Does the Ford Bronco use a lot of gas?
In brief, the Ford Bronco is not a fuel-sipping compact SUV. Its fuel economy depends heavily on configuration: the smaller 2.3L EcoBoost models are the most efficient, while the larger 2.7L V6 and heavy off-road setups consume more gas.
Engine options and fuel economy basics
Fuel efficiency on the Bronco varies with the choice of engine, transmission, door count, tire size, and whether you’re running it in standard on-road or off-road mode. Ford offers a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder as the base engine and a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 for those who need more torque for rugged terrain. Transmission choices (manual vs. automatic) and axle gear ratios also influence real-world mpg. Off-road packages, large tires, and roof-mounted gear can further depress fuel economy.
Fuel economy by configuration
- 2.3L EcoBoost with 4x4 and automatic transmission: typically in the low 20s mpg combined, with highway figures in the low to mid-20s and city mpg in the teens to low 20s depending on tire size and equipment.
- 2.3L EcoBoost with manual transmission or different axle/gear setups: similar or modestly lower combined mpg compared with the automatic, again highly dependent on tires and accessories.
- 2.7L twin-turbo V6 with 4x4 and automatic transmission: generally in the high teens to around 20 mpg combined, with more noticeable drops if the vehicle is loaded for off-road use or outfitted with oversized tires.
These figures reflect typical EPA estimates and real-world variations. In practice, the Bronco’s mpg can swing several mpg up or down based on tires (especially large off-road tires), roof racks, and the extent to which you use off-road drive modes.
Concluding note: essential factors that drive fuel efficiency include engine choice, drivetrain (2WD vs 4WD), tire size, and how aggressively you drive or how often you roam off-road. Heavier gearing and off-road equipment tend to tighten the numbers.
Maximizing fuel economy on a Bronco
If fuel economy matters, consider these practical steps and how they apply to Bronco configurations and ownership. The following tips are designed to help you squeeze more miles per gallon without compromising your capability.
- Choose the smaller engine (2.3L EcoBoost) when possible and avoid heavy off-road packages if you don’t need maximum off-road capability.
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure; under-inflated tires waste energy and reduce efficiency.
- Limit roof rack use when it’s not needed; roof attachments increase aerodynamic drag and can lower mpg.
- Use economy or normal driving modes for highway cruising and smooth acceleration to wind down fuel use.
- Maintain a light load and remove unnecessary accessories to reduce weight and drag.
- Plan trips to minimize idling and take advantage of gentle, steady speeds on highways.
- Keep up with maintenance (air filters, spark plugs, oil changes) to ensure the engine runs efficiently.
Even with these practices, the Bronco remains a rugged, purpose-built SUV. If you prioritize maximum fuel economy, tailor your configuration (engine, tires, and equipment) to your typical use case and avoid heavy off-road gearing for daily driving.
Off-road trade-offs and real-world considerations
Offline adventure features—like large tires, lockers, and advanced four-wheel-drive systems—impose a fuel penalty. While these capabilities enable serious trail performance, they also tend to reduce mpg in everyday driving. Real-world fuel economy will often be lower than the EPA estimates once you’re exploring rocky terrain or towing Gear and camping equipment.
Given current model years and common configurations, the Broncos with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine offer the best balance of capability and efficiency, while the 2.7L V6 emphasizes torque and trail performance at the cost of higher fuel consumption. Your exact mpg will hinge on the precise build, tires, and how you use the vehicle.
Summary
The Ford Bronco is not a fuel-efficient vehicle in the light-duty sense; its consumption ranges from the low 20s mpg combined for the 2.3L EcoBoost with standard gear to the high teens or around 20 mpg combined for the 2.7L V6, with significant variations based on tires, roof racks, payload, and off-road use. If maximizing miles per gallon is a priority, select the 2.3L EcoBoost with efficient tires and avoid heavy off-road packages for everyday driving, and follow practical fuel-saving tips. For enthusiasts who value off-road capability, be prepared for higher fuel usage in challenging conditions.
Bottom line
The Bronco’s gas usage depends on how you configure and use it. It’s not a low-gas vehicle by design, but with careful choices and mindful driving, you can achieve reasonable efficiency while enjoying its rugged versatility.
