Escape

Make
Ford
Segment
SUV

Over the past several months, we've reported on the various times Ford has trademarked certain nameplates that could potentially be used for its upcoming "baby Bronco." Don't mistake this for the regular Bronco, which will share the Ranger midsize pickup truck's body-on-frame platform. The baby Bronco, by contrast, will utilize the same setup as the new Escape. Therefore, it'll be a crossover, though the all-wheel drive will certainly be offered if it doesn't come as standard. But the question remains: what will Ford call this smaller, not quite a true off-road Bronco?

According to Ford Authority, at least one of those previous trademarked names has been ruled out: Bronco Scout. This name was first trademarked last April but earlier this month Ford abandoned the filing. Insiders are now claiming that with Bronco Scout out of the running, Ford has narrowed its choices down to two names: Bronco Adventurer and Bronco Sport.

Whichever name is ultimately chosen, it'll need to happen fairly soon because the baby Bronco is due to debut before the regular Bronco SUV sometime in 2020. This smaller, car-based Bronco will almost certainly be a success, especially given that Ford has all but eliminated its traditional car lineup, save for the Mustang. Americans want crossovers and SUVs, pure and simple, and Ford aims to deliver. Some also think the new 2020 Escape has a wagon-like exterior design, which Ford later explained was done on purpose.

Surveys indicated consumers wanted a softer-looking Escape, and this also helps clear the way for the more rugged baby Bronco. Same platforms. Same basic underpinnings. Different attitudes and designs.

We would not be surprised to see Ford officially unveil the new baby Bronco in November at the 2019 LA Auto Show, but so far the automaker remains mum on launch details. The baby Bronco, or whatever it'll be called, is not the first off-road crossover to come to market recently. Mercedes just revealed its all-new GLB, which rides on the same platform as the A and CLA-Class, albeit with extensive modifications. Don't be surprised to see so-called "off-road crossovers" become the next big thing.