When the Ford Bronco launched in the U.S. in 2021, I wrote a lot about it, hoping it would come to Europe, and I had already “driven” it in Forza Horizon 5.
In the end, it did arrive in Europe, though only in its long-wheelbase version and with the least powerful engine available. I’ve now driven it in real life, and I had an absolute blast.
Ford Bronco: our tops & flops
Like all off-roaders of this size, it’s a niche vehicle. But if you’re looking for a car that’s fun to drive, with a rugged aesthetic that’s actually well-finished inside, and a real eagerness to get dirty, then the Ford Bronco is for you. Compared to its rival, the Wrangler—which in Europe is only available as a hybrid—the Bronco is purely American. That means it’s massive in both size and engine: a 2.7L twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost producing 335 hp and 563 Nm of torque. It’s not at all friendly to your wallet, and its dimensions are practically extinct in Europe, but it delivers a great sound and surprisingly decent road manners while being incredibly capable off-road. This beast can climb and tackle rough terrain with ease. In short, the Bronco is far from fuel efficiency concerns or emission limits—it’s all about the driving experience and fun.
What we like
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You can take it anywhere
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Extremely comfortable inside
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Great technology
What we don’t like
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Noticeable wind noise at high speeds
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Very high fuel consumption
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Limited rear visibility
Prices in Scandinavia
The only Scandinavian country where the Bronco is currently available is Sweden, with prices from 1,049,000 SEK.
Ford Bronco: a car full of history
The Bronco was first introduced in 1966 as Ford’s response to the Willys Jeep, the predecessor of the Wrangler. For five generations, until 1996, it was one of the best options for those in America (it had never been sold in Europe) looking for a tough, all-terrain vehicle. After a 25-year absence, the Bronco returned in 2021 with a more aggressive design and features that make it a truly modern off-roader.
A fun fact? The Bronco became globally famous in 1994 when O.J. Simpson led police on a televised chase in a white Ford Bronco. Another notable detail is the Mustang’s iconic horse emblem, which was adapted for the Bronco with a wilder, bucking version to reflect its untamed nature.
Like the Wrangler, the Bronco features a body-on-frame design, large knobby tires, and locking differentials on both axles. It also has a manually removable modular roof. The design pays tribute to the first generation, with round LED headlights split by a horizontal strip, a large rectangular grille, small LED taillights, and grab handles scattered around the exterior for added functionality.
Inside, the Bronco feels authentic and robust. The driving position is commanding, offering a dominant road view, interrupted only by hood-mounted grab handles—perfect for securing a kayak or other outdoor gear. The layout is ergonomic, with separate physical controls for heating, ventilation, and audio, rubberized waterproof switches, a matte-finish touchscreen, and a fully digital, customizable instrument cluster.
There’s plenty of headroom, and the doors have mesh storage pockets to keep items from getting damaged. Two average-height adults will be comfortable in the rear seats, though fitting five people would be tight. The trunk is spacious, with 471 liters of capacity. The side-opening tailgate has its downsides, but the rear window opens separately, making it easier to load smaller items.
A cool feature is the pull-out cargo floor, which extends from the trunk to create a bench seat, similar to the split tailgate found in Range Rovers. It’s a clever and practical addition for outdoor adventures.
So much fun!
On the road, it’s clear that the Bronco isn’t built for asphalt. The top speed is limited to 150 km/h, and at speeds over 100 km/h, wind noise becomes noticeable, even with music playing through the Bang & Olufsen sound system. The ride quality isn’t the best, with the suspension relying heavily on the large tires for absorption, but the real issue is the noise level inside the cabin.
Despite its size and weight (2,418 kg), the 2.7L V6 EcoBoost makes it surprisingly quick, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds. However, fuel consumption is high, with figures below 6 km/l.
Off-road is where the Bronco truly shines. It has multiple terrain-specific driving modes, lockable differentials, and the ability to deactivate certain safety systems. The powerful V6 allows it to climb nearly anywhere, even handling steep angles and muddy conditions with ease. The electronic systems play a big role in maximizing its off-road potential.
So, while it’s not a car that fits neatly into European standards, it’s one of the most fun vehicles to drive. With its high driving position, it gives a sense of freedom and power that few other cars can match. The Ford Bronco is an outlier in Europe—big, loud, and inefficient. But if you want a true off-roader that delivers pure driving fun, it’s hard to beat.
