The anticipation for the 2021 Ford Bronco was palpable, unlike almost any other vehicle in recent memory. While niche models like the Honda Civic Type R or Dodge Demon generated buzz within specific automotive circles, the Bronco’s resurgence resonated far wider. This wasn’t just a new car; it was the return of an icon, stepping into the ring to challenge the long-dominant off-road daily drivers. The Bronco carries with it a legacy, sparking memories and embodying a spirit of adventure. More importantly, it arrives to directly compete with vehicles that have enjoyed a near-monopoly in the dual-purpose off-road and daily driving segment for decades.
Often, press vehicles are generously equipped, showcasing top-tier trims with inflated prices that don’t reflect real-world buyer choices. However, this wasn’t the case with the Bronco test vehicle. It arrived in a refreshingly basic configuration, boasting what could be considered an attainable price tag in today’s market: just over $40,000. A genuine 4×4 SUV at this price point? It felt like a return to automotive basics.
2021 Ford Bronco Four-Door on City Street
For that price, expectations might be tempered, anticipating a sparsely equipped SUV. While $40,000 is a significant investment, current average car prices put things in perspective. The base Bronco, in this context, felt almost like a bargain. Yet, a closer look at the specs revealed a surprisingly well-equipped machine: a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, a seven-speed manual transmission (including a crawl gear), sturdy steel wheels, practical four-door access, and a substantial cargo area capable of accommodating even large dogs. For a non-luxury, adventure-ready SUV, it ticked many essential boxes right from the start.
2021 Ford Bronco Four-Door Advanced Black Diamond 4×4 Specifications
- Base Price (as Tested): $40,835 ($42,720)
- Powertrain: 2.3-liter Turbo Inline-Four | 7-Speed Manual | Four-Wheel Drive
- Horsepower: 275 hp @ 5,700 rpm
- Torque: 315 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Curb Weight: 5,117 lbs
- Ground Clearance: 8.4 inches
- Off-Road Angles: Approach 35.5°, Breakover 20°, Departure 29.7°
- Cargo Volume: 35.6 cubic feet
- EPA Fuel Economy: 17 mpg City | 19 mpg Highway | 18 mpg Combined
- Quick Take: The Bronco is unpretentious and focused on its purpose, delivering genuine capability without unnecessary frills, yet still manages to impress. It’s a solid, honest truck with the inherent compromises that come with the territory.
- Rating: 8/10
2021 Ford Bronco Four-Door Side Profile on Trail
2021 Ford Bronco Four-Door Front View on Rocky Terrain
The Fundamentals of the Bronco Design
Ford clearly took notes from the Jeep Wrangler’s successful formula when designing the Bronco. It’s available in both two-door and four-door configurations, across a broad spectrum of trims and price points. For those needing a no-nonsense work vehicle, the base two-door Bronco is a likely candidate. For those seeking to make a statement, perhaps amongst the Wrangler Rubicon crowd at school drop-off, the four-door Wildtrak trim fits the bill.
Across the range, the Bronco maintains a consistent aesthetic. Its boxy silhouette, while reminiscent of Jeep (understandably), is fundamentally straightforward and utilitarian. The exterior styling is generally clean and uncluttered, with the front grille serving as the most prominent design element and contributing significantly to the Bronco’s identity. Higher trims might feature larger fender flares, distinct bumpers, and varied body panels, but the core visual DNA of the Bronco – especially its minimal overhangs – emphasizes off-road capability through design simplicity.
This functional approach extends to the interior. Durable, easily cleaned materials dominate the cabin, ideal for post-trail cleanup. A vinyl-clad dashboard and transmission tunnel, combined with a rubberized floor featuring drain plugs, mean you can literally hose down the interior to remove mud and debris. The seats, upholstered in what feels like marine-grade vinyl, are equally easy to wipe clean, eliminating concerns about dirt and spills.
2021 Ford Bronco Four-Door Interior Dashboard and Steering Wheel
2021 Ford Bronco Four-Door Interior Gear Stick and Center Console
2021 Ford Bronco Four-Door Interior Rear Seats and Cargo Space
2021 Ford Bronco Four-Door Interior Front Seats and Door Panel
2021 Ford Bronco Four-Door Interior View from Rear Seats
The 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 275 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque. In the test vehicle, it was paired with a seven-speed manual transmission. The Bronco also features 4-low and a crawl gear, although these weren’t tested during this review. In this configuration, ground clearance is a respectable 8.4 inches, and the maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds.
Behind the Wheel: Driving the Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco’s driving experience is a direct reflection of its rugged aesthetics. Once you’re behind the wheel, it’s clear this vehicle is engineered for off-road environments. However, it strikes a good balance for on-road driving, and notably, the cabin feels more spacious and the seats more comfortable than many Wranglers. This makes it a practical choice for families or anyone who frequently transports passengers. The week-long test involved typical daily routines: school runs, dog park trips, errands, and even hauling supplies for a community cleanup. Essentially, everyday suburban family tasks.
The Bronco proved adaptable, performing well at slower speeds and offering sufficient agility in city traffic. As detailed below, the interior is versatile and functional, meeting expectations for an off-road-focused SUV. However, wind noise at highway speeds is a significant drawback. Conversations with passengers became challenging, often requiring the radio to be turned up to mask the noise.
