Ford Bronco gets 280 kW V6 in more affordable versions
Ford is expanding the Bronco’s engine range for the 2027 model year with a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 280 kW and 597 Nm. Previously associated primarily with the powerful Bronco Raptor, the engine is now coming to more mainstream models. Ford is also updating interior materials, adding comfort features and offering more personalisation options.
Raptor V6 comes to more affordable Broncos
Buyers of the Outer Banks, Badlands and Heritage models can specify the 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 as an option. The same engine is standard on the new Filson special edition. The twin-turbo engine produces 280 kW and 597 Nm. By comparison, the existing 2.7-litre V6 offers approximately 246 kW and 563 Nm. The new engine therefore adds 34 kW and 34 Nm. In the Bronco Raptor, Ford uses a more powerful version from the same engine family, producing approximately 312 kW and 597 Nm. The engine intended for the regular versions falls short of the Raptor’s power output but offers the same peak torque.
Ford has yet to clarify whether the new V6 will replace the existing 2.7-litre engine entirely or whether both will remain available.
More comfort and two new special editions
For the new model year, the Bronco also gets an updated interior. On Outer Banks models with the Lux package, higher-quality vinyl replaces the previous leather upholstery. The Badlands gains more durable, easier-to-clean Marine Grade Vinyl, which can be combined with power-adjustable seats for the first time.
A heated steering wheel is now also included in the Big Bend’s Mid equipment package. Neptune Blue joins the exterior colour range, replacing Velocity Blue. Two special editions join the line-up. The Bronco Filson focuses on more luxurious off-roading, while the Bronco RTR emphasises sportier handling and high-speed off-road driving.
Bronco remains a niche model in Europe
The Bronco’s main rivals are the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota Land Cruiser. All three retain the robust construction and serious four-wheel-drive technology essential for off-road driving.
In the European market, fuel consumption and CO₂-based taxes make large-displacement petrol engines expensive to run. As a result, the addition of a more powerful V6 may not be as appealing to European buyers as it is to US customers. Ford has yet to confirm European availability of the new engine or release pricing for the 2027 model year.
The Bronco update shows that Ford does not intend to turn its off-roader into merely a more comfortable SUV. Offering the more powerful V6 in more affordable versions gives buyers the opportunity to get performance close to the Raptor’s without its most expensive and extreme hardware.
