Edmunds Points Out a Concerning Drawback to the 2021 Ford Bronco
The 2021 Ford Bronco has generated a lot of excitement since its return to the market after a 20-year hiatus. Ford designed the new Bronco to compete with the Jeep Wrangler, offering impressive off-road capabilities, detachable top and doors, a powerful engine, and two-door and four-door models.
However, a recent review by Edmunds points out one major concern potential buyers should be aware of before making a purchase. This article explores Edmunds’ findings and how they could impact your decision to buy the 2021 Ford Bronco.
Overview of the 2021 Ford Bronco
The 2021 Ford Bronco is a long-awaited return of the iconic nameplate after a two-decade hiatus. Designed to take on the Jeep Wrangler, it’s available in both two-and four-door models with detachable doors. The two-door version has a modular hardtop, while the four-door option offers both soft-top and modular hardtop versions. The doors are easy to detach, and the four-door Bronco has ample onboard storage to store them.
The exterior of the Ford Bronco pays tribute to the classic 1966-1977 Bronco, featuring round headlights enclosed in a rectangular grille and a vertical taillight design. Meanwhile, the interior of the Bronco is designed with simplicity and user-friendliness in mind. The surfaces are waterproofed with rubber and vinyl to remain safe when removing the hardtop or soft tops, but you can opt for leather seats. It also has an 8- or 12-inch infotainment screen and a mounting bar for smartphones and cameras. The two-door version is surprisingly spacious, with enough room to fit adults comfortably, while the four-door is even roomier. However, the trunk is not particularly large.
Under the hood, a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder or a 330-hp twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 power the Bronco. The 2.3-liter engine comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, while both engines have a 10-speed automatic transmission. There is no diesel option.
The Bronco is a great choice for adventurers with excellent off-road performance, precise steering, and exceptional handling. It can handle all types of treacherous terrain, from muddy trails to desert sands and technical rock climbing.
Both the two- and four-door models can tow up to 3,500 pounds, matching the capabilities of the Wrangler. The Bronco also has a fuel efficiency of 20 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
What is the main drawback of the 2021 Ford Bronco?
Noise. According to Edmunds, while the 2021 Ford Bronco is excellent off-road and rides smoother than the Wrangler, it suffers from excessive wind noise at highway speeds. Even with added insulation on the hardtop, the wind noise level is too high at 70 mph or more. It can drown out music from the stereo and make it difficult to hear anything else.
Although the Bronco offers a pleasant on-road driving experience for an off-roader, the wind noise could be a deal-breaker if you value comfort and refinement. Both the hardtop and soft-top models have loud wind noises and can give the impression that the car is broken. However, considering the Bronco’s rugged design, it’s not entirely unexpected that it isn’t the quietest vehicle on the road.
Test the Bronco off-road SUV for yourself
The 2021 Ford Bronco is an excellent option for off-road enthusiasts, but its suits anyone in the market for a small crossover SUV. However, potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle’s high noise level at highway speeds, which could be a deal-breaker for some. You should test it out to assess whether it is worth tolerating to enjoy the unique blend of on- and off-road performance offered by the 2021 Ford Bronco.
