Cabin check: What's inside the Ford Bronco?

Ford has already released the all-new Bronco sports utility vehicle (SUV) for the Philippines. 

On release, the Bronco is the Blue Oval brand’s first-ever dedicated off-road SUV. It isn’t just based on an existing midsize three-row SUV or a midsize pickup truck; it's a totally new platform that can go anywhere. 

To perform well in the boonies, the carmaker equipped the Bronco with a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 engine capable of outputting 330 horsepower and 555 Newton-meters of torque. 

The said engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox, and traction is provided by electronic-locking front and rear axles, as well as the brand’s “Goes Over Any Terrai” (GOAT) terrain management system. Stability, meanwhile, is ensured by Bilstein position-sensitive shock absorbers. 

With the Sasquatch package, the vehicle also gets 35-inch mud-terrain tires, beadlock-capable wheels, and beefy fender flares.

Being new to the market, however, prospective buyers may not be familiar with what the Bronco’s interior is offering. So without further ado, here’s a short guide detailing the all-new Ford SUV’s insides. 

Brawny but smart

While the Bronco is specced as a durable ride, that doesn’t mean it is basic. In fact, the Michigan-based car maker also equipped it to be smart. Showcasing the said quality of the Bronco are its pair of sizable digital screens: a 12-inch infotainment system and an eight-inch digital cluster. 

Regarding the 12-inch central display, it features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Smartphones can also be powered up via a wireless charging pad, meaning users of the Bronco can do away with wires entirely. 

However, for those who need it, the vehicle was also provided with several USB ports, two 12-volt sockets, and a 220-volt power outlet. The outlet, in particular, may be useful for bringing along electric-powered implements when camping. 

For sound, the infotainment display is linked to a Premium Bang & Olufsen 10-piece speaker system. The said screen can likewise take voice commands and is powered by the car company’s Sync 4 infotainment software. 

Over to the driver’s side is the aforementioned eight-inch digital cluster. It can show clearly and crisply all relevant driving data, but it likewise monitors the Ford model’s array of safety features. 

Notably, the Bronco Outbanks trim for the Philippine market gets the brand’s Co-Pilot 360 suite of advanced driver-assist technologies. The said collection of safety tech includes automatic high beams, emergency braking with pedestrian detection, post-impact braking, blind spot assist, lane keep assist, lane keep alert, driver alerts, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree view camera, among others. 

Durability is the name of the game

The cockpit and interior door cards of the Ford Bronco have plenty of angular angles that are pleasing to the eye. The cockpit itself gets a flat-top dash with contemporary details while sporting well-arranged physical buttons. 

All in all, the Bronco is a modern but slightly straightforward take on the tried and true SUV interior formula. The one big notable quality of its interior, though, is its generous use of study materials. 

The dashboard, the interior sides of the doors, and the seats all get smooth but sturdy leather, which will help keep away scratches and stains. Most of the dashboard, grab handles, and the control surfaces themselves are likewise crafted out of durable plastic and some metallic bits. 

For the controls specifically, Ford thankfully gave the GOAT, air-conditioning knobs, and volume control knobs a textured rubber trim. The said rubber part will make the said knobs grippier when used with sweaty or wet hands. 

Likewise, the multi-function steering wheel buttons have a rubber finish, which eliminates gaps between them. The rubber parts are a good addition since they can prevent moisture or dust from getting between the buttons.  

An oasis of comfort

Apart from its use of durable materials, the Ford Bronco offers a wealth of amenities that make it an oasis of comfort in the midst of the harsh outdoors. 

The Ford-made extreme off-road SUV gets a dual-zone automatic climate control system to cool all of its five occupants. Likewise, the rear cabin has a folding armrest, 60:40 split-folding functionality for the rear seats, and numerous cubby holes and cup holders. 

Concerning driving convenience, the model was also kitted out with a push-to-start button, and a keyless entry system. The driver’s seat also has 10-way power adjustability, while the front passenger seat has eight-way power adjustability. 

Other notable features inside the Bronco include a tilt and telescopic steering column, front and rear rubber matting, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, among others. 

For the Philippine market, buyers of the off-road SUV also get access to the FordPass Connect app. The said app provides loads of features that help make living with the Bronco a lot easier. Notable functions of the app include remote start and interior pre-cooling, remote locking and unlocking, a vehicle locator, and a vehicle status monitor. 

Feel the outdoors

For folks wanting to feel the wind and sun on their skin, the Bronco also has the unique capability of becoming an open-air vehicle. Specifically, one can remove its doors and roof with the use of the tool kit. 

With the roof off, the Bronco may provide a more pleasurable outdoor experience for its users. It may also give the driver more exterior visibility when taking on particularly difficult terrain. Sure, the model does come with a 360-degree view monitor, which can be turned on during off-roading, but some (difficult) off-road situations can be scouted better with one’s eyes. 

Variants, Price

-Bronco 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6: P4.998 million

Final thoughts

If you’re the type of buyer who is looking for a tough SUV from the inside and out, then the Bronco might be for you. While it doesn’t have all the knick-knacks of modern-day people carriers, its cabin may be robust enough to endure the rigors of outdoor use for years on end. 

In addition to being tough and durable, Ford’s all-new SUV likewise has the right stuff to help it avoid being described as “too spartan.” It has many creature comforts for a full-on extreme off-roader, and having those after a sweaty and difficult day out in the boonies will always be a plus. 

Photos from Cesar Guiderone Miguel

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