The New Ford Bronco is a midsize SUV built for off-road driving

Ford brought back the Bronco name in 2021 after a 25-year gap, and it has remained in production since. The new Bronco is a body-on-frame SUV — meaning the metal frame and body are separate pieces — designed to handle rough terrain as well as daily driving. It comes in two-door and four-door versions, with the four-door being the more popular choice for families.

The Bronco competes directly with the Jeep Wrangler and sits between compact SUVs and full-size trucks in terms of size and price. It is smaller than a Ford F-150 but larger than a Ford Escape. The vehicle comes standard with four-wheel drive on most trims, and Ford offers multiple terrain management systems that let you adjust how the Bronco handles sand, mud, rock, and snow.

Key Takeaways

  • The Bronco comes in two-door and four-door body styles, with the four-door offering more interior space and rear-seat room.
  • Engine options include a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6, with the V6 providing more towing capacity and power.
  • Most trims include four-wheel drive, terrain management modes, and removable doors and roof panels that you can take off yourself.
  • Pricing varies by trim level and options, so comparing what each trim includes helps you avoid paying for features you won't use.
  • The Bronco has a smaller back seat and cargo area than some competitors, so measure your needs against the actual dimensions before deciding.

Engine choices and what they mean for performance

Ford offers two engines across the Bronco lineup. The base engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that produces 275 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and handles everyday driving and moderate off-road use without issue. Fuel economy for the four-cylinder sits around 21 miles per gallon combined (city and highway), though actual numbers vary based on driving conditions and whether you have two-wheel or four-wheel drive.

The optional 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 produces 310 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. This engine is better suited if you plan to tow a trailer regularly or want more power for climbing steep terrain. The V6 reduces fuel economy slightly, typically to around 19 miles per gallon combined. Both engines require regular unleaded gasoline, and both come with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Neither engine is available with a manual transmission. If you want a manual option, the Jeep Wrangler offers one, though it is becoming less common across the industry. The choice between engines usually comes down to your budget and how you plan to use the vehicle — the four-cylinder is sufficient for most owners, while the V6 makes sense if towing or extreme off-roading is part of your plan.

Two-door versus four-door: which body style fits your needs

The two-door Bronco is shorter, lighter, and more nimble on tight trails. It has a smaller turning radius, which matters if you spend time navigating narrow forest roads or rocky terrain. The two-door also costs less than the four-door and appeals to buyers who prioritize off-road performance over passenger space. However, the back seat is tight — it is designed for occasional use or children, not for regular adult passengers.

The four-door Bronco is longer and heavier, with a more spacious back seat and larger cargo area behind it. Rear-seat passengers have more legroom, and the extra length gives you room for gear, camping equipment, or a small dog crate. The four-door is easier to live with day-to-day if you have a family or frequently carry passengers. It does sacrifice some off-road agility compared to the two-door, but the difference is noticeable only if you are pushing the vehicle to its limits on technical terrain.

Most buyers choose the four-door, and inventory tends to reflect that. If you want a two-door, you may need to order one from the dealer rather than buying from existing stock. Both body styles have removable doors and a removable roof, which is a signature Bronco feature — you can take the doors off in warm weather and drive with open sides, something the Wrangler also offers.

Trim levels and what each one includes

Ford organizes the Bronco into trim levels that stack features on top of a base model. The entry-level trim is the most affordable but comes with fewer creature comforts — think manual windows and a basic infotainment screen. Mid-range trims add power windows, better audio systems, and more advanced off-road technology. Higher trims include leather seats, panoramic sunroofs, and premium sound systems.

The key difference between trims is not just comfort but also off-road capability. Lower trims come with basic four-wheel drive, while higher trims include electronic locking differentials, terrain management modes with names like "Baja" and "Slippery," and skid plates that protect the undercarriage. If you plan serious off-roading, moving up a trim level often makes sense because the off-road hardware is bundled with the comfort features rather than sold separately.

Pricing for each trim varies by year and market conditions. Rather than memorizing price points, focus on comparing what features matter to you — if you do not care about leather seats, you can save money by staying in a lower trim and using that budget for a roof rack or recovery equipment instead. Many dealers can also break down the cost of individual options, so you can see exactly what you are paying for.

Off-road features that make a real difference

The Bronco's removable doors and roof are the most visible off-road features, but they are also the most cosmetic. More important for actual trail performance are the electronic locking differentials, which lock the front and rear axles together to give all four wheels equal power. This matters when one wheel loses traction — without a locker, that wheel spins while the others sit still, and you get stuck. With a locker engaged, all four wheels pull together.

