Is the Ford Bronco built on the Ranger chassis?
Yes, the Ford Bronco is built on the same chassis as the Ford Ranger mid-size pickup truck. The Bronco shares a significant amount of its underpinnings and engineering with the Ranger, though the two vehicles have distinct body styles and designs.
Detailed Explanation
The Ford Bronco is the latest iteration of the iconic off-road SUV that was first introduced in 1966. After a 25-year hiatus, the Bronco nameplate was revived in 2021 as an all-new model built on the same platform as the Ford Ranger. This means the Bronco and Ranger have a shared chassis, suspension components, and many other mechanical systems.
The decision to base the new Bronco on the Ranger platform was a strategic one by Ford. By leveraging the existing Ranger architecture, the automaker was able to quickly and cost-effectively develop the Bronco as a more rugged, off-road-focused companion to the Ranger pickup. This allowed Ford to bring the Bronco back to market without having to invest in an entirely new vehicle platform from scratch.
Key Similarities and Differences
- The Bronco and Ranger share the same ladder-frame chassis and suspension design
- Both vehicles use the same range of turbocharged EcoBoost engines, including a 2.3L four-cylinder and 2.7L V6
- The Bronco has a more squared-off, boxy SUV body style compared to the Ranger's pickup truck design
- The Bronco is available in both two-door and four-door configurations, while the Ranger is only offered as a four-door crew cab
- The Bronco has more off-road-focused features and capabilities, such as higher ground clearance, locking differentials, and available 35-inch tires
By sharing the Ranger's underlying architecture, the Bronco benefits from the pickup's proven reliability and capability. At the same time, the Bronco's unique styling and off-road enhancements help differentiate it as a distinct model in Ford's lineup.
