Do new Broncos have solid axles?
New Broncos do not use a pair of solid axles. They pair independent front suspension with a solid rear live axle. This setup aims to balance comfortable on-road handling with robust off-road capability.
Suspension design at a glance
The Bronco’s architecture blends modern ride quality with rugged off-road performance. Ford’s approach emphasizes a capable front end for articulation and steering, while the rear axle provides durability on rough terrain.
Front suspension
The Bronco uses an independent front suspension with coil springs and a multi-link arrangement. This configuration supports substantial wheel travel and improves steering feel across varied surfaces, especially when combined with off-road tuning and selectable drive modes.
- Independent front suspension with coil springs
- Multi-link geometry to maximize wheel travel
- Rack-and-pinion steering paired with off-road dampers on selected trims
- Consistent design across most trims, with adjustments by package
Front-end design emphasizes on-road predictability and off-road articulation, delivering a smoother daily drive while preserving capability when the trail gets tough.
Rear suspension
The Bronco’s rear is a solid rear live axle arrangement, typically with coil springs and a five-link setup. This configuration prioritizes durability and axle articulation for challenging terrain, while still offering everyday ride comfort. Several trims also offer electronic locking differentials and upgraded shocks via packages.
- Solid rear live axle with coil springs
- Five-link design for controlled articulation
- Available electronic locking differential on the rear axle
- Package-driven shock upgrades for tougher off-road use
In practice, the combination of a front independent suspension and a rear solid axle provides a versatile balance: capable off-road performance with acceptable on-road comfort.
Why the layout matters for off-road and on-road use
Suspension choices influence ride smoothness, articulation, ground clearance, and steering feel. Independent front suspension typically yields better on-road ride and cornering, while a solid rear axle helps maintain contact with uneven ground during climbs and rock crawling.
- Improved on-road ride quality from the independent front suspension
- Robust articulation and durability from the rear solid axle
- Availability of locking differentials and engineering tune-ups via packages
Ford designed the Bronco to handle a spectrum of environments—daily commuting, trail riding, and extreme off-road challenges—without sacrificing everyday drivability.
Packages that influence suspension feel and capability
Several off-road-oriented packages adjust tires, shocks, and ground clearance, subtly changing how the suspension behaves while keeping the core layout intact. Key options include:
- Sasquatch package: larger tires, upgraded shocks, and increased ground clearance for enhanced trail capability
- Badlands and related trims: tougher dampers and protective components suited to rugged terrain
- Raptor variant (where offered): performance-oriented tuning for more aggressive off-road use
These packages enhance capability and suspension tuning but do not convert the Bronco’s fundamental front-independent, rear-solid-axle layout.
Summary
In short, the latest Ford Bronco does not have a pair of solid axles. It uses a front independent suspension paired with a solid rear live axle, a combination chosen to deliver a comfortable daily drive and solid off-road performance. Depending on trim and optional packages, buyers can tailor tire size, dampers, and ground clearance to suit their preferred mix of on-road usability and off-road prowess.
Is the new Bronco a unibody?
No, the standard Ford Bronco is not a unibody vehicle; it uses a traditional body-on-frame construction, similar to the Ford Ranger. The Bronco Sport, however, is a unibody vehicle, sharing a platform with the Ford Escape.
You can watch this video to see a comparison of the Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport: 53sMaie HavenYouTube · Apr 23, 2025
- Ford Bronco: A body-on-frame SUV designed for serious off-roading, with higher durability and more capability for towing and rugged terrain.
- Ford Bronco Sport: A unibody SUV that integrates the body and chassis, resulting in a lighter weight, a smoother ride, and better fuel economy for more everyday driving and less extreme off-roading.
What is the difference between the 2025 and 2024 Ford Bronco?
The main differences are that the 2025 Ford Bronco receives more technology and comfort upgrades, a revised trim lineup, and a quieter ride, while the 2024 Bronco offered a broader selection of trims and a more traditional off-road focus. Key 2025 upgrades include a standard 12-inch digital gauge cluster, an improved infotainment system, and more durable interior materials, but the 2025 also sees the discontinuation of trims like the Black Diamond and Wildtrak.
This video demonstrates the exterior differences between the 2024 and 2025 Ford Bronco Sport models: 1mThe Car GuysYouTube · Mar 22, 2025
2025 Ford Bronco vs. 2024 Ford Bronco
| Feature | 2025 Bronco | 2024 Bronco |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Technology | Standard 12-inch digital gauge cluster and updated Sync 4 infotainment system. | 8-inch digital cluster on most models. |
| Comfort & Materials | More durable interior materials and improved comfort options. | Less durable and advanced interior materials. |
| Trims | Base trim reintroduced, Stroppe Edition added, and trims like Black Diamond, Everglades, and Wildtrak discontinued. | Wider selection of trims available, including Black Diamond, Everglades, and Wildtrak. |
| Sound | Quieter ride due to enhanced sound deadening. | Less sound deadening, resulting in a louder ride. |
| Performance | Same engine options as 2024. | Same engine options as 2025. |
| Off-road Capability | Sasquatch Package now available on the Base trim. | Sasquatch Package was not available on the Base trim. |
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This video shows the exterior differences between the 2024 and 2025 Ford Bronco Sport models: 1mjmcGarageYouTube · Jan 26, 2025
Does the Ford Bronco have solid axles?
With the exception of the Raptor, all Broncos currently receive a Dana 44 (M220) solid rear axle, which uses a four-link with track bar suspension configuration. Synergy uses adjustable control arms and track bar to properly dial in the axle given the new suspension height.
What are the cons of the new Ford Bronco?
Loud Road Noise
One of the first 2025 Ford Bronco Cons we will go over is the load road noise for the Bronco. The road noise and wind can be heard from the inside, especially with the soft top option. The off-road tires can add to the loud noise, as well as the open-air configurations can reduce sound insulation.
