While the exact date is still unknown (as of this writing), several things have recently been taking place in preparation of the Bronco launch in July. One of the more interesting events has been Ford’s launch of the “Bronco Nation” website and YouTube channel. Sadly, the website is not available to Canadians, but we can watch a couple of new YouTube videos showcasing the Bronco (albeit still camouflaged) doing some serious off-roading through very muddy trails.

With this new site, new videos and a literal army of dedicated fans combing through every spy photos and video frame-by-frame, we have learned quite a bit about what to expect from the new Bronco. None of this has been confirmed, but here are some of the more exciting details we believe to be true as of now:

The Bronco will be available in both four-door and two-door configurations with hardtop and soft top options.

It’s common knowledge that the new Bronco will share its platform with the next-generation Ford Ranger pickup truck. The Ranger replacement will be completely redesigned and we know it’ll get the turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder from the current Ford Ranger as well as the twin-turbo 2.7-litre V-6 with 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of twist that’s available on the Ford F-150. Additionally, the Bronco seems likely to be introduced with an unprecedented seven-speed manual transmission with a “crawler” gear for off-roading. Ford has confirmed that the Bronco will eventually offer a hybrid powertrain, too.

The new Bronco is clearly targeting the Jeep Wrangler which has been dominating the off-road market without competition for decades. But it seems like the Bronco may have a slightly different mission. The Jeep is famous for its unmatched rock-crawling capabilities, but Ford may not even try to take that crown because the Jeep is also famous for poor manners at highway speeds. Based on several reports, the Bronco is NOT going to have a solid front axle, which is favoured for serious rock-crawling. Giving the Bronco an independent front suspension suggests Ford may be creating a much more comfortable driving vehicle, geared slightly more towards high-speed overlanding than full-on rock crawling. Having said that, there is a lot of really clever engineering in the new Bronco, so it may have some rock crawling tricks up its sleeve to help compensate for its independent front suspension.

One of the exciting features revealed in the latest “Bronco Nation”: videos is known among serious off-roaders as a “front dig”. This allows for the front wheels to spin (dig) while a back wheel locks up, allowing the vehicle to pivot around tight turns on loose terrain or mud. This is an impressive feature and helps 4X4’s manoeuvre more effectively through tight, winding trails. Typically, it would be achieved through gearing and a special transfer case, but we except that for the Bronco, it will be a simpler brake-based system where the driver can lock up the brake on the inside wheel when approaching a tight corner. Jeep has never offered this feature.

The Jeep Wrangler is also loved for the incredible breadth and selection of cool accessories and upgrades available, which allow Jeep owners an opportunity to customize. Ford is definitely taking this seriously and we’ve already seen some evidence that the Bronco may have an advantage on this front right out of the gate. The Wrangler has been famous for having removable doors and both a convertible and removable hardtop and we’re confident the Bronco will too, but new patent information suggests that the Bronco’s entire roll cage may also be removable!

If you’re interested in test driving a 2021 Ford Bronco (and who isn’t!), then stay tuned to these pages for more information on when the official Canadian launch will take place and when we can expect inventory to arrive. Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.

Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications, at any time, without notice.