Are old Ford Broncos good on gas?

Old Ford Broncos, particularly those from the 1960s and 1970s, are not known for their fuel efficiency. These classic SUVs were designed with a focus on off-road capability and rugged performance, rather than optimizing for gas mileage.

Factors Affecting Fuel Economy of Old Ford Broncos

Several factors contribute to the relatively poor gas mileage of older Ford Broncos:

• Engine Design: Early Bronco models were equipped with large, powerful V8 engines that prioritized torque and horsepower over fuel efficiency. These engines were not designed with modern fuel-saving technologies.


• Aerodynamics: The boxy, upright design of the classic Bronco bodies creates significant wind resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency at higher speeds.


• Weight: Older Broncos were built with heavy, solid construction, making them significantly heavier than modern SUVs. The additional weight requires more fuel to move the vehicle.


• Transmission: Many early Broncos were equipped with manual transmissions or older automatic transmissions that were less efficient than modern gearboxes.

As a result, most vintage Ford Broncos from the 1960s and 1970s can be expected to achieve fuel economy in the range of 12-18 miles per gallon, depending on driving conditions and individual vehicle specifications.

Improving Fuel Efficiency of Old Ford Broncos

While the inherent design of classic Broncos makes it challenging to significantly improve their fuel economy, there are some modifications that can help:

• Engine Upgrades: Swapping the original engine for a more modern, fuel-efficient V8 or even a V6 engine can provide a noticeable boost in gas mileage.


• Transmission Upgrades: Replacing the transmission with a modern, overdrive-equipped automatic or manual gearbox can also improve fuel efficiency.


• Aerodynamic Modifications: Adding features like a front air dam or streamlined bumpers can help reduce wind resistance and improve highway fuel economy.


• Tire and Wheel Upgrades: Switching to lighter wheels and tires can reduce the overall weight of the vehicle, contributing to better gas mileage.

However, it's important to note that these modifications can be costly and may not always be practical or desirable for owners who prioritize the authentic, vintage character of their classic Ford Bronco.

How many miles per gallon did the old Ford Bronco get?

12-18 mpg
In comparison, the early Bronco models ranged in the vicinity of 12-18 mpg based on the specific engine and configuration.

Are the old Ford Broncos reliable?

If maintained well over the years, vintage Ford Broncos can be remarkably reliable. Their simple mechanical design, robust construction, and solid axles were built to last. That's the good news. However, as is typical of vehicles from that era, they do come with inherent quirks.

How good is a Ford Bronco on gas?

No, Ford Broncos are not generally considered good on gas, as their off-road focus means fuel efficiency is secondary to performance. The Bronco Sport, however, is a more fuel-efficient option, with some models getting up to 29 MPG on the highway. Fuel economy varies widely depending on the model, engine, and how it's driven, ranging from about 16 MPG for the most powerful Raptor models to over 20 MPG on highway for some standard configurations.
 
Ford Bronco (full-size)

• Fuel efficiency is a trade-off for performance: The larger Bronco prioritizes off-road capability over fuel economy. 
• MPG varies by model: Fuel efficiency depends heavily on the engine, trim, and drivetrain. 
  • The 2-Door 2.3L model has a high of about 22 MPG on the highway. 
  • The Bronco Raptor has the lowest fuel economy, with highway MPG around 16. 
  • The 4-Door 2.7L model gets around 19 MPG on the highway. 
• User experiences can differ: Real-world mileage can be lower than EPA estimates due to factors like driving style, terrain, and customizations like larger tires. 

Ford Bronco Sport

• More fuel-efficient: The Bronco Sport is a smaller, crossover-style SUV that is more efficient than the larger Bronco. 
• 1.5L EcoBoost engine: The 1.5L engine in the 2024 and 2025 Bronco Sport can achieve up to 25 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. 
• 2.0L EcoBoost engine: The more powerful 2.0L engine offers an EPA-estimated 21 MPG city / 26 MPG highway. 
• Lower fuel costs: The improved fuel economy can lead to significant savings on gas. 

Which Ford Bronco is best on gas?

The Ford Bronco Sport has the best gas mileage, with some models getting up to 29 MPG highway thanks to its 1.5L EcoBoost engine. For the larger Ford Bronco, the most fuel-efficient version is the base 4-door model with the 2.3L engine and an automatic transmission, which gets an EPA-estimated 22 MPG highway.
 
Ford Bronco Sport

• 1.5L EcoBoost engine: This engine achieves up to 29 MPG on the highway and 25 MPG in the city.
• 2.0L EcoBoost engine: This option provides more power and gets up to 26 MPG on the highway and 21 MPG in the city. 

Ford Bronco (mainline)

• 2.3L engine: The 4-door model with a 10-speed automatic transmission is the most efficient, rated at 22 MPG highway and 19 MPG city. 
• 2.7L engine: The 4-door model with this engine is rated at 19 MPG highway and 17 MPG city. 
• Sasquatch Package: This package, which includes larger tires, decreases fuel economy on any model. 
• Bronco Raptor: The performance-oriented Raptor has the lowest gas mileage, rated at 16 MPG highway and 15 MPG city. 

Factors that affect MPG

• Engine: The smaller 2.3L and 1.5L engines are more efficient than the larger 2.7L and 3.0L engines. 
• Drivetrain and packages: The Sasquatch package, which includes off-road tires, lowers fuel economy. Heavier models and larger tires create more drag and reduce mileage. 
• Driving style: Driving aggressively will significantly lower your MPG compared to a smooth driving style.