2021 Ford Bronco could help the Explorer Sport Trac live again

Watch out, Gladiator.

The born-again Ford Bronco will be closely related to the Ranger under the sheet metal, but the two models will be different enough to warrant the development of a Bronco-based truck, according to a recent report. The pickup will be aimed right at the recently-introduced Jeep Gladiator.

Sources within Ford revealed the truck's existence to Automobile. Like the Gladiator, it will be available only as a four-door model developed with a strong emphasis on outdoors-friendly ruggedness. This isn't the kind of truck that will pop up at your local airport, or serve on construction sites across America. Insiders suggested it will be the spiritual successor to the Ford Explorer Sport Trac (pictured).

The truck will share the Bronco's body-on-frame architecture, though it will likely ride on a specific wheelbase. Many mechanical components -- including engines, transmissions, and suspension parts -- will be carried over from the Bronco to its pickup sibling.

Ford has other trucks to focus on, including the next-generation Ranger and the Focus-based unibody truck, so the Bronco truck is not a top priority. Automobile added production of the Bronco truck -- which will likely get a more imaginative name; Bronco Sport Trac? -- is scheduled to begin in July 2024, meaning it won't arrive until the 2025 model year. Patience, truck lovers.