It feels like only yesterday that Ford brought the Bronco back into our lives. In reality, it's been five whole years (they grow up so fast!), and by typical vehicle lifespan standards, the Bronco is actually overdue for a refresh. That sets up 2026 as (potentially) a big year for the capable off-roader. The Bronco is Ford's boxy Jeep Wrangler competitor, with seating for five and available in a dizzying array of trims ranging from pavement-pounder to a true lord of the trail.
Edmunds spotlight: About as capable as they come
Whether you picture off-roading as driving down a dusty road or crawling over massive boulders, there's a Bronco for you. Ford offers enough options, whether through hardware or accessories, to tackle just about anything you'd hope to do off-road. The base Bronco, known as the Big Bend, will happily take you down fire roads and get you to your rural campsite. But if you crave a more adventurous experience, you can opt for the Sasquatch package, which includes very impressive off-road hardware. There's also the Bronco Raptor, which is perfect for simulating your very own Baja 500 experience.
Competitors to consider
The Jeep Wrangler is the Bronco's most natural competitor. There's also the Jeep Gladiator, which is basically a Wrangler with a pickup bed. There's also the Toyota 4Runner, which was fully redesigned for 2025. And if your budget is a little healthier and you want something with a little more finesse, operators are standing by to take your Land Cruiser order.