Update: The 2024 Bronco continues with three engine options (2.3L EcoBoost Inline-4, 2.7L EcoBoost V6, and 3.0L EcoBoost V6). The 2025 Bronco is expected to carry over these engine options without major changes, although a potential refresh may introduce new features or tuning improvements.
With currently up to eight trim levels on tap for the three models, Ford is ensuring there’s a full-size Bronco and smaller Bronco Sport for everyone. Grades including Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Badlands, Wildtrak, Everglades, and Raptor.
These come with one of three engine choices – all turbo, and each with its own benefits depending on your lifestyle and driving habits.
First, the Bronco Configurations
You can have every trim in either two-door or four-door body style, apart from the Everglades and Raptor, which only come in a four-door layout. The two-door models feature four seats, whereas the four-door variants have five.
In terms of off-roading capability, every trim is more rugged than the previous, but it doesn’t mean the Base is any less capable off the beaten path. Another good note: all two-door Broncos are hardtops in the standard form, whereas the soft top is optional. On the other hand, four-door models are typically a soft top, while the hardtop is optional.
If you’re on the fence between buying the smaller, Escape-based Bronco Sport and the full-size models, we compare them here – Ford Bronco Vs Bronco Sport: Brothers From Different Mothers?
Three Bronco SUV Powertrains to Choose From
The 2024 Bronco continues with three engine options:
- 2.3L EcoBoost Inline-4: Produces 275 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel.
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6: Offers 315 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, or 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel.
- 3.0L EcoBoost V6: Exclusively available in the Bronco Raptor, delivering 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque.
The three engine choices for the Bronco SUV include a 2.3L Turbo Inline-4 Gas, a 2.7L Turbo V6, and a twin-turbo 3.0L V6.
The entry-level Bronco comes equipped with a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, while a twin-turbo 2.7L V6 is optional, churning out 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
Each mill mates to a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. A seven-speed manual transmission is optional for the four-cylinder engine. The standard and optional engine choices are the same in Badlands.
The rugged Bronco WildTrack comes solely with the 2.7L V6 engine and Sasquatch equipment we discuss in detail here. The mill pairs exclusively with the 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. A level above, the Everglades is available exclusively with the 2.3L Ecoboost, 10-speed auto, and four-wheel-drive layout.
The most potent twin-turbo 3.0L V6 is only accessible for the range-topping Bronco Raptor. The most capable off-roader in the lineup pumps out 400 horsepower. The power goes to all the wheels via the 10-speed automatic transmission.
We got a chance to drive this new beast here – 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor First Drive Review
Is a V8 Bronco in the works?
At time of writing, there’s no factory-built Bronco sporting a V8, with the exception of the Baja-ready Ford Bronco DR fitted with distinct body and chassis modifications for high-speed desert racing, powered by a Coyote 5.0L V8 mill making 400 hp; it also gets a Multimatic Positional Selective DSSV Dampers and safety cage. No chance you’re buying this one, unfortunately.
This is the same next-generation Coyote 5.0L V8 powering the new 2024 Mustang GT and Mustang Dark Horse.
Even the Bronco Raptor keeps the 3.0L V6, as mentioned. But with the new F-150 Raptor R sporting a V8, maybe a V8-powered Bronco Raptor R will follow suite. Are you too impatient for a V8-powered Bronco straight from Ford? We don’t blame you. But there’s always Hennessy’s $225,000 VelociRaptor V8 Bronco upgrade or CFB Vail’s blacked-out 1968 Bronco packing 435 horsepower.
Bronco SUV Fuel Efficiency
Sure, the Bronco’s off-road prowess is nearly matchless, but we can’t say the same about its fuel efficiency. Currently, it’s the least efficient in its class, with 20 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway for the 2.3L four-cylinder mill (both manual and automatic transmissions).
The 2.7L V6 is even more eager than the standard engine, rated at 19/20 mpg city/highway. The Broncos upgraded with bigger wheels and tires, drops the fuel economy as low as 16/17 mpg. At time of writing, Ford hasn’t revealed the Bronco Raptor’s fuel efficiency figures yet.
Ford Bronco Sport horsepower and performance
The Bronco Sport we reviewed here is accessible in four trim levels – Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Badlands. All the models feature a 1.5L EcoBoost engine except the Badlands, which carries a 2.0L EcoBoost mill.
The standard 1.5L turbocharged three-cylinder yields 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder churns out 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
Both powerplants mate to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, with the base engine delivering 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, and the more powerful four-cylinder mill dropping the fuel economy to 21/26 mpg city/highway.
Takeaway
Choices on choices, and maybe that’s a good thing. With the compact Bronco Sport, think Ford Escape – they’re about the same size. That said, its standard 1.5L turbocharged three-cylinder may be just fine, producing 181 horsepower.
If you plan to tow or a compact SUV isn’t your thing, opting for the Bronco’s 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine with 10-speed automatic transmission is a good fit (same engine we originally tested in the 2020 Ford Edge ST).
Add performance and off-road chops to the mix, the range-topping twin-turbo 3.0L V6 is the range-topping choice – well, before the new V8 Bronco arrives. We’ll keep you post.
