Ford’s ultimate off-road vehicle, the Bronco, is a legend in its own right. First introduced in the 1960s, this iconic nameplate was revived for the current generation that debuted in 2021.
With retro-inspired styling, versatile configurations, and outstanding trail capabilities, the Bronco is purpose-built for thrilling adventures. Its 2025 competitors include the Toyota Land Cruiser, Rivian R1S, and Jeep Wrangler.
What We Think
The Ford Bronco exudes nostalgia and style, making it hard to resist its charm. While it delivers plenty of fun and adventure, it isn’t without its flaws.
To be clear, the Bronco is no crossover. Those looking for a practical daily driver will find better options, as the Bronco’s rougher characteristics might not suit everyday use.
Its boxy design results in significant wind noise inside the cabin and doesn’t help with fuel efficiency.
Although its on-road handling is an improvement over the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco can still feel imprecise and unsettled on pavement.
However, the Bronco truly shines when the pavement ends. On off-road trails, its design choices—not only for aesthetics but also functionality—prove their worth, enhancing its performance as it navigates challenging terrain with ease.
Here, the Bronco’s rugged nature feels perfectly at home.If you’re considering a Bronco, chances are you’ll love it. Just be mindful of how and where you plan to use it.
Other vehicles in the Bronco lineup may be more suitable for everyday driving while still offering commendable off-road capability.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The 2025 Bronco is expected to retain its engine options from last year. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-4 that delivers 275 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque on regular gasoline, or 300 hp and 325 lb-ft on high-octane fuel.
This engine pairs with either a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission, with 4WD as standard. In testing, a two-door Bronco with the manual transmission reached 60 mph in 7.7 seconds.
Fuel economy should remain around 16-20/17-21 mpg city/highway.
An optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 offers more power, producing 315 hp and 410 lb-ft with regular fuel or 330 hp and 415 lb-ft with premium fuel.
This engine is available exclusively with the 10-speed automatic transmission. Testing showed a four-door Bronco with this engine achieved 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds. Expect fuel economy in the range of 17-18/17-20 mpg.
2025 Ford Bronco Hybrid?
Given the success of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, it’s almost inevitable that Ford will introduce a hybrid variant of the Bronco. The Bronco’s very existence is rooted in outperforming the Jeep, making a hybrid powertrain likely.
A hybrid Bronco might combine the turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-4 engine with an electric motor integrated into the 10-speed automatic transmission.
If it’s a plug-in hybrid, it could offer an all-electric range of about 30 miles. Whether the Bronco Hybrid debuts in 2025 remains to be seen.
Stroppe Special Edition: A Tribute to Baja
The new 2025 Ford Bronco Stroppe Special Edition pays homage to the original Baja-ready Bronco from 1971.
Equipped for high-performance off-roading, it features a disconnecting stabilizer bar, Ford’s High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension 3.0 (HOSS 3.0), and 35-inch Goodyear Territory RT tires.
This edition is exclusive to the two-door body style and sports a modernized version of the original’s livery, combining Calypso Coral, Wimbledon White, Astra Blue, Oxford White, and Code Orange accents.
A matte black hood minimizes glare. The Stroppe Special Edition replaces the discontinued Wildtrak trim in the Bronco lineup.
Safety Features
The 2025 Bronco comes equipped with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite, offering essential driver-assist and safety features.
Standard equipment includes front automatic emergency braking, hill-start assist, and automatic high beams.
Additional features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert might become standard on more trims for 2025.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The 2025 Bronco retains the same interior dimensions as the 2024 model.
The four-door version offers more cargo space, while passenger space differences between the two-door and four-door models are minimal.
Technology
Starting in 2024, all Bronco models now come with a 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and Ford’s intuitive SYNC system.
The 2025 Bronco also features a fully digital gauge display across all trims. Off-road-specific tech includes built-in trail maps and pre-wired auxiliary switches for accessories.
Premium options include a 360-degree camera system and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio setup.
The Ford Bronco Raptor: Ultimate Off-Road Beast
Ford’s Bronco Raptor, introduced in 2022, elevates the standard Bronco into a high-performance off-road machine. With major upgrades to its chassis and tires, the Raptor is taller, wider, and more aggressive.
A more powerful engine and specialized modifications make it a true trail-destroying super-SUV. Lets go through what sets the Bronco Raptor apart in our detailed breakdown.