Is the Ford Bronco a full size SUV?
No. The Ford Bronco is not a full-size SUV; it is classified as a mid-size, body-on-frame SUV designed for off-road capability. The Bronco Sport is smaller, and Ford’s true full-size SUV in the lineup is the Expedition.
The Bronco family includes two distinct models: the traditional Bronco, which targets mid-size off-road performance with 2-door and 4-door configurations, and the Bronco Sport, a smaller, unibody crossover based on the Escape platform that emphasizes everyday practicality.
Size categories explained
Automotive classifications for SUVs in the United States hinge on overall length, wheelbase, and platform. Full-size SUVs are typically 210 inches long or longer with longer wheelbases and three-row seating, while mid-size SUVs run roughly 180–190 inches in length with shorter wheelbases. The Ford Bronco (non-Sport) lands in the mid-size category, whereas the Expedition sits in the full-size camp.
Bronco vs Bronco Sport
The Bronco is a mid-size, ruggedly built, body-on-frame SUV designed for off-road use and higher towing/capability. The Bronco Sport, by contrast, is a smaller, unibody model based on the Ford Escape, prioritizing efficiency and city or light-trail practicality over extreme off-road capability.
Key metrics that define size
Below are the measurements and design choices that help distinguish mid-size Bronco from full-size rivals. Note that dimensions vary by year and trim, but the general pattern holds across recent models.
- Overall length: Bronco 4-door around 190 inches; expedition models exceed 210 inches; Bronco Sport typically 172–176 inches.
- Wheelbase: Bronco around 116 inches; Expedition around 122 inches; Bronco Sport around 105–107 inches.
- Platform: Bronco uses a traditional body-on-frame chassis; Expedition is also body-on-frame; Bronco Sport uses a unibody, Escape-based platform.
- Seating capacity: Bronco seats up to 5; Bronco Sport seats up to 5; Expedition can seat up to 7–8 depending on configuration.
- Market positioning: Bronco is marketed as a rugged mid-size off-roader; full-size competitors include large SUVs like Tahoe/Yukon, Armada, and Expedition.
In practical terms, the Bronco’s footprint and architecture position it firmly in the mid-size segment. The Bronco Sport sits on the smaller end of Ford’s SUV lineup, while the Expedition remains Ford’s flagship full-size option.
Summary
Is a Ford Bronco bigger than a RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4 is eight inches longer than the Bronco Sport. Despite its larger dimensions, the RAV4 offers seven inches less total passenger volume than the Ford Bronco Sport.
Is a Bronco considered a full-size SUV?
After a 25-year hiatus, the sixth-generation Bronco was reintroduced in 2021 as a mid-size two-door SUV. It is also offered as a full-size four-door SUV with a 16 in (41 cm) longer wheelbase.
Is the Ford Bronco full-size?
Since the Ford Bronco has two size options, the Bronco's length ranges from 173.7 inches to 189.4 inches. However, the Bronco Sport is made for off-roading, so its slightly smaller size allows for more maneuverability on rough terrain or between trees. The Bronco Sport's length comes to only 172.7 inches.
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.
