1 / 4Illustrative AI renders — not manufacturer photographs.
Ford Bronco
The rugged 4x4 icon, reborn for adventure
Ford Bronco review
Ford revived the Bronco name in 2021 with a body-on-frame SUV built squarely for trails, not just nostalgia. Offered in two- and four-door forms, it pairs removable doors and roof panels with serious four-wheel-drive hardware. Turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines, available manual gearbox, and a dial-up terrain system make it a genuine Jeep Wrangler rival. It rewards buyers who actually go off-pavement, while daily drivers should weigh its trade-offs first.
The sixth-generation Bronco is one of the few mainstream SUVs engineered from the wheels up for off-road use. Its body-on-frame chassis, generous ground clearance, and G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) drive modes give it real capability, and higher trims like the Badlands and Wildtrak add locking differentials, disconnecting sway bars, and beefier suspension. The standard 2.3-liter turbo four is adequate, but the optional 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 transforms the truck, delivering confident passing power and effortless towing within its limits.
On the road, the Bronco drives better than its rugged looks suggest. The independent front suspension keeps it more composed and less darty than a solid-axle Wrangler, and cabin noise is reasonable with the hardtop fitted. That said, the soft top is louder, ride quality on knobby off-road tires can get busy on broken pavement, and the tall, upright body never lets you forget you're piloting a serious 4x4 rather than a carlike crossover.
Inside, the Bronco leans into function. Rubberized, washable surfaces, marine-grade vinyl options, and grab handles signal its intent, while the available 12-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keeps tech current. Material quality is acceptable rather than plush, and rear-seat and cargo space trail some unibody competitors. Removing the doors and roof is satisfying but takes effort and storage planning.
Reliability and availability have improved since the rocky early launch, though some owners still report hardtop and trim niggles. Fuel economy is unremarkable, and well-optioned examples climb quickly in price. For buyers who value genuine off-road ability and open-air character, the Bronco delivers; commuters chasing comfort and efficiency have better options.
Pros & cons
What we like
- Genuine off-road capability
- Removable doors and roof
- Strong optional V6
- Available manual transmission
- Distinctive retro styling
What could be better
- Mediocre fuel economy
- Firm ride on rough roads
- Pricey when well-equipped
- Tight rear cargo space
Ford Bronco price & variants
| Variant | Fuel / Transmission | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Big Bend Best value | GasolineAutomatic | $39,995 |
| Black Diamond | GasolineManual | $43,500 |
| Outer Banks | GasolineAutomatic | $47,000 |
| Badlands | GasolineManual | $51,500 |
| Wildtrak | GasolineAutomatic | $56,000 |
| Raptor | GasolineAutomatic | $61,000 |
Key specifications
Model Overview
Engine & Transmission
Dimensions & Capacity
Fuel & Performance
Comfort & Convenience
Safety
Ford Bronco colours
Oxford WhiteExpert rating breakdown
Owner reviews
Built for the weekends
I bought the Badlands specifically for trail runs and it has not disappointed off-road. The sway bar disconnect and lockers are the real deal. I just wish it sipped less gas on my highway commute.
Fun but not for everyone
Taking the doors and roof off on summer evenings never gets old. The ride is stiffer than my old crossover and the rear seat is snug, but the character makes up for it for me.
Love it, minus the niggles
The 2.7L V6 has plenty of grunt and tows my small trailer easily. I have had a couple of hardtop rattles fixed under warranty, which knocks a point off, but I would still buy it again.
Alternatives to the Ford Bronco
Hyundai Palisade
4.4$37,000 – $54,000Starting MSRP
Rivian R2
4.3$45,000 – $68,000Starting MSRP
Audi Q5
4.2$45,000 – $58,000Starting MSRP
BMW X3
4.4$50,000 – $65,000Starting MSRP
Ford Bronco — frequently asked questions
Is the Ford Bronco good for daily driving?
It can be, especially with the hardtop and street-oriented tires, but it rides firmer and uses more fuel than a typical crossover. If you rarely go off-road, a unibody SUV will be more comfortable and efficient.
Which engine should I choose?
The 2.3-liter turbo four is fine for most buyers, but the 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 adds meaningful power for towing, passing, and heavier off-road builds. Choose the V6 if performance matters to you.
Can you really remove the doors and roof?
Yes. Both the doors and roof panels are designed to come off, and the doors are frameless so they store more easily. It takes some effort and planning for where to stow them, but it is a core part of the Bronco experience.
How does the Bronco compare to the Jeep Wrangler?
The Bronco uses an independent front suspension that makes it more composed on-road, while the Wrangler's solid front axle can flex more on extreme trails. Both are highly capable; the Bronco often feels more refined day to day.
What kind of fuel economy should I expect?
Plan on roughly 20 MPG combined, with off-road tires and the V6 pulling that lower. It is not an efficient vehicle, so factor fuel costs into your decision.
Is the Bronco reliable?
Build quality and parts availability have improved since the early launch, though some owners still report hardtop and trim issues. Buying a more recent model year and keeping up with warranty fixes is your best bet.
Image is an AI-generated illustration. Specifications and prices are indicative and may vary by variant and city — please confirm with an authorized dealer. Last updated 2026-06-25.