The 2024 Ford Bronco combines world-class off-road technique with strong engines, ample room and a reasonably smooth on-road ride quality. However, low-rent interior materials, even in high-priced trims, and poor fuel economy limit the Bronco’s value.
The 2024 Ford Bronco’s #10 ranking is based on its score within the Compact SUVs category. Currently the Ford Bronco has a score of 8.5 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 33 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
The Bronco drives pretty well given its off-road suspension and hardware. The steering is quick, nicely weighted and tracks straight when cruising on the highway. The brakes provide adequate stopping power. Pronounced body motion can make the Bronco feel like a boat on rough seas at times, especially when cornering or braking hard, but it’s not clumsy. The independent front suspension makes body roll tolerable when navigating twists and turns. Ride quality is more of a moving target. Depending on body style, equipment and tire choice, the Bronco’s ride ranges from soft and floaty to firm and jittery. Regardless of model, you’ll feel most bumps and dips in the road, but it’s civil enough for daily driving.
Ford offers the 2024 Bronco with three engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 275 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque, a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 with 315 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed manual transmission is standard with the four-cylinder, and a 10-speed automatic is optional. The automatic comes standard on all trims with the V6 engine, and four-wheel drive is standard throughout the lineup. If you use premium fuel, the first two engines make slightly more power: 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque and 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, respectively. The twin-turbo V6 is rated for premium fuel only.
The turbo-four is surprisingly punchy and briskly hustles the Bronco around town and up to highway speeds, though it sounds a bit raspy during hard acceleration. It pairs nicely with either transmission. The 10-speed automatic shifts quickly and smoothly, and the manual feels crisp and precise, its forgiving clutch pedal making it a joy to row through each gear. The six-cylinder engines turn up the heat in a big way. The 2.7-liter V6 delivers strong acceleration, launching the Bronco from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and enables quick passing maneuvers. The extra torque is also a boon when pulling a heavy trailer. The 3.0-liter V6, only available on the Raptor trim, is even punchier. However, it has to contend with the Raptor’s added heft, so acceleration is about the same.
