Can you get a new Bronco with a manual transmission?
At present, you cannot order a new Ford Bronco with a manual transmission—the lineup is offered with automatic transmissions only. For the current model years, Ford lists Bronco configurations with automatic transmissions, and there is no factory manual option on new builds. This article explains the current status, how the Bronco's powertrain options are configured, and what options remain for buyers who want a manual feel in off-road driving, including alternatives and caveats.
Current powertrain options for the Bronco
Before listing the options, here's a snapshot of what most buyers will see when they configure a new Bronco today. This section focuses on the transmission pairing offered by Ford for the modern Bronco lineup.
- Engine choices: The Bronco is equipped with two EcoBoost engines, typically paired with automatic transmissions in the current lineup.
- Transmission options: Automatic transmissions are the available pairing for all current Bronco configurations.
- Trim levels and packages: The lineup includes Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Badlands, and Wildtrak, with off-road packages, all mated to automatics.
For buyers seeking a manual experience, the path today is to look at used Broncos that originally offered a manual or to consider other brands that still offer factory manual options. This carries tradeoffs in warranty, parts availability, and condition in the used market.
Why the manual option has not persisted on new Broncos
Ford publicly discussed the idea of a manual transmission during Bronco development, but the option did not persist in production. Industry factors such as customer demand, supply chain constraints, and the complexities of producing a manual version in a high-volume off-road model contributed to Ford's focus on automatic configurations.
What this means for buyers
If having a manual transmission is essential, here are practical paths some buyers consider:
Before listing these options, note that each carries caveats such as availability, warranty impact, and potential resale considerations.
- Look for a used Bronco that was originally equipped with a manual transmission. Availability is limited, and condition and history matter a lot in this segment.
- Explore aftermarket or conversion options, understanding they can be costly and may void certain warranties or affect reliability and resale value.
- Consider competitors that still offer factory manuals in relevant off-road segments, such as the Jeep Wrangler, which offers manual transmissions in several trims.
In any case, verify the exact transmission and build sheet with the dealer before purchase, and be aware that non-factory changes can impact warranties and service support.
Bottom line and alternatives
The Bronco’s current generation is built around automatic transmissions for new orders. If a manual shutter of sorts is essential, alternative routes exist but come with significant tradeoffs, including warranty, maintenance, and resale considerations, and may require shopping for used specimens or choosing another brand with a factory manual option.
Summary
As of the 2024-2025 model years, Ford does not offer a factory manual transmission on new Broncos. For those who must have a manual, options include seeking a used Bronco that originally offered a manual, pursuing aftermarket conversions with caution, or looking at competitors such as the Jeep Wrangler that continue to offer factory manuals. Buyers should weigh availability, warranty implications, and long-term reliability when considering these paths. Always confirm the exact transmission when configuring or purchasing a Bronco.
