Updated Ford Bronco: What Has Changed
Ford recently introduced a series of updates for the 2026 model year Bronco; however, judging by everything, the future of the model holds even more changes. Spy photographers managed to capture a prototype of the updated off-roader, which demonstrates certain changes to the exterior and interior.
The photos show a prototype of the Badlands version. At first glance, the car looks familiar, but upon closer inspection, key differences are noticeable. The most obvious is a completely new radiator grille. It features a fine mesh with square cells and an updated “Bronco” script.
New Wheels and Body Architecture
In addition to the grille, the off-roader received a new wheel design, likely 17-inch. They are fitted with rugged Goodyear Territory RT tires, and the wheels themselves appear to support beadlock technology for better tire retention off-road.
Photographers also noted that the prototype was undergoing testing on a particularly challenging course and on obstacles that test the approach, departure, and breakover angles, as well as wheel articulation.
The wheel arches have also undergone changes. They resemble those offered in the Sasquatch package for the current model but have differences. The front arches now have a flat design, unlike the current ones which curve on the outer edges. The lower part of the rear arches looks thicker and more uniform.
Interior Updates and Future Technologies
Changes have also affected the interior. The photos show a new dashboard upholstered in material with contrast stitching. This is a rather sophisticated detail, which, for example, the 2027 Bronco RTR model lacks. Such trim could become part of more expensive trims or a new option.
Ford CEO Jim Farley recently confirmed plans to release a hybrid version of the Bronco.
The eco-friendly version was first announced back in 2018, but then its development was postponed as the company focused on electric vehicles. Now that the company is betting on hybrids again, the Bronco Hybrid project has resumed.
The off-roader may also receive certain changes to its suspension. During testing, “some green plastic elements screwed to the underbody” were noticed on the prototype, and the tests themselves were likely filmed for further analysis by engineers.
The Bronco updates appear to concern not only cosmetic improvements to keep the model fresh but also the technical aspects. The emphasis on testing the suspension on complex obstacles may indicate a desire to further improve the vehicle’s off-road capabilities. The emergence of a hybrid version points to the model’s adaptation to modern market demands for efficiency while preserving its key off-road qualities. These changes could make the Bronco an even more competitive model in its segment, combining traditional power with modern technology.