Is Ford Really Making A Bronco Pickup Truck? Debunking The Rumors

From its debut in 1965 to its reintroduction in 2021 as a sturdy off-road SUV, the Ford Bronco has always been a symbol of adventure, ruggedness, and durability. Initially introduced to rival the Jeep CJ-5 and International Scout, the Bronco offered a unique blend of off-road capability and everyday usability. The first generation launched in three versions — an open air model, a two-door version with a full top and tailgate, and one with a pickup bed. For the next three decades, it graced the market with consistent updates and design changes in between five generational releases, but never again did Ford introduce a Bronco pickup. In 1996, amid the shifting interest to larger SUVs like the Ford Expedition, the American automaker ceased the Bronco's production.

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Ford went on to focus on its other car offerings to ensure growth amid the evolving consumer demand. But in 2021, the American manufacturer revived the Bronco with a modern twist. Designed for modern-day off-road enthusiasts, the new Bronco paid homage to its roots while incorporating advanced technology, a removable roof, and customizable configurations. The new model continued the original series' legacy, proving that the Bronco remains as relevant as ever. But recently, rumors of a Ford Bronco pickup truck emerged online, causing many car enthusiasts to wonder if Ford is indeed working on such a revival vehicle.

The myth of the Bronco pickup truck

The idea of a Bronco pickup truck isn't new — it's a concept that has intrigued imaginations since the Bronco's revival. However, the latest wave of rumors is distinct because of how convincing the imagery they present appears. One such example comes from a YouTube channel called "PoloTo," which described the fictional vehicle in flowery terms, saying it "exudes an aura of rugged readiness thanks to its powerful features and muscular stance." The channel also claimed that "its large shape and bold stance convey an aura of toughness and dominance." Viewers not familiar with artificial intelligence (AI) technology may easily be swayed by its video since it comes with images of the vehicle.

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It's important to note that Ford has made no announcements or indications that a Bronco pickup truck is in development or has been released, contrary to what the reports say. These claims lack any basis in reality and serve as a prime example of how misinformation can easily spread online, especially on social media. The AI-generated renders make them believable to the untrained eye. Nonetheless, while AI-generated content has become more sophisticated in recent times, there are still signs that can help distinguish fake images from legitimate photos.

How to spot AI use in purported images

While it's interesting to see what a Ford Bronco pickup truck might look like, the truth is that these renders are designed to bring traffic to misleading sites and channels. To know if a certain photo was made using AI, look for any textual inconsistencies, lighting and reflection anomalies, unrealistic proportions, as well as texture and design distortions. More often than not, AI-generated photos have at least one or all of these telltale issues.

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In the case of PoloTo's video report, the biggest giveaway that the images it showed are fake is its disclosure of AI use to generate the renderings. But even without the disclaimer, it's easy to tell that the photos are fake because of one of the Ford Bronco pickup's rear tires. As seen in the image above, the tire in question looks very CG and inconsistent with the rest in terms of texture, patterns, and size. Color grading of the entire vehicle is also off, making it seem like something straight out of an animation instead of the real thing. The rise of AI tools has made it easier than ever to create and share convincing fake content. To avoid falling for such misinformation, always rely on reputable sources for the latest automotive news.

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