The 2026 Ford Bronco: Built For Drivers Who Want More!

March 31st, 2026 by

2026 Ford Bronco at Anderson Ford Bullhead City

The 2026 Ford Bronco is not simply a crossover dressed to look rugged.

Every Bronco comes with four-wheel drive, body-on-frame construction, removable body panels, selectable terrain modes, and an off-road-focused chassis designed around genuine trail capability.

At Anderson Ford Bullhead City, that makes the Bronco an especially natural fit for drivers whose weekends can involve desert roads, camping, trail access, Colorado River recreation, or simply getting farther from pavement than the average SUV is designed to go.

And 2026 is a particularly meaningful year for Bronco: Ford is celebrating 60 years since the original Bronco was introduced in 1965 for the 1966 model year.


What’s New for the 2026 Ford Bronco?

The 2026 Bronco lineup combines several updates with a major anniversary celebration.

Ford currently offers seven core Bronco models:

  • Base
  • Big Bend®
  • Outer Banks®
  • Badlands®
  • Heritage Edition
  • Stroppe Edition
  • Raptor®

Other important 2026 developments include:

  • 60th Anniversary Package available on Outer Banks
  • Wildtrak® returns as an available Badlands four-door equipment package
  • Additional painted roof combinations on Outer Banks and Raptor
  • Available SecuriCode® keyless-entry keypad
  • Expanded appearance and equipment packages

Ford also continues to offer the Sasquatch® Package on multiple trims, giving buyers a way to add substantially more off-road hardware without automatically moving to the most expensive Bronco.


Three EcoBoost Engine Choices

The 2026 Bronco offers three turbocharged engines depending on model.

2.3L EcoBoost® 4-Cylinder

The standard Bronco engine produces:

  • 300 horsepower
  • 325 lb-ft of torque

Depending on model, it can be paired with Ford’s 7-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic.

The manual is notable because few modern SUVs still give drivers the option of shifting for themselves.

2.7L EcoBoost® V6

The available 2.7L EcoBoost V6 increases output to:

  • 330 horsepower
  • 415 lb-ft of torque

It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and is available on several Bronco configurations.

The 2.7L is also standard equipment in the Stroppe Edition and part of the returning Wildtrak Package.

3.0L EcoBoost® V6 — Bronco Raptor

The most powerful engine belongs exclusively to Bronco Raptor.

Its 3.0L EcoBoost V6 produces:

  • 418 horsepower
  • 440 lb-ft of torque

It is paired with a 10-speed automatic and specialized Raptor chassis and suspension hardware.


Every Bronco Comes With 4×4

Unlike many SUVs where all-wheel drive is an option, the 2026 Bronco is fundamentally designed around four-wheel drive.

Ford offers two main 4×4 systems depending on configuration:

  • Electronic shift-on-the-fly 4×4
  • Advanced 4×4 with automatic on-demand engagement

That distinction matters because the Bronco is designed for situations where the driver may need low-range gearing, additional traction, locking differentials, and other dedicated off-road hardware rather than simply extra traction on pavement.


What Are Bronco G.O.A.T. Modes?

Bronco’s selectable drive modes are called G.O.A.T. Modes® — Goes Over Any Type of Terrain.

Available modes depend on model.

Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Heritage Edition can include modes such as:

  • Normal
  • Eco
  • Sport
  • Slippery
  • Sand

Badlands, Stroppe Edition, and Raptor provide up to seven modes, adding specialized settings such as:

  • Off-Road
  • Rock Crawl
  • Baja

These modes adjust vehicle systems to better match different surfaces and driving conditions.


What Does the Sasquatch Package Add?

The Sasquatch® Package is one of the most important Bronco options to understand.

Depending on the model, it adds or incorporates off-road equipment such as:

  • 35-inch tires
  • High-clearance suspension
  • Advanced 4×4
  • Electronic-locking front and rear differentials
  • More aggressive final-drive gearing
  • High-clearance fender flares
  • Beadlock-capable wheels on applicable configurations

On Sasquatch-equipped Broncos, maximum ground clearance can reach approximately 11.5 to 11.6 inches, depending on body configuration.

Approach angle can reach approximately 43.3 degrees, while maximum water-fording capability for many configurations reaches 33.5 inches.

That is genuine mechanical capability, not simply an appearance package.


How Much Can the 2026 Bronco Tow?

Most properly equipped 2026 Bronco models can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

That includes:

  • Base
  • Big Bend
  • Outer Banks
  • Badlands
  • Heritage Edition
  • Stroppe Edition

Bronco Raptor can tow up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped.

For most models, additional towing equipment such as the available Trailer Tow Prep Package is required.

That gives Bronco useful capability for smaller utility trailers, light recreational equipment, and other appropriately sized loads, but towing is not the primary mission of the vehicle.

If heavy trailering is your priority, an F-150 or another Ford truck will make considerably more sense.


Removable Doors and Roofs

One of the characteristics that separates Bronco from most SUVs is its open-air design.

Depending on body style and configuration, Bronco offers removable doors and removable roof panels, allowing drivers to transform the vehicle for open-air driving.

Ford designed the frameless doors to be removable, while available soft-top and hard-top configurations provide different combinations of convenience, weather protection, and open-air flexibility.

That feature can be particularly appealing around the Colorado River during the cooler parts of the year, when open-air driving becomes part of the Bronco experience rather than simply a styling exercise.


2-Door or 4-Door Bronco?

Ford continues to offer both 2-door and 4-door Bronco configurations, although availability depends on model.

The 2-door emphasizes the Bronco’s shorter, more traditional proportions and seats up to four.

