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The 2027 Ford Bronco RTR Is a Raptor Lite for the Next Generation
The 2027 Ford Bronco RTR Is a Raptor Lite for the Next Generation
Ford has partnered with RTR Vehicles to develop a high-performance four-cylinder Bronco RTR that promises to do much of what the expensive Bronco Raptor can do — at a much lower price. The Bronco RTR is still a year away from showing up in showrooms, with full specs and pricing to be announced closer to its on-sale date of October 2026. If you’re a young automotive enthusiast, you’re likely familiar with RTR Vehicles, the tuner firm created by drift king Vaughn Gittin Jr. that’s already partnered with Ford to create the Mustang EcoBoost RTR, a turbocharged drift coupe that brings affordable performance and wild styling to the Mustang crowd. It wouldn’t be inaccurate to think of RTR Vehicles as the Shelby for the 21st century and the zoomer generation, but the company does more than street vehicles.
The 2027 Ford Bronco RTR Is a Raptor Lite for the Next Generation
To showcase their experience in Ultra4 off-road racing, RTR Vehicles has partnered up with Ford again to create this, the 2027 Ford Bronco RTR. Think of it as a no-frills, value-oriented, content-loaded off-road Bronco meant to do higher-speed things at nine-tenths of what an expensive Bronco Raptor does but without a lot of the luxury trappings that boost prices. You know, kind of what the RTR Mustang does, but in the dirt. Related: More 2026 Detroit Auto Show Coverage. Lookin’ Fly: Visually, RTR stylists made changes to the Bronco to bring it in line with the company’s aesthetic. A new grille is the most obvious visual change, with hockey-stick-style LED running lights upfront. The fender flares are of the squared-off heritage style, and they cover unique 17-inch RTR Evo 6 beadlock-capable wheels wearing standard 33-inch off-road tires. Hyper Lime accents abound all over the Bronco RTR, from trim pieces to the wheels’ rock rings. The special graphics all over the Bronco RTR pair well with the Avalanche Gray paint, but more colors will be available, per a Ford spokesperson.
The 2027 Ford Bronco RTR Is a Raptor Lite for the Next Generation
The Really Interesting Bits: But the Bronco RTR is not just a pretty new face and a dye job — the most interesting bits come under the hood. The RTR is based on the Big Bend trim level, according to Ford, so it comes with a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. It also will feature a Baja mode, which will activate an exclusive antilag feature in the turbo engine that keeps the boost up when the driver lifts the throttle. In a Mustang, this is useful for getting big torque back when drifting, but in the Bronco, it will be useful when jumping or getting into deep sand. To help keep the engine cool, RTR added the 1,000-watt high-powered fan from the Bronco Raptor with a little tweaking. The suspension in the Bronco RTR gets some love, too, featuring a different tune and geometry for a wider track and higher stance. And even more fun will be had if you specify the Sasquatch Package for the Bronco RTR; that will bring 35-inch tires and the Hoss 3.0 suspension with Fox internal bypass shock absorbers that you could previously only get on the more expensive Bronco Badlands trim. The setup is more similar to the shocks you’d get on the first-generation F-150 Raptor than the latest versions that come on a Bronco Raptor, but it’s a pretty good next best thing that’s meant for allowing high-speed runs over rough terrain and allowing for catching air when you want.
The 2027 Ford Bronco RTR Is a Raptor Lite for the Next Generation
It’ll Be a While Before We Drive It: What we don’t know about the new 2027 Bronco RTR is what the inside might look like, as Ford showed us this new SUV well, well in advance of its arrival in showrooms. Ordering is set to begin in October 2026, with deliveries starting in January 2027, a full year from now. Pricing will follow closer to the on-sale date, and we’re likely to have some more details about interior upgrades (if there are any) at that time, too. The Bronco RTR certainly seems promising on paper, however, being lighter and potentially more nimble than a Bronco Raptor for less money, but only a romp through Johnson Valley, Cali., where it was developed will let us tell for sure.