Terrain management modes adjust engine power, transmission behavior, and traction control for different surfaces. "Rock Crawl" mode slows the vehicle to a crawl for precise control on boulders. "Baja" mode raises the suspension and sharpens throttle response for high-speed desert driving. "Slippery" mode softens traction control for sand and snow. These modes are not magic — they are tuning adjustments — but they do make a measurable difference in how the Bronco handles difficult terrain.

Approach and departure angles describe how steep an incline the Bronco can climb or descend without the bumpers hitting the ground. The Bronco has a 43-degree approach angle and a 37-degree departure angle, which are competitive with the Wrangler. Ground clearance is 10.8 inches on most trims, meaning rocks and logs up to that height can pass under the vehicle without damage. These numbers matter if you are navigating boulder fields or steep hillsides, but they are less relevant for typical trail driving.

Interior space and comfort for daily driving

The Bronco's interior is functional rather than luxurious, even on higher trims. The front seats are comfortable for long drives, with good lumbar support and adjustability. The back seat in the four-door is usable for adults on short trips but becomes cramped on longer journeys — legroom is tighter than in a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. Cargo space behind the rear seats is 24 cubic feet in the four-door, which is less than most midsize SUVs but enough for groceries, luggage, and camping gear.

The infotainment system uses Ford's Sync 4 software on newer models, which includes an 8-inch or 12-inch touchscreen depending on trim. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, so you can run navigation and music apps from your phone. The system is responsive and intuitive, though some owners report occasional software glitches that require a dealer update to fix.

Climate control is dual-zone on higher trims, meaning the driver and front passenger can set different temperatures. The removable roof and doors mean less insulation in cold weather, so the heating system works harder than in a traditional SUV. In summer, the open-air configuration is a major advantage — you get natural ventilation without running the air conditioning constantly.

Towing capacity and payload limits

The four-cylinder Bronco can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, which is enough for a small utility trailer or jet ski. The V6 increases that to 4,600 pounds, suitable for a modest boat or horse trailer. Payload capacity — the weight you can carry in the bed or cabin — is around 1,200 pounds for the four-cylinder and 1,400 pounds for the V6. These numbers assume you are using the correct hitch, brake controller, and wiring, so have a dealer verify your setup before towing.

If you plan to tow regularly, the V6 is the better choice because it handles the weight with less strain on the engine and transmission. The four-cylinder can tow, but you will feel the load on steep hills or when accelerating from a stop. Neither engine is designed for heavy commercial towing — if you need to pull a full-size travel trailer, a Ford F-150 is the better vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a new Bronco cost?

Pricing varies by trim level, engine choice, and options. Base models start lower than higher trims, and adding features like the V6 engine, leather seats, or advanced off-road packages increases the price. Check current dealer inventory or Ford's website for exact pricing in your area, as prices change based on market conditions and available incentives.

Can you actually remove the doors and roof, or is that just marketing?

Yes, the doors and roof panels are genuinely removable. Ford provides the tools and instructions, and most owners can do it themselves in 30 minutes to an hour. The doors are hinged and latch at the top and bottom, and the roof comes off in sections. You will need somewhere to store them when they are off, and you should not drive on the highway without them for safety reasons.

How does the Bronco compare to a Jeep Wrangler?

Both are body-on-frame SUVs with removable doors and roofs, and both excel at off-roading. The Wrangler has a longer history and more aftermarket parts available. The Bronco offers more interior space in the four-door version and a more modern infotainment system. The Wrangler is available with a manual transmission, while the Bronco is automatic-only. Test drive both to see which feels right for your needs.

Is the Bronco reliable, or do new models have problems?

Early production years (2021-2022) had some reported issues with door seals and software glitches, but Ford addressed most of these through recalls and updates. Newer model years have fewer reported problems. Check reliability ratings from sources like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports, and ask the dealer about any recalls or service bulletins for the specific vehicle you are considering.

What is the fuel economy really like in the real world?

EPA estimates are around 21 miles per gallon combined for the four-cylinder and 19 for the V6, but actual mileage depends on driving style, terrain, and whether you use four-wheel drive. Off-road driving, towing, and highway speeds all affect consumption. Owners report that real-world numbers often fall slightly below EPA estimates, especially if you spend time in four-wheel drive or on rough terrain.