Press Review Vehicles

I have been wanting the same. I wonder how test driving / looking at a Bronco Sport stacks up. Its not the same but I am sure similar materials and such would be used, would it be close enough to say yeah I like the feel it will only get better?

wvgbishop

I understand that I won't be able to test drive a bronco before finalizing my order in Jan/Feb/March but what are the chances that Ford gives out some Broncos to Youtubers/Auto Websites for reviews? I'd feel a lot more confident that I was buying a well made product if I could see Doug Demuro or the TFL guys test drive it and go over the materials used on the interior. It would also be nice to get a sense of the interior dimensions if I could watch someone crawl around. Anyone have any idea when they usually have production ready vehicles for journalists to review? I'm surprised they haven't done it already.

I wouldn't be surprised if we don't see YouTube reviews until closer to March.

I'd be surprise if we see anything for reviews before May. To this point, only pre-production units have been built and it wouldn't make sense to offer those for reviews. If I remember correctly production for reservation generated orders starts up in May. Prior to building customer orders I think it's reasonable that Ford will build standard "Job 1" production units for review, then the dealer FCTP units, then our orders.

Rhiostatic

I have been wanting the same. I wonder how test driving / looking at a Bronco Sport stacks up. Its not the same but I am sure similar materials and such would be used, would it be close enough to say yeah I like the feel it will only get better?

I'm a salesman and we've had two Bronco Sports on our lot. If you test drive a BS in hopes of getting a feel for the full size bronco, you'll set yourself up for disappointment.

The BS's are great little SUVs; they're highly functional (they are PACKED with neat little features that make them awesome), they're fuel efficient, and they're roomy. With that said, you're looking at a better comparison with the older Ford Escapes. they're nowhere NEAR the specs of the FSB. BSs are unibody, FSB is body-on-frame. BS comes in 1.5 and 2.0l engines, FSB has 2.3/ 2.7l engines. BS does not come in manual, it sits lower to the ground, it has smaller tires, its size overall is not comparable.

The normal process for press reviews seems to be they get to review them a month or so before deliveries start but there is a moratorium on publication until right before deliveries begin.

Broncadonk MKG

I'm a salesman and we've had two Bronco Sports on our lot. If you test drive a BS in hopes of getting a feel for the full size bronco, you'll set yourself up for disappointment.

The BS's are great little SUVs; they're highly functional (they are PACKED with neat little features that make them awesome), they're fuel efficient, and they're roomy. With that said, you're looking at a better comparison with the older Ford Escapes. they're nowhere NEAR the specs of the FSB. BSs are unibody, FSB is body-on-frame. BS comes in 1.5 and 2.0l engines, FSB has 2.3/ 2.7l engines. BS does not come in manual, it sits lower to the ground, it has smaller tires, its size overall is not comparable.

Spec for Spec they are extremely dissimilar. I was hoping that materials would be more the comparison to make. dash feel, buttons, upholstery and such. I agree there could be true no comparison engine, size or drive wise since its apples to oranges. guess I was just dreaming it could be somewhat comparable if I looked at it sideways in the dark. :p

Broncadonk MKG

I'm a salesman and we've had two Bronco Sports on our lot. If you test drive a BS in hopes of getting a feel for the full size bronco, you'll set yourself up for disappointment.

The BS's are great little SUVs; they're highly functional (they are PACKED with neat little features that make them awesome), they're fuel efficient, and they're roomy. With that said, you're looking at a better comparison with the older Ford Escapes. they're nowhere NEAR the specs of the FSB. BSs are unibody, FSB is body-on-frame. BS comes in 1.5 and 2.0l engines, FSB has 2.3/ 2.7l engines. BS does not come in manual, it sits lower to the ground, it has smaller tires, its size overall is not comparable.

The Ranger would probably be the closest thing you could drive right now to the 2dr/4dr Bronco being a platform cousin with a similar powertrain. The seating package isn't all that far off.

wvgbishop

I understand that I won't be able to test drive a bronco before finalizing my order in Jan/Feb/March but what are the chances that Ford gives out some Broncos to Youtubers/Auto Websites for reviews? I'd feel a lot more confident that I was buying a well made product if I could see Doug Demuro or the TFL guys test drive it and go over the materials used on the interior. It would also be nice to get a sense of the interior dimensions if I could watch someone crawl around. Anyone have any idea when they usually have production ready vehicles for journalists to review? I'm surprised they haven't done it already.

For the most part, I suspect our community of prospective Bronco owners has been mostly concerned with exterior and interior colors, options, and how it looks compared to other vehicles.

Ultimately, we may want to know the crash test ratings, GVWR, and drivability as a daily driver. The answers to those questions may only arrive long after reservations are converted to orders.

I had pondered test driving a 2.3 Ranger, 2.7 F-150 and a 2.3 Mustang (manual) just to try and get an impression of the feel of the new Bronc's drivetrain. Not sure it really would compare though, however might be fun. :)

Unfortunately I think Buzzy is right, if you are ordering for MY21 you will likely not have any tests available yet to guide your decision... :(

BuzzyBud

For the most part, I suspect our community of prospective Bronco owners has been mostly concerned with exterior and interior colors, options, and how it looks compared to other vehicles.

Ultimately, we may want to know the crash test ratings, GVWR, and drivability as a daily driver. The answers to those questions may only arrive long after reservations are converted to orders.

