đź”» WATCH VIDEO BELOW đź”»
2027 Ford Bronco RTR Review: Is This the Ultimate Four-Cylinder Off-Roader?
Ford has partnered with RTR Vehicles to create the 2027 Ford Bronco RTR, a high-performance off-roader that promises to deliver much of the capability of the expensive Bronco Raptor but at a significantly lower price point. This collaboration between Ford and RTR Vehicles, led by drift king Vaughn Gittin Jr., brings a fresh, youth-oriented approach to the Bronco lineup, blending go-anywhere performance with head-turning styling.
The Bronco RTR is still a year away from hitting showrooms, with full specifications and pricing to be announced closer to its on-sale date in October 2026. However, based on what we’ve seen so far, this new model could redefine the four-cylinder Bronco experience, offering a compelling alternative for enthusiasts who want serious off-road capability without the luxury trappings—and higher cost—of the Bronco Raptor.
The RTR Difference: More Than Just Style
For those unfamiliar with RTR Vehicles, it’s helpful to think of them as the Shelby for the modern generation. Founded by Vaughn Gittin Jr., RTR has built a reputation for creating performance-tuned vehicles that stand out from the crowd. Their work with the Mustang EcoBoost RTR has already shown what’s possible when RTR’s design philosophy meets Ford’s engineering prowess, offering an affordable drift-ready coupe that appeals to a younger demographic.
Now, RTR is bringing that same magic to the Bronco. The 2027 Ford Bronco RTR isn’t just a cosmetic package; it’s a performance-oriented build that enhances the Bronco’s already impressive off-road credentials. This collaboration leverages RTR’s experience in Ultra4 off-road racing to create a Bronco that’s capable of tackling challenging terrain at high speeds, much like its more expensive sibling, the Bronco Raptor.
One of the most striking aspects of the Bronco RTR is its visual transformation. RTR stylists have given the Bronco a distinctive look that sets it apart from the standard lineup. A new grille with signature hockey-stick-style LED running lights provides an aggressive front-end appearance. The squared-off heritage fender flares cover unique 17-inch RTR Evo 6 beadlock-capable wheels, which come standard with 33-inch off-road tires. Accents of Hyper Lime green are liberally applied throughout the exterior, from trim pieces to the wheels’ rock rings, adding a vibrant pop of color that complements the Avalanche Gray paint. While Avalanche Gray is the launch color, Ford has confirmed that more paint options will be available, ensuring buyers can personalize their Bronco RTR to their taste.
But the Bronco RTR is more than just a pretty face. The most significant changes are under the hood and in the suspension, where RTR has focused on enhancing performance where it matters most.
Performance Enhancements: From Street Tuner to Off-Road Beast
The 2027 Ford Bronco RTR is based on the Big Bend trim level, which means it comes standard with the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain may be the entry-level option for the Bronco lineup, but RTR has extracted more potential from it. The addition of Baja mode is a game-changer for off-road enthusiasts. This exclusive feature activates an antilag system in the turbo engine that keeps boost pressure up when the driver lifts the throttle. On the Mustang, this helps maintain power delivery for drifting, but in the Bronco, it’s invaluable for jumping or navigating deep sand, providing instant throttle response when needed most.
To keep this enhanced four-cylinder running strong under demanding conditions, RTR has incorporated the 1,000-watt high-powered fan from the Bronco Raptor. This upgraded cooling system, tweaked for the RTR’s specific needs, ensures the engine stays within optimal operating temperatures even during prolonged off-road abuse.
The suspension receives a significant overhaul as well, featuring a retuned setup and revised geometry that widens the track and increases the stance. This wider track width improves stability, especially at higher speeds over rough terrain. But the real performance upgrade comes for those who opt for the Sasquatch Package. When combined with the Bronco RTR, this package brings 35-inch tires and the Hoss 3.0 suspension with Fox internal bypass shock absorbers—features previously only available on the more expensive Bronco Badlands trim.
This suspension setup is particularly noteworthy. While it shares similarities with the shocks found on the first-generation F-150 Raptor, it represents a significant step up from standard Bronco suspensions. The Fox internal bypass shocks are designed to handle high-speed desert running, providing exceptional damping and control over washboard roads and jumps. This configuration allows the Bronco RTR to tackle challenging terrain with confidence, offering a near-Raptor experience at a more accessible price point.
