What platform is the new Bronco on?
The new Ford Bronco is built on Ford’s dedicated off-road, body-on-frame platform. The Bronco Sport, by contrast, uses a unibody chassis shared with other Ford crossovers.
In this article, we explain what “platform” means in this context, how the Bronco family uses different architectures, and what it means for performance, customization, and everyday usability. We’ll also highlight how the two main Bronco models differ in terms of their underlying frames and drivability.
Platform basics
Below are core elements of the Bronco’s platform that influence capability and configuration. The items describe the general approach Ford has taken with the Bronco family.
- Dedicated, rugged body-on-frame chassis designed for off-road capability, built with high-strength steel and reinforced suspension points.
- Framework that supports features important to off-road use, including high ground clearance and compatibility with removable roof/doors.
- Engineered to accommodate robust drivetrain options and traction-control systems suited to challenging terrain.
In short, Ford built a specialized platform for the Bronco family to handle rough terrain, modular setups, and off-road features.
Bronco vs Bronco Sport: platform differences
To help distinguish the two models, note how their platforms diverge: the Bronco relies on a dedicated off-road body-on-frame platform, while the Bronco Sport sits on a unibody platform shared with other Ford crossovers.
- Bronco: dedicated body-on-frame architecture optimized for rugged off-road performance, with features like removable roof/doors and strong chassis construction.
- Bronco Sport: unibody platform designed for everyday driving with lighter duty off-road capability, shared with Ford’s crossover lineup.
The distinction helps explain why the Bronco lineup offers different capabilities and ride qualities compared with the Bronco Sport.
Updates and context
Ford has consistently framed the Bronco as a purpose-built, off-road-focused product, while maintaining the Bronco Sport as a more compact, everyday-friendly variant. The core platform separation has remained a defining feature of the lineup, enabling each model to target its intended use while sharing some drivetrain technology and modern features.
Summary
The current Bronco rides on Ford’s dedicated off-road, body-on-frame platform, designed for rugged terrain, modular configuration, and aftermarket potential. The Bronco Sport sits on a separate unibody platform that aligns with Ford’s other crossovers, prioritizing on-road comfort with lighter off-road capability. Together, they illustrate Ford’s approach to balancing extreme off-road capability with everyday practicality.
