Manoli Katakis 
In a 10-minute ride in a 2021 Ford Bronco Sasquatch Package in Outer Banks trim, there’s only so much to take in. This was a prototype, for one, so it’s not exactly one that deserves critique on fit and finish. The roof panels were already removed, so there was no telling how quiet the cabin is with the canopy clamped on. And of course, we weren’t driving. So, how much can one really take in from riding shotgun?
Quite a bit, actually. At least, some of the stuff that really counts. In just those few short minutes, one thing became clear: Ford constructed the Bronco to exploit just about every single weakness found in the Jeep Wrangler.
A few notes: The ride experience was done with the Bronco set in 4WD High, and we never went airborne.
Consider the power output. While it’s already up 25 hp, he 2.7L EcoBoost V6 found in this Bronco has a full 140 more foot-pounds of torque than the Jeep Wrangler V6, coming in at a stout 400 lb-ft. And works wonderfully in this application. Better than when it’s in the F-150, thanks to just having less weight to move around. While there wasn’t one for immediate comparison, we can simply recall our experiences with Pentastar-powered Wranglers not returning this sort of acceleration.
Next, consider the front suspension setup. Ford decided that it was more pragmatic to integrate an independent front suspension in the 2021 Bronco, opposed to the live front axle in the JL Jeep Wrangler. This results in a smoother ride on the road, which people will appreciate 99 percent of the time. And it’s not just about behavior on the pavement, as it also improves off-road manners at higher speeds, too.
Low speed rock crawling activities will have to be for another day – as we didn’t get to witness the low-speed capabilities of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sasquatch just yet. But make no mistake, this all-new 4×4 SUV has no problem climbing impressively steep sandy hills, crossing streams, and absorbing washboard terrain.
The two big takeaways: the 2021 Ford Bronco Sasquatch Package rides fantastic off the road, and its power will make just about any Wrangler owner blush. Almost any.
