Ford Motor is doubling down on the Bronco brand with the introduction of a new performance-focused SUV designed to bridge the gap between mainstream trims and the ultra-premium Raptor. The automaker announced it will add the Bronco RTR to its lineup, offering buyers a balance of everyday drivability and serious off-road hardware.

Set to arrive as a 2027 model year vehicle, the Bronco RTR will become the eighth variant in the Bronco family. It slots below the high-performance Bronco Raptor while borrowing several design cues and functional components that signal its off-road intent.

Positioned as a gateway to the Raptor

Ford is describing the Bronco RTR as a “more attainable” performance model, though it stops short of calling it budget-friendly. Company executives declined to share exact pricing, but the model is expected to sit between the Bronco Heritage Edition, which starts at $51,475, and the Bronco Raptor, which typically carries a price tag close to $80,000. For context, the base Bronco currently starts at around $40,000.

Ed Krenz, Bronco’s chief program engineer, said the new model is designed to lower the barrier to entry for buyers who want a performance-oriented Bronco without jumping straight to the Raptor.

“The difference is the access point and the accessibility,” Krenz said. “This can very much be seen as a step into the Raptor family.”

Performance and powertrain details

Under the hood, the Bronco RTR will be powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The same engine produces 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque in the Ford Mustang, delivering a balance of performance and efficiency. By comparison, the Bronco Raptor uses a larger 3.0-liter V6 producing 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque.

While it won’t match the Raptor’s raw output, Ford says the RTR’s tuning and hardware are aimed at enthusiasts who want strong off-road capability combined with more approachable performance for daily driving.

Design cues and off-road capability

Visually, the Bronco RTR closely resembles the standard Bronco but features unique design elements and off-road-focused components inspired by the Raptor. These include upgraded suspension components and styling tweaks that reinforce its performance positioning without pushing it into full race-bred territory.

Ford has not released full specifications yet, but the company emphasized that the RTR will deliver a noticeable step up in capability compared with non-performance trims.

Partnership with RTR Vehicles

The Bronco RTR marks Ford’s second collaboration with RTR Vehicles, the performance brand founded by professional driver Vaughn Gittin Jr. The first RTR collaboration debuted last year with a special-edition Ford Mustang, also unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show.

Gittin said the Bronco RTR reflects a shared vision of delivering enthusiast-focused vehicles that remain within reach of a broader audience.

“This is another dream come true for myself and my team,” he said. “The goal is to build something that’s attainable, affordable, and still delivers the looks and capability that only RTR and Ford can create together.”

Timing and broader strategy

Ford said the Bronco RTR will be available to order in October, with sales expected to begin in January 2027. The rollout aligns with the company’s broader strategy of leaning into its most recognizable and profitable nameplates, including Bronco, Mustang, and F-150, as it navigates a competitive and rapidly evolving auto market.

By expanding the Bronco lineup with a mid-tier performance option, Ford is aiming to capture buyers who want more than a standard SUV but are not ready to commit to the price and intensity of a full Raptor. The Bronco RTR is intended to fill that gap, reinforcing Bronco’s position as one of Ford’s most versatile and enthusiast-driven brands.

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