Since its 2021 comeback the Bronco has been a massive hit, mostly because it nails that mix of heritage looks and modern trail-conquering power. For 2026, Ford isn't messing with a winning formula; instead, it's leaning into its past with a big 60th-anniversary milestone. Here is the lowdown on whether the 2026 Bronco adds meaningful improvements over the 2025 version.
Key Takeaways
- A special 60th Anniversary edition joins the fleet for 2026.
- The Free Wheeling trim arrived in '25, inspired by the bold stripes of the late '70s.
- Whether you go '25 or '26, you're getting the same reliable 2.3L turbo-four or the beefy 2.7L V6.
What's Different Between the 2025 and 2026 Bronco?
The headline for 2026 is definitely the 60th Anniversary model. To celebrate 60 years of this off-road icon, Ford dressed up the Outer Banks trim with the Sasquatch package and a retro red-and-white look. They tucked "60" badges and the old-school bucking bronco logo inside and out, making it a great tribute to the original. It isn't a total redesign, but it's a solid nod to the Bronco's roots that fans are really going to dig.
2025 was the year of the Free Wheeling trim. Based on the Big Bend model, it features those iconic 1970s-style body stripes that make it stand out at any campsite. You can even pair those vintage looks with the Sasquatch package to get high-clearance fenders, a lifted suspension, and those high-performance Bilstein shocks.
Model Year Changes
| 2026 Ford Bronco |
2025 Ford Bronco |
| Based on the Outer Banks, the 60th Anniversary Edition debuts |
Based on the Big Bend, the Free Wheeling Edition debuts |
| Sasquatch package, bucking bronco emblems, and "60" badging included in Anniversary Trim |
Sasquatch package with off-road suspension and mud tires included in Free Wheeling trim |
| Retro red-and-white color scheme featured on Anniversary trim |
Vintage-styled body stripes inspired by 1970s Broncos |
Ford Bronco Performance and Power
Nothing has changed under the hood for 2026. Your entry-level motor is still the 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. If you use regular gas, 275 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque are on the menu, but if you fill the Bronco with premium, those numbers climb to 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft.
A10-speed automatic is the standard across the board, but you can still opt for the seven-speed manual with the 2.3-liter engine. Four-wheel drive is standard on every Bronco, and fuel economy holds steady at around 16-20 mpg in the city and 17-21 mpg on the highway.
Inside the Bronco's Tech Suite
When you hop inside, the first thing you'll notice is the 12-inch touchscreen sitting right in the center of the dash. It runs Ford's Sync 4 system and comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also supports over-the-air updates, so you can keep your software fresh without having to visit the dealership as often. Navigation is built in for most of the higher trims.
As for the tunes, the standard seven-speaker setup does a solid job for most, but if you really want to blast your music on the trail, the top-tier trims offer premium audio upgrades that sound significantly better.
Is the Bronco Your Next Adventure?
Whether you're eyeing that new 2026 anniversary edition, the '25 Free Wheeling, or any of the other trims, Ford delivers on its promise of off-road grit mixed with nostalgic style. If you're ready to see one for yourself, contact Alan Jay Ford in Sebring to experience the Alan Jay way, and let's get you out for a test drive!