Ford Bronco Fuel Efficiency and Tank Capacity: A Comprehensive Guide
The Ford Bronco has made a triumphant return to the automotive market, capturing the hearts of off-road enthusiasts and SUV lovers alike. As potential buyers consider this rugged vehicle, one crucial factor to examine is its fuel efficiency and tank capacity. This comprehensive guide will explore the fuel economy, tank sizes, and range across different Bronco variants and generations.
Fuel Tank Capacity
The fuel tank capacity of the Ford Bronco varies depending on the model and body style:
2021-2024 Ford Bronco (6th Generation)
• 2-Door Models: 16.9 gallons (64 liters)
• 4-Door Models: 20.8 gallons (79 liters)
• Bronco Raptor: 21.2 gallons (80 liters)
The larger tank in 4-door models provides extended range for longer adventures, while the Raptor’s slightly larger tank compensates for its increased fuel consumption due to its high-performance nature.
Historical Bronco Fuel Tank Capacities
• 1st Generation (1966-1977): 14.5 gallons (55 liters)
• 2nd Generation (1978-1979): 23 gallons (87 liters)
• 3rd Generation (1980-1986): 23 gallons (87 liters)
• 4th Generation (1987-1991): 23 gallons (87 liters) standard, 32 gallons (121 liters) optional
• 5th Generation (1992-1996): 23 gallons (87 liters) standard, 32 gallons (121 liters) optional
It’s interesting to note that older Bronco generations often had larger fuel tanks, likely due to less stringent fuel efficiency standards and different design priorities of the time.
Fuel Efficiency Across Bronco Variants
The fuel efficiency of the Ford Bronco varies significantly depending on the engine, transmission, and drivetrain configuration. Let’s break down the fuel economy for different variants of the current generation:
| Bronco Variant | Engine | Transmission | City (mpg) | Highway (mpg) | Combined (mpg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Door (Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks) | 2.3L EcoBoost | 10-speed Automatic | 20 | 22 | 21 |
| 2-Door (Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond) | 2.3L EcoBoost | 7-speed Manual | 20 | 22 | 21 |
| 4-Door (Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks) | 2.3L EcoBoost | 10-speed Automatic | 20 | 21 | 20 |
| 4-Door (Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond) | 2.3L EcoBoost | 7-speed Manual | 20 | 21 | 20 |
| 2-Door (Wildtrak, Badlands) | 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 10-speed Automatic | 17 | 19 | 18 |
| 4-Door (Wildtrak, Badlands) | 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 10-speed Automatic | 17 | 18 | 17 |
| Bronco Raptor | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 10-speed Automatic | 15 | 16 | 15 |
As we can see from the table, the 2.3L EcoBoost engine paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission offers the best fuel economy across the Bronco lineup. The more powerful 2.7L and 3.0L EcoBoost engines sacrifice some efficiency for increased performance.
Fuel Efficiency in Metric Units (KM/L)
For our readers more familiar with the metric system, here’s a conversion of the fuel efficiency figures to kilometers per liter (KM/L):
| Bronco Variant | Engine | City (KM/L) | Highway (KM/L) | Combined (KM/L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Door (2.3L EcoBoost) | 2.3L EcoBoost | 8.5 | 9.3 | 8.9 |
| 4-Door (2.3L EcoBoost) | 2.3L EcoBoost | 8.5 | 8.9 | 8.5 |
| 2-Door (2.7L EcoBoost V6) | 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 7.2 | 8.1 | 7.6 |
| 4-Door (2.7L EcoBoost V6) | 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 7.2 |
| Bronco Raptor | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 6.4 |
Factors Affecting Fuel Efficiency
Several factors can impact the real-world fuel efficiency of a Ford Bronco:
1. Driving conditions: Off-road driving, which the Bronco excels at, typically results in lower fuel efficiency compared to highway driving.
2. Tire size and type: Larger, more aggressive off-road tires can decrease fuel economy due to increased rolling resistance.
3. Vehicle weight: Additional equipment and accessories can add weight, reducing fuel efficiency.
4. Driving style: Aggressive acceleration and high-speed driving consume more fuel than smooth, steady driving.
5. Climate: Extreme temperatures can affect fuel efficiency, with very cold or hot weather potentially decreasing MPG.
6. Altitude: Higher altitudes can impact engine performance and fuel efficiency.
7. Fuel quality: Using the recommended grade of fuel ensures optimal engine performance and efficiency.
Maximizing Fuel Efficiency in Your Bronco
To get the most out of your Bronco’s fuel tank, consider these tips:
1. Maintain proper tire pressure: Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and fuel consumption.
2. Regular maintenance: Keep your Bronco in top shape with regular oil changes and tune-ups.
3. Use cruise control: On highways, cruise control can help maintain a steady speed and improve fuel efficiency.
4. Avoid excessive idling: Turn off the engine if you’re stopped for more than a minute.
5. Plan your trips: Combine errands to reduce overall driving distance.
6. Remove unnecessary weight: Take out any equipment or cargo you don’t need for your current trip.
7. Use the recommended fuel grade: While the Bronco can run on regular fuel, premium fuel may provide better performance and efficiency, especially in the higher-output engines.
Fuel Efficiency Comparison with Competitors
To put the Bronco’s fuel efficiency into perspective, let’s compare it with some of its main competitors:
| Vehicle | Engine | City (mpg) | Highway (mpg) | Combined (mpg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Bronco (2-Door, 2.3L) | 2.3L Turbo I4 | 20 | 22 | 21 |
| Jeep Wrangler (2-Door) | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 22 | 24 | 23 |
| Toyota 4Runner | 4.0L V6 | 16 | 19 | 17 |
| Land Rover Defender 90 | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 18 | 21 | 19 |
While the Jeep Wrangler slightly edges out the Bronco in fuel efficiency, the Ford offering still provides competitive fuel economy in its segment, especially when compared to larger SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner.
Historical Perspective: Bronco Fuel Efficiency Through the Years
It’s interesting to note how fuel efficiency has improved over the Bronco’s long history:
• 1st Generation (1966-1977): 10-14 mpg combined
• 2nd Generation (1978-1979): 12-15 mpg combined
• 3rd Generation (1980-1986): 13-16 mpg combined
• 4th Generation (1987-1991): 13-17 mpg combined
• 5th Generation (1992-1996): 14-18 mpg combined
• 6th Generation (2021-present): 15-21 mpg combined
This progression demonstrates the significant advancements in engine technology and vehicle design over the decades, resulting in more fuel-efficient vehicles despite increased power and capabilities.
The Ford Bronco offers a range of fuel tank capacities and efficiency levels across its various models and generations. While not the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the market, it provides a good balance of performance, off-road capability, and reasonable fuel economy for its class.
The 2.3L EcoBoost engine, especially when paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission, offers the best fuel efficiency in the current Bronco lineup. However, those seeking more power can opt for the 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engines, with a moderate trade-off in fuel economy.
When considering a Bronco purchase, it’s important to factor in your specific needs, driving habits, and the type of terrain you’ll be tackling most often. By understanding the fuel tank capacity and expected fuel efficiency, you can better plan your adventures and make an informed decision about which Bronco variant best suits your lifestyle.
Remember that real-world fuel efficiency may vary based on driving conditions, maintenance, and individual driving style. By following best practices for fuel-efficient driving and keeping your Bronco well-maintained, you can maximize your vehicle’s range and minimize fuel costs, allowing you to enjoy more of the open road – or off-road – adventures that the Bronco was built for.