There is perhaps no development more exciting for the upcoming 2021 auto season than the return of the Ford Bronco and the unveiling of the Ford Bronco Sport. These two rugged SUV offerings from Ford are highly anticipated and have been delighting potential buyers to the point that reservations are currently full. Both the 2021 Ford Bronco and the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport are targeted toward true outdoor adventurers and come with the most comprehensive outdoor and offroad features and packages you can imagine. Their powerful engines, various driving modes, and sheer variety make both of them an exhilarating ride. While the Bronco won’t be available until mid-2021, the Bronco Sport is set to roll out of the factory sometime this year. To truly comprehend how thrilling both models will be, let’s move on to the comparison below. However, just remember that even though the Bronco and Bronco Sport are side by side below, it doesn’t mean there is a winner and a loser. With these two incredible SUVs there are only winners.
Ford Bronco Trims
Even though neither the 2021 Bronco or Bronco Sport have hit the market yet, Ford has been very forthcoming in details about both. Let’s start with the trims to get the full extent of what Ford is doing with the 2021 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport.
The 2021 Ford Bronco will come in seven different trims starting with the base model, which is also conveniently called Base. As a throwback to the old Ford Bronco, the Base will come as a two-door or four-door SUV that seats four and is powered by a 2.3L EcoBoost engine capable of generating 270 horsepower (though a 2.7L EcoBoost engine with 310 hp is also available). It will also have the option between a 7-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic transmission, both of which are the first in its segment.
Everything about the Base is designed for off-roading. It is a 4X4 SUV and is also highly customizable. The roof and doors can be removed, and with the Sasquatch package, massive, 35” tires can be added. The best part about the Base, though, is that it won’t break the bank. You can get the Base (once it is available) starting at $28,500.
Big Bend is the second trim and is very similar to the Base though it comes with a litany of advanced features on the interior, including power outlets, remote start, and more. Cruise control is also built into Big Bend, which will come in handy on longer trips. Big Bend is going to start at $33,385.
The Black Diamond trim includes several upgrades on both the interior and exterior, including available rubberized flooring for easier cleanup after your day of off-roading and mudding, a heavy duty front bumper to offer more protection against boulders, and an upgraded bash plate which protects the belly of the beast. In addition to those rugged features, the Black Diamond also has a number of G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain). The Black Diamond starts at $36,050.
Things are even more refined with the Outer Banks trim. With the Outer Banks trim, you get leather-trimmed seating and a 12” touchscreen among a number of other upgrades. The Outer Banks starts at $38,955.
The Badlands trim is designed for extreme off-roaders and comes with the mechanical upgrades to make it possible. Features include front stabilizer bar disconnect, electronic-locking front and rear axle, and an advanced 4X4 automatic on-demand engagement system. The starting price for the Badlands is $42,095.
The Wildtrak trim is where things get even more powerful as this trim is designed for high-speed off-roading. To get the Bronco moving faster, the Wildtrak comes with a 2.7L EcoBoost engine that will produce a stunning 310 horsepower to be sure to get you wherever you want to go.. The price for the Wildtrak is $48,875.
The final trim, First Edition, will also have the 2.7L EcoBoost engine. There are only 7,000 First Editions, and unfortunately, all reservations have been filled. The price tag for those lucky enough to snag one is $59,305.
Ford Bronco Sport Trims
The Ford Bronco Sport comes in five different trims (everything but the Black Diamond and Wildtrak). What sets the Sport apart from the Bronco is its more modern design (and the fact that you can get it this year).
The base model is again the Base, and in this case, it boasts seating for five in addition to ample cargo room at 65.3 cubic ft. On top of that, the Bronco Sport Base will also have five G.O.A.T. modes of its own, and a safari style top. The Base will have a starting price of $26,660.
On the Bronco Sport, the Big Bend trim adds a few nice upgrades which include a rubberized cargo floor for easy cleanup and a keyless entry pad that makes the vehicle both more convenient and more secure. The starting price for the Big Bend is $28,160.
The Outer Banks is the third trim, and it includes all the great features of the previous two trims plus leather-trimmed seats, 18” black-painted wheels, and a remote start system. The Outer Banks starts at $32,160.
The fourth Bronco Sport trim is the Badlands and comes with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine capable of generating 245 horsepower. The Badlands trim comes equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes a list of driver-assist safety features such as a Lane Keeping System, Auto High-Beam Headlamps, and a Rear View Camera. The Badlands trim will start at $32,660.
Finally, the Bronco Sport First Edition will also have the 2.0L EcoBoost engine and boast the same great cargo room as some of the other trims at 60.1 cubic ft. In addition to its mechanical prowess, it will also have leather-trimmed seats and a front grille that is carbonized gray with a black Bronco badge. The First Edition’s price tag will be $38,500.
Like the Ford Bronco, the Ford Bronco Sport will be perfectly made for outdoor adventures and will also have a variety of customizable options to make it your own. With such high-performance capabilities and this many features, it is no wonder people are waiting for the 2021 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport with great anticipation.
Verdict
Normally, when comparing two different cars we list the pros and cons of each and declare one to be the winner. Things are a little different with the 2021 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport. Either one is a great choice, and it’s not a matter of one being better than the other. Both were designed for adventure, and both are perfect for a different segment of drivers. For the hardcore off-roaders who want and need all the bells and whistles that are required for the sport of off-roading, then the 2021 Ford Bronco will be the right choice. However, if you dabble in off-roading yet want a Bronco for its functionality and look, then a Bronco Sport, which is the cheaper of the two SUVs, might be right for you. The Bronco Sport also has the added advantage of being available later this year, so it makes sense for the impatient too.
Either way, the 2021 Ford Bronco and the 2021 Bronco Sport are set to rock the SUV world, and we can’t wait.
