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How many gears does a Ford Bronco have?

The Bronco’s gear count varies by generation and transmission. Classic models typically used a 3‑speed manual, while modern Broncos offer a 7‑speed manual or a 10‑speed automatic, depending on the engine and trim.


Gear counts by Bronco era


Below is a concise overview of common forward-gear counts across major Bronco eras. Note that “gears” here refer to forward transmission speeds, not the gears in a transfer case.



  • Classic Broncos (1966–1977): Typically came with a 3‑speed manual; a 3‑speed automatic was available on certain configurations, though manual transmission was the default for most early models.

  • Second‑generation Broncos (1978–1996): Commonly paired with 4‑speed automatic transmissions; some trims offered manual options, often 4‑ or 5‑speed manuals in specific configurations.

  • Modern Broncos (2021–present): Offers a 7‑speed manual transmission with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine, and a 10‑speed automatic with both the 2.3L and 2.7L EcoBoost engines. Most trims use the 10‑speed automatic.


For off‑road enthusiasts, it’s also worth noting that the Bronco’s transfer case provides low‑range gearing, which is separate from the primary transmission gears and affects crawl ratios and low‑speed performance.


Modern era specifics


In the current lineup, the 7‑speed manual is available with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine, while the 10‑speed automatic is offered with both the 2.3L and the larger 2.7L EcoBoost. Availability can vary by trim and market, so checking the exact configuration for a given model year is advised.


Summary


The Ford Bronco’s gearing has evolved over time. If you’re looking at a classic model, expect 3 forward gears in the manual era. For the modern Bronco, you generally have a choice between a 7‑speed manual (with the 2.3L engine) and a 10‑speed automatic (with both the 2.3L and 2.7L engines). Always verify the specific transmission in a given vehicle year and trim, as options can change.

How many gears does a Bronco have?


A 10-speed automatic transmission with Trail Control is standard on the Outer Banks, Wildtrak, and First Edition models of the 2021 Ford Bronco. While a 7-speed manual transmission is standard on the Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, and Badlands models. Automatic Transmission Standard: Outer Banks.



Why is no one buying Broncos?


And over the last couple of years there are certain models of the Broncos with dealer markups of $5,000 to $10,000. And some even reaching $20,000. Over MSRP. Which has now led to the Broncos.



Why does the Ford Bronco have 10 gears?


The Ford 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission offers a wide gear ratio span, from a low first gear at 4.696 to a high tenth gear at 0.636, with three overdrive gears. This gear spread helps optimize engine performance and fuel efficiency, especially during acceleration and towing.



What is the C gear on a Ford Bronco?


Direction. That's how you get into crawl. And this is so groundbreaking because this means that we have a regular usable first gear for around town. And then you've got a crawl gear for off-roading.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.