The 2027 Ford Bronco RTR Is a Raptor Lite for the Next Generation
Read More Ford Bronco News on Cars.com: How Much Is the 2026 Ford Bronco? Ford Commemorates Milestone with 2026 Bronco 60th Anniversary Package 2025 Ford Bronco Stroppe Special Edition: Retro Desert Runner Ford Bronco Raptor: Will It Road-Trip? Research the Ford Bronco Related Video: Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
What This Means for You
The launch of the 2027 Ford Bronco RTR signifies a strategic shift in the off-road vehicle market, one that could have significant implications for buyers and enthusiasts alike. By partnering with RTR Vehicles, Ford is effectively bringing a higher level of performance and customization to a wider audience, without the premium price tag of the Bronco Raptor. This approach democratizes the off-road experience, making advanced features like beadlock-capable wheels, Sasquatch Package suspension components, and high-performance engine tuning accessible to a broader demographic of consumers.
From a financial perspective, this move could disrupt the used vehicle market, particularly for the Bronco Raptor. As a more affordable alternative becomes available, the resale value of the Raptor may see some downward pressure, although its limited production and V8 engine will likely keep it in high demand among purists. For the average buyer, the Bronco RTR represents a compelling value proposition. It offers the ruggedness and off-road capability that define the Bronco brand, combined with performance enhancements typically reserved for aftermarket modifications or higher trim levels. This means consumers can get a factory-backed, warranty-eligible vehicle that can handle serious off-roading right out of the box, without the need for costly and time-consuming modifications.
Furthermore, the inclusion of features like the Baja mode with antilag technology and the Sasquatch Package as an option speaks to Ford’s commitment to catering to the needs of serious off-roaders. These aren’t just cosmetic upgrades; they are functional enhancements that directly improve the vehicle’s performance in challenging terrain. This signals a departure from the trend of simply adding rugged styling to standard vehicles. Instead, Ford is delivering a purpose-built machine that is ready for adventure from day one.
The timing of this launch, with ordering set for October 2026 and deliveries starting in January 2027, places it in a competitive landscape. However, by positioning the Bronco RTR as a “Raptor Lite,” Ford is carving out a unique niche. It’s not trying to be a direct competitor to the Raptor, but rather a more accessible alternative that offers a similar spirit of performance and adventure. This strategy could attract buyers who were previously priced out of the Raptor market or those who felt the Raptor was perhaps too extreme for their needs.
Should You Buy, Wait, or Rent/Invest?
The Case for Buying Now
If you’re in the market for a Bronco and your priority is to get into a capable off-roader without paying the premium for a Raptor, the 2027 Bronco RTR presents a compelling option. The fact that it’s based on the Big Bend trim level means it starts from a more affordable price point, and the addition of performance features like the Baja mode and Sasquatch Package options make it a formidable machine right off the showroom floor. For buyers who value having a factory-backed warranty and the peace of mind that comes with a manufacturer-supported vehicle, waiting for the Bronco RTR is a smart move. You’ll get a vehicle that’s been developed with direct input from off-road experts like RTR Vehicles, ensuring that the performance enhancements are well-engineered and integrated.
Moreover, if you’ve been eyeing the Bronco Raptor but found the price tag to be a barrier, the Bronco RTR could be the perfect compromise. It offers many of the performance attributes of the Raptor, such as high-speed off-road capability and upgraded suspension, without the full Raptor package. This could save you tens of thousands of dollars while still providing a vehicle that can handle challenging terrain with confidence.
The Case for Waiting
However, there are valid reasons to wait before making a purchase. The article explicitly states that full specs and pricing won’t be announced until closer to the on-sale date. This means that while we know the Bronco RTR will be based on the Big Bend trim, we don’t yet know the exact engine output, suspension tuning details, or the final pricing structure. If you’re a budget-conscious buyer, it would be prudent to wait for the official pricing information to be released. The difference between the Bronco RTR and the Bronco Raptor could be smaller than anticipated, or the RTR might come with a higher price tag than expected.
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