Spy shot of the 2021 3-door Ford Bronco

The all-new Ford Bronco is fast approaching, and engineers were spotted testing a three-door variant of this rugged SUV. A larger five-door is also being tested, both of which will be available later this year as 2021 models.

The new Bronco is based on the T6 body-on-frame platform shared with the Ranger mid-size pickup, albeit shortened for the SUV. Ford is serious about offering a proper Jeep Wrangler competitor, and the Ranger platform is a great place to start.

The prototype features flared wheel arches, generous ride height, six-lug wheels, and chunky tires. Note the solid rear axle and possibly the Dana rear differential. The front independent suspension should improve ride and handling, and custom Fox shocks may be available, as Ford offers in other lineups, including the F-150 Raptor.

As for styling, the Bronco R Baja racer unveiled last November provides some direction. Details revealed at dealer preview shows last year also suggest retro elements and removable roof and door panels. A pickup body style comparable to Jeep's Gladiator is also a possibility.

On the interior, the Bronco will feature an upright dashboard with a medium-sized touchscreen front and center. The upright A-pillars and large side glass should provide good visibility on the road and trail. Several electronic aids will be useful off-road. One of these is turn assist, which uses the brakes to lock the rear inner wheels and drag the tires to the ground to create a tight turning circle.

It is not clear what kind of engine is planned, but we do know that a hybrid option will be offered. Solid bets include Ford's 2.3-liter turbo four and/or 2.7-liter twin-turbo six; a V-8 is not expected; and the electric motor is expected to be a hybrid. The low-speed torque of the electric motor will help with low-speed off-road driving, and the electric power take-off feature will prove ideal for camping.

The Bronco will be built at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, where the Ranger is built. Incidentally, this is the same plant that built the previous Bronco.

The 2021 model year will also feature a smaller Bronco Sport. This will also be an off-road-focused vehicle, but will use the same car-like unibody platform that underpins the latest Ford Escape.