How Is the 2021 Ford Bronco Built for Off-Roading?
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is surprisingly good as a daily driver and for off-roading. After being impressed by its smooth ride and ability to crawl up inclines, it’s time to get into the details about how the Ford Bronco Sport is built so well for adventuring.
Is the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport good for off-roading?
Yes, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport serves as an excellent option for off-roading and daily driving. It may share components with the Ford Escape, but it received an updated suspension with an enhanced design for the ability to travel off the beaten track.
The Baby Bronco may not be as well equipped as the big Bronco for off-roading. However, it still was engineered to prioritize high-speed off-road capability with a confident composure when hitting bumps on the road and the wild to live up to its moniker.
How is the Ford Bronco Sport built for off-roading?
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The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport features an all-wheel-drive system with the HOSS (high-performance Off-road Stability Suspension. It’s based on the Escape’s fully independent front strut and multi-link suspension design.
However, according to MotorTrend, the Bronco Sport has newer, more robust suspension control arms and larger offset wheels to widen its track by an inch in the front and rear. The Badlands trim has different suspension knuckles that are stronger too.
The Bronco Sport has unique suspension bushings, springs, anti-roll bars, and special 44-mm diameter monotube rear shocks with an increased oil capacity to enhance its ability to dissipate heat while running fast over challenging terrain.
The Badlands and First Edition models provide 70 percent more dampening in the front and 95 percent more dampening in the rear compared to the Escape. Both models are 15 percent lighter too.
Plus, the new suspension hardware increases front jounce travel to 7.4 inches and 8.1 inches in the rear. The BWI hydraulic jounce bumpers are integrated into the front struts to provide cushion for the last 10 to 15 percent of front wheel travel for softer landings.
What off-roading equipment does the Ford Bronco Sport have?
Higher trim levels of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport include 17-inch all-terrain tires, including a full-size spare. The Bronco Sport provides between 7.8 to 10.2 inches of ground clearance, depending on the tires and model you choose.
Under the Ford Bronco Sport, you’ll find 2.8-mm thick steel armoring shields to protect the fuel tank, engine, transmission, and vapor-recovery canister. The Bronco Sport can ford water up to 23.6 inches deep.
The ram travel index RTI is 345. The approach angle is 21.7 degrees, the departure angle is 30.4 degrees, and the break-over angle is 18.2 degrees. The two transfer cases are actively cooled too.
Plus, the Ford Bronco Sport has its Go Over Any Terrain (G.O.A.T) modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand settings. The infotainment screen displays the differential status, tire pressures, and camera views to help you navigate tricky areas.
Trail Control serves as an off-road cruise control system. You can set the speed between one to 20 mph for controlled movement while climbing or descending hills. The system works on flat land too.
The Ford Bronco Sport feels well planted with limited body control around curves and provides enough power to make it over inclines without slipping. This little SUV is built tough and serves as a fair Jeep rival.
