Ford’s best-performing dealers were reportedly given an early look at a prototype for the upcoming 2020 Bronco, a model that’s been in the works for a few years, but just like Land Rover’s new Defender, the project is and has been shrouded in secrecy. It’s quite clear that the Blue Oval intends for it to fight not the hugely capable and successful Jeep Wrangler, but the all-new Defender as well. Rumor says that it will be offered with a removable top and could be offered in two- or four-door form!

The 2020 Ford Bronco Brings Historical DNA to the Modern World

Ford's best dealers were invited to a special event in Palm Beach, Florida, where, according to Automotive News, they were asked to leave their phones at the door; then they were shown a two-door Bronco prototype. During the event, it was confirmed to them directly that a four-door model was also in the works (no wonder, since the four-door version significantly increased Jeep Wrangler sales). It was also revealed that the 2020 Ford Bronco will have a removable top and removable doors, the latter of which can actually be stored inside the vehicle, so you don’t have to leave them in the garage.

Aside from the two- and four-door versions of the Bronco that have been confirmed, there’s also a “Baby Bronco” (think Bronco II) in the works too, as well as a new, unibody pickup. Apparently, all these vehicles will share a common theme, like a sub-brand, although Ford is refraining from calling it that. In fact, it is believed it’s the Baby Bronco will debut first, followed by the Bronco (set to hit dealers in late 2020), with the unibody pickup to follow in 2021.

At this point, we really don’t know much more than this, other than quoted dealer opinions from the source articles. One dealer reportedly said the Bronco “was twice as cool as I thought it would be,” while another announced it as “a game changer.”

The Blue Oval reportedly invested $850-million in order to retool and update the plant for the Bronco, although since the vehicle shares a shorter version of the T6 platform used to underpin the current Ranger, it means Ford was able to cut some costs.

It is also believed that Ford Australia developed the Bronco, since that’s where the T6 platform originates from. This was speculated upon by the local Aussie motoring press, but Ford never stepped in to confirm or deny it. But, while it may be similar underneath to the Ranger, the Bronco will have unique, retro-inspired styling that will link it visually to the boxy classic.

We know what the car’s side profile looks like (albeit under a mud-sprayed veil), we saw what we believe are leaked photos of the Baby Bronco (from a dealer presentation), and its logo too - we have a pretty good idea of what it’s going to look like.

Further reading

Read our full speculative review on the 2020 Ford Bronco.