Ford brought the Bronco back to life in 2021, and it's been a popular choice among SUV buyers since, thanks to its mix of classic design and trail capability that just keeps winning them over year after year. For 2026, Ford's not changing much--it's just adding a 60th Anniversary edition to mark the milestone. Here's a look at how the 2026 Ford Bronco differs from last year's version.
Key Takeaways
- A 60th Anniversary edition with special features joins the 2026 lineup.
- Ford added the retro-inspired Free Wheeling trim in 2025.
- The Bronco keeps its familiar 2.3L turbo-four and 2.7L V6 engines for both model years.
Differences in the 2026 vs. 2025 Ford Bronco
The big news for 2026 is a special 60th Anniversary model. Ford celebrated six decades of the Bronco with a version built on the Outer Banks trim that includes the Sasquatch package. This anniversary edition wears a distinctive red-and-white paint scheme and comes loaded with exclusive touches--bucking bronco emblems and "60" badges show up throughout the exterior and interior. It's not a mechanical upgrade or a total redesign, just a nod to the Bronco's history that collectors and longtime enthusiasts will appreciate.
Last year brought the Free Wheeling trim to the lineup. It starts with the base Big Bend model and adds colorful 1970s-style body stripes for a throwback look. You can add the Sasquatch off-road package to this one, which brings high-clearance fender flares, a lifted suspension, mud-terrain tires, and better Bilstein shocks.
Model Year Changes
| 2026 Ford Bronco |
2025 Ford Bronco |
| Ford marks 60 years of Bronco with a special anniversary model built on Outer Banks |
Free Wheeling trim brings bold '70s graphics to the Bronco lineup |
| Anniversary Edition adds Sasquatch gear and exclusive design touches |
Starts with Big Bend trim and can be optioned with Sasquatch kit |
| Exterior wears red and white paint with heritage badges inside and out |
Off-road upgrades include fender flares, lift, Bilstein shocks, and mud tires |
What Are the Ford Bronco's Engines?
Nothing changes under the hood for 2026. The base motor is still a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder. Running regular gas gets you 275 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, but fill it with premium and those numbers jump to 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet.
The 10-speed automatic is standard, but you can still get the seven-speed manual with the 2.3-liter as an option. Four-wheel drive comes on every Bronco.
Fuel economy stays about the same, since the engines don't change. You can expect 16-20 mpg in the city and 17-21 mpg on the highway.
Inside the Bronco's Tech Features
Climb into any Bronco to see a 12-inch touchscreen right in the center of the dash running Ford's Sync 4 system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and there are available over-the-air software updates, so you don't need to visit us too frequently to keep things current. Built-in navigation is available on most trims.
The standard audio system comes with seven speakers and sounds fine for most people, but if you're a real audiophile, the Bronco's upper trims offer premium upgrades with considerably better sound quality. Some buyers want concert-level audio even when they're bouncing down a dirt trail.
Whether you're eyeing the 2026 anniversary model, the '25 Free Wheeling, or one of the Bronco's other standard (but nonetheless capable) trims, Ford delivers on its promise of the Bronco's genuine off-road capability mixed with nostalgic styling. Ready to see one up close? Reach out, or better, stop by Karl Flammer and we'll get you behind the wheel!