2021 Bronco vs 4Runner Pics / Extended MPG in real-world / O.A.S

[88to21bronco]

Some (@604Bronco ) were asking about size comparisons. I parked next to a 4Runner SR5 today--it had TRD wheels but not sure if it was or not. Here are some comparison shots--it's exactly the same size as the Bronco on stock 32's:

Also, I've driven nearly 500 miles so far, and I'm averaging 21 MPG in my 2.7. I've travelled Interstate @ 75mph, highways @ 60, and stop-and-go traffic. I use cruise almost exclusively on hwy/interstate, and the top is the position you see above, meaning more drag.

On a related note, the cruise is fantastic. It holds even downhilll, and doesn't drift up 5+ mph like other vehicles. Rarely have I seen the tach go over 2000 rpm, a tribute to the torque of the 2.7.

Extended observations:
1. The lack of rear vents is a real issue. The kids were tired of the wind so I closed the top/windows and turned on the AC. They were hot in 90-degree weather.

2. The rear seatbelts really flap in the wind. Even buckled with no occupants they flop and shake. I may end up using velcro straps the stop the issue.

3. If you remove the doors, make sure you tighten the upper bolt tightly when putting them back on. I was afraid of overtightening and they walked out. You can tell because the doors pop when you open them.

 

[604Bronco]

Some (@604Bronco ) were asking about size comparisons. I parked next to a 4Runner SR5 today--it had TRD wheels but not sure if it was or not. Here are some comparison shots--it's exactly the same size as the Bronco on stock 32's:

Also, I've driven nearly 500 miles so far, and I'm averaging 21 MPG in my 2.7. I've travelled Interstate @ 75mph, highways @ 60, and stop-and-go traffic. I use cruise almost exclusively on hwy/interstate, and the top is the position you see above, meaning more drag.

On a related note, the cruise is fantastic. It holds even downhilll, and doesn't drift up 5+ mph like other vehicles. Rarely have I seen the tach go over 2000 rpm, a tribute to the torque of the 2.7.

Extended observations:
1. The lack of rear vents is a real issue. The kids were tired of the wind so I closed the top/windows and turned on the AC. They were hot in 90-degree weather.

2. The rear seatbelts really flap in the wind. Even buckled with no occupants they flop and shake. I may end up using velcro straps the stop the issue.

3. If you remove the doors, make sure you tighten the upper bolt tightly when putting them back on. I was afraid of overtightening and they walked out. You can tell because the doors pop when you open them.

Thanks for the pictures! Can you go find a Grand Cherokee (preferably Trailhawk) and do the same? LOL, just kidding (kind of).

For the rear seat belts: Can you just do them up? Would that stop the issue you’re having?

Thanks again! You rock!

 

[88to21bronco]

Thanks for the pictures! Can you go find a Grand Cherokee (preferably Trailhawk) and do the same? LOL, just kidding (kind of).

For the rear seat belts: Can you just do them up? Would that stop the issue you’re having?

Thanks again! You rock!

That actually made it worse, as more of the strap was exposed to the wind. My daughter even locked them, but it was no better. It's not a huge deal, but at relatively high speeds it is somewhat annoying and I'm sure I'll get those little nick marks on the pillar plastic from the buckle.

 

[Natai]

Good to hear you're getting over 20 mpg on the 2.7 with a mix of driving, especially if that's with the top back and before you've even hit 1000 miles.
I've been hoping I can hit 20 mpg when I get mine (2.7 BL non-Sas), so this gives me hope I'll at least be close.

Interesting that you found the rear AC was insufficient, as I've seen a couple other posts that it was pushing plenty of air even in hot conditions. I wonder how much of a factor the soft top might play into it, in terms of good seals and heat transfer through the material from the sun.

Good tips on the seat belts and door bolts!

 

[midwestpilot]

Thought it had floor vent in the rear. Possible to route those up somehow?

