What platform is the Bronco built on?
The current Ford Bronco lineup uses two different platforms depending on the model: the full-size Bronco is built on Ford’s T6/global Ranger platform (a body-on-frame chassis), while the Bronco Sport sits on the unibody C2 platform derived from the Escape.
Understanding which platform applies depends on the specific Bronco model you’re looking at. Below is a breakdown of how the current lineup is architected and what that means for capability and design.
Two platforms in the Bronco family
The following list highlights the two primary platforms powering today’s Bronco models and how they differ.
- Full-size Bronco (2021–present): built on Ford’s T6 global Ranger platform, a body-on-frame chassis shared with the Ranger pickup and related models in various markets.
- Bronco Sport: built on Ford’s unibody C2 platform (derived from the Escape), designed for a lighter footprint with car-like on-road manners while retaining off-road capability.
These architectural choices let Ford deliver rugged off-road performance with the full-size Bronco while offering a more compact, smoother ride in the Bronco Sport.
Older generations and historical context
Historically, Broncos have used body-on-frame construction. The classic 1966–1996 Bronco and its successors were built on truck-based, ladder-frame chassis, emphasizing durability and off-road capability. The modern Bronco Sport marks a shift toward unibody construction within the Bronco family, aligning with contemporary SUV design trends.
What this means for capability
Platform choices influence ground clearance, rigidity, weight, towing, and suspension geometry. The full-size Bronco’s T6 framework supports heavy-duty off-road hardware such as solid axles and locking differentials, while the Bronco Sport’s C2 platform prioritizes a comfortable, efficient ride with independent suspension and improved on-road manners.
Summary
In short, the Bronco you choose determines its underlying platform: the full-size Bronco relies on Ford’s T6/global Ranger platform for rugged, body-on-frame capability, while the Bronco Sport uses the lighter, unibody C2 platform for everyday usability and efficiency. The Bronco’s platform history also reflects an evolution from traditional body-on-frame designs in older generations to modern dual-architecture engineering in today’s lineup.
