Ever since Ford revived its iconic and rugged SUV, the Bronco, back in 2021, drivers have been blown away by its blend of old-school looks and off-road chop. Moving into 2026, Ford doesn't mess with success (too much, anyway). Here is the lowdown on how the 2026 Ford Bronco compares to the 2025 lineup.
Key Takeaways
- A 60th Anniversary edition joins the lineup for the new model year.
- Ford introduced the throwback Free Wheeling trim back in 2025.
- The Bronco sticks with the reliable 2.3L turbo-four and 2.7L V6 engines for both years.
2026 Bronco Updates Compared to the 2025 Version
The headline for 2026 is definitely that 60th Anniversary model. Ford is marking Bronco history with a version based on the Outer Banks trim that comes standard with the Sasquatch package. The birthday edition rocks a very cool red-and-white paint job, and Chevy packed it with custom details--for example, you'll find bucking bronco logos and "60" badges all over the inside and outside. It isn't a mechanical overhaul or a whole new look, but it's a great tribute to the Bronco's roots that fans and collectors are going to love.
Last year, Chevy introduced the retro Free Wheeling trim, an entry-level Big Bend model and sticks on some vibrant 1970s-style stripes for a total retro feel. You're able to tack on the Sasquatch off-road package to this trim as well, which nets you high-clearance fenders, a factory lift, mud tires, and those upgraded Bilstein shocks.
Model Year Changes
| 2026 Ford Bronco |
2025 Ford Bronco |
| Ford intros the 60 years special anniversary model built on Outer Banks |
Free Wheeling introduced built on Big Bend trim (Sasquatch kit) optional |
| Sasquatch gear and exclusive design touches added to Anniversary Edition |
Features striped '70s graphics |
| Anniversary Edition features red and white paint, heritage badges |
fender flares, lift, Bilstein shocks, and mud tires included for off-roading |
What Powers the Mighty Ford Bronco?
Things stay the same in the engine bay for 2026. The starter motor is still a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. If you use regular fuel, you're looking at 275 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, though if you spring for premium gas, those stats climb to 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet.
The 10-speed automatic comes standard, but if you want to row your own gears, the seven-speed manual is still an option. Every Bronco comes with four-wheel drive as standard equipment. You should expect to see somewhere between 16-20 mpg while driving in the city and about 17-21 mpg once you hit the highway.
A Look at the Bronco's Tech
Hop inside any Bronco, and you'll spot a 12-inch touchscreen right in the middle of the dashboard running Ford Sync 4 software. You get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto right out of the gate, and the truck supports over-the-air updates so you don't have to come into the dealership to keep the software fresh. Most of the trims also offer built-in navigation.
The base trim's sound system has seven speakers and does the job for most folks, but if you're serious about your music, the higher Bronco trims have premium audio upgrades. Some drivers want that concert-quality audio even when they're crawling over rocks and dirt.
Is the Ford Bronco the One for You?
Whether you have your eye on that one-of-a-kind 2026 anniversary truck, the retro '25 Free Wheeling, or just one of the regular (but still very tough) trims, Ford gives you real off-road power mixed with classic style. Want to come check a Bronco out in person? Just get in touch with us at Jarrett-Gordon in Davenport, and we'll get you out for a test drive!