The 2025 Ford Bronco wouldn’t be our first choice for daily commuting, but as a weekend warrior it earns points for its decent acceleration and its impressive off-road ability. It’s a 7. Raptor and Everglades versions would net another point for their even better off-road chops if we rated them separately.
All Broncos are four-wheel drive, though just how much capability they have depends on the version. All models have a 2-speed transfer case with a low range. If you plan to use your Bronco in sand or on trails where a four-wheel-drive vehicle is required, consider stepping up to one with the locking rear differential.
Serious off-roaders will find a lot to like in the Sasquatch package, which includes Bilstein shocks, a higher suspension, 35-inch tires, and more drive modes. It’s as off-roady as we’d go if we still wanted to commute in a Bronco. The Everglades builds on the Sasquatch with a snorkel and a winch; it’s mainly meant for driving in very damp climates as Ford also raised the vent tubes for its driveline bits.
The next-up Wildtrak trim level has Fox shocks and more ground clearance as well as a locking front differential, but it can be a bit unwieldy on pavement.
The Bronco Raptor’s beefier Dana axles support 37-inch tires, and it has a disconnecting front sway bar. It towers over other vehicles.
How fast is the Ford Bronco?
The base 2.3-liter turbo-4 is pretty tame. It’s rated for 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque on premium unleaded, or 275 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque on cheaper regular gas. It’s quick enough with the standard 7-speed manual or the available 10-speed automatic. The manual has somewhat long throws and some quirky gear spacing, but it’s still our choice. The automatic can stumble at lower speeds.
Step up to the 2.7-liter turbo-4 and you’ll net 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, but you’re stuck with the automatic. It’s noticeably peppier, though. Raptors have a 418-hp/440 lb-ft of torque 3.0-liter twin-turbo that delivers zippy acceleration, though it’s nowhere near as brutal as the V-8-powered Jeep Wrangler 392.
Any Bronco rides fairly well for an off-roader thanks in part to their hefty curb weight and big tires with plenty of sidewall. Models with Bilstein or Fox shocks take in bumps better both on and away from pavement. The electric power steering has good heft, even if the body leans considerably in corners. The coil-sprung rear suspension can bounce around on bumpy surfaces unless you’ve got a lot of stuff (or people) riding out back.
Broncos are rated to tow up to 4,500 pounds in Raptor trim, but most check in at a modest 3,500 pounds.
