Finally, a few random traits distinguish the Bronco Black Diamond: It is the lowest trim to have seven G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes, it comes with standard rock rails and underbody protection, and it features the heavy-duty powder-coated modular steel front bumper and powder-coated steel rear bumper. You'll also appreciate auxiliary switches in the overhead console.

Two-Door Family Life

Full disclaimer: We sold our four-door Jeep Wrangler upon news of kiddo number two. Our first born has still not forgiven us for selling "her" Jeep; we stand firm that its replacement, a Ford Raptor, is a roomier fit for family life.

Hence, we found no surprises when squeezing a family of four into the two-door 2021 Ford Bronco tester. It was tight, and the car seat process was cumbersome (but it always is). But it worked, despite our larger Chicco car seats filled by preschool/early elementary children. But it wasn't necessarily pleasant. Getting out of the Bronco after securing the seats took some ninja skills, as does hoisting children into those seats and tightening their belts. The driver and passenger seats were perpetually in the way.

2021 Ford Bronco 2 Door Black Diamond Advanced 44

As for luggage? Pack light. With just a backpack per person, your cargo room disappears quickly. The kids were afforded a nice view, as they were seated relatively high; merely an arm's length away, they might as well have been driving. The smaller child was confused as to why he had no door, despite our assurance there was none and that it was OK.

"Bronco" may be much easier for toddlers to say than "Wrangler," but the truth is, both SUVs—and even the larger four-door versions—are marginal tools when it comes to family life.

All the Feels

Driving the 2021 Ford Bronco Black Diamond felt fun, sporty, and adventurous, almost nostalgic but modern. It felt youthful, vibrant, and it has an impact across a wide swath of the population: A mom during school drop-off noticed it. We couldn't quite tell how Jeep Wrangler drivers or old-school Bronco purists perceived us, but we imagined the best. Competition raises the bar, and the Wrangler needs a strong rival. And we all needed the Bronco's return, even if just for the grins.

SPECIFICATIONS	2021 Ford Bronco 2-Door Black Diamond (Advanced)
BASE PRICE	$38,340
PRICE AS TESTED	$38,935
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front-engine, AWD, 4-pass, 2-door SUV
ENGINE	2.3L Turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4
POWER (SAE NET)	275 hp @ 5,700 rpm
TORQUE (SAE NET)	315 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm
TRANSMISSION	6-speed manual
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	4,491 lb (55/45%)
WHEELBASE	100.4 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	173.7 x 75.9 x 72.9 in
0-60 MPH	7.9 sec
QUARTER MILE	15.8 sec @ 85.8 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	135 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.71 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	28.8 sec @ 0.57 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON	17/19/18 mpg
ON SALE	Now