco Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Ford Bronco 2dr SUV 4WD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 7M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

What's it like to live with?

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Bronco does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Ford Bronco models

Most helpful consumer reviews

We Said Goodbye Jeep Hello Bronco

Best looking, driving, fun stick shift on the mark

New 2021 Big Bend Soft Top WOW

Best vehicle purchase ever!

2021 Ford Bronco videos

OFF-ROAD COMPARISON TEST: Mercedes-Benz G 550 Pro vs. Ford Bronco | Can the G-Wagen Keep Up?

2021 Bronco Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Ford Bronco 2dr SUV 4WD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 7M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}