For many SUV shoppers, the 2021 Ford Bronco in its most basic format could be the perfect truck for their budget and driving needs. A Bronco Base model in 2-door trim starts for less than $30,000 yet comes with a high degree of off-road capability and go-anywhere attitude.
Available with the choice of either a turbocharged 4-cylinder or optional turbo V6, the entry-level Bronco is targeted directly at the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, along with midsize trucks like the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and Chevrolet Colorado.
Bronco Base Price and Details
The Bronco Base 2-door starts at $28,500 before factoring in the destination fee or adding extras. That’s a solid bargain considering how expensive competing trucks and SUVs can get, particularly in upper trim levels.
The 4-door base Bronco is priced notably higher, at $33,200. A primary benefit is this model’s added rear legroom, not to mention additional cargo space behind the rear seats. On the other hand, if you plan on traversing rough terrain and very narrow trails, the smaller footprint of the 2-door could be an advantage.
The Bronco Base 2-door is 174 inches long, 72 inches high, and 76 inches wide. In comparison, the 4-door Bronco stretches 189 inches in length — 15 inches more than the 2-door. It also rides on a 116-inch wheelbase, versus the 100-inch wheelbase underpinning the 2-door.
The roof and doors are removable in every Bronco, though only the 4-door offers a choice of soft-top or hardtop. Choosing the 2-door version means you’re limited to the hardtop.
A turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder coupled to a 7-speed manual transmission is the base powertrain. With 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, power is sent to each corner courtesy of standard 4-wheel drive. This engine can also be ordered with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Stick with the manual if you want an extremely low 94.75:1 crawl ratio for hardcore off-road driving. The Bronco can also ford through 33.5 inches of water.
A driver-selectable G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) drive mode system is standard. More expensive Broncos have up to eight drive modes, geared specifically towards things like rock crawling or desert dune driving.
Optional is a turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 that puts out 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The 10-speed automatic is the only gearbox offered with this motor. To unlock the best towing capacity, Bronco buyers will want to add the Towing Capability package. With either 2- or 4-doors, and equipped with the turbo 4-cylinder or turbo V-6, the Bronco’s max towing capacity is 3,500 lbs.
Bronco Base Standard and Optional Features
If you want an SUV that prioritizes all-terrain driving and goes easy on your budget, the Bronco Base trim is definitely worth exploring. Range-topping trims, like the Wildtrak and First Edition, add tens of thousands of dollars onto the price. While they offer a lot in return for their higher price tags, there’s a lot to be said for sticking with the Base model.
The cabin features black cloth seats front and rear — there’s no upgrading to the marine-grade vinyl or leather seats found in some other trims. This is still a handsome environment with an 8-inch touchscreen that controls the infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, which is a nice perk.
The Bronco rides on 16-inch silver-painted steel wheels, though larger wheels and tires can be ordered as part of the Sasquatch package. Stand-alone extras include a modular front bumper and roof rails.
Extra sound deadening is also available with the soft top, or dual soft and hardtop combo available in the 4-door Bronco Base.
Bronco Base Tech Features
- Intelligent access with push-button start
- Standard trailer-sway control
- Terrain Management System (TMS) with 5 G.O.A.T. drive modes
- Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking
- Rearview camera
- Illuminated sliding visor vanity mirrors (driver and front passenger)
- Powerpoints (12V) – two – front center floor console (1) and cargo area (1)
Dual smart-charging USB ports – Type C + Std A, front rowDual smart-charging USB ports – Type C + Std A, second row (back of center floor console)
Entertainment Features
- SYNC 4 – 8-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen with swipe capability and enhanced voice recognition
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- AM/FM stereo with 6 speakers
- AppLink with App Catalog
- 911 Assist and FordPass Connect
- SiriusXM With 360L
- FordPass Connect
Interior Features
- Single-zone climate control
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Beverage holders, 6 total
- Overhead console with front map lights
- Carpeted flooring, front, and rear
- Carpeted front floor mats
- Manual tilt and telescoping steering column
- Front row: Center floor console armrest, glove box, media bin, overhead console with sunglasses storage
- Front row window controls (2-door and 4-door): One-touch up and down feature, controls located in the front area of the front center console
- Second-row window controls (4-door): Located in the back side of the center floor console
Exterior Features
- Standard soft top 4-door
- Available soft top and/or hardtop 4-door
- Standard hardtop 2-door
- Removable doors and top
- 16-inch silver-painted steel wheels
- 7 available exterior colors
- Flip-up rear glass
- 150-degree swing tailgate
- Tow hooks, 2 front and 1 rear
- Bronco Base Seats
- Cloth seating
- 6-way manual driver seat
- 6-way manual front passenger seat
- Second-row 60/40 split-folding seatback (4-door)
- Second-row 50/50 split-folding seatback (2-door)
- Manual tilt and telescoping steering wheel.
Bronco Base Option Features
- Towing Capability package (includes 2-inch trailer hitch)
- Front brush guard
- Auxiliary switches in overhead console
- Available heavy-duty modular front bumper
- Available mud flaps, front, and rear
Bronco Base Optional Packages
Click here to learn about all the new Bronco option packages.
- Sasquatch Package
Bronco Tire Size and Options
There are two tire/wheel choices for the 2021 Ford Bronco Base. Standard is a set of 16-inch silver-painted steel wheels fitted with 255/70R16 All-Season (30-inch diameter) tires.
Optional are high gloss-painted 17-inch beadlock-capable alloy wheels with 315/70R17 Mud-Terrain (35-inch) tires. These come with the optional Sasquatch package.
Learn About Other 2021 Bronco Models
