Ford’s legendary Bronco keeps evolving, with changes in the 2026 models that improve on the solid 2025 lineup. Using Bronco reviews and information from Ford, our John Kennedy Ford Pottstown team has done the research to identify what sets these two model years apart, so let’s assess their differences.
2026 Ford Bronco: The Evolution of America’s Iconic Off-Roader
Ford has made some changes to the 2026 Bronco, including design shifts. A dramatic appearance makeover is apparent — it’s got a wider stance, full-width LED lights, and changes to both the front and rear fascias. The Bronco’s classic boxy shape remains, but modern tweaks improve looks and function.
The 60th Anniversary package honors Bronco heritage, dating back to 1966. Classic Wimbledon White paint celebrates Ford’s original SUVs, bridging today’s tech-loaded machines with the simple, rugged originals that won hearts.
Exterior Design Evolution: Bold New Looks Meet Functional Performance
The 2026 Bronco gets a bigger grille with LED lights and integrated turn signals, offering safer night driving. You can choose from mix-and-match body-color accents for fender flares, mirrors, and tailgate trim, allowing you to personalize your Bronco. Roof options include a power-retractable hard top and improved soft tops that are lighter, quieter, and easier to latch. New 17- and 18-inch wheels feature beadlock-capable designs for low-pressure trail riding, and modular bumpers make repairs and customization easier with their built-in tow points.
Interior Technology and Comfort Upgrades
Every 2026 Bronco comes with a 12-inch touch screen with the upgraded SYNC 5 system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus over-the-air updates that keep your Bronco current without dealer visits. The controls for serious off-roading — trail modes, differential locks, sway-bar disconnects — are right where you need them, so you can focus on the challenge ahead. Digital gauges are also standard, with custom displays for different driving conditions.
The seats are also improved, with more upscale fabrics and leathers that resist stains and offer more padding for long trips. Sound dampening has been upgraded, reducing road and wind noise, something you’ll appreciate during your daily Philadelphia commute. Cargo space is ample; folding the rear seats down nets you 83 cubic feet for stowing camping gear or work equipment.
Off-Road Technology Advancements
G.O.A.T. Modes (which stands for Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) offer up to seven settings: Normal, ECO, Sport, Slippery, Off-Road, Rock Crawl, and Baja. Each targets specific Pennsylvania terrain conditions. Ford’s Trail Control, which is similar to an off-road cruise control, manages downhill speeds better while traction systems send power where needed.
Camera systems add rock-crawl views with clearance guides for tight spots. Ground clearance reaches 11.6 inches with 35-inch tires, while adding the optional Sasquatch package allows you to ford 33.5 inches of water. Trail Turn Assist, designed for slippery or loose surfaces, and 360-degree cameras help newcomers tackle challenging terrain.,
Engine Performance and Powertrain Changes
The 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder was updated to provide better performance at lower engine speeds. It has the same specifications as the 2025 model — 275 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque — on regular gas, or 300 hp and 325 lb-ft on premium gas. The 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6 makes 315 hp and 410 lb-ft on regular gas or 330 hp and 415 lb-ft with premium. Depending on configuration and type of gas, the four-cylinder reaches 60 mph in 7.3 to 7.9 seconds; the V-6 does the sprint in 6.6 to 8.4 seconds.
The 2.3-liter is estimated to get 16 mpg to 20 mpg in the city and 17 mpg to 21 mpg on the highway, while the V-6 is expected to achieve 17 mpg to 18 mpg city and 17 mpg to 20 mpg on the highway.
High-Performance Off-Road Flagship: The Bronco Raptor
The Bronco Raptor is the top-of-the-line for Bronco off-roading adventures to Rausch Creek or Rock Run. Its 418 hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 generates 41 hp and 420 lb-ft, enabling the Bronco Raptor to get from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. FOX Live Valve dampers automatically adjust to road conditions, providing control during high-speed off-road runs while still riding nicely around Pottstown.
It looks capable, thanks to its wider stance and unique styling. Locking differentials in the front and rear, disconnecting sway bars, and smart trail cruise control make it nearly unstoppable off-road. Fuel economy is expected to reach 15 mpg in the city and 16 mpg on the highway, although Car and Driver’s testing showed 17 mpg on 75-mph highway drives. The Raptor can tow 4,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Trim Level Breakdown and Pricing Structure
The 2026 Bronco lineup is expected to reach dealerships in late 2025 to early 2026, but if you can’t wait, you can choose one of the solid 2025 Broncos. You can select from seven trims and a range of prices for new Bronco models. The prices given below are all MSRPs:
- The Base: $40,495
- The Big Bend: $40,995
- The Outer Banks: $48,090
- The Badlands: $48,890
- The Heritage Edition: $51,625
- The Stroppe Edition: $69,995
- The Raptor: $79,995
There are also several packages you can customize with, from performance to appearance.
2026 vs. 2025 Bronco: Side-By-Side Comparison
The big difference in technology is SYNC 5 vs. SYNC 4. The new system’s quicker, understands voice commands better, and can update itself wirelessly. Both years use similar engines, but the 2026 models benefit from tuning and hardware improvements. The most obvious change is the completely redone front end, which gives the 2026 a much more modern look than the 2025’s still-attractive design.
The 2026 models employ better interior materials, making the cabin quieter, and the controls are more intuitive. Off-road capability remains stellar for both years, with the same ground clearance, water fording, and transmission options. Gas mileage stays about the same.
Test-Drive a Bronco at John Kennedy Ford Pottstown Today
Why not schedule a test-drive today? Both the 2026 and 2025 Broncos are great off-road and can handle anything Pennsylvania throws their way. Your choice depends on what matters to you — the latest tech and fresh styling in the 2026 model or proven performance and likely discounts on 2025 versions. Our John Kennedy Ford Pottstown team will find the Bronco that works best for you, so contact us with your questions about the 2026 lineup and when they’ll be available at our Pottstown dealership.
Images from ford.com
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