Is Ford Bronco a safe vehicle?
The Bronco generally offers strong safety equipment and solid crash-test performance for its class, but official ratings vary by model year and trim. Verify the exact configuration you’re considering with NHTSA and IIHS data for the most up-to-date results.
Safety technology that comes with the Bronco
The Bronco is built with a contemporary suite of driver-assistance features, with availability tied to trim level and optional packages. Here are the capabilities buyers should look for when evaluating safety.
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Detection
- Lane-Keeping System with Lane Centering
- Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Coverage
- Cross-Traffic Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control (where equipped)
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Safety Suite availability varies by trim and options
These features are designed to help avoid collisions and assist in maintaining awareness of the vehicle’s surroundings, though they are not a substitute for attentive driving, especially in off-road conditions where terrain can be unpredictable.
How official crash tests have treated the Bronco
Crash-test results in the United States are published by NHTSA and IIHS and can differ by model year, body style (two- vs. four-door), and trim. The Bronco’s structure and safety features generally perform well in many tests, but outcomes vary based on configuration and the specific test category (frontal, side, rollover, headlighting, etc.). Always check the exact year and trim you’re evaluating against the latest official data.
- NHTSA results: Overall ratings and individual-category scores can vary by year and configuration, with many recent Bronco versions earning favorable results in frontal and side tests but showing variability in rollover resistance due to its tall, body-on-frame design.
- IIHS results: Ratings for crashworthiness and headlights have varied by year and trim. Some configurations perform well in moderate overlap tests, while headlight effectiveness has influenced IIHS classifications for certain model years.
Because crash-test results are year- and trim-specific, prospective buyers should review the exact model-year data from NHTSA and IIHS when comparing Bronco configurations.
Choosing a Bronco with safety in mind
When selecting a Bronco, buyers should consider which safety features and packages are included, as well as how the vehicle will be used. Here is a practical guide to prioritize safety-related decisions.
- Target a trim or package that includes Ford Co-Pilot360 Safety Suite, ensuring features like AEB, blind-spot monitoring, and cross-traffic alert are present.
- Verify the availability of adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance for the trim you’re considering.
- Assess the potential trade-offs between two-door and four-door configurations, as body style and weight distribution can influence rollover risk and crash-test outcomes in some tests.
- For off-road use, consider additional safety gear and driver training to compensate for reduced traction on uneven terrain and to mitigate risk during extreme maneuvers.
In practice, the safest choice is the Bronco configuration that combines strong crash-test performance with a full suite of driver-assist technologies, installed from the factory or added via packages, and paired with attentive driving habits and appropriate off-road safety practices.
Summary
The Ford Bronco can be a safe choice within its class, offering modern driver-assist technologies and a robust chassis suited to both on-road and off-road use. However, official safety ratings vary by model year and trim, so it’s essential to review the exact NHTSA and IIHS results for the specific configuration you’re considering. When shopping, prioritize a model with comprehensive safety features and stay mindful of the vehicle’s handling characteristics and terrain-specific risks.
