Ford Gives the Bronco Real Off-Road Pedigree Without the Raptor Price Tag

Between its 418-horsepower 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 and its imposing visual presence, there’s no denying that the Bronco Raptor is the top dog of the lineup. 

Nevertheless, at $80,000 it amounts to a sizable investment, especially for something so niche. After all, though it brings the space of a four-door SUV, its practicality is more than a little compromised because of its mammoth proportions.

Ford

Thankfully, Ford has just announced a new Bronco model that promises serious off-road pedigree at a much lower price point. As such, even if it won’t dethrone the Raptor based on specs alone, it’s poised to be a much more impactful release.

Making off-road fun accessible

It’s called the Bronco RTR, and it follows Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s previous collaboration with the Blue Oval that was based on the Mustang.

Ford

As was the case with this Ford’s muscle car stablemate, RTR worked to prioritize fun and accessibility over all-out power. Accordingly, the upgraded Bronco packs a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-pot with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

While it might seem like an odd choice, it’s not without justification. Upon testing in Johnson Valley, Vaughn Gittin Jr. and the team found that “in the dunes, a lighter front end makes the Bronco more flickable. It dances over the sand rather than digging into it, making it feel more like a desert pre-runner than a traditional rock crawler.”

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Moreover, it packs plenty of upgrade potential. To that end, RTR fitted the engine with the 1,000-watt cooling fan from the Bronco Raptor as well as its own race-derived anti-lag system for instant turbo spool-ups.

A Raptor parts bin special

Ford has yet to disclose what kind of power the Bronco RTR is making, but it should be in the mid-300-pony range based on other trucks equipped with the engine. In any case, the equipment upgrades are where the real value is to be found.

Ford

For starters, the RTR overhaul gives the Bronco both high-clearance suspension and 33-inch tires as standard. According to Ford, it has yet to offer such a combo on the retro-styled off-roader to date.

Assuming that’s not enough, however, the Bronco RTR offers buyers the option of upgrading the ride quality even further. With the purchase of the Sasquatch package, Ford is including its HOSS 3.0 suspension with FOX Internal Bypass Dampers as standard, a setup similar to that found on the first-generation F-150 Raptor.

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Rounded out by a fresh grille design with RTR-specific lighting, exclusive Evo 6 wheels and some retro-inspired wheel arches, it’s made only better by visual options like the topographic wrap and Avalanche Gray paint.

(Not quite) ready to rock

As has been typical of many automakers lately, Ford didn’t disclose everything all at once. Along with power, curb weight and various other specs, we’re also still waiting on an MSRP.

Ford

That said, according to Bronco brand manager, Haley Skiko, the RTR will come in at “a lower starting price than Badlands Sasquatch.” Based on Ford’s configurator, at least, that puts it in the mid-$50,000 range.

Slated to make its debut at the Detroit Auto Show, the Bronco RTR will next appear at King of the Hammers in February. It’ll be available to order starting in October.

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2027 Ford Bronco RTR

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