The first generation Ford Bronco, manufactured from 1966 to 1977, was the brainchild of innovative Ford Mustang designers Lee Iacocca and Donald Frey. The iconic car was designed to be a smaller off-road vehicle in the same vein as the Jeep CJ. The Ford Bronco’s three-door body lived on with few changes until the mid-’80s, when the third-generation offered an expanded line of V8, six-cylinder engines.

Manufactured from 1984 to 1990, the Ford Bronco II was a smaller version that attracted younger customers. But roll-over concerns and 334 lawsuits to the tune of $113 million caused the Bronco II’s demise.

The fifth and final generation of the vehicle is notable for O.J. Simpson’s infamous highway chase in 1994. By this time, interest in a two-door, two-row SUV waned considerably, as the late ’90s found drivers seeking four-door models. The Ford Bronco’s last production year was 1996 — until now. A sixth-generation Bronco will likely join the lineup in 2020.

A new Ford Bronco in the works?

In 2018, Ford held its National Dealers Meeting in Las Vegas with over 3,000 North American dealers in attendance. The leadership team not only drove the newest model vehicles, but they also got a glimpse of future Ford models still in the works.

Apparently, Roadshow came into possession of some photos taken at this meeting of a new “baby Bronco!” Keep in mind, this information has not been publicly sanctioned by Ford.

So, a 2020 or a 2021 Ford Bronco release remains to be seen. In the meantime, we’ll share the patent leaks and exciting details that could spell the start of a spectacular 2020 Ford Bronco debut.

2020 Ford Bronco rumors

• The 2020 Bronco may use the current Ford F-150 engine: a 2.7L, V6 with 325 hp at 400 lb. ft. of torque — certainly enough power for off-roading. The other option is the smaller, 2.3L turbo five-speed EcoBoost engine presently in high-performance Ford Mustangs.
• There are rumors of a 10-speed manual transmission, which is difficult to find on lots and especially in an SUV. A manual option would delight drivers who like this fun driving experience.
• Three body styles are reportedly in the works: a unibody frame may be the first release and the smaller option. Other leaks suggest a body-on-frame model and a standard 4×4 all-wheel-drive option.
• Price point speculation suggests a base model cost of about $30,000. 

Nine leaked Ford Bronco patents

Leaks indicate separate body-panel patents with split doors and removable windows. Another patent involves a storage system to safely keep the removable windows and doors in the rear cargo area. Pictures are also leaked online, but Ford will not confirm or deny rumors.

The Ford Bronco has a lot of history to live up to. After all, it was one of the best-selling off-road vehicles ever produced by the automaker. Vintage Ford Broncos have doubled in value, according to Bloomberg. One recently sold for over $200 million — $9 million more than last year’s highest bidder. So keep your eyes peeled; Ford may re-release this iconic SUV.