For buyers seeking the ultimate off-road performance in a four-cylinder package, the Bronco RTR with the Sasquatch Package presents a compelling value proposition. It combines the proven capabilities of the Bronco Raptor’s suspension with the efficiency and affordability of the four-cylinder powertrain, creating a unique and highly capable off-road vehicle.
What This Means for the 2027 Bronco Lineup
The introduction of the 2027 Ford Bronco RTR shakes up the Bronco hierarchy, offering a new mid-tier performance option that bridges the gap between the standard trims and the range-topping Raptor. For years, buyers seeking high-speed desert running capability had only one option: the Bronco Raptor, with its premium price tag and twin-turbo V-6 engine. The Bronco RTR changes that equation entirely.
By leveraging the four-cylinder engine, Ford and RTR are able to offer a more affordable entry point into high-performance off-roading. This makes serious capability accessible to a wider range of buyers, including younger enthusiasts who may be drawn to the RTR brand’s modern, tuner-focused image. The Bronco RTR essentially democratizes some of the Bronco Raptor’s best features, allowing buyers to experience similar performance characteristics without the premium cost associated with the V-6 engine and additional luxury content.
Furthermore, the Bronco RTR’s positioning could influence future Bronco development. It demonstrates that there’s a strong market for performance-oriented Broncos that prioritize capability over luxury. This could pave the way for more specialized variants in the future, further expanding the Bronco’s appeal to different types of off-road enthusiasts.
The 2027 Ford Bronco RTR also reinforces Ford’s commitment to offering a diverse range of powertrain options for the Bronco. With the introduction of the Bronco Raptor in 2022, Ford signaled its intent to compete with the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. The Bronco RTR, however, carves out a different niche—one that emphasizes efficiency and affordability alongside performance. This dual-pronged approach allows Ford to cater to both ends of the performance spectrum, ensuring there’s a Bronco for nearly every type of off-road enthusiast.
Should You Buy, Wait, or Rent/Invest?
For potential buyers, the 2027 Ford Bronco RTR presents an interesting decision point. If you’re in the market for a new Bronco and prioritize off-road capability, this new model deserves serious consideration. However, whether you should buy now, wait for the Bronco RTR, or consider renting or investing depends on your specific needs and priorities.
If you’re an off-road enthusiast who wants serious capability without the Bronco Raptor’s price tag, waiting for the Bronco RTR makes sense. The combination of the four-cylinder engine, Baja mode with antilag, and the optional Sasquatch Package with Fox shocks offers a compelling performance package that’s likely to be more affordable than the Bronco Raptor. The extra year of development and real-world testing that RTR and Ford will put into this model should result in a polished and refined product by the time it hits showrooms in January 2027.
However, if you need a Bronco sooner, you might want to consider a current model year. The 2026 Bronco lineup already offers a wide range of trims and packages, including the Bronco Raptor for those who want the ultimate performance right now. There are also special edition models like the Bronco 60th Anniversary Package that offer unique features and exclusivity. The used market for Broncos has also stabilized in 2026, with depreciation normalizing after the initial supply shortages of previous years. This could make buying a lightly used 2025 or early 2026 Bronco a smart move, potentially saving you money compared to buying brand new.
For investors or those looking for a potential collector’s item, the Bronco RTR could be an interesting play. Specialized editions like the RTR often hold their value well, and with limited production numbers, the 2027 Bronco RTR might become a sought-after model in the years to come. However, the automotive market in 2026 is still evolving, and predicting long-term appreciation can be challenging.
Renting a Bronco for an off-road adventure is also a great option to consider. Companies like Rent a Rac , Turo, and others offer a variety of Bronco trims for rent, allowing you to experience the vehicle’s capabilities firsthand before committing to a purchase. Renting can be particularly appealing for those who only need a Bronco for occasional off-road excursions, rather than as a daily driver.
Best Financial Strategies Right Now (2026)
With the automotive market continuing to normalize in 2026, several financial strategies can help you get the most value when acquiring a Bronco or any vehicle. The era of pandemic-era markups and extreme shortages is largely behind us, but the market has settled into a new equilibrium that favors savvy buyers.
