2026 FORD BRONCO
RESEARCH & REVIEW

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AT HERITAGE FORD | CORYDON, IN

Transmissions

The 7-speed manual transmission is standard on Base (both 2-door and 4-door), Big Bend, Badlands, and Heritage Edition. It includes a dedicated crawler gear with a ratio as low as 94.75:1, an unusually low number that gives the driver precise, controlled movement in the tightest off-road situations. The 10-speed automatic is standard on Outer Banks, Stroppe Edition, and Raptor, and available on every other trim. Available SelectShift paddle shifters let drivers take manual control on demand.

4x4 System

The Base model comes with 4x4 and Part-Time Selectable Engagement via an electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) two-speed transfer case. Advanced 4x4 with Automatic On-Demand Engagement is available as an upgrade, and Trail Control, essentially off-road cruise control, is available on models with the 10-speed automatic.

G.O.A.T. Modes

G.O.A.T. stands for Goes Over Any Type of Terrain. Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Heritage Edition come with five modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand. Badlands, Stroppe Edition, and Raptor step up to seven modes, adding Off-Road, Rock Crawl, and Baja. Each mode adjusts throttle response, traction control settings, and four-wheel drive engagement for the conditions at hand.

HOSS Suspension Systems

Ford uses four distinct High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (HOSS) systems across the Bronco lineup.

• HOSS 1.0: Passive damping with twin forged alloy A-arms and HOSS-tuned dampers. Standard on Base and Outer Banks.
• HOSS 2.0: Upgrades to Bilstein position-sensitive dampers with end-stop control. Standard on Badlands and Heritage Edition, and on any model equipped with the available Sasquatch Package.
• HOSS 3.0: Adds FOX Internal Bypass Dampers and Ford Performance severe-duty steering components. Standard on Stroppe Edition; available on Badlands.
• HOSS 4.0: Exclusive to Raptor. Features FOX Live Valve 3.1 Internal Bypass Semi-Active Dampers with terrain monitoring sensors and Ford Performance control arms for up to 13" of front wheel travel and 14" of rear.

Towing

Most 2026 Bronco models can tow up to 3,500 lbs when properly equipped with the available Trailer Tow Prep Package. The Raptor tops out at 4,500 lbs. Passengers, cargo, and accessories count against the tow rating, check Ford's official Towing Guide for configuration-specific numbers.

Ground Clearance and Fording

• Up to 11.6" ground clearance on Base and Big Bend with standard equipment
• Up to 11.5" ground clearance on Badlands, Outer Banks, Heritage Edition, and Stroppe Edition
• Up to 13.1" ground clearance on Raptor
• Up to 33.5" water fording on most models
• Up to 37" water fording on Raptor

Notable Exterior Details by Trim

• Base: Carbonized Gray molded-in-color hard top (2-door); Black MIC grille with white "BRONCO" lettering; active grille shutters; 16" bright polished silver-painted steel wheels; 2 front and 1 rear tow hooks
• Big Bend: 17" Carbonized Gray-painted aluminum wheels; leather-wrapped steering wheel; privacy glass on 2nd row and swing gate; optional Free Wheeling and Black Diamond packages
• Outer Banks: Black molded-in-color grille with white "BRONCO" lettering; body color-painted hard top options available; 18" bright machined-face wheels
• Badlands: Carbonized Gray-painted grille with white "BRONCO" lettering; full-vehicle steel bash plates; 17" Carbonized Gray-painted machined aluminum wheels
• Heritage Edition: Oxford White-painted hard top; front steel bash plates; heritage bodyside graphics; 35" tires standard with Sasquatch Package
• Stroppe Edition: Frozen White-painted grille with Code Orange "BRONCO" lettering; unique Stroppe Edition Graphic Package; 17" unique Matte Black-painted alloy wheels with Gloss Black trim ring; Oxford White body with Code Orange lower accent (only available exterior color on this trim)
• Raptor: Carbonized Gray-painted marker lamps with black "FORD" lettering; heavy-duty full-vehicle steel bash plates; rock rail with removable running boards; 17" Black High Gloss-painted alloy wheels

Available Packages That Affect Exterior

• Sasquatch Package: High-clearance fender flares, 35" LT315/70R17 rugged-terrain tires, electronic-locking front and rear axles, 4.7 final drive ratio, 17" Carbonized Gray-painted alloy wheels. Standard on Heritage Edition and Stroppe Edition; available on Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Badlands.
• Black Appearance Package: Blacked-out exterior trim, door handles, mirrors, and grille. Available on Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Badlands.
• Wildtrak Package: Available on Badlands 4-door only. Bundles the 2.7L V6, 10-speed automatic, Sasquatch Package, HOSS 3.0, and Black Appearance Package.
• 60th Anniversary Package: Available on Outer Banks only. Wimbledon White exterior (or Ruby Red Metallic with Wimbledon White roof), unique badging and graphics, Sasquatch Package included.
• Raptor Black Appearance Package / Raptor Code Orange Appearance Package: Available on Raptor only.