Ford Bronco in Eruption Green Color Parked Outdoors
Ford Bronco Eruption Green Front Grille Detail
Ford Bronco Eruption Green Driving on Off-Road Trail
Ford Bronco Eruption Green Wheels and Suspension Detail
Ford Bronco Eruption Green Rear Tail Light Detail
The suspension leans towards the firmer side, especially noticeable in city driving between 35 to 45 mph. At higher speeds, the ride smooths out and becomes more comfortable. Steering is a highlight, feeling light and responsive across various driving conditions. Braking performance is also commendable; the pedal feels soft initially, but the braking force is strong and confidence-inspiring.
The EcoBoost engine is surprisingly potent throughout the rev range. Acceleration is brisk, and the engine maintains strong pulling power even at higher speeds, eager to rev. Whether driving fast, slow, or cruising, the turbo-four feels responsive and willing. The transmission complements the engine well, featuring short first and second gears for improved fuel economy and off-road capability, while higher gears are geared for more relaxed highway driving. While this test focused on daily driving, colleague Kristen Lee’s off-road experience led her to declare the Bronco an “off-road god,” suggesting its prowess on trails is significant.
2021 Ford Bronco Four-Door on Off-Road Trail Flexing Suspension
2021 Ford Bronco Four-Door Driving Through Water
2021 Ford Bronco Four-Door Climbing Rocky Hill
Bronco: The Ups and Downs
The Bronco’s strongest attribute is its overall packaging. It’s a robust and purposeful SUV, authentically built for off-road adventures. It doesn’t try to be something it’s not. Its appearance matches its capability, offering a spacious and reasonably comfortable interior – at least as comfortable as expected for this type of vehicle. The cargo area is generously sized, accommodating gear for various activities, from outdoor pursuits to everyday family needs.
However, cabin noise is a notable downside. While some noise is expected in an off-road vehicle, the Bronco’s cabin is louder than anticipated. Comparing it back-to-back with a friend’s new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon revealed the Wrangler, even with mud-terrain tires, to be quieter inside. Another ergonomic quirk is the placement of the window switches, located on the armrest stack. They are somewhat awkward to use, especially for the driver. While their placement is likely due to the removable doors, a more ergonomic location on the center console or even the doors themselves (considering the switches become redundant when doors are removed) would be preferable.
Features, Options, and Competition in the Ford Bronco Lineup
As a four-door Black Diamond trim, the test Bronco sits in the middle ground of the Bronco range in terms of equipment and pricing. Standard features included a rear locking differential, front and rear metal bumpers, rock rails, heavy-duty skid plates, and seven selectable drive modes. The interior featured vinyl trim, cloth seats, an eight-inch touchscreen with SYNC4 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).
2021 Ford Bronco Four-Door Front Metal Bumper and Rock Rails Detail
2021 Ford Bronco Four-Door Rear View Showing Spare Tire and Bumper
2021 Ford Bronco Four-Door Front Three Quarter View on Road
The most obvious competitor to the Bronco, particularly at this price point, is the Jeep Wrangler. However, in higher Bronco trims, the Land Rover Defender 90 also becomes a potential rival. For a direct comparison at this level, the Wrangler Sahara is the closest match, offering a similar starting price of around $42,340 (including destination) and comparable performance, comfort, and technology features.
Sustainability and Fuel Economy
Equipped with a manual transmission, the four-cylinder Bronco achieves EPA fuel economy ratings of 17 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined. For an SUV weighing over 4,800 pounds, these figures are respectable. During the test, primarily in city driving in cold weather, fuel consumption was close to these estimates.
Compared to competitors, the Bronco’s fuel economy in the Black Diamond trim is slightly on the lower side.
EPA Fuel Economy Sticker for 2021 Ford Bronco
Overall Value and Final Verdict
Having never driven a Bronco before, the week-long test provided valuable insights. The 2021 Ford Bronco Black Diamond emerges as a practical, purposeful, and fundamentally capable off-road SUV with a clear identity. It avoids trying to be a sports car, a luxury vehicle, or an overly aggressive truck. It’s simply a highly functional and utilitarian machine. This $42,000 Black Diamond model offered a well-judged balance of essential features without unnecessary extravagance – with the understandable exceptions of desired heated seats and steering wheel in a Midwest winter. In terms of value, this Bronco configuration is compelling.
2021 Ford Bronco Four-Door Front View on Urban Background
Ultimately, the 2021 Ford Bronco is a good vehicle, though not universally appealing. Its driving dynamics are similar to a Jeep, but it offers a more spacious and practical cabin and cargo area. Comfort is adequate for its class, as expected in an off-road SUV. It includes sufficient technology like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rearview camera for modern convenience, but avoids excessive frills. Ford has successfully struck a balance in equipping each trim level with features that resonate with the average Bronco buyer’s needs and preferences.
If you’re seeking an SUV capable of daily family duties during the week and weekend off-road adventures, the Bronco Black Diamond is a strong contender. Just be aware of the inherent compromises that come with a vehicle designed for both rugged terrain and everyday use.
