The Bronco is the ultimate go-anywhere SUV. While many SUVs claim off-road capability, none do it better than the iconic Bronco. Though it made its recent return in 2021, the Bronco isn’t a new vehicle—it’s a revival of a classic. Ford originally discontinued it years ago, but they’ve brought it back, better than ever, with a modern twist while staying true to its rugged roots. There isn’t much competition in this segment aside from Jeep’s Wrangler and Gladiator, which is why Ford’s decision to bring back the Bronco made so much sense.
Any vehicle where the roof and doors come off is an automatic win, and the Bronco is one of those rare vehicles. It also has an appealing exterior, a spacious interior, impressive off-road capability, and a wide range of configurations. This makes the Bronco a well-rounded vehicle that truly stands out in a niche market.
Performance
Nothing says off-road like the Ford Bronco, which comes equipped with everything needed to tackle tough terrain. You have two engine options: a turbocharged four-cylinder or a turbo V6. Unlike the Jeep Wrangler, which offers a V8, the Bronco doesn’t have that option, likely because the market for a V8 in the Bronco isn’t large enough to justify it.
We tested the Heritage Limited Edition, which comes with a 2.7L V6 engine producing 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This engine is well-suited for powering the Bronco, providing smooth and consistent power for daily driving. Paired with a quick-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, the V6 makes highway merging and overtaking other vehicles effortless. Despite the Bronco’s large tires and boxy shape, acceleration is quick and strong, without the Bronco feeling underpowered.
One of the great things about the Bronco is its steering. Despite being built to tackle tough terrain, the steering feels comfortable and steady on paved roads and at higher speeds, making it easy to live with on a daily basis. This is an area where many off-road-focused vehicles tend to struggle, but the Bronco handles it well by providing a good experience both on and off the road.
Interior
Despite the high price tag that comes with some Bronco models, including the one we tested, the interior doesn’t aim for luxury. Instead, it’s built to last and feels well-suited to the Bronco’s rugged nature, even if it’s not the most luxurious. That’s not to say the interior isn’t good—it’s designed with well-placed touchscreens and controls, making everything easy to access. However, the seats—especially if you opt for the coloured ones like brown—add a touch of luxury to the cabin and make it stand out, particularly when paired with an exterior color like Blue. This combination gives the Bronco a stylish and distinctive look that really elevates its appeal.
The cabin is spacious, even in the two-door model, with good headroom and legroom. This extends to the rear seats as well, even in the two-door model. Getting in and out can be a bit challenging due to the vehicle’s height, but there are grab handles inside that can assist.
Comfort and the Bronco don’t typically go hand in hand, and it might not be the Bronco’s highest-scoring area, but given its off-road focus, that’s to be expected. However, considering that most buyers will likely use it more on-road than off, it’s important to meet some comfort requirements. The suspension does a good job of keeping the ride comfortable to an extent on paved roads. The seats are supportive and offer good adjustments, adding to overall comfort. Since the Bronco isn’t built like a traditional SUV, the ride is naturally firmer and can feel rougher on certain roads, but the suspension still manages to do a decent job of smoothing things out.
Technology
Ford has done an excellent job of bringing the Bronco into the modern era while retaining its classic charm. It’s now equipped with advanced technology, which is essential for staying competitive in today’s market. The Bronco has a 12-inch touchscreen that powers the infotainment system, and it’s highly responsive to inputs. This system comes with Ford’s latest infotainment and connectivity software, which is one of the better-looking and easier-to-use systems in the industry. The Bronco also comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, adding to the impressive tech package.
Ford equips the Bronco with a lot of driver assistance features through its Ford Co-Pilot360 technology, enhancing both safety and daily drivability. Common features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance make it easier to live with the Bronco on a day-to-day basis.
The 360-degree camera is another great feature in the Bronco. It’s designed not only to simplify daily tasks like parking and maneuvering but also to enhance off-road adventures. When driving off-road, the camera provides additional visibility, helping drivers tackle challenging terrain more easily and avoid potential damage to the vehicle.
Storage
The Bronco offers good storage space, even in the smaller two-door variant. Behind the rear seats, you get 635 liters of cargo space, and with the rear seats folded down, that extends to 1,480 liters. In addition to this cargo capacity, the interior storage is well thought out, offering plenty of spots for personal items, making it a practical choice for both everyday use and adventure.
Fuel Economy
Fuel ratings for the Bronco vary widely due to its different configurations, including two-door and four-door models, as well as various engine options. We tested the 2.7L V6 engine, which itself has different ratings depending on the specific setup. The most fuel-efficient Bronco is the one with the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder, offering a combined rating of 11.7L/100km. The 2.7L V6 is rated at 14.1L/100km, while the most powerful 3.0L V6 in the Raptor is rated at 14.8L/100km combined. During our test, which included both city and highway driving, we averaged 13.7L/100km with the 2.7L V6.
