In November 2018, Off-Road.com leaked pictures from a private Ford Dealership meeting which purported to show a vehicle then described as the 2020 Ford Bronco. Thanks to the internet, the compact, performance-orientated, off-road capable truck immediately became known as the “Ford Baby Bronco”.
Time has helped to fill-in more details about this elusive, American-made SUV. For starters, the Ford “Baby Bronco” serves as a more off-road ready and adventurous Ford Escape. The 2020 Ford Escape is shaped in the modern crossover style which has become so popular. The forthcoming “Baby Bronco” stands tall against competitors such as the Jeep Compass, Cherokee, or Renegade.
Rugged, Adventurous, Compact: The 2021 Ford “Baby Bronco”
Next, it seems very unlikely the forthcoming vehicle will be sold as a “Baby Bronco”. As tempting as that might have been, it seems the compact truck could be known as the 2021 Ford Adventurer or 2021 Ford Scout.
Apparently, International Harvester released a Scout SUV in 1961, five years before the release of the 1966 Ford Bronco. Dusting off the Scout name could be a way to connect with Ford’s storied past.
Another popular theory, not yet publicly confirmed by Ford Brass is that the new vehicle will be known as the 2021 Ford Adventurer. This straightforward title helps to associate this truck with the adventure loving, outdoor living target market this SUV seems squarely aimed at.
However, the latest word is that the new, compact, off-road friendly truck will be known as the 2021 Ford Bronco Adventurer. So far, Ford has not explicitly confirmed it, though FordAuthority.com explained why they feel so strongly about this topic.
Introducing the 2021 Ford Bronco Adventurer
FordAuthority.com explained their rationale for standing firm on the 2021 Ford Bronco Adventurer name:
The new naming convention will help identify the smaller Bronco model within the revived Bronco lineup, which will also include the “regular” Ford Bronco model, which will be larger and ride on a body-on-frame platform when compared to the smaller, unibody Bronco Adventurer.
Notably, Ford has yet to file a trademark application for Bronco Adventurer. Previously, it applied for Bronco Scout, which many believed will be the name for the smaller Bronco model.
Regardless of what it’s called, it seems the soonest the Ford “Baby Bronco” will launch is 2020 for a 2021 model year.
The 2021 Ford “Baby Bronco” Scout/Adventurer will grab engine configurations and architecture from the 2020 Ford Escape. That means you can expect a 1.5-liter EcoBoost inline-three with 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft to a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft. There is also every reason be believe that conventional hybrid and plug-in-hybrid options will be available.
The all-new Ford “Baby Bronco” arrives in the middle of 2020. Though it’s soon to be sure, a base price of $25,000 seems likely.
Source: Car Buzz