Meet the Troller T4, a rough-and-tumble SUV->ke145 Ford is building in Brazil. We hope it’s not love at first sight though, as this puppy isn’t destined for the States anytime soon. The story starts back with Ford’s 2007 purchase of the South American automaker Troller. The T4 was already in development at the time of acquisition, and Ford->ke31 let the project continue. News of the T4 first broke in June of 2014, and from what Troller has revealed, the T4 will be a competent competitor to vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler->ke425, Land Rover Defender, and even perhaps the Mercedes G-Wagen -- though not offering the level of posh or refinement as the Benz.

So why is this not the next Ford Bronco? Well, that’s thanks largely to the T4 not being developed by Ford for use in the States. That means it wouldn’t pass the U.S.’ rigorous crash tests. The T4 would, however, likely pass the U.S.' emissions tests as it’s powered by the same 3.2-liter, I-5, Power Stroke turbodiesel that is offered in the 2015 Ford Transit Van.

The T4 is also fully equipped to handle the challenges found off road. Four-wheel drive; front D-Ring shackle points; high approach, break-over, and departure angles; and an interior that’s said to have easy-to-clean surfaces all aide the Troller in tackling Mother Nature. Even the engine’s air filter is mounted high and to the side, ready for an aftermarket snorkel kit.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Ford Troller T4.

2014 Troller T4

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Troller T4
  • Engine/Motor: inline-5
  • Horsepower: 185
  • Torque: 350
  • Transmission: six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The Troller T4 is basically an all-original design, though it has some slight cues from the Wrangler, Defender, Toyota FJ Cruiser, and even the old Suzuki Samurai. The T4 also features a somewhat Toyota-esque design feature with the debossed logo on the front grille. Dark grey accents around the T4 give it that five-o’clock-shadow-look. A flat windshield, side windows, and rear glass continue the manly aesthetics.

Up top, a panoramic moon roof, called the Sky Roof, floors the interior with light while twin roof rack bars allow for extra storage. Like all traditional off-roaders, a full-size spare tire is mounted to the tailgate.

Built-in side steps help protect the bodywork while giving occupants an easy way to access the T4. A trailer hitch will be offered, though won’t come as standard, as indicated by the images.

Interior

Ford has yet to release any detailed information or photos of the T4’s interior. Ford has said the interior will be very functional and feature easy-to-clean surfaces. With that in mind, it’s likely the T4 will come with vinyl floors, tightly woven cloth seats, and a dash full of hard plastics. Heck, there may even be a few drain plugs in the floor pan like the Jeep Wrangler.

Drivetrain

Under the Troller T4’s flat hood is a 3.2-liter, inline five-cylinder, turbodiesel engine. This is likely the same 3.2-liter engine that is an option in the U.S.-spec Ford Transit van. In the Transit, the five-cylinder produces 185 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. That should be more than adequate for motivating the T4 over obstacles and through city traffic. We’ll have to wait to get T4-specific output numbers once Ford finally releases them.

The turbodiesel comes mated to a six-speed manual transmission. It will likely mate to a manual transfer case, but an electronic unit is a possibility. Ford has an electronic locking rear differential and a Torsen limited-slip front differential in its F-150 parts bin, so it’s possible those items could be found inside the T4.

All these off-road goodies are attached to what we suspect to be a traditional ladder-style frame. That’ll provide the T4 with the best capabilities, plus allow for extra tough skid plates. From the photos, it’s apparent the T4 is rocking old-school solid axles front and rear.

Prices

While Ford and Troller haven’t released pricing information yet, we suspect the T4 to come as a fairly reasonable rate, perhaps around what Jeep charges for the Wrangler. In that case, a base model would start in the low $20,000 range and escalate into the $30,000 range with all the options. Of course, Brazil doesn’t deal in U.S. dollars, so exchange rates and whatnot will have to be accounted for once Ford does release the pricing info.

Competition

Jeep Wrangler

The Wrangler is just about the best factory off-roader money can buy. Its solid axles, manual transfer case, meaty tires, and ladder frame construction make it hard to beat when the road ends. The top-dog Rubicon model offers locking diffs, mud-terrain tires, a 4.10:1 craw ratio, and four tow hooks for vehicle recovery.

Every Wrangler comes standard with Chrysler’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. A five-speed automatic or six-speed manual is optional as well. Also optional are the soft and hardtops, two- or four-door lengths, and about a million aftermarket parts.

Base price for a 2014 Jeep Wrangler starts at $22,395 for the entry-level two-door model and goes up past $40,000 for a loaded Rubicon X model in the four-door configuration.

Toyota FJ Cruiser

The FJ Cruiser is also a hardy off-roader with a ladder frame, manual transfer case, and a rugged demeanor. Underpinned by the same hardware found under the Toyota 4Runner, the FJ is powered by a 4.0-liter V-6 that’s backed by a five-speed automatic transmission.

The FJ features some innovated yet sometimes frustrating rear-facing secondary doors that service the second row. It’s an interesting design, to say the least. Plastic-covered cargo area, floors, and hard dash materials give the FJ even more versatility.

Sadly, the FJ Cruiser isn’t long for this world as Toyota has given it the axe. You can still buy them new on dealer lots, as of July 2014, with prices starting at $27,680.

Conclusion

Man, wouldn’t this make a sick Bronco? Too bad Ford won’t be importing the T4 into the States anytime soon. Its combination of solid axles, ladder frame, diesel engine, manual transmission, and compact design would make it a hot seller in this part of the world. Perhaps Ford will someday resurrect the Bronco name, making another two-door off-roader worthy of that iconic nameplate.