I can tell you that crash test ratings can't be published by the automaker until NHTSA & IIHS get their hands on actual production vehicles to test and publish the results themselves first. They usually get some of the first production vehicles off the assembly line. Because of this, you don't get crash ratings until close to when vehicle deliveries start.

Bronc96

I had pondered test driving a 2.3 Ranger, 2.7 F-150 and a 2.3 Mustang (manual) just to try and get an impression of the feel of the new Bronc's drivetrain. Not sure it really would compare though, however might be fun. :)

Unfortunately I think Buzzy is right, if you are ordering for MY21 you will likely not have any tests available yet to guide your decision... :(

I really do wish we could obtain some independent reviews prior to purchase. Will the lack of access to reviews stop me from buying a Bronco Badlands 2-door? Maybe not.

Keep in mind we all have different plans for how we will use our Broncos. I want to load my Bronco for multi-day camping trips in distant locations. Therefore, I am currently spending a great deal of time scoping out aftermarket organizations that can solve problems that I might encounter.

As a case in point, I would love to read a review of the highway characteristics of the Sasquatch 35s from Goodyear. Will they be annoying on-road? What can I find to replace them? I may have to go with the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W tire as a replacement. I am currently researching over a dozen “fixes” to potential issues since I can not obtain independent reviews. Welcome to life in the fast lane!

BuzzyBud

I really do wish we could obtain some independent reviews prior to purchase. Will the lack of access to reviews stop me from buying a Bronco Badlands 2-door? Maybe not.

Keep in mind we all have different plans for how we will use our Broncos. I want to load my Bronco for multi-day camping trips in distant locations. Therefore, I am currently spending a great deal of time scoping out aftermarket organizations that can solve problems that I might encounter.

As a case in point, I would love to read a review of the highway characteristics of the Sasquatch 35s from Goodyear. Will they be annoying on-road? What can I find to replace them? I may have to go with the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W tire as a replacement. I am currently researching over a dozen “fixes” to potential issues since I can not obtain independent reviews. Welcome to life in the fast lane!

Good points Buzzy. Speaking of tires, has anyone found any info on these new Goodyear tires? I have looked but haven't seen anything which seems odd if they are getting ready to start installing them on vehicles. Maybe is like the rest of this...have to wait until the Bronco is out.

Ultimately, this will likely not change my decision on purchasing a BD and/or BL 2 dr (still can't pull the trigger on my decision, lol). However, it would be nice if Ford would start providing some real info to all of us. I will be patient, but certainly is frustrating. :)

Bronc96

Good points Buzzy. Speaking of tires, has anyone found any info on these new Goodyear tires? I have looked but haven't seen anything which seems odd if they are getting ready to start installing them on vehicles. Maybe is like the rest of this...have to wait until the Bronco is out.

Ultimately, this will likely not change my decision on purchasing a BD and/or BL 2 dr (still can't pull the trigger on my decision, lol). However, it would be nice if Ford would start providing some real info to all of us. I will be patient, but certainly is frustrating. :)

It is true, critical information on the Bronco drivability, safety, and independent analysis has not been a focus for our community of potential owners. The Bronco marketing campaign has been superb. I and many others have been swept up in the dream of owning a vehicle that can take us places and support the goals of a life we so need at this time in our lives. I hope the day will come when I own a Bronco. I just need to know the Bronco strengths and weaknesses in an objective fashion.

Early in the journey, Ford produced documentation regarding the roof rail/crossbar dynamic and static weight limits. That documentation has been eliminated from the updated online material. I do not understand why. As I attempt to adjust my plans to carry the gear my grandson and I will need to enjoy our Bronco, I need honest and accurate information. I guess I no longer need to see exterior colors or discuss interior décor. :)

RynoPSU

The Ranger would probably be the closest thing you could drive right now to the 2dr/4dr Bronco being a platform cousin with a similar powertrain. The seating package isn't all that far off.

god I hope not.

If the seating is set up similarly to the Ranger crew cab, we're in a world of trouble. I LOVE the older Rangers (I've had two. My last one was my daily driver (2004 ext cab v6) that I had to sell in 2017 before a deployment and I regret it every day), but the new rangers are awful on space. I haven't had the chance to sit in an extended cab and see if it's any different. Crews are so tight that anyone above average height can't fit. I'm 5'11 and my knees are shoved into the dash damn near. My 6'6 husband doesn't stand a chance. I was seriously considering buying the Ranger cc Lariat we have on our lot right now as a "placeholder" daily until the Broncos arrive this summer, but I decided my sanity wasn't worth having a small pickup.

RynoPSU

The Ranger would probably be the closest thing you could drive right now to the 2dr/4dr Bronco being a platform cousin with a similar powertrain. The seating package isn't all that far off.

Do you know how they'd compare to an Explorer seating platform? If they're even in the same ballpark? That's what I've been hoping for. Because the Explorers have plenty of legroom.

Broncadonk MKG

Do you know how they'd compare to an Explorer seating platform? If they're even in the same ballpark? That's what I've been hoping for. Because the Explorers have plenty of legroom.

I don't know. The Explorer is a totally different platform and setup. Unibody vs Body on Frame. They have basically zero in common. The new Ranger and Bronco are derived from the same platform. They have totally different instrument panel designs so that would affect things like how they feel to sit in and drive. The only time I've seen a Bronco in person we weren't allowed to touch or sit in it for covid concerns. For the rear seats, the Bronco and Ranger seatbacks and seat bottoms are pretty close in location.