He wants a full size, 4 door truck without remove-able doors or top. But not an Expedition. He wants it as easy to work on as an EB but with all of the creature comforts of a luxury car, and at the price of a pinto. And, that is all that the market can bear. There is zero market for a mid-size off-road utility vehicle with anything less than 80" total width and less than 136" wheelbase (according to him anyways, despite Jeep and 4Runner sales numbers).
Lets look at some FACTS, Fact 1 Wrangler sells. Fact 2 Land Rover abandoned direct competition with Wrangler a while ago when they went full on crossover bandaided with $$$ tech. Its easier, and they don't have to compete with developing an image on a budget anymore, something that is not easy to do. Fact 3. SUV's and CUV's sell, Ford is charging down a path of class leading SUV's from anything smaller than a sedan to the Expedition. They know what they are doing, and I for one am glad you aren't in charge of product planning.
looks like they most if not all of our hopesDetails are what can separate something from good to great.
What are some details you’d like to see Ford implement and or focus on with the new Bronco?
I feel like we’ve covered everything else so at this point I think it would be interesting and fun to get everyone’s opinions on what smaller details they would like to see.
Heritage; I’d love to see some homage to the history and icon of the Bronco. An early Bronco badge script on maybe the right side of the dash would be really nice. I love the esthetics of the early Bronco font lettering.
Also that bucking Bronco would be cool to see on the tailgate or at least on the spare tire cover again.
Fenders; the first thing an off-road vehicle usually damages is the fenders. More specificity the lip of the wheel-well as it sticks out the furthest. Making these easier to replace will go a long way and make aftermarket and customizing easier. So win win.
Center console; It’s such a basic thing but one that a lot of car companies don’t focus on and a little detail on them goes such a long way in convenience. Jeep is very limited in storage and is a weak point Ford should exploit. A good size glove box but most of all a decent size and working center console with USBs usable storage. It can really persuade people when it comes to rating interiors.
Simple interior; now unlike the console the rest of the interior should be more on the simple side. Meaning rear seats that can come out easy or at least be able to fold down flat. Interior space and maximizing it is key. As this is also a weak point in the Jeep that Ford can capitalize on. Also rubber floor boards or mats if you will. Drain plugs would be very handy as well. Just a more simple easy to clean interior that I hope is a bit unique from the Rangers.
Good tires; now this is something that most of us would like to change out first. However, it’s important for Ford to give it some capable tires straight out the factory. It’s such an important element on maximizing and showcasing its capabilities. Especially when it’s tested against other vehicles in its class. A lot of the time vehicles are hindered by their poor off-road tires it comes with. It’s important for the Bronco to test well out of the box, be competitive and have bragging rights. I’d hate to see it underachieve just because of bad off-road tires.
Good lighting/visibility; of course strong headlights but also good interior overhead lighting. Being out in the elements at night it’s very helpful.
Easy to read dash and accessibility. I don’t need a big touch screen but simple easy to read and see instrument panel and dash is a detail I appreciate.
Even one of those LED lights that shine down when you open the doors would be a fun detail. Like how the Mustang has the horse logo shine down. The Bronco could have the bucking bronco shine down.
Make it as easy to see over the hood as possible and easy to see around A-pillars. Have removable doors and of course open removable roof and sunroof.
Now a bonus would be to have a front mounted camera. At least as an option that would be a really great detail.
Styling; again hoping it pays some homage. It looks like it’s going to have round head lights and that’s fine. A nice round LED DTR headlights would be nice as these seem to give a vehicle its own personality/look at night these days.
The hood, I love that it looks like Ford will be giving the new Bronco an early Bronco looking hood. Taking in the account of the flared up edges on the front side panels. Great idea and look with a bit of a hood scoop. Some air slots would be welcomed as well.
I hope they do the rear top like the BroncoG6 rendering. The way they used the look of the FS Broncos top. A slightly tailored and angled look to it. Very recognizable as a Bronco silhouette.
Flat and boxy side panels is another styling detail I hope it has.
Also a flat windshield. I know the FJ Cruiser had issues with the windshield cracking a lot and know that it will cut down on aerodynamics but it’s such a key factor in making the Bronco rugged looking and boxy the way I like it.
Miscellaneous; so little things like an ac electric plug outlets. Multiple USB outlets. A small cooler option or toolbox that says Bronco on it.
Lockable storage areas.
A recovery shovel mount with a shovel. Maybe on the rear tire mount.
Captain chairs. I know I said simple interior but my FB had fold down arm rest and it was a very nice feature on long road trips. I don’t think any Wanglers come with those.
No auto engine stop. Or at least a button that lets us turn it off. I’m sure it saves gas but that’s just something I don’t want when off-roading. Also a way to shut off warnings when off-road.
Don’t use a rotary gear change.
Have door handles like the F150.
Make it so it can fit 33” tires without a lift.
Make a factory winch option and snorkel option.
Last but not least just some more simple things I think we all want. Multiple skid plates. Tow hooks front and back. Best approach and departure angles you can do. Lots of color choices including two tone or at least an option to make the top white or black. Good audio system. Rear and front locker blah blah blah we all know the rest. Ive said more then enough and could go on forever. What are some details you’d like?