The 4-door provides:

  • Seating for up to five
  • Easier rear-seat access
  • Additional interior flexibility
  • More everyday family practicality

For buyers using their Bronco primarily as a recreational vehicle, the 2-door can be especially appealing.

For families, passengers, and everyday use, the 4-door will generally be easier to live with.


2026 Ford Bronco Models Explained

Bronco Base — Back to the Essentials

The Base is the straightforward starting point for Bronco ownership.

Highlights include:

  • 300-hp 2.3L EcoBoost
  • Standard 4×4
  • Available manual or automatic transmission
  • 2-door or 4-door configurations
  • Available Sasquatch Package
  • Up to five G.O.A.T. Modes

Best for: buyers who want genuine Bronco hardware and intend to customize the vehicle around their own priorities.


Bronco Big Bend — Everyday Adventure

The Big Bend adds more everyday convenience while keeping the Bronco’s fundamental trail capability.

Available packages allow shoppers to take it in several different directions, including:

  • Sasquatch Package
  • Black Diamond™ Package
  • Free Wheeling™ Package
  • Black Appearance Package

Best for: drivers who want an approachable everyday Bronco with room to add more capability or personality through packages.


Bronco Outer Banks — Off-Roading With More Comfort

The Outer Banks leans more heavily toward everyday comfort and premium appearance.

Highlights include:

  • Standard 2.3L EcoBoost
  • Available 330-hp 2.7L EcoBoost V6
  • 10-speed automatic
  • Power-adjustable front seating
  • Available Lux Package
  • Available Sasquatch Package
  • Available 60th Anniversary Package

Best for: drivers who want Bronco character and available off-road equipment but place greater emphasis on comfort and everyday refinement.


Bronco Badlands — Serious Trail Capability

The Badlands is one of the strongest choices for drivers whose Bronco will genuinely spend time on difficult terrain.

Equipment includes:

  • HOSS 2.0 suspension with Bilstein® position-sensitive dampers
  • Front stabilizer-bar disconnect
  • Steel bash plates
  • Up to seven G.O.A.T. Modes
  • Available Sasquatch Package
  • Available 2.7L EcoBoost V6
  • Marine-grade vinyl seating
  • Washout-capable rubberized flooring with drain plugs

Best for: serious trail use where articulation, protection, clearance, and traction matter more than luxury appearance.


Wildtrak Is Back for 2026

One of the most interesting mid-year updates is the return of Wildtrak®.

Rather than returning as a separate trim, Wildtrak is now an available equipment group exclusively for four-door Bronco Badlands.

The package combines:

  • 330-hp 2.7L EcoBoost V6
  • 10-speed automatic
  • Sasquatch Package
  • HOSS 3.0 suspension
  • FOX™ internal-bypass dampers
  • Black Appearance Package

It essentially creates a Badlands configuration aimed at drivers who want additional high-speed rough-terrain capability without moving all the way to Bronco Raptor.


Bronco Heritage Edition — Retro Bronco Style

The Heritage Edition combines modern Bronco hardware with styling inspired by early Broncos.

It includes:

  • Standard Sasquatch Package
  • 35-inch tires
  • Retro-inspired exterior design
  • Distinctive white-themed details
  • Standard 2.3L EcoBoost
  • Available 2.7L EcoBoost V6

Best for: buyers who want modern off-road capability paired with unmistakable old-school Bronco personality.


Bronco Stroppe Edition — Baja Heritage Reborn

The Stroppe Edition has one of the most interesting stories in the entire Bronco lineup.

It honors legendary off-road racer and builder Bill Stroppe, whose Broncos helped establish the nameplate’s desert-racing reputation.

The modern Stroppe includes:

  • 330-hp 2.7L EcoBoost V6
  • 10-speed automatic
  • HOSS 3.0 suspension
  • FOX internal-bypass dampers
  • Standard Sasquatch hardware
  • 35-inch tires
  • Baja G.O.A.T. Mode
  • Stabilizer-bar disconnect
  • Distinctive Stroppe-inspired colors and details

The historical connection is substantial: in 1969, a Stroppe-prepared Bronco became the first — and remains the only — stock 4×4 to win the Baja 1000 overall.

Best for: Bronco enthusiasts who appreciate high-speed desert capability and the model’s genuine Baja racing history.


Bronco Raptor — The Extreme Bronco

The Bronco Raptor sits at the top of the lineup for outright off-road performance.

It includes:

  • 418-hp 3.0L EcoBoost V6
  • 440 lb-ft of torque
  • HOSS 4.0 suspension
  • FOX™ Live Valve 3.1 internal-bypass semi-active dampers
  • Up to 13 inches of front wheel travel
  • Up to 14 inches of rear wheel travel
  • 13.1 inches of ground clearance
  • Up to 37 inches of water fording
  • Seven G.O.A.T. Modes
  • Up to 4,500 pounds of towing

Best for: drivers who want the most extreme factory-built Bronco for high-speed desert running and serious off-road terrain.


Celebrating 60 Years of Bronco

The 2026 model year marks a major milestone.

Ford introduced the original Bronco on August 11, 1965 for the 1966 model year.

Six decades later, Ford is celebrating that history with a special 60th Anniversary Package available on Outer Banks.

The package combines modern Sasquatch capability with styling inspired by the original Bronco, including:

  • Standard Sasquatch Package
  • 35-inch tires
  • Wimbledon White roof
  • Heritage-inspired grille
  • Vermilion Red BRONCO lettering
  • Special 60th Anniversary graphics and badging
  • Unique interior