2026 Ford Bronco: New Design, Price, Specs with Modern Muscle
Ford has done it again. After bringing back the legendary Bronco to much applause just a few years ago, the Blue Oval brand is now raising the stakes. The 2026 Ford Bronco isn’t just a facelift—it’s a bold evolution packed with smart upgrades, nostalgic flair, and off-road capability that puts rivals on notice. From design to tech, and performance to pricing, here’s everything you need to know about the rugged new Bronco that’s ready to conquer both trails and hearts.
Bold New Look
The 2026 Ford Bronco redesign marks its first major visual refresh since its triumphant return. But don’t worry—Ford has kept the Bronco’s iconic retro vibes intact. Instead of rewriting the playbook, they’ve fine-tuned it. At the front, a more muscular grille, revised LED lighting, and integrated headlight-fender assemblies give the SUV a sharper, more aggressive face. These updates improve both style and road presence, without compromising the Bronco’s rugged character.
A highlight for 2026 is the limited-run 60th Anniversary Edition. This celebratory trim brings back classic Bronco touches—Oxford White accents, retro-inspired badges, and exclusive paint options like Velocity Blue and Eruption Green that harken back to the 1960s. You’ll spot it a mile away thanks to its heritage look and unique trim details.
Around back, new LED taillights give the 2026 Ford Bronco a modern signature, while aerodynamic tweaks quietly improve efficiency and reduce wind noise—impressive for a boxy SUV designed to tackle the wilderness.
Interior Rugged Meets Refined
Step inside the 2026 Ford Bronco, and you’ll find a surprising balance of toughness and comfort. Ford has upgraded materials across the cabin, replacing some of the previous generation’s hard plastics with soft-touch finishes and improved trim quality.
The new 15-inch touchscreen, powered by Ford’s Sync 5 system, is the star of the show. It offers intuitive menus, crisp visuals, and minimal lag. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now come standard, and an available digital gauge cluster offers real-time off-road data when you’re out in the wild. Notably, Ford retained physical buttons for climate control and essential vehicle functions—perfect for gloved hands or bumpy rides.
Other thoughtful upgrades include:
- Redesigned, better-bolstered front seats
- Acoustic glass and improved door seals to reduce cabin noise
- MOLLE-style seatback webbing for gear attachment
- Dash-mounted rail system for action cameras and smartphones
- A lighter, easier-to-remove hardtop design
The 4-door version offers decent rear legroom, while the 2-door remains a bit more compact and best suited for short trips with passengers in the back.
Off-Road Prowess
Ford wasn’t content to just improve aesthetics and comfort—the 2026 Ford Bronco off-road hardware sees meaningful upgrades too. For starters, the legendary G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Terrain) now include a new Rock Crawl Plus mode that refines throttle response, shifting, and stability controls for serious rock-hopping adventures.
The Sasquatch Package—a favorite among off-roaders—returns stronger than ever. It still features:
- 35-inch mud-terrain tires
- Electronic front and rear locking differentials
- 4.7:1 final drive ratio
- High-clearance suspension
- Bilstein position-sensitive shocks
Now, it also adds an advanced trail navigation system that works even without cell service, perfect for exploring uncharted territory. One of the standout new features for 2026 is Trail Command. Think of it as cruise control for crawling—drivers can set a speed between 1 and 5 mph, allowing the Bronco to handle throttle and braking on technical trails. You just steer.
And yes, Ford kept its independent front suspension—a significant advantage over the Jeep Wrangler’s solid front axle when it comes to on-road comfort and off-road articulation.
Key off-road specs:
- Up to 11.6 inches of ground clearance (with Sasquatch)
- 33.5 inches of water fording capability
Powertrain And Performance Options
Under the hood, the 2026 Ford Bronco offers a range of engines to match different driving needs. Whether you’re cruising city streets or climbing rocky trails, there’s a Bronco for you.
Standard Engine:
- 2.3L EcoBoost I4
- 310 horsepower (10 hp bump from last year)
- Available 7-speed manual (with crawler gear) or 10-speed automatic
- Ideal for those who want solid performance and efficiency
Mid-Level Option:
- 2.7L twin-turbo V6
- 330 horsepower, 415 lb-ft torque
- 0–60 mph in under 6.5 seconds
- Automatic only, recalibrated for smoother, quicker shifts
High-Performance Raptor:
- 3.0L twin-turbo V6
- 425 horsepower (up from 418)
- Fox Live Valve dampers, reinforced frame, 37-inch tires
- Designed for high-speed desert runs
New for 2026: V8 Power
Finally, Ford answers the enthusiast’s prayers with a 5.0L Coyote V8 in the 60th Anniversary Edition. It cranks out 400 horsepower and delivers a rich, throaty soundtrack no turbocharged six-cylinder can match. This engine won’t outmuscle the Raptor, but it’ll definitely win over purists craving that classic V8 feel.
Trim Levels Stacked with Value
Ford has simplified the 2026 Ford Bronco lineup without losing the customization that buyers love. Here’s a breakdown of what each trim brings to the table:
| Trim | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Base | 12” touchscreen, LED lighting, pre-wired auxiliary switches |
| Big Bend | 17” wheels, heated seats, extra G.O.A.T. modes |
| Black Diamond | Steel bumpers, rock rails, underbody armor |
| Outer Banks | Leather seats, luxury touches, upscale styling |
| Badlands | Disconnecting sway bar, Bilstein dampers, off-road tuning |
| Raptor | 425 hp, 37” tires, wide body, Baja-focused suspension |
| 60th Anniversary | Exclusive V8 (optional), retro design, limited production |
The 60th Anniversary Edition stands out not only for its V8 option and heritage styling, but also for its collectible potential. Expect plaid seat inserts, brass-colored trim, commemorative badges, and serious exclusivity.
Pricing and Release Date
The 2026 Ford Bronco is set to arrive at dealerships in fall 2025, with production already ramping up at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant.
Estimated Starting Prices:
| Model | Price (Est.) |
|---|---|
| Base (2-door) | $40,000 |
| Base (4-door) | $42,500 |
| Big Bend | $44,500 |
| Black Diamond | $47,000 |
| Outer Banks | $49,500 |
| Badlands | $52,000 |
| Raptor | $91,500 |
| 60th Anniversary Package | +$5,000–$7,500 |
The pricing represents a modest bump from 2025 but remains competitive in the off-road SUV segment—especially considering the upgrades.
2026 Ford Bronco Key Specs
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Platform | Ford T6.2 Body-on-Frame |
| Drive Options | 4×4 Standard (Part-Time or Advanced Full-Time) |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Manual (2.3L only) or 10-Speed Automatic |
| Engines | |
| – 2.3L Turbo I4 | 310 hp / 350 lb-ft |
| – 2.7L Twin-Turbo V6 | 330 hp / 415 lb-ft |
| – 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 (Raptor) | 425 hp / 440 lb-ft |
| – 5.0L V8 (60th Anniversary) | ~400 hp / TBD torque |
| 0–60 mph (Est.) | 5.8 sec (Raptor), 6.3 sec (2.7L), 7.0 sec (2.3L) |
| Max Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs (Base) – 4,500 lbs (Raptor) |
| Suspension | Independent Front / Solid Rear Axle (5-Link w/ Coil Springs) |
| Wheels | 16″–17″ (Beadlock-Capable on Sasquatch/Raptor) |
| Fuel Economy (Est.) | 17–22 MPG Combined (Depending on Trim & Engine) |
| Release Date | Fall 2025 |
Market Position and Competitors
With this refresh, the Bronco cements its position as a premier off-road SUV in a crowded space. It directly targets the Jeep Wrangler, especially with its removable doors, trail-focused trims, and expanded off-road features. However, the Bronco’s independent front suspension gives it a clear on-road comfort advantage.
Key Rivals:
- Jeep Wrangler Rubicon – More trail legacy but less refined on-road
- Toyota 4Runner (Next Gen) – Tough, but aging until its full redesign
- Land Rover Defender – Upscale, capable, but much pricier
- Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 / GMC Canyon AT4X – Midsize trucks with off-road chops
- Rivian R1S (electric) – Great range and tech, but pricey and less rugged
2026 Ford Bronco vs. Key Off-Road Competitors
| Model | 2026 Ford Bronco | 2025 Jeep Wrangler | 2025 Toyota 4Runner (Next-Gen) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | ~$40,000 | ~$33,000 | ~$42,000 |
| Engine Options | 2.3L I4, 2.7L V6, 3.0L TT V6, 5.0L V8 | 2.0L Turbo, 3.6L V6, 4xe PHEV, 6.4L V8 | 2.4L Turbo I4 Hybrid, 3.5L V6 (Est.) |
| Max Horsepower | 425 hp (Raptor) | 470 hp (Rubicon 392) | ~340 hp (Hybrid Est.) |
| Transmission | 7-Spd Manual, 10-Spd Auto | 6-Spd Manual, 8-Spd Auto | 10-Spd Auto |
| 4WD System | Part-Time or Full-Time 4WD | Command-Trac / Rock-Trac | Full-Time 4WD (Est.) |
| Locking Differentials | Front & Rear (Avail.) | Front & Rear (Rubicon) | Rear Only (Est.) |
| Ground Clearance | Up to 11.6 in | Up to 12.9 in | ~10.5–11.0 in (Est.) |
| Water Fording | 33.5 in | 34 in (Rubicon 392) | ~30 in (Est.) |
| Approach/Departure | 43.2° / 37.0° (Raptor) | 47.4° / 40.4° (Rubicon) | ~33° / 26° (Est.) |
| Removable Roof/Doors | Yes | Yes | No |
| Infotainment | 15″ SYNC 5, Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto | 12.3″ Uconnect 5 | 14″ Toyota Audio Multimedia |
| Special Editions | 60th Anniv., Raptor, Sasquatch | Rubicon, High Altitude, 4xe | TRD Pro, Limited Trail Edition |
| Overall Character | Off-road + Retro + Tech-savvy | Iconic + Raw Off-Road Focus | Rugged + Reliable + Family Adventure |
The Bronco offers a sweet spot—combining nostalgia, real-deal capability, and modern tech without becoming overly expensive or soft.
The 2026 Ford Bronco isn’t just a refreshed SUV—it’s a symbol of how to do a mid-cycle update right. With modern tech, improved comfort, better powertrains, and clever off-road enhancements, it’s clear Ford isn’t letting the Bronco ride off into the sunset. Instead, it’s doubling down and taking aim at the top of the off-road food chain.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior, hardcore trail junkie, or just love the idea of rolling in a retro-styled beast, the 2026 Bronco has something for you. And with that long-awaited V8 finally in the mix, this might just be the most desirable Bronco yet.
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