Are Broncos front or rear wheel drive?
The Ford Bronco is a four-wheel-drive vehicle. It is built around off-road capability, with 4WD systems standard across the lineup rather than being offered as a purely front- or rear-wheel-drive SUV.
Drivetrain fundamentals
Here are the core features that define how Bronco models drive in different conditions, including traction, low-range gearing, and controlled power delivery on uneven terrain.
- Two-speed transfer case with high and low range for serious off-road crawling.
- Intelligent 4WD or 4x4 with selectable terrain modes for different surfaces (Terrain Management System).
- Optional electronic locking rear differential (and on higher trims, front differential options) to maximize traction when wheels slip.
- G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) with settings for mud, sand, rock, snow, and more.
- Durable hardware such as skid plates and enhanced approach/departure angles designed for rough trails.
In practice, these features mean Broncos are designed to distribute power to multiple wheels as needed, rather than relying solely on one axle. The 4WD system is central to their performance in off-road conditions and on challenging surfaces.
Model-specific notes
Full-size Bronco (two- and four-door)
The full-size Bronco uses a robust 4x4 system with a two-speed transfer case, and higher trims offer front differential locking and electronic rear locking differential options. These features are aimed at serious off-roading and rock crawling scenarios.
Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport is the smaller, unibody family member that also emphasizes four-wheel-drive capability. It uses a capable AWD/4WD configuration with terrain modes tailored for traction on dirt, snow, and slick pavement. It is not offered as a front-wheel-drive-only model.
Note: Ford markets both the full-size Bronco and the Bronco Sport with 4WD or AWD configurations rather than conventional 2WD. If you are shopping, verify the drivetrain on the exact trim you’re considering, as features like locking differentials and low-range gearing are not universal across all trims.
Buying tips and considerations
When evaluating a Bronco for a particular use-case, consider these factors:
- Intent: Off-roading enthusiasts should prioritize models with a two-speed transfer case and locking differentials.
- Variant differences: The full-size Bronco emphasizes rugged off-road capability; the Bronco Sport blends off-road ability with everyday practicality.
- Optional features: Check whether your chosen trim includes additional traction aids, skid plates, and the terrain-management system.
In short, Broncos are not front- or rear-wheel-drive vehicles by design; they are engineered around four-wheel drive to maximize traction and capability in rough terrain.
Summary
The Ford Bronco lineup is built around four-wheel drive. Whether you choose the full-size Bronco or the Bronco Sport, the systems are designed to deliver power to multiple wheels for improved traction, control, and off-road performance. If you specifically want strong 4WD performance, confirm the trim’s 4x4/4WD configuration, transfer case settings, and locking differential options before purchasing.
Is the Ford Bronco 4WD or AWD?
The Ford Bronco is a 4x4 vehicle with a traditional part-time four-wheel drive system as standard, and many trims offer an optional Advanced 4x4 with Automatic On-Demand Engagement. The standard system allows you to manually switch between 2WD, 4H (four-wheel drive high), and 4L (four-wheel drive low), while the advanced system can automatically engage 4WD on paved roads when needed, making it more versatile for everyday driving in varying conditions.
This video explains the Ford Bronco's 4x4 traction system: 1mKalispell FordYouTube · Apr 25, 2024
Standard 4x4 system
- Part-time 4x4: This is the traditional system familiar to off-road enthusiasts.
- Manual engagement: You can manually select between 2WD, 4H (high range), and 4L (low range) using a transfer case.
- Best for: This system is designed for off-road use, where you manually engage 4WD for low-traction surfaces. Using 4WD on dry pavement can cause powertrain binding.
Advanced 4x4 system (optional)
- Automatic On-Demand Engagement: This system can automatically send power to the front and rear wheels as needed on varying road conditions.
- 4A mode: When the 4A (automatic) option is selected, the system electronically controls four-wheel drive, providing more traction on paved roads, rain, or snow without you having to manually switch modes.
- Best for: This option provides the best of both worlds, offering enhanced traction for everyday driving on slippery surfaces while still providing robust 4WD capability for off-road adventures.
Key takeaway
- Standard Bronco: Standard with part-time 4WD, which is excellent for off-roading but less convenient for daily use in mixed conditions.
- Upgraded Bronco: The optional Advanced 4x4 with automatic engagement provides the most versatility, automatically handling both on-road and off-road conditions with a dedicated 4A mode.
Is Bronco front or rear wheel drive?
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