Review: 2025 Ford Bronco Mid-Cycle Refresh

Last year Ford revived the Bronco for 2021, much to the delight of many fans, but the company did so as a sub-brand with multiple models, surprising some. The first “Bronco” arriving in 2021 is the Bronco Sport, a smaller crossover with Bronco-style features.

Of course, as time goes by, the Bronco Sport will need to be refreshed soon. A prototype of this smaller, ahem, Built Wild (Ford Bronco brand motto) SUV has been spotted testing.

Ford’s best off-road vehicle is the Bronco. This classic moniker was first used in the 1960s and has been restored for the current iteration, which will debut in 2021. With vintage looks, a variety of settings, and strong trail performance, the Bronco is designed for a fun ride. The Toyota Land Cruiser, Rivian R1S, and Jeep Wrangler are among the vehicles competing against the 2025 Ford Bronco.

Although the news reported by FordTrend is very clear and convincing that Ford will release additional trim levels, Ford has not yet announced the revised 2025 Ford Bronco. The vehicle is upgraded for 2024, and highlights include:

Standard 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen on all grades.
The Badlands trim level now features a heavy-duty modular front bumper.
Bronco Raptor now offers more paint and trim options.

2025 Ford Bronco Review

The Ford Bronco is dripping with nostalgia and stylish style, making it difficult not to be enchanted. For as much fun as this off-road vehicle provides, it is far from ideal.

Let us be clear: the Bronco is not a crossover. There are considerably better options for a responsible everyday driver that do not share the Bronco’s slightly crude demeanour. Its boxy design generates a lot of wind noise within the cabin and does nothing to improve fuel efficiency. Although the Bronco’s handling is superior to that of the Jeep Wrangler, it still feels hazy and unsettled on the road.

Much changes off-pavement when the Bronco is in its element. In the dirt, the Bronco’s refining flaws are less obvious as it chops through dust, mud, and everything else the trail throws at it. Here, all of the Bronco’s design selections make sense, not just because they’re cool, but also because they improve off-road performance.

If you’re considering a Bronco, we think you’ll enjoy it. Just be realistic about where and how you’ll use it — other Bronco-badged cars are more comfortable to live with while still providing excellent capability off-road.

2025 Ford Bronco Interior

The current Bronco Sport’s infotainment system has become antiquated. It’s still running Ford’s Sync 3 software and sports a small 8.0-inch touchscreen. Prototypes of the 2024 Mustang have been photographed testing what seems to be Sync 4 and the new 13.2-inch curved screen. Another software option might be Ford’s new Digital Experience infotainment system, which debuted with the 2025 Explorer.

A Bronco Sport prototype was sighted on Goodyear Wrangler Territory all-terrain tyres. (Fun fact: the Bronco’s tyres are labelled “Goodyear Goodyear” to avoid any identification with a specific Jeep). These tyres are not the same as those seen on the Bronco Sport’s current top-tier Badlands off-roading option. It’s unclear whether the Badlands trim will be upgraded or if Ford intends to offer a higher-level trim. (Bronco Sports Raptor, anyone?)

Maybe. Automotive News reported in 2021 that the Bronco Sport would get a hybrid option, potentially in 2024. And, thanks to the C2 platform shared by the Bronco Sport and several other cars, Ford already has some potential solutions that are compatible.

The Maverick presently has a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter inline-four hybrid. That’s roughly the same power output as the Bronco Sport’s 1.5-liter turbo basic engine — however the Maverick’s hybrid isn’t yet compatible with all-wheel drive, so it may not be a viable option for the Baby Bronc. Ford might also offer the 310-horsepower hybrid setup from the Lincoln Nautilus as an upgrade.

2025 Ford Bronco Performance and MPG

The engines for the 2025 Bronco should be the same as those from last year. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.3-liter I-4 that produces 275 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque on regular petrol, or 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet on high-octane fuel. It is compatible with a seven-speed manual or 10-speed automatic gearbox and comes standard with four-wheel drive. In MotorTrend testing, a two-door Bronco with this engine and manual gearbox reached 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. Fuel economy should be about 16–20/17–21 mpg. city/highway

A 2.7-liter V-6 engine with two turbochargers is available as an option. It generates 315 hp and 410 lb-ft as standard, or 330 hp and 415 lb-ft on premium fuel. This V-6 is only compatible with the 10-speed automatic, not the manual. Our test team recorded an 8.3-second 0–60 mph time in a four-door Bronco equipped with this engine. Expect fuel economy of around 17–18/17–20 mpg.

2025 Ford Bronco Hybrid

Don’t believe Ford is satisfied with the Jeep Wrangler 4xe’s sales success. The Bronco’s entire existence is based on defeating the Jeep, thus it’s almost guaranteed that Ford’s off-roader will feature a hybrid drivetrain. The turbocharged 2.3-liter I-4 engine will most likely be combined with an electric motor built within the 10-speed automated gearbox. If it’s a plug-in hybrid, you may expect an all-electric range of around 30 miles. We’ll soon find out if the Bronco Hybrid will come in 2025.

2025 Ford Bronco Raptor

As if the normal Bronco wasn’t robust and eye-catching enough, Ford introduced the Bronco Raptor in 2022. The Raptor makeover, similar to the F-150 pickup, transforms the Bronco from a rough explorer into a purpose-built dirt destroyer. Major chassis and rolling stock improvements increase the height and width of the so-called Braptor. This super-SUV also features a larger and more powerful engine that can tear up the trails.

2025 Ford Bronco Technlogy

In 2024, a 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen became standard in the Bronco. It features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as Ford’s user-friendly SYNC interface. It is probable that by 2025, every Bronco will be fitted with a huge all-digital gauge display, which is now only available in higher-end trims. The infotainment system includes trail maps for off-roading, and the dashboard contains pre-wired auxiliary switches for various accessories. A 360-degree video and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system are among the premium technology options available.

2025 Ford Bronco Safety Features

As part of Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite, the 2025 Bronco should include useful driver assistance and active safety technologies. Front automated emergency braking, hill start assist, and automatic high beams are likely to remain standard. Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning, which were previously optional, may become standard on more grade levels by 2025.