► Bucking Bronco comes to Europe
► But not the UK or RHD markets…
► Tough 4×4 and SUV variants
The new Ford Bronco 4×4 and SUV range has been confirmed for European sale – but it won’t be sold in the UK or right-hand drive markets, the Blue Oval has confirmed.
The 4×4 four-door Bronco SUV will be sold in ‘strictly limited numbers in selected left-hand drive European markets from late 2023,’ it announced on the significant date of 4 July 2022.
Ford intends to create an entire brand of Broncos going forward, in a similar manner to how it has managed the Mustang family on the sports car side.
‘The Bronco is Ford’s toughest and most versatile off-roader, and the new generation fuses the DNA of the original with the latest terrain-handling technologies and a vast range of accessories to create a new off-road icon,’ said Matthias Tonn, chief engineer for Ford of Europe’s imported models. ‘Following the huge success of the new Bronco in the US we are thrilled to be bringing some of the spirit of adventure to our customers in Europe.’
Yeehaw! I spot three versions of the Ford Bronco…
Your eyes are not deceiving you. The Bronco is available in two- and four-door guises plus a softer, Bronco Sport SUV.
The two- and four-door variants are aimed at the likes of the Jeep Wrangler for proper 4×4 dominance. Under the blocky, retro-futuristic body is one of two 4×4 systems. The first, simpler version, uses a two-speed electric transfer case for shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive activation, while the latter uses an electromechanical one with an auto mode for on-demant four-wheel drive.
A massive suite of drive modes nicknamed ‘G.O.A.T’ or ‘greatest of all time’ drive mode system includes the Baja mode seen on the likes of the Ranger Raptor and F150 Raptor. ‘Bronco’s advanced four-wheel-drive technology is at the core of its off-road capabilities,’ said Bronco marketing boss Mark Grueber, ‘and at the heart of it all is Bronco’s exclusive terrain management system with G.O.A.T. Mode that is designed to help drivers better navigate any type of terrain.’
Defender pretenders: Wrangler vs G-Class vs Jimny
Ford claims class leading off-road capability, including 295mm ground clearance, 29-degree breakover angle and 37.2-degree departure angle. Ford also says the Bronco can wade up to 850mm.
For the two- and four-door Bronco variants, you can choose from a 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol making around 270bhp and a 310bhp 2.7-litre V6, with either a seven-speed manual or 10-speed auto.
Massive amounts of customisation can be done to the Bronco, including a range of colours and accessories. The hardtop models are module and you can even remove the doors.
What about the Bronco Sport?
It’s the more road-based Bronco alternative. It’s available in five trim levels with badass/cringe-inducing (delete where appropriate) names; base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands and First Edition.
All-wheel drive still features, with the toppier Badlands and First Edition versions featuring a four-wheel drive system with a twin-clutch locking rear differential. The Sport still features the drive mode system the chunkier models have, too.
As for powertrains, the Bronco Sport has a 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol with a targeted 181bhp and a 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol with 245bhp. Either engine comes with an eight-speed automatic.
How much does the Bronco cost and when can I get one?
You can reserve any Bronco model for $100 if you live in the US, with a two-door Bronco starting at $29,995. European prices have not yet been confirmed, but expect them to cost more than a straightforward dollar/Euro conversion once shipping and conversion costs have been crunched.
We’ll update this page with more details are known about the European Ford Bronco specs, prices and range.
Check out our Ford reviews