Confirmed 2026 Exterior Colors

Colors vary by trim. The following are confirmed for the 2026 model year:

• Avalanche Gray - new for 2026 on Base
• Velocity Blue Metallic
• Shadow Black
• Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
• Marsh Gray
• Desert Sand
• Oxford White
• Wimbledon White (Outer Banks 60th Anniversary Edition only)
• Oxford White / Code Orange two-tone (Stroppe Edition only)
• Shelter Green Metallic (Raptor only)

Interior Technology

Every 2026 Bronco comes standard with:

• 12" LCD capacitive touchscreen (SYNC 4) with swipe capability
• 12" LCD digital instrument cluster - shows drive mode selection, off-road feature status, and more
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Ford Connectivity Package - 1 year included (new for 2026); covers unlimited hotspot Wi-Fi, audio and video streaming apps, and real-time navigation on the center display
• 4G Modem
• SiriusXM with 360L - 3-month trial standard; 3-year plan available as an option (new for 2026)
• Dual smart-charging USB ports (Type-C + standard-A) in the second row; at minimum 4 USB ports across the vehicle

Available technology through packages:

• SYNC 4 with enhanced features - Included with Lux Package
• Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist features (BLIS, rear parking sensors, remote start) - Available via Mid Package
• Adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera, Evasive Steering Assist, front parking sensors, LED approach lamps - Available via Lux Package
• B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen - 12 speakers including subwoofer; available via Lux Package (standard on Stroppe Edition and Raptor)
• Pro Power Onboard 400W - Two A/C outlets (one rear seat, one cargo area); available via Mid Package
• Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control - Available via Mid Package
• Heated front seats - Available via Mid Package
• Ambient footwell lighting - Available via Mid Package
• 360-degree camera - Available via Lux Package

Available Trims

The 2026 Bronco lineup has seven models, each with a distinct off-road personality.

Base: The starting point. Two-door or four-door, 2.3L I-4, 7-speed manual standard, 4x4 with Part-Time Selectable Engagement, HOSS 1.0, 5 G.O.A.T. Modes. Ripe for customization with Ford Accessories.

Big Bend: Four-door only. Adds 2nd-row privacy glass, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Premium Ambient Lighting, and 17" Carbonized Gray aluminum wheels. First trim to offer the optional Black Diamond Package (which adds bash plates, rock rails, and washout flooring).

Outer Banks: Four-door only. Adds the option of the 2.7L V6, 10-way power driver seat, carpet flooring, and 18" Bright machined-face wheels. The 60th Anniversary Package is exclusive to this trim for 2026.

Badlands: Two-door or four-door. The trail-focused sweet spot. Steps up to HOSS 2.0 with Bilstein dampers, 7 G.O.A.T. Modes, front stabilizer bar disconnect, marine-grade vinyl seating, and washout-capable rubberized flooring with drain plugs. Available Wildtrak Package bundles the V6, automatic, HOSS 3.0, and Sasquatch Package.

Heritage Edition: Four-door only. Oxford White-painted hard top, heritage bodyside graphics, plaid cloth seats, Sasquatch Package standard (with 35" tires). A retro-inspired build with genuine off-road hardware underneath.

Stroppe Edition: Four-door only. New for 2026. Based on the Badlands with HOSS 3.0, Code Orange interior accents, leather gear shift knob, and a distinctive two-tone exterior. Only available in Oxford White with Code Orange lower body accent. 2.7L V6 and 10-speed automatic are standard.

Raptor: Four-door only. Ford's top-of-the-line Bronco. 418 hp 3.0L V6, HOSS 4.0 with FOX Live Valve semi-active dampers, 13.1" ground clearance, 37" water fording, 7 G.O.A.T. Modes, B&O Sound System standard, Lux Package features standard. Tows up to 4,500 lbs.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the 2026 Ford Bronco and the Bronco Sport?

These are two entirely separate vehicles. The Bronco is a body-on-frame, traditional off-road SUV available in 2-door and 4-door configurations, with removable doors and roof, dedicated 4x4 hardware, and purpose-built trail features. The Bronco Sport is a smaller crossover SUV built on a different platform. Specs, dimensions, drivetrains, and feature sets do not overlap. If off-road capability is your priority, those two vehicles serve very different purposes.

Does the 2026 Ford Bronco come in a manual transmission?

Yes. The 7-speed manual is standard on Base (2-door and 4-door), Big Bend, Badlands, and Heritage Edition. It includes a crawler gear with a ratio as low as 94.75:1, which is designed for very slow, precise movement on technical terrain. The 10-speed automatic is available on all models and standard on Outer Banks, Stroppe Edition, and Raptor.

What is the Sasquatch Package and which trims can get it?

The Sasquatch Package adds electronic-locking front and rear axles, a 4.7 final drive ratio, high-clearance fender flares, 35" LT315/70R17 rugged-terrain tires, and HOSS 2.0 (Bilstein dampers). It is standard on Heritage Edition and Stroppe Edition, and available on Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Badlands.

What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Ford Bronco?

Most 2026 Bronco models can tow up to 3,500 lbs when properly equipped, including the available Trailer Tow Prep Package. The Raptor model can tow up to 4,500 lbs. Actual towing capacity depends on the specific configuration - passengers, cargo, and accessories all count against the rated capacity. Ford publishes a detailed towing guide with configuration-specific figures.

Is the 2026 Ford Bronco good for everyday driving?

The Bronco is a true off-road vehicle, but it is also used as a daily driver by many owners. The 12" touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, standard Ford Connectivity Package with Wi-Fi, and available heated seats and dual-zone climate control all make it usable day to day. Fuel economy and ride comfort on pavement are trade-offs compared to a standard crossover SUV. That said, buyers who want a vehicle ready for weekend trails without a separate rig often find the Bronco to be a practical choice.

What is the Ford Connectivity Package that is now standard on the 2026 Bronco?

The Ford Connectivity Package provides unlimited hotspot Wi-Fi, audio and video streaming apps, and real-time navigation through the center display. It is included for 1 year from the warranty start date on all 2026 Bronco models - a change from the previous model year. After the initial year, the package requires a paid subscription to continue.