Does the new Bronco have a transfer case?
The quick answer: Yes. In its four-wheel-drive configurations, the Ford Bronco uses a two-speed transfer case to provide low-range gearing for off-road driving. Models equipped only with rear-wheel drive (if available in a given market) do not use a transfer case. This article breaks down what that means for the Bronco’s capabilities and how it’s configured across the lineup.
What a transfer case does
A transfer case sits between the transmission and the front and rear axles, splitting torque and allowing the driver to engage four-wheel drive and, in most configurations, a low-range gear for challenging terrain. For the Bronco, the two-speed transfer case is what enables 4Hi and 4Lo settings, giving the vehicle extra traction and crawl ability when the going gets tough. This is a core part of the Bronco’s off-road personality and is most relevant on the 4x4-equipped models.
Bronco drivetrain options
Before examining the options in detail, it’s useful to know how the Bronco’s drivetrain is typically packaged across trims. The list below highlights the key points about whether a transfer case is present and how it’s operated.
- All 4x4 Bronco models use a two-speed transfer case to provide a low-range gear, enabling true off-road crawling and multi-terrain capability.
- The transfer case is usually controlled by an electronic selector or a console lever, allowing the driver to choose 2Hi, 4Hi, or 4Lo as conditions require.
- Bronco models configured with rear-wheel drive (where available) do not use a transfer case, since they do not offer 4x4.
In short, the transfer case is a defining feature of the Bronco’s off-road capability and is standard on its 4x4 configurations. It’s not used on 2WD setups, if offered in a given market or trim.
Trim-level nuance
Within the Bronco lineup, the presence and use of a transfer case align with the 4x4 system and the terrain-oriented features. Some trims emphasize off-road modes and Rock Crawl settings that tailor throttle response and the transfer case’s behavior for rugged terrain, while others focus more on on-road refinement. Regardless of trim, the core mechanical requirement for 4x4 and low-range gearing remains the transfer case.
What this means for buyers
For buyers prioritizing off-road capability, the Bronco’s two-speed transfer case is a central asset. It provides the low-range gearing that helps with steep climbs, rock crawling, and slow-speed maneuvering through mud or sand. If you’re considering a Bronco and want authentic four-wheeldrive performance, look for a 4x4-equipped model with the transfer case; if you only want two-wheel drive, you’d be looking at a configuration that omits 4x4 entirely.
Summary
The new Ford Bronco uses a two-speed transfer case on its 4x4 models, delivering low-range gearing for enhanced off-road capability. Two-wheel-drive Bronco variants do not include a transfer case. Across the lineup, the transfer case is a key enabler of the Bronco’s rugged performance and its selection of off-road drive modes.
