The 2021 Ford Bronco was one of the most anticipated SUVs of the year. Does it really live up to the hype? Here are three reasons that the 2021 Ford Bronco is an overrated SUV.

The 2021 Ford Bronco has horrible fuel economy

The Ford Bronco’s fuel economy is horrible by today’s standards. Now that automakers are beginning to reduce carbon emissions, SUV models are boasting amazing fuel economy. The 2021 Ford Bronco gets 17 miles per gallon in the city and 17 miles per gallon on the highway.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler, a direct competitor, gets 22 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway. The Wrangler has plenty of flaws, but its fuel efficiency is much better than the Bronco’s. The Bronco may be exciting to drive, but this SUV guzzles gas. It isn’t great for the environment or for your wallet because of its poor fuel economy.

The 2021 Ford Bronco’s prices are too high

The 2021 Ford Bronco base model starts at around $30,000. This is average for an SUV of its size. The lack of value comes in at the higher trim levels. The Ford Bronco comes in six different trim levels.

The highest level First Edition trim starts at $60,800. $60,000 doesn’t sound bad for a fully-loaded SUV with the Bronco’s history. When you begin to factor in different costs of ownership, such as fueling the thirsty Bronco, suddenly the SUV gets very expensive.

The Bronco is special, but other great off-roading vehicles like the 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road can be found for under $35,000. Furthermore, even if each Bronco trim provided enough value for its price, models are being resold for $30,000 above retail. The Bronco is so exclusive that its scarcity has created a resale market making the vehicle’s price skyrocket. The demand for the Bronco has made an expensive SUV even more expensive.

Excitement has turned to disappointment after overwhelming demand

Even folks who had never driven a Ford Bronco before the nameplate’s most recent iteration was announced were excited about the SUV’s return. Motor1 found that the 2021 Ford Bronco is an amazing SUV when it comes to performance, handling, technology, and safety. Still, if the average consumer never gets to experience it, then excitement can quickly become disappointment.

The Ford Bronco was exciting for many consumers because it seemed attainable. The Bronco was never as exclusive as it is today. Resale prices are through the roof. Ford has failed to produce enough Ford Bronco models to meet demand, and for that, it will lose out on many sales.

Ford could have anticipated the overwhelming demand for Ford Bronco models. It marketed the SUV in ways to get consumers excited. Now that the 2021 Ford Bronco is released, hardly anyone will get to experience it. By making the Bronco so exclusive, Ford has discouraged many of its fans and potential buyers. The Ford Bronco is not a supercar, folks who want one should be able to buy one.

What Ford needs to fix about the Bronco

Fuel economy is an issue with the Bronco, but the chances of Ford improving its efficiency are slim to none. The real problem with the 2021 Ford Bronco is its limited production. Driving an SUV that starts at $30,000 should not be such an exclusive experience, and for that reason, the Bronco is severely overrated.