This is the 2020 Ford Bronco... sort of

Ford is going all out with shifting most of their range to SUVs and crossovers. Even the Mustang has spawned an EV crossover version, much to the purists' discontent. But if there's one upcoming SUV from Ford that will likely get less backlash, that would be the 2020 Bronco.

It seems that Ford has taken a page from Toyota's playbook in slowly revealing a new model. If you remember, it was the motorsport versions of the Supra that came first before the actual car. Now, Ford has done something similar by unveiling the all-new Bronco as a Baja 1000 rally raid racer. Dubbed the Bronco R, we get a somewhat clearer idea as to what the road-going production version might look like.

One thing is for sure, it's no rebadged Everest for the US market. It was initially believed that would be the case, but the shape of the shell well and truly confirms otherwise. In fact, it's more of a retro-modernized take on the classic Broncos of the late 1960's, with its upright, boxy shape and slab-sided look. It also hints that the Bronco will have a three-door version.

But if you want to know what its face looks like, tough luck. Ford isn't about to show off everything just yet. In fact, the only clue you get is the big, bold grill with the word Bronco spelled out in big, blocky letters. It uses LED lights to illuminate the road ahead, making us wonder what the real headlights will look like. As for the rear, you won't see much apart from the rollcage jutting out of the shell and a spare tire.

It all looks pretty extreme for now but it will be a pretty long wait before the showroom version makes an appearance. Ford says the 2020 Bronco will appear at the first half of next year.