The Known (and Relatively Unknown) Bronco Cousins
Hey there Bronco fans, did you know that the Bronco is part of a bigger family of vehicles based on the Ford T6 platform? That's right, the T6 platform is shared by several vehicles globally, including manufacturers other than Ford. But what is the T6 platform, you may ask? It is a modular platform developed originally by Ford of Australia specifically for mid-size pickup trucks and SUVs. This platform has been designed to offer robust off-road capabilities, excellent towing capacity, and reliable performance.
The T6 platform has been in development since the early 2010s, and it was officially introduced in 2011 with the Ford Ranger by Ford of Australia. Since then, the platform has gone through several revisions to improve performance and capability. Although the vehicles share the same platform, there are some differences between them. For example, the Bronco has a rear coil spring suspension, while the Ranger has leaf springs; vehicles in some markets are available with diesel engines, but not in North America, etc.
In terms of off-road capabilities, the T6 platform is a proven performer. All of the vehicles built on this platform come with a range of off-road features such as four-wheel drive, locking differentials, and underbody protection. Overall, the T6 platform has proven to be a reliable, capable, and versatile platform that has allowed Ford and other manufacturers to create a range of vehicles that are perfect for those who love adventure and off-road driving.
So here is the laundry list of vehicles based on the T6 platform:
Ford Bronco (2021-Present): Available in North America and select European Markets
Ford Everest (2015-Present): Available in Australia and certain Asian markets (including India, where it is known as the Ford Endeavor)
Ford Ranger (2011-Present): Available in multiple markets in globally, but has only been available in North America since 2019
Mazda BT-50 (2011-2020): Available in Australia, and certain markets in Asia, Africa, and South America
Troller T4 (2014-2020): Available in Brazil
Volkswagen Amarok Mk2 (2022-Present): Available in Australia, and certain markets in Africa and Europe
And last but not least:
Arquus Trapper VT4 (2017-Present): The Everest based military vehicle produced by Arquus Defence, a French military specialist owned by Volvo, for the French Army
So there you have it. The Ford T6 platform is a versatile and highly capable platform that underpins some of the most popular off-road vehicles in the world, including the Ford Bronco, Ford Everest, Ford Ranger, and Volkswagen Amarok Mk2. It was designed to offer robust off-road capabilities, excellent towing capacity, and reliable performance. Although the platform is shared among the vehicles, each one has its own unique features, including different suspension systems, powertrains, and interior designs, tailored to meet the needs of their respective drivers.