Ford Bronco
6 model years from 2021 to 2026, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.

- Model years
- 2021–2026
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Latest engines
- 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 2.7L 6-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Best MPG
- 20–21 combined, by year
- Latest rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 50 campaigns, all years
- Most complaints
- 2022 (385)
- Fewest problems
- 2023
- Interest
- 26,704 Wikipedia views / 30 days
The 2026 Bronco in brief
The 2026 Ford Bronco is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 2.7L 6-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and part-time 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 165 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 100-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,288 lb (2dr 2.3l SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (19 city / 22 highway), 23% worse than the 2026 small SUV average of 25.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.
It has 9 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.
The Ford Bronco has 6 model years in our data, from 2021 to 2026, classed as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD.
Its most efficient year was 2021 at 21 MPG combined; across all years the best version ranged from 20 to 21 MPG.
Owners most often report problems with the visibility/wiper (173), engine (157), electrical system (127).
Buying used? 2024 has the fewest problems in our data.
2022 has the most recalls (23); all years together count 50 campaigns and 994 owner complaints.
How the 2021 Bronco compares
The 2021 Ford Bronco is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo and 2.7L 6-cyl turbo) and part-time 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 165 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 100-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,288 lb (2dr 2.3l SUV).
About the Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco is a model line of SUVs manufactured and marketed by Ford. The first SUV model developed by the company, five generations of the Bronco were sold from the 1966 to 1996 model years. A sixth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2021 model year. The nameplate has been used on other Ford SUVs, namely the 1984–1990 Bronco II compact SUV, the 2021 Bronco Sport compact crossover, and the China-only 2025 Bronco New Energy.
From the Wikipedia article "Ford Bronco", licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
2026 Bronco pros & cons
Full 2026 details →What's good
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 20 MPG combined, 23% below the 2026 small SUV average of 25.9 MPG.
- 9 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Best and worst years to buy used
2024 Bronco
82 owner complaints · 16 recalls · 4 fire reports · 4 crash reports
None of the 4 model years we compared stands out for complaints or recalls.
NHTSA recalls and complaints for 4 model years since 2015; use it alongside a pre-purchase inspection. How we calculate this →
Compare head to head
Bronco changes by model year
- 2026
- New body dimensions: 15.7 in shorter, wheelbase −15.7 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- 2025
- New body dimensions: 15.7 in longer, wheelbase +15.7 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- 2022
- Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Years without a measurable change are left out.
Show all 6 model years side by side
| Year | Latest engines | Best MPG / range | Length | Weight | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 2.7L 6-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 20 MPG | 165 in | 4,288 lb | Not rated | 9 | 11 |
| 2025 | 2.7L 6-cyl turbo, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 20 MPG | 180.7 in | 5,732 lb | Not rated | 19 | 56 |
| 2024 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 2.7L 6-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 20 MPG | 165 in | 4,288 lb | Not rated | 16 | 82 |
| 2023 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 2.7L 6-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 20 MPG | 165 in | 4,288 lb | Not rated | 18 | 230 |
| 2022 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 2.7L 6-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 20 MPG | 165 in | 4,288 lb | Not rated | 23 | 385 |
| 2021 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo, 2.7L 6-cyl turbo | 21 MPG | 165 in | 4,288 lb | Not rated | 20 | 230 |
Alternatives to the 2026 Bronco
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Kia Seltos | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Jeep Compass | 26 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Hyundai Kona | 31 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2026 Nissan Kicks | 31 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2026 Hyundai Venue | 31 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Kia Niro | 53 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Most common owner-reported problems
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →





