The rivalry between Ford's "guess who's back, back again" Bronco and Jeep's "don't call it a comeback, we've been here for years" Wrangler is heating up. Not one to let Jeep enjoy a moment of the limelight for the Farout concept, Ford is here with five Ford Bronco concept cars that show off what you'll be able to do with yours and the Ford accessory catalogue. It has also announced the location for the first of four Bronco Off-Roadeo events to let buyers learn how to use their SUVs properly.
The first concept is the Bronco Outer Banks Fishing Guide, based on the Outer Banks trim level and designed to support a pro fishing guide at work. On the roof are a Sunrider first-row soft top with factory-style roof rails and a Yakima platform roof rack. Ford has fitted a custom pole holder and seat perch with some help from the fender-mount trail sights, and a sliding tailgate makes a work surface for rod repairs or cleaning your catch.
Next up, the Bronco Trail Rig is based on a two-door Badlands trim model and adds a host of serious trail riding gear. A Ford Performance front bumper holds a Warn winch, while tube doors keep you safely inside, bead-lock capable wheels keep the tires in place when you air down, and a 40-inch Rigid LED lightbar provides ample illumination for night trails. The Yakima rack holds shovel and recovery board mounts for when you get stuck.
The Bronco Sport isn't left out, and while it might not be quite as trail-ready as the full-size model, it's not likely to be a slouch. And the Tow Rzr concept shows that it can bring your trail rig to the dirt and back. It adds a Class II tow pack with 2,200 lb capacity and has Yakima HD roof bars and cargo basket.
A more serious choice is the Bronco Sport Trail Rig. Ford fits 31-inch BFG mud-terrain tires and a one-inch lift to the Sport, and adds a beefier front "nudge bar." More roof racks and off-road gear mounts let you carry fuel, food, and a recovery kit.
Lastly, designed for the Off-Roadeo events, the first of which will be held in Austin next summer and open to Badlands trim owners of the Bronco and Bronco Sport, the Off-Roadeo Adventure Patrol Bronco Sport. It's built with a Yakima cargo platform to hold a high-lift jack, recovery boards, and gas cans. It's also got a two-bike rack in the back for even tighter pedal-power trail action. Plus on the hood is a landing target for the drones used to film the events.