Is the 2021 Ford Bronco a Good Car? 6 Pros and 3 Cons

It’s been years since Ford first teased the return of the beloved Bronco nameplate, and Cars.com has been reporting as new bits and pieces of information have trickled out. Well, following a substantial production delay due to a certain world health crisis we needn’t rehash here, the off-road-ready SUV finally arrived ready to rock (crawl) — and to give reigning champ of ruggedness the Jeep Wrangler a real run for its money.

Related: 2021 Ford Bronco Review: Worth the Bucks

So, after all these years and headlines, what could possibly be left for us to talk about? Our official expert opinion on it, of course. We’ve previously reviewed the Bronco’s smaller, more on-road-inclined Sport version, but now our reviewers have put the principal model through its paces … and they have thoughts.

For our comprehensive critique by Cars.com reviewer Brian Normile, be sure to follow the related link above. But for a rapid-fire rundown of what we dig about it — as well as what we’d prefer to forgo — keep reading.

Here are six things we like, and three things we don’t, about the 2021 Ford Bronco:

Things We Like

1. You Won’t Mind Driving It Everyday

Wrangler enthusiasts might not place ride comfort among their primary concerns, but the iconic SUV isn’t exactly a smooth operator on the asphalt. Bronco buyers won’t have to compromise on-road manners for off-road prowess, as the SUV rides and handles more agreeably on the types of surfaces that even the most avid off-roaders will spend the vast majority of their drive time.

2. Amenable Interior

The cabin is well laid out, with most controls conveniently within reach and easy to operate, which appropriately includes the so-called hero switches for off-road functions. Upholstery choices are suitable, while knobs and grab handles feel sturdy and substantial. In terms of space, the Bronco’s interior feels less constricting than the Wrangler’s — even before taking advantage of the removable doors and roof.

3. On Point Off-Road

If the Bronco truly hopes to be a serious Wrangler competitor, it must prove its off-the-pavement prowess. That shouldn’t be a problem based on our trail testing, during which the Bronco acquitted itself like an old pro (or, as it were, an old foe).

“None of the obstacles we faced in the Bronco were things a Wrangler couldn’t also do, but that’s kind of the point, isn’t it? The Wrangler is the gold-standard off-roader and, when properly equipped, can take on practically anything,” Normile writes in his review. “Based on what I’ve seen, a Bronco shouldn’t have any problem keeping up.”

4. What Are You in the Mode For?

G.O.A.T., in Bronco-speak, stands for “Goes Over Any Type of Terrain.” While that may be a bit of an acronym cheat, it doesn’t cheat you out of off-roading options in the way of terrain-tuned modes. These G.O.A.T. modes include Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand, Mud/Ruts, Rock Crawl and Baja, while Rock Crawl gets swapped in for Sport on Badlands and First Edition trims. Each setting augments the two- or four-wheel-drive setting, and possibly engages a differential lock, for the specific challenges of the landscape.

5. No Spotter? No Problem

You won’t always have the luxury of a trusted spotter to survey the scene and guide you over the next steep ridge or around the next muddy, rut-filled turn. For these times, you’ll be thankful for the Bronco’s thoughtful camera system that helps you plan your attack on obstacles ahead, under and around you, while dynamic tire lines guide your path.

6. Multiple Sasquatch Sightings

The Sasquatch is a standalone package that includes all the best off-road goodies: 17-inch aluminum beadlock-capable wheels with 35-inch mud-terrain tires, electronic locking front and rear differentials, a 4.7:1 final drive ratio, high-clearance suspension and fenders, Bilstein shock absorbers and a 10-speed automatic transmission. But the best part is that — unlike the Wrangler, which hogs all its top gear for top trims — the Sasquatch Package is available on any trim level.

More From Cars.com:

• Shopping for a 2021 Ford Bronco? Research One, Here
• Find a 2021 Ford Bronco for Sale Near You, Now
• 2021 Ford Bronco Sport: 6 Things We Like, 3 We Don’t
• Ford Turns Up the Heat on Bronco With Forest Fire Concept
• How Does the 2021 Bronco Sport Badlands Handle the City?

Things We Don’t

1. Stingy on Engine Options

The standard 4WD Bronco offers only two powertrain options: a 270-horsepower, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, or 310-hp, twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6, mated to a seven-speed manual transmission (four-cylinder only) or 10-speed automatic transmission. The Wrangler offers more choices under the hood, including electrification.

2. Sterile Steering and Stopping

Although on-road ride and handling are commendable for an off-roader, Normile noted a “sterile and detached” feel. That’s in addition to uncommunicative steering and somewhat uncommunicative brakes.

3. Control Compromise

The window and side mirror controls are awkwardly positioned behind the gear and drive mode selector. That’s understandably the tradeoff for removable doors that you’ll also have to accept with the Wrangler — but it sure won’t prevent you from reaching in vain to roll down the window using a switch that isn’t there as you’re acclimating to your new ride’s environs.

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