The Ford Bronco Black Diamond has a vast array of off-road features but handles well on city and highway drives, too. Photo: Jill Robbins
Wanna turn heads? Buy a new Bronco.
And then drive it in Michigan (or anywhere, for that matter). I drove the 2021 Ford Bronco, with a 300 horsepower 4 cylinder engine and priced from about $33,000 to about $49,000, in and around Detroit for a week. I don’t think I’ve ever driven a car that’s garnered that much attention. In a city full of Ford loyalists (my own assessment based on what I saw on the roads) driving the 2021 Ford Bronco Black Diamond definitely felt like showing up to the party with the cool new guy (or gal) everyone wanted to talk to. While my highway and city driving didn’t even begin to put this stunner through its off road paces, here are five standout features that speak to the new Bronco’s every day capabilities.
Even if you’re scoping out the new Ford Bronco off road SUV with visions of scaling rocks and conquering creek beds (as you should be) odds are your new Bronco isn’t going to be 100 percent about playtime. Here’s what stood out to me.
(If I’d had the opportunity to take this beauty off road, this list would be three times as long.)
Related: First Drive Review: Five Reasons to be Wild About the 2021 Ford Bronco
1. It’s a head turner
If you’re looking to blend in, don’t buy this one. Everything about the new Bronco is bold and unique, causing people to stop and stare. I’ve test driven a lot of vehicles and I think this one ties the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon for the car I’ve received the most questions about from random people I meet out and about. See also: admiring (and perhaps envious) glances.
This gorgeous color is called Area 51. It’s not quite a true blue yet definitely not a gray and it manages to be eye catching without screaming “Look at me!” If you fancy a bolder color or want that “Look at me” factor (no shame if you do) then you’ll have several different options to customize.
It’s kind of fun to drive the belle of the ball, not gonna lie.
Related: Ford Is Getting Serious About Off-Roading With the Bronco Raptor and the New Expedition
Are people staring at me or at this stunning new Bronco Black Diamond? Photo: Jill Robbins
2. Affordable price tag
The starting price of the Black Diamond edition, which has all the basics but makes the assumption that you got this so you don’t need a lot more, is $36,050 and in the range of what most people would consider affordable. There’s some price variation across other Bronco models:
- Base model, which starts at $28,500, gives you just what you need, including removable door and roof panels;
- Big Bend, which starts at $33,385, gives you a few more luxuries like a remote start system and rear seat power ports including a household outlet
- Outer Banks, which starts at $38,995, understands you’re there for the fun and the luxury, so leather seats and running boards are included
- Badlands, priced from $42,095, is destined for the true wilderness with enhanced skid plates, standard advanced on demand 4 wheel drive and marine grade upholstery
- Wild Track, which starts at $46,980 is the top of the line with all the off-roading technology
- First Edition, priced from $56,915, includes even more features including the largest stock tires and the Sasquatch package
- Each model offers the option of a 300 horsepower 4 cylinder Ecoboost engine or a 330 horsepower 6 cylinder Ecoboost engine for and additional $1,895
- Part time selectable 4 wheel drive is standard; buyers can upgrade to full time advanced on demand 4 wheel drive for an additional $5,790, though its standard on Badlands and above
- Manual transmission is standard on the Base, Big Bend and Black Diamond editions, though automatic is available for $1,595
- Two door versions of all Broncos can be had for a discount ranging from $1,695-$4,150, depending on the model
On the (maybe?) downside, there’s a lack of frills on the Black Diamond that you may not like if you’re used to having lots of bells and whistles. I did notice the lack of features such as heated seats, as Michigan was cold for this Texas gal, and lane keeping assist that I’ve become used to. I think it would definitely be an adjustment to not have those features on a regular basis. If that’s a deal breaker for you, you might be better served with an Explorer or Expedition.
The Bucking Bronco is displayed on the rear tail gate of the Ford Bronco. Photo: Jill Robbins
3. Bronco Easter eggs are everywhere
We learned to love Easter Eggs hunting when spending time in a Jeep – finding the iconic Jeep logos and more became quite the gam. And, they never let you forget you’re in a Jeep> Well, Bronco is taking it to the next level and the unique Bronco branding is so well done. From the “Bucking Bronco that welcomes you on the media screen to the Bronco on the rear tire and throughout the car, the branded icons are fun to discover. It’s everywhere and subtle at the same time.
The distinctive front end is one of the things that makes the Bronco’s appearance so stand out. Photo: Jill Robbins
The front grille boldly displays BRONCO instead of the traditional Ford emblem. You’ll spot a bucking bronco on the rear, on the gear shift, and the wheels. I really loved these touches. For me, it’s a part of what makes the Ford Bronco stand out.
4. A comfortable and functional family vehicle
There’s a ton of leg room back here! Photo: Jill Robbins
Yes, really!
This four door model seats five people and has plenty of leg room for your average family of four. Although three adults in the back seat might be a little snug, there’s ample legroom.
City and highway driving felt surprisingly smooth for a vehicle designed to be rugged. My kids had a lot of room in the rear seat. They liked being up high as we explored some unfamiliar terrain. We live in Texas and it snowed the day we arrived in Michigan, to say they enjoyed the snowy views is an understatement. There’s plenty of floor space for bags and backpacks. This would work as an every day drive.
A downside for anyone of short stature, with mobility issues, or very young children is the lack of step side on this model. The Ford Bronco Black Diamond sits higher off the ground so you need to be able to boost yourself up into the cab. My kids are 11 and could scramble into the rear seat just fine. Younger/smaller children would probably need a boost up or a step stool. If you have (or regularly transport) kids who sit in child safety seats, I recommend giving your child seat a test run to see if you can manage it.
The Outer Banks trim level comes comes with powder coated tube steps. You can also look into purchasing after market steps if that meets your needs.
Related: How Two Novice Moms Are Off-Roading Through The Rebelle Rally With The Ford Bronco Sport
One of the features that really stood out to me as a parent was the safety reminder to check your rear seat upon stopping. Photo: Jill Robbins
5. Loads of rear space
If I were looking to buy this car, the amount of rear space would be a pretty big deal. While I doubt anyone rolls up to a Ford dealership with the notion of buying a Bronco because it has killer rear cargo space, new Bronco owners are going to haul luggage and groceries and band instruments in addition to camping gear and other things that are 1,000 times cooler than pallets of toilet paper from Costco.
Whatever you’re taking with you, you’ll find the rear space to be very roomy. We also liked the height here – it made bags and packages easier to get to and rearrange. Photo: Jill Robbins
That said, there’s ample space back here to meet whatever your day to day needs are. Buyers still want that element of practicality and want their vehicle to be a great fit for everyday life. The Bronco Black Diamond delivers.
I have to tell a funny story about this picture: If the kid in the red seems unhappy, it’s because he was told he had to go sightseeing and miss the Lion’s v. Cardinals game on TV. Little did he know that this Ford was heading to Ford Field in downtown Detroit to see the game LIVE. Photo: Jill Robbins
Move over Wrangler?
Will the newly designed Bronco lure diehard Jeep lovers? Time will tell but Ford’s early indications show that buyers looking for off-road vehicles are taking advantage of the fact that they have another choice. In the meantime, the Bronco should certainly enjoy its time in the limelight as the new kid on the block.
Disclosure: Ford provided the Bronco for this story, but all opinions are my own.
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