Ford is expanding the performance side of its Bronco lineup with a new off-road-focused model developed in partnership with RTR Vehicles. The upcoming 2027 Ford Bronco RTR is designed to deliver serious trail capability and aggressive styling while landing below the Bronco Raptor in the brand’s performance hierarchy. While the Raptor remains the most powerful and expensive Bronco currently offered, the RTR version introduces another factory-backed option aimed at buyers who want high-end off-road hardware without stepping into the Raptor’s price range. Orders for the new Bronco RTR will open in October, with the first deliveries expected in January 2027.
The collaboration between Ford and RTR, which stands for Ready to Rock, builds on a relationship that has already produced several special performance vehicles. This latest effort shifts the focus toward off-road capability, blending hardware upgrades with distinctive styling and motorsport-inspired technology. While Ford has not released pricing yet, the Bronco RTR is widely expected to land below the Raptor’s roughly $80,000 starting point, positioning it as a more accessible entry into the upper tier of Bronco performance.
Under the hood, the Bronco RTR runs a different powertrain than the Raptor. Instead of the Raptor’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, the RTR model uses Ford’s 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. The decision was tied in part to vehicle weight considerations, but it also keeps a clear separation between the RTR and the flagship Raptor model. Even without the larger engine, the turbocharged four-cylinder remains a proven performer in the Bronco lineup and delivers the responsiveness needed for off-road driving.
Where the Bronco RTR truly begins to separate itself is in its off-road hardware. The package includes 33-inch mud-terrain tires paired with a high-clearance suspension setup designed to improve capability on uneven terrain. That configuration gives the SUV a more aggressive stance while allowing drivers to tackle rough surfaces with greater confidence. Buyers looking for additional capability can opt for the Sasquatch package, which upgrades the Bronco RTR with 35-inch Goodyear rugged-terrain tires and additional suspension upgrades.
The Sasquatch option also brings Ford’s HOSS 3.0 suspension system into the mix, including Fox internal bypass shocks designed to absorb large impacts and maintain control during high-speed off-road driving. These upgrades push the Bronco RTR closer to the performance territory typically associated with the Raptor, giving it the hardware needed to handle demanding terrain while still operating on a different mechanical platform.
RTR’s influence extends beyond suspension components. The Bronco RTR also receives motorsport-inspired technology intended to enhance throttle response and performance. One of the most notable additions is a turbo anti-lag system integrated into the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. The software-controlled system maintains turbocharger boost pressure even when the driver lifts off the throttle, reducing lag and delivering faster power response when the accelerator is pressed again.
That type of technology is typically associated with racing applications where maintaining engine responsiveness is critical. By carrying it over to the Bronco RTR, Ford and RTR are leaning heavily into the vehicle’s performance identity. The anti-lag system was previously featured in another collaboration between the two companies, the Mustang EcoBoost RTR, which shares the same turbocharged engine platform.
The Bronco RTR also borrows hardware from its bigger sibling, the Bronco Raptor. A high-capacity 1,000-watt cooling fan originally developed for the Raptor is included in the package. The larger fan improves airflow and helps manage heat during demanding off-road driving conditions where engine temperatures can climb quickly. By using this component, Ford is reinforcing the RTR’s position as a serious off-road machine rather than a purely cosmetic special edition.
Visually, the Bronco RTR introduces a distinctive appearance package that separates it from other Bronco trims. One of the most noticeable design elements is the use of Hyper Lime accents on the exterior, which contrast sharply against the available Avalanche Gray paint. The color combination gives the SUV a bold look that mirrors styling choices seen on the Mustang EcoBoost RTR collaboration.
The visual upgrades extend beyond color accents. The Bronco RTR carries a more aggressive presence that aligns with its off-road mission, including the larger tires and suspension stance that elevate the body over the terrain. The overall design emphasizes durability and performance, with styling cues that reinforce the vehicle’s connection to Ford’s broader performance lineup.
Ford’s decision to expand the Bronco family with the RTR model reflects the ongoing demand for off-road vehicles that deliver both capability and personality. The Bronco has already reestablished itself as one of the brand’s most recognizable nameplates since its return to the market. By adding the RTR version, Ford is creating another option for buyers who want a performance-focused Bronco without stepping all the way into Raptor territory.
The move also continues Ford’s strategy of using collaborations with performance partners to develop unique factory-backed models. RTR Vehicles has been closely tied to Ford performance projects for years, particularly in drifting and enthusiast builds. Bringing that partnership into the Bronco lineup allows Ford to tap into RTR’s performance credibility while expanding the SUV’s appeal among off-road enthusiasts.
For buyers, the Bronco RTR represents a middle ground in the performance hierarchy. It sits above standard Bronco trims with additional hardware and technology, while remaining separate from the top-tier Raptor that dominates the high-end segment of the lineup. That positioning could make it a strong option for drivers who want serious trail capability but do not need the full power and price tag of the Raptor.
Orders for the 2027 Ford Bronco RTR are scheduled to open in October, with Ford expected to release final pricing and availability details at that time. The first customer deliveries are planned for January 2027. Until then, the Bronco RTR stands as the latest addition to Ford’s expanding performance SUV lineup, built to push deeper into the off-road space while giving buyers another factory-built option with serious capability.
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