The legendary Ford Bronco is back, and it’s already making waves. Fans are already comparing it to the Wrangler, and not everyone is happy with the similarities. That being said, Ford is trying to stand out by making the Ford Bronco a more luxurious ride.

There are six trim levels coming out for 2021, and the Outer Banks trim is a direct competitor for the Jeep Wrangler Sahara. Car and Driver has all the details about the new 2021 Ford Bronco and if it will be able to beat Jeep at its own game.

The Ford Bronco Outer Banks trim

It might be gorgeous, but it comes with a high price. The two-door Outer Banks trim starts at $40,450, while the four-door costs $42,945. Given the rather steep increase of price, you’re probably wondering that the Outer Banks trim has to offer, and if it’s actually worth it.

It offers a lot of technology, but whether it’s worth the price or not is up to you. The outer body comes with body-colored door handles, as well as mirrors and fender flares. The Outer Banks trim also offers remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, keyless entry, a 110-volt power outlet, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an enhanced Sync infotainment system, and Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 suite of driver assistance systems. Other features include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and privacy glass. 

If you’re willing to pay extra money, you have the option of a 12-inch touchscreen display, 360-degree camera, more sound deadening, forward parking sensors and side view mirror approach lighting. The Lux Package adds on even more with a 10-speaker B&O audio system, heated steering wheel, two additional USB ports, universal garage door opener, wireless charging pad, and adaptive cruise control with Evasive Steering Assist and navigation. 

Ford vs Jeep

Ford certainly isn’t short on rivals, given its beef with both Chevy and Dodge. That didn’t stop Ford from going directly after Jeep, however. The Outer Banks model was designed specifically to compete with the Jeep Wrangler Sahara. The real question is, did it succeed? Well, that depends on what you want.

The Jeep Wrangler Sahara starts at around $38,700, making it cheaper. That being said, it is only offered as a four-door model, whereas the Outer Banks Bronco comes in two- and four-door models. Both come with 18-inch alloy wheels, so you’ll be riding high no matter which SUV you buy.

The Sahara offers a V6 engine and manual transmission. The Outer Banks trim has a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four engine paired with a standard seven-speed manual transmission, though the more powerful 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission are both optional.

The Jeep Wrangler Sahara offers an upgrade to an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while the Bronco offers a 12-inch touchscreen. Both have leather seats, but it will cost you extra. While Jeep fans love the Sahara, buyers don’t seem very enthused about the Outer Banks trim, even though the Bronco is currently sold out.

Is the ride in the Ford Bronco Outer Banks worth it?

At this time, it’s unclear how the Ford Bronco rides. From watching the commercials Ford has put out, the 2021 Ford Bronco looks like it can handle any terrain with ease that Mother Nature can throw at it. That’s what Ford claims, anyway. There was a certain Baja 1000 race that the Bronco couldn’t even finish because the cooling system crashed, so its off-road capabilities are in question. What people really want to know, however, is how does the Bronco handle on the pavement?

Jeep’s greatest weakness is the fact that it can handle any terrain on earth except for a paved road. Crossing a crevice filled canyon? No problem. Want to drive down the freeway? You’re going to need to see your chiropractor when you get back. That being said, you know that the Wrangler is not geared for the highway when you buy it. 

That’s where Ford can really take the Wrangler on in terms of sales. Some owners want a vehicle they can drive to work in the morning and then hit the trails that afternoon. Unfortunately, the Bronco is geared so solidly towards the off-road community that there’s no real info about how it handles as a daily driver. Potential drivers would be well advised to take it for a test-drive on your local freeway before saying yes to the Outer Banks trim.