The new Ford Bronco RTR is truly ready to conquer both rugged terrains and urban landscapes.
Imagine this: the Budget Braptor comes equipped with an enhanced suspension system, a finely-tuned Ecoboost engine, 33-inch tires, and, of course, the unmistakable ‘signature RTR attitude.’ It’s designed for those who crave adventure without breaking the bank.
By Matt Bird (https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?memberId=80637) / Wednesday, January 14, 2026 / Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
There’s no denying that a Ford Bronco Raptor would be a show-stopper in any car enthusiast's dream garage. Its striking appearance and promise of exhilarating driving experiences make it hard to overlook. However, this level of excitement carries a hefty price tag—expect to pay around $100,000 for this V6 powerhouse, especially when adding on desirable options. It’s reminiscent of the Mustang dynamic: there’s always the model you covet and the one that fits your budget. Unfortunately, the gap between these two options often feels larger than we’d like, especially regarding cost, speed, and sheer enjoyment.
Fortunately, much like its Mustang counterpart (https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-americancars/ford-reveals-factory-built-mustang-rtr/50413), Ford has introduced the Bronco RTR to fill the void between the entry-level four-cylinder model and the high-end flagship. The development of this vehicle benefited from the expertise of renowned drift champion Vaughn Gittin Jr., alongside Loren Healy, a five-time Ultra4 Racing champion, lending their profound understanding of what makes a great off-roader.
For the Bronco RTR, enhancements include ‘high clearance suspension’ paired with standard 33-inch off-road tires—a combination never before available on regular Broncos (https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-driven/2022-ford-bronco--ph-review/45329). This setup promises unique off-road capabilities that set it apart from other Bronco models. While the 2.3 Ecoboost engine remains largely intact, it now boasts a robust 1,000-watt fan to maintain optimal temperatures during desert adventures, along with an anti-lag software adjustment to keep the turbo primed for action. This technology aims to deliver immediate power when navigating challenging sandy conditions where waiting for turbo boost isn't an option. Clearly, it’s built with purpose and performance in mind.
For those with even loftier off-road aspirations—and a bit more financial flexibility—the Sasquatch package will be available, featuring HOSS 3.0 suspension with Fox dampers for enhanced performance. Regardless of whether buyers opt for this upgrade, all Bronco RTRs will showcase the distinctive RTR grille, fender flares, and custom wheels. While bold graphics and Hyper Lime accents are not mandatory, choosing the RTR spec seems to naturally invite a complete aesthetic approach. As Healy notes, “You can automatically see the attitude of the vehicle is very capable. You know it’s going to be an absolute blast to drive before you even get behind the wheel.” So, yes, those graphics are pretty much essential!
Aside from these modifications, the Bronco remains relatively unchanged; adding luxurious seating or extensive accessories could significantly raise the overall price. The RTR team emphasizes that this vehicle aims to ‘democratize high-speed performance,’ but as the price climbs, that goal becomes increasingly challenging to achieve. Currently, the most expensive four-cylinder Bronco retails for about $55,000, so a price point around $60,000—or approximately £45,000 based on currency conversions—would likely generate substantial interest in the RTR variant.
“Bronco has a remarkable racing heritage that inspires us, and the Raptor model has paved the way in high-speed off-roading that customers rave about. We kept these aspects in mind while developing the Bronco RTR,” said Healy. “We recognize that many performance enthusiasts may not have the budget for a Bronco Raptor. Our mission with the Bronco RTR was to find that sweet spot where high-speed off-road performance meets great value for thrill-seeking Bronco fans. It occupies a truly unique niche within the Bronco lineup.” While it’s worth noting that this lineup is currently only available in the U.S., having exciting fast Fords available somewhere is certainly better than none at all. Plus, history shows that numerous special Mustangs (https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/19619619) have been successfully imported over the years—so why not Broncos too?
