The prevalence of digital solutions and lashings of technology may seem at odds with the raison d’etre of dedicated off-roaders, but Ford says that the interior of its newly release Bronco draws considerable inspiration from the company’s original, utilitarian vehicle of the same name. Specifically, off-road functionality has been given priority.
A multifunction color LCD instrument panel provides the driver with key information, with the transmission shifter/selector and off-road modes controller located in the center console. There is also a 12in central display, with over-the-air updates and off-road navigation, which Ford said allows owners to easily plan, navigate and share their off-road trips via the Sync system. This includes access to over 1,000 topological trail maps. Additionally, the system also displays images from an optional 360° camera to provide additional visibility in technical pursuits such as rock crawling.
“The trail mapping system available on Bronco is truly a game-changer in the off-road community,” said Mark Grueber, Bronco consumer marketing manager. “It works online or off on either of the navigation-capable 8in or 12in Syncs systems, allowing users to select one of hundreds of available curated trail maps to map out and then track, capture and share their adventures with others.”
Further improving functionality, the Bronco can be specced with washable rubberized floors with integrated drains and marine-grade vinyl seating surfaces that resist mildew. The company noted that the instrument panel surfaces are wipeable, with seamless silicone rubber on the dash-mounted hero switches, while rubber touchpoints protect against dirt and water.
Six available upfitter switches mounted overhead are silicone-sealed to protect against the elements and to make customization easy, with pre-wired leads to key accessory points.