 

[88to21bronco]

Thanks for the pictures! Can you go find a Grand Cherokee (preferably Trailhawk) and do the same? LOL, just kidding (kind of).

Thanks again! You rock!

I'm going to my dealer to install the new tires sometime this week. It's right beside a Chrysler dealership. If they have a Trailhawk, I'll park beside it.

 

[WuNgUn]

Some (@604Bronco ) were asking about size comparisons. I parked next to a 4Runner SR5 today--it had TRD wheels but not sure if it was or not. Here are some comparison shots--it's exactly the same size as the Bronco on stock 32's:

Also, I've driven nearly 500 miles so far, and I'm averaging 21 MPG in my 2.7. I've travelled Interstate @ 75mph, highways @ 60, and stop-and-go traffic. I use cruise almost exclusively on hwy/interstate, and the top is the position you see above, meaning more drag.

On a related note, the cruise is fantastic. It holds even downhilll, and doesn't drift up 5+ mph like other vehicles. Rarely have I seen the tach go over 2000 rpm, a tribute to the torque of the 2.7.

Extended observations:
1. The lack of rear vents is a real issue. The kids were tired of the wind so I closed the top/windows and turned on the AC. They were hot in 90-degree weather.

2. The rear seatbelts really flap in the wind. Even buckled with no occupants they flop and shake. I may end up using velcro straps the stop the issue.

3. If you remove the doors, make sure you tighten the upper bolt tightly when putting them back on. I was afraid of overtightening and they walked out. You can tell because the doors pop when you open them.

The old Ford seat belt flap... Love that in my Escape. Lol

 

[88to21bronco]

Thought it had floor vent in the rear. Possible to route those up somehow?

It's my assumption that floor vents are for heat; that is usually the case.

 

[Natai]

That actually made it worse, as more of the strap was exposed to the wind. My daughter even locked them, but it was no better. It's not a huge deal, but at relatively high speeds it is somewhat annoying and I'm sure I'll get those little nick marks on the pillar plastic from the buckle.

I've had this problem in my Sentra too. I actually take the buckle and slot it into the opening in the pillar where the seat belt comes out. Helps keep the flapping to a minimum and secures the buckle so it doesn't slap around. Not sure if that's possible on the Bronco or not.

 

[88to21bronco]

Interesting that you found the rear AC was insufficient, as I've seen a couple other posts that it was pushing plenty of air even in hot conditions. I wonder how much of a factor the soft top might play into it, in terms of good seals and heat transfer through the material from the sun.

My kids can be complaining little twerps sometimes. I'll let you know when somebody besides an entitled teenager sits back there.

 

[604Bronco]

That actually made it worse, as more of the strap was exposed to the wind. My daughter even locked them, but it was no better. It's not a huge deal, but at relatively high speeds it is somewhat annoying and I'm sure I'll get those little nick marks on the pillar plastic from the buckle.

Well… better sell the Bronco! Just kidding hahaha. I think your solution is a good one. A simple fix to resolve the issue.

 

[VelocityBrew]

On a related note, the cruise is fantastic. It holds even downhilll, and doesn't drift up 5+ mph like other vehicles. Rarely have I seen the tach go over 2000 rpm, a tribute to the torque of the 2.7.

Ummm what era of vehicles are you driving?

 

[NC_Pinz]

It's my assumption that floor vents are for heat; that is usually the case.

Most likely the floor vents are tied to the floor discharge in the front. So you'd only get air if you put it on bi-level, low, or defrost/low.

 

[LOSTXGOLD]

Nice write up. My friend has a TRD 4-Runner, & I really like the size of it, inside & it, so that is good to know.

I ordered the 2.7 w/ SAS, I’m fine with 17 (kinda).

 

[88to21bronco]

Ummm what era of vehicles are you driving?

Ummm...a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. It would fluctuate 5+ mph going down a hill. You'd look down and be going 67 with the cruise set a 60. Even my Titan fluctuates by 1-2 mph, which is normal. The transmission seems to hold the Bronco back well.

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