Ford Bronco: test, price and technical sheet of the off-road vehicle

What Ford is doing, lately, is smart repositioning on the market going to take advantage of iconic names such as Mustang – think of the birth of the Mach-E for the transition to electric without losing the sporting spirit of the name it bears – and Explorer. The final intent is to build cars that are exciting to drive and that stand out from the crowd, in a historic moment of crucial importance for the automotive sector, that of the transition to electric. In that sense, it is no different Bronchus, an off-road vehicle that became an icon in America last century and is now making a comeback – again with an internal combustion engine – with a completely new and highly technological product. The novelty is that it will also be available in some selected markets in Europe (including Italy), which is why it is worth exploring further.

Ford Bronco: how it is made, the exteriors

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Two installations that will arrive, starting from July 2023, in the Bel Paese: Outer Banks (a little more comfortable) e Badlands (more extreme), respectively at a price of 77,000 and 81,000 euros, both already available for order. Aesthetically, the 4×4 looks like a solid and muscular off-road vehicle with clear references to the design of the 1966 icon, characterized by clean and squared lines that enhance its adventurous spirit. The two versions have in common the enormous Bronco lettering in the center of the grille, placed at the same height as the round headlights, as well as the bolted plastic wheel arches. The removable hardtop is modular, being divided into four panels. Two of these, the front ones, can be stowed with dedicated bags on board the vehicle. Plus, all doors can be removed in just 8 minutes. Extras include hidden logos, graphics illustrating the original model range from 1966, a bottle opener integrated into the cockpit and GPS coordinates of test locations used during vehicle development.

Ford Bronco: how it’s done, the interior

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The solid and robust exterior contrasts with an internal environment comfortable and technological. The 8″ Tft instrument panel is combined with a central 12″ LCD touchscreen with the system infotainment Latest generation Sync 4, which benefits from software updates wireless Ford Power Up to improve functionality over time. Compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 7 comes as standard, along with the B&O Premium Sound System 8 with 10 speakers, including a subwoofer. FordPass 9 app available for increased connectivity. Perhaps the most useful and precious object in the whole car is activated automatically with off-road modes: we are talking about a 360° camera system that frames the terrain you are about to tackle. This is very useful in extreme situations where the view is almost zero. As for internal livability, the buttons for the electric window lifters are a bit awkward, positioned obliquely between the gearbox and the armrest. The front seats with electronic adjustment are extremely comfortable also for the passenger, while the seat in the second row is a little too inclined forward.

Ford Bronco: how it is made, off-road specifications

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To all this the Bronco Outer Banks adds a electronically controlled central differential, while the Badlands also features a lockable front differential and a front stabilizer deactivation system to offer maximum agility on difficult terrain. With a wading capacity of 800 mm and a suspension travel of 261 mm, the Ford Bronco guarantees high off-road performance also thanks to the high-strength steel ladder frame with seven cross members. Ford Bronco is equipped with Hoss suspension (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension), which includes independent arms with long-travel coil springs up front and a solid five-link axle with variable-rate long-travel springs. Bronco Badlands is embellished by Bilstein shock absorbers for heavy use. The mechanical components most exposed to any impact with the ground are protected by a skid plate, as well as shields for the engine, transmission, transfer case, fuel tank and side rock guards. Tow hooks front and rear are standard and the tubular structure on which the hardtop is fixed is equipped with side curtain airbags, side airbags for the seats and front airbags.

Ford Bronco: how it rides on the road

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While it’s not meant for who knows what road trips, the comfort aboard the Ford Bronco is level. The raised seat, the wide view, the work of the 10-speed gearbox – much better in automatic than in manual mode – allow for relaxing driving aboard a vehicle that oozes history. At 100 km/h the air hiss becomes insistent and increases as speed increases. On the other hand, the geometries of the car are not ideal for tackling a journey at motorway speeds. And if you consider that you’re on board a finished off-road vehicle, the pace you can keep on a mountain pass is impressive: the weight is there and you feel it when you change direction, but the work done by the chassis is amazing and extremely safe and precise braking. The 335 HP of the V6 allow you to take away even some small satisfaction on the road with accelerations and not bad pick-ups.

Ford Bronco: how it goes off-road

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From the two-wheel drive used on the road, the four are used to tackle dirt roads. Here comes the soul of the Bronco, pure off-road who doesn’t get scared even in the face of the most impervious obstacle. Tested in a permanent off-road circuit, between fords, steep climbs, mud and loose stones, the Bronco amazes for its ease of use for beginners. Do not believe the effectiveness of Trail Turn Assist, the system that reduces the turning radius by 40%. On more than one occasion it has happened to find oneself in extremely narrow and narrow undergrowth situations, where maneuvering would have been almost obligatory, with the consequent risks on a counter-slope route. Well, with this system the car turns as tight as a city car and allows you to go where you would never imagine going. The other valuable asset is the front camera with real-time projections of where the wheels will go, extremely useful when you can’t see the ground. To all this is added the work of the differentials and tires which guarantee the right traction to face even the most impervious climb.

• Engine: elastic and vigorous, the 2.7 V6 has all the thrust needed to get out of trouble off-road and the liveliness for some acceleration on the road
• Character: an American icon lands in Italy. The ability to stand out from the crowd does not go unnoticed thanks to the squared lines and technical equipment of off-road specialists
• Front camera: off-road it is very useful to see where the wheels are placed, especially when facing steep climbs where the view of the ground is zero
• Turning radius: Trail Turn Assist reduces the turning radius in confined spaces. It comes in handy in narrow off-road passages

• Positioning of the electric window controls: obliquely and between the gearbox and the armrest
• Gearbox in M: no paddles on the steering wheel, no back and forth movement of the lever. Gears in manual mode are entered using a + and a – on the shift lever. Not very practical and at that point it is better to let the automatic gearbox work
• Whistling air: above 100 km/h they are clearly perceptible, thanks to the geometry of the car and the removable roof.