Thoughts on new Bronco?

No doubt with the higher trims it's an awesome offroader right off the lot. As for it wasn't made to be versatile, that's a goofy philosophy if Ford wanted to really rub Jeep's nose in the dirt.

Ford pretty much designed a Wrangler with turbo engines. What surprised me most is with all that turbo power it can't tow more than 3500lbs. 5klb+ tow capacity would have really raised the bar.

Bad choice to use coilovers on the rear. A separate shock/coil like the 4Runner allows an easy install of airbags. Still have offroad articulation but can air up for towing. And aired up much better handling onroad when loaded up to max payload.

 

Towing is an afterthought. Ever tried towing with a Wrangler? It sucks in every possible way. It’s not a tow vehicle.

 

So, to compete with the Jeep they should have built a better 4Runner?
Obviously it's not for everyone, but you can say that about any vehicle. If you don't want one, don't get one. For the purpose it was designed for, it will be great for me. If it turns out to not be so great, it will go down the road. If I could only have one vehicle, I guess I'd be shopping for versatility, which means compromise. Thankfully, I don't have to. If I want to tow 5,000lbs, I'll use a truck designed for that.

 

That would have been a great starting point. 4Runner suspension with a modular top. Let's be realistic, the doors stay on 98% of the time. Ford copied Jeep Wrangler when they could have hit it out of the park with just a few things to raise the bar.

Towing certainly was an afterthought. Again, Ford could have rubbed Jeep's nose in the dirt if they would have designed the Bronco to tow 5klbs+. It's not difficult to do so and would not sacrifice offroadability.

 

I saw this thread a couple of weeks ago and it triggered in my memory as I passed by the local Ford dealership. So I stopped in to see the new Bronco...

I almost missed it. It (I say "it" because there was only one on the lot. Ford is creating an artificial shortage so people can feel special when they wait for their's.) was sitting right next to the front doors and it looked so much like a pos that I couldn't believe it was the same vehicle in the ads. I mean... the Bronco in the ads looks good. The pile I saw was just another attempt at failure by Ford. Granted it has a luxury car dashboard. I'm sure that will entice many people to buy. But in person it looks a lot like the bloated and fully less capable Jeep Renegade. Just more bloated. Crawling underneath was barely possible, and what I saw did not impress.

Pretty obviously a built-to-be-built vehicle because no one that was charmed by the commercials will want the street version. And Ford's selling parts, baby.

I think I'll give it a pass. I'd be embarrassed to be seen driving it, and I don't embarrass easily.

Edit: Seems some people don't like this review,

 

You sure you didn’t see a Bronco Sport

 

For sure a bronco sport. Major marketing fail by Ford. Should have called the sport something else entirely.

 

The Bronco Sport is for people who want the new Land Rover Defender on a Ford budget.

Using the Bronco name plate makes sense.

 

Nah, it makes things confusing. People will see the sport and tell their friends the new bronco sucks. Just like what has happened in this thread.

 

Ford should only build 2dr Broncos. There would be no mistaking a Bronco for the Sport.

 

You didn't see a Bronco. That was a Sport. Couple of clues are the non removable top and the word SPORT on the rear.

As far as artificial shortage, you must be living under a rock if you don't know about the shortages from all manufacturers right now. Plenty of Sports out there if you want one though.

 

Yeah, but aren't all motorcycles Harleys?

 

Don't worry. Ford will sell every one they make. Those of us actually getting one are not getting it for towing.

 

It was a Sport like others have said. Bronco body on frame is a different animal and is not out yet. Sorry try again.

 

Yep, they'll sell great for a legit reason, it's an awesome offroader right off the lot for somewhere between $35k - $42k. Sasquatch a Base and don't get giddy about piling up the options and it's great bang for the buck.

Towing ability is absolutely a concern, I've looked at B6G, there's plenty of people wondering WTF Ford was thinking to pair a Ranger frame with strong turbo engines and not be able to provide 5klbs tow capacity.

The rear coilovers was a poor choice. Separate shock/coils is so much better with a multi-link solid rear axle like the 4Runner. Bronco doesn't have a rear swaybar, so maxed out payload the rear will be twitchy on the highway. A separate coil means you can add airbags without affecting offroadability and enhance onroad handling at the same time without a rear swaybar.

 

NOBODY BUYING THIS TRUCK CARES ABOUT PAYLOAD OR TOWING. ITS AN OFF ROAD SUV.

 

Just saw another sport the other day. Still looks better in pics.

 

B6G is just proof that unreasonable expectations exist outside of the 3gen forum here.

Towing is the least of my concern and had no bearing on ordering a Bronco. None whatsoever. The same as it would be for a Jeep. Thankfully, the Bronco designers weren't that concerned with it either.

I'm guessing you haven't seen one in person. It was designed for off road first. I'm happy to buy a vehicle designed for one purpose in mind, instead of being a compromise to try and kinda be OK at as much stuff as possible.

If I wanted a 4Runner, I'd have a 4Runner. I don't.

 

Not nary a crap given about tow rating: