Ford and RTR Vehicles are expanding their partnership beyond Mustangs, and the new Bronco RTR lands right in the sweet spot between hardcore trail rigs and full-blown Raptor money. Designed for high-speed off-road work, this Bronco is all about balance, response, and real-world desert performance. Here’s what matters.
It’s “Available to All, Not for Everyone”
Bronco RTR was developed and tested in Johnson Valley, California, and it shows. This is not a poser package. It’s aimed at drivers who plan to use their Bronco hard and fast in dirt, sand, rocks, and mud. Ford says Bronco RTR fills a new space in the lineup by offering two levels of capability, letting buyers choose how aggressive they want to get without jumping straight to Bronco Raptor pricing.
Wider Track and High-Clearance Suspension Come Standard
Every Bronco RTR gets a wider track and high-clearance suspension right from the factory. The RTR comes in two flavors, base and Sasquatch. Bronco RTR comes standard with 33-inch rugged-terrain tires and a new, standard high-clearance suspension, marking the first time Bronco has offered such a combination. This setup delivers improved standard capability and increased driver confidence, while providing a more aggressive stance to match.
TLDR: Improved stability at speed, more confidence off-road, and a noticeably more aggressive stance.
Standard 33-Inch Tires
Bronco RTR comes standard with 33-inch rugged-terrain tires, marking the first time Bronco has offered this tire size paired with a high-clearance suspension as standard.
Sasquatch Unlocks the Maximum Setup
Opt for the Sasquatch package and Bronco RTR steps up to 35-inch Goodyear rugged-terrain tires along with serious suspension hardware designed for high-speed off-road punishment.
HOSS 3.0 Suspension Without Going Full Raptor
With Sasquatch, Bronco RTR gets HOSS 3.0 with Fox internal bypass shocks, similar to those used on the first-generation F-150 Raptor. This was previously limited to Badlands models and delivers top-tier suspension performance without stepping up to a Bronco Raptor.
It Uses the 2.3L Turbo Four for a Better Power-to-Weight Ratio
One key detail: Bronco RTR runs the 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, not the 2.7L V6. The focus here is power-to-weight ratio, responsiveness, and balance—critical traits when you’re pushing hard in high-speed off-road environments. Full power numbers have not been announced, but the current 2.3L makes 300 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft of torque.
I have been out to Johnson Valley. I have been in a Ford vehicle piloted by King of the Hammers founder Dave Cole. I have scaled Chocolate Thunder, and I have experienced the dunes and crazy terrain this Bronco was built to tackle. I am curious just how good the 2.3L will be for this type of terrain.
Anti-Lag Turbo Tech Is a Big Deal in the Dunes
Ford adds software-operated, race-derived anti-lag turbo technology, designed specifically for off-road use. The real benefit is instant throttle response, keeping boost ready so drivers can quickly position the nose for upcoming obstacles at speed, especially in deep sand and dunes.
Raptor-Level Cooling Helps It Survive Hard Use
To keep performance consistent during extended trail runs, Bronco RTR uses the 1,000-watt cooling fan from Bronco Raptor, helping manage heat during long, demanding off-road sessions.
RTR Style and Hyper Lime Attitude
Bronco RTR wears its identity proudly with:
- RTR grille and signature lighting
- Heavy use of Hyper Lime accents
- Hyper Lime rock rings on 17-inch beadlock-capable RTR Evo 6 wheels
- Available Avalanche Gray paint, shared with Mustang RTR
Vaughn Gittin Jr. Says This Is the One He’d Buy
RTR Vehicles founder Vaughn Gittin Jr. says Bronco RTR is built to dominate the dirt, and he’s been directly involved in its development and testing in Baja Mexico and Johnson Valley. He’s gone on record saying this is the Bronco he would buy, which speaks volumes about how well the package balances durability, performance, and value.
When Can You Get One?
Pricing, power, and other details are still to be delivered. We could not even show off the interior of this one, but what we do know is:
Debut: 2026 Detroit Auto Show
Public Appearances: King of the Hammers in February and other events throughout the year
Order Banks Open: October
Sales Begin: January 2027
Bottom line: Bronco RTR isn’t about chasing peak horsepower numbers. It’s about usable power, instant response, and suspension tech that lets you drive fast with confidence. For off-road enthusiasts who want factory-built performance without going full Raptor, this may be the Bronco to watch.
No replies yet
Loading new replies...
Administrator
Join the full discussion at the Forum Pickuptrucktalk →