The Bronco, as the truck is rumored to be named, would be based on the Everest, a Ford-of-Australia-designed and marketed body-on-frame SUV that shares its basic architecture with the international-market Ford Ranger.
The Everest, offered as the Endeavor in India and neighboring markets, is an off-road-ready truck featuring 4 doors, 3-row seating, and, when properly equipped, a 6600-pound towing capacity.
Also sold in several Asian and South American markets, the Everest features a live rear axle with coil spring and Watt’s link rear suspension. The truck boasts 9 inches of ground clearance and the ability to wade through 32 inches of water.
At approximately 196 inches overall, Everest is about as long as an American-market Explorer, though slightly narrower.
The Australian-market Everest is powered exclusively by Ford’s Duratorq 3.2-liter 5-cylinder diesel engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. In other markets, a 4-cylinder diesel engine is also offered.
Look for Bronco to come standard with either Ford’s 3.5-liter V6 or 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. Sales volume may not justify the availability of a diesel-engine option, but the same 3.2-liter unit found in the Everest is a possibility should Ford determine sufficient demand exists.
A new 10-speed automatic transmission, currently under development in cooperation with General Motors, may be available by the time Bronco sees production, and would then likely be the truck’s only transmission.
Unlike the original 1966-77 Bronco, and its larger 1978-96 replacement, which came only in 2-door configuration, the new truck will almost certainly be offered only as a 4-door. As such, the new Bronco is best considered more of a Jeep Grand Cherokee competitor than the Wrangler challenger some enthusiasts might be looking for.
The Bronco would enter a Ford showroom already crowded with SUVs and crossovers including the compact Escape; the midsize Edge and Explorer; and the large, wagonlike Flex, though the last is understood to be nearing the end of its run.
Like the Everest, Bronco would likely be offered with standard configurable AWD as well as skid plates and other off-road equipment. Expect Bronco to be priced at a premium above the more urbane Explorer, with a starting price around $36,000.
What’s Cool
- “Forbidden Fruit” foreign-market SUV would finally be available in U.S.
- Off-road-ready truck would give Ford a direct competitor to the Jeep Grand Cherokee and coming Grand Wagoneer
- Diesel engine option could push Bronco highway fuel economy over 25 mpg
CG Says:
With a showroom already packed with competitive crossovers, the Bronco would likely serve Ford more as a halo car than sales volume builder. That said, we say, “bring it on.” Bronco’s international heritage and real off-road capability would play well in ads and on magazine covers. Now if only Ford would build a 2-door version…
Note:
Some sources are suggesting the Bronco will arrive as a 2019 model. Stay tuned for updates.
