[Taboleo] Conquering Unpaved Roads... The 'Off-Road Wild Horse' Runs Unstoppably

Test Drive of Ford Bronco 2.3
Retro Vibes + Outdoor Activity Practicality
Hidden Easter Eggs Inside and Out Increase Fun

American automaker Ford's main focus is on pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Producing vehicles suitable for outdoor activities is possible because they have built extensive expertise through high production volumes. Ford primarily manufactures 'body-on-frame' vehicles, which are heavy and offer less comfortable rides but excel in off-road driving. This explains the steady demand for the Ford Bronco, which is aimed at off-road SUVs.

The Bronco was first launched in 1966 and discontinued in the 1990s but was revived in 2020 after 25 years. It was introduced to the domestic market in 2022, initially available only with a 2.7ℓ engine, and from September 2023, a model equipped with a 2.3ℓ EcoBoost engine was added. This engine is characterized by improved fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.

Ford Bronco. Provided by Ford Korea

The Bronco captivates consumers by modernly reinterpreting the design of the early models. As an icon that defined an era, the 1st generation Bronco gained great popularity with its unique design. Its success inspired competitors to release off-road SUV models one after another. The current 6th generation Bronco maintains a retro vibe while adding practicality suitable for outdoor activities, radiating new charm.

The exterior emphasizes a sturdy image with nearly square proportions, raising ground clearance and shortening front and rear overhangs to focus on off-road performance. The round headlamps and simple yet striking grille feature the Bronco name, adding personality. This differentiates it from previous models that displayed the company name (Ford). The headlamps and taillamps are composed of LEDs, adding a modern sophistication.

Ford Bronco. Provided by Ford Korea

The Bronco is equipped with Ford's proprietary infotainment system called SYNC 4. This system features enhanced voice recognition and wireless connectivity for easy smartphone integration. Connecting a smartphone can be completed with just a few simple operations, offering excellent user convenience. The speedometer is designed with intuitive needle-style graphics, and a 12-inch LCD touchscreen is centrally located, featuring a simple menu structure that anyone can easily use. Notably, the digital inclinometer animation incorporates the silhouette of the 1st generation Bronco, adding a retro touch. The sound system uses Bang & Olufsen, providing high-quality audio.

The 2.3 model delivers powerful performance with 279 horsepower and 44 kg·m of torque. It is rated as the highest among 4-cylinder gasoline engines in its class. A 10-speed automatic transmission is applied, offering excellent responsiveness to speed changes and engine RPM. The vehicle offers both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options, allowing it to adapt to various driving conditions.

The driver assistance system is called Co-Pilot 360 and includes Adaptive Cruise Control, lane-keeping system, a 360-degree camera, and blind-spot information system. Thanks to these features, it is easy to grasp the surrounding situation despite the large body. Additionally, the Auto High Beam function is very useful for nighttime driving.

Ford Bronco interior. Provided by Ford Korea

The Bronco also has various features for off-road driving. The G.O.A.T (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) system, which adjusts driving power according to the driving environment, is a representative feature. This name originates from a nickname given to the Bronco by Donald Frey, the chief engineer of the 1st generation Bronco. Besides the basic Normal mode, there are Eco mode emphasizing fuel efficiency, Sport mode for dynamic driving, and terrain-specific modes for slippery roads, sandy paths, muddy trails, and unpaved roads.

The Bronco is equipped with a high-performance off-road stability suspension system and a Trail Toolbox, enabling more stable off-road driving. The Trail Turn Assist feature is rarely seen in other vehicles. It momentarily locks the inside rear wheel during sharp turns on steep slopes to minimize the turning radius. When descending at low speeds, the Trail One-Pedal Drive mode can be used. It activates low-speed crawling, allowing the vehicle to stop without using the brake pedal.

The groove inside the trunk frame of the Ford Bronco can be used as a bottle opener. Provided by Ford Korea

The rings located at each corner of the trunk floor secure the luggage. Photo by Ford Korea

There are trail sites on both sides of the bonnet where equipment can be tied. Provided by Ford Korea

Additionally, the vehicle’s roof and doors can be removed by operating a lever from the inside. Although the vehicle has a relatively high ground clearance, side steps are standard, making getting in and out easy. Grab handles are installed on both the driver’s and passenger’s sides to prevent body movement during off-road driving. The tailgate opens with the upper glass section moving vertically and the lower metal section opening sideways. When the second-row seats are folded down, the rear space is quite large, although there is some height difference between the trunk area and the seats.

There are also Easter eggs, or hidden fun elements, throughout the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The wild horse emblem, used since the early Bronco models, is subtly engraved on the front headlamps, wheel centers, gear shift, and trunk lighting. The coordinates inscribed above the passenger door refer to Bronco Hill in Johnson Valley, California, USA. The fuel filler cap features illustrations of the three versions from the 1st generation model launch. Additionally, bottle openers, cargo hooks, and tie-down devices useful for outdoor activities are located throughout the vehicle. The 2.7ℓ model has the same vehicle size and offers a fuel efficiency of 8.4 km per liter (combined standard), priced at 74 million KRW.

Ford Bronco interior. There are grab handles on both the driver and passenger sides, which are useful for supporting the body even on rough terrain. Provided by Ford Korea