2027 Ford Bronco RTR Review: Price, Specs, Release Date
Let me tell you a little story. A few years back, I stood in the dusty pits of a desert race in Nevada. Watching trophy trucks scream past at 100 mph, the sound was deafening. Additionally, I imagined the 2027 Ford Bronco RTR delivering a fraction of this thrill to my daily driver. Ultimately, it seems Ford heard that wish. Enter the 2027 Ford Bronco RTR — a collaboration between the Blue Oval and Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s RTR Vehicles. Additionally, this isn’t just another trim level. It’s a factory-backed, desert-bred, anti-lag-equipped off-roader that slots perfectly between the trail-focused Badlands and the fire-breathing Bronco Raptor. Moreover, think of it as the Raptor’s younger sibling who went to college, got a degree in engineering. It still knows how to party on the weekends. But here’s the million-dollar question.Moreover, is the 2027 Ford Bronco RTR worth your cash, or is it just a sticker package with a name?
What Is the 2027 Ford Bronco RTR?
The RTR stands for Ready to Rock (in my head, anyway) — though officially, it’s the brainchild of Ford’s partnership with RTR Vehicles, the same folks behind the Mustang RTR. The philosophy? Bring championship-winning motorsport engineering to the everyday enthusiast without making them sell a kidney.
According to Loren Healy, RTR off-road racer: “Bronco has great racing heritage to take inspiration from, and Raptor has blazed a trail in high-speed off-roading that customers love. We kept those things in mind with Bronco RTR.”
Translation: This thing is built to glide over dunes like a desert pre-runner, not just crawl over rocks. And honestly, that’s a breath of fresh air. There are plenty of rock-crawlers out there, but a factory-built high-speed desert runner that doesn’t cost Raptor money? That’s rare.
Release Date and Price: When Can You Get One?
Let’s cut to the chase — the numbers. The **2027 Bronco RTR starts at $50,495 before destination and delivery** (which will tack on about $1,995, bringing the real-world base price to roughly $52,500).
Here’s the kicker: A fully loaded RTR — with the Hyper Lime appearance package, the RTR graphics package, and the Sasquatch Package with RTR Suspension — comes in **just under $60,000** before destination. Compare that to the Bronco Raptor’s starting MSRP of around $81,990, and you’re looking at a $31,500 gap.
Orders are opening in late 2026, and first deliveries are expected in January 2027 — so you’ve got a little time to convince your significant other that this is a “practical family vehicle.”
Is It a Bargain?
Honestly? Yes. The RTR borrows components from the Bronco Raptor (like the beefier steering gear and the 1,000-watt cooling fan) while using the more affordable 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. It’s a masterclass in parts-bin engineering that keeps the price down without watering down the experience.
Exterior Design: A Love Letter to Desert Racing
Front View: Mean, Squared, and Ready to Bite
The first thing you’ll notice is the squared-off fender flares — a departure from the rounded arches you see on other Broncos. It gives the RTR a more aggressive, motorsport-inspired stance. The signature LED lighting is standard, and the grille gets a unique RTR treatment that says, “I’m not just here for the grocery run.”
Side View: Wide Track, 33s, and Beadlock-Capable Wheels
The RTR rides on a wide-track HOSS 1.0 suspension with a factory lift, paired with 33-inch all-terrain tires wrapped around unique 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels. This combo has never been offered on a Bronco before, and it shows — the stance is confident without being obnoxious.
You also get rock rails as standard, which is a nice touch for those who actually take their Bronco off-road (you know, like it’s designed for). And the side profile keeps that classic boxy Bronco silhouette, so you’ll never mistake it for anything else.
Rear View: The Raptor’s Little Brother
Around back, the RTR gets signature LED taillights and a Ford Racing heavy-duty modular front bumper if you opt for the Sasquatch package. The rear is clean and purposeful — no over-the-top spoilers or silly vents. It’s functional, and I respect that.
Optional Appearance Packages
Want to turn heads even more? Ford offers two appearance packages:
- Hyper Lime Appearance Package — Adds exclusive RTR accents and that signature lime-green color on the exterior.
- RTR Appearance Graphics Package — Throws some motorsport-inspired graphics down the sides.
Are they necessary? No. Will they make your Bronco look like it just rolled out of a Forza livery editor? Absolutely.
Interior Design: Hyper Lime Explosion (In a Good Way)
The Most Expressive Interior in the Bronco Lineup
Ford claims the RTR has the “most expressive interior in the Bronco lineup,” and after seeing it, I believe them.
The cabin is dominated by Hyper Lime accents — you’ll find that bright green on the seatbelts, grab handles, air vents, and even the stitching. It’s bold. It’s loud. And honestly? It’s kind of awesome.
Kellie Walters, Bronco Color and Materials Designer, put it perfectly: “We took the functional design and usability customers expect in a Bronco and paired it with the vibrant touches that differentiate the Bronco RTR exterior to make sure that every commute reminds you of weekends off the map.”
Unique Touches That Show RTR’s Attention to Detail
Here are some details that genuinely impressed me:
- Embossed RTR logos on the seatbacks — A subtle premium touch.
- Topographical graphics across the dashboard — Connects the interior to the exterior’s off-road personality.
- Unique RTR welcome screen — Displays on startup because, let’s be honest, we all love a little digital flair.
- Heated front seats and dual-zone climate control as standard — Because even desert runners deserve comfort.
Is the Hyper Lime Too Much?
Look, if you’re the kind of person who wears neutral colors and drives a beige Camry, this might be a bit much. But if you’re buying a desert-running Bronco with anti-lag and beadlock wheels, you probably don’t mind a little personality. The Hyper Lime is intentional and energetic — it’s not random; it’s a statement.
Engine and Performance: Anti-Lag Magic in a 2.3L Package
The Heart of the Beast
Under the hood, the Bronco RTR uses Ford’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. That’s the same output as the standard Bronco 2.3L, but Ford has added something special: anti-lag turbo technology.
What Is Anti-Lag and Why Should You Care?
If you’ve ever driven a turbocharged car, you know about turbo lag — that brief pause between pressing the gas and feeling the boost. Anti-lag technology keeps the turbo spooled up even when you’re off the throttle, eliminating that lag. It activates in the car’s Baja drive mode, which is basically Ford’s way of saying, “Go have fun in the sand.”
Honestly, this is the kind of tech you’d expect in a rally car or a purpose-built desert racer. Having it in a factory Bronco is genuinely cool.
Cooling Upgrades from the Bronco Raptor
Ford didn’t stop at anti-lag. The RTR also gets a 1,000-watt cooling fan borrowