The Bronco made its big return in 2021, and it’s been riding high on retro style, real off-road chops, and a steady stream of trims and tech upgrades ever since. No major overhauls have been confirmed for 2026, as of yet, but Ford may give this SUV mid-cycle refresh. There’s still plenty to talk about as we look ahead. Let’s break things down so you know what to expect in 2026 Ford Bronco changes and updates.
Key Takeaways
- 2026 may see a Bronco refresh, which could bring subtle style tweaks and added features.
- The 2.3-liter I-4 and 2.7-liter V6 powertrains will likely remain unchanged.
- A Bronco Hybrid—possibly even a plug-in—could finally make its debut!
A Possible Midcycle Refresh for the Bronco
Ford hasn’t confirmed what changes might be coming, but a refresh would likely include some mild design tweaks to the exterior and interior, plus the usual suspects: upgraded materials, added features, and maybe a new trim level or two.
Same Engines, Same Performance for the Bronco's New Model Year
Ford isn’t expected to touch the powertrain lineup for 2026, which means everything under the hood should carry over from the 2025 model year.
The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four delivering 275 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque on regular gas, or 300 horses and 325 lb-ft if you spring for premium. Fuel economy varies slightly, coming in around 16–20 mpg city and 17–21 mpg highway.
Buyers get a choice between a 10-speed automatic or a seven-speed manual transmission, and four-wheel drive comes standard regardless of which you choose. This engine is only available with the 10-speed automatic. Fuel economy sits around 17–18 mpg city and 17–20 mpg highway.
But 2026 might finally be the year the Bronco Hybrid makes an appearance. While Ford hasn’t officially confirmed anything, the idea has been floating around for years—and it would make sense now more than ever.
If it does show up, expect the hybrid Bronco to be based on the existing 2.3-liter turbocharged I-4, paired with an electric motor to bump up both power and efficiency.
When Will We See the 2026 Ford Bronco?
Whether you’re waiting for a greener version or just want to see what trims pop up next, 2026 could be another strong year for Ford’s rugged reborn icon. It goes into production this summer, and will likely be in the showroom this fall. Contact our salespeople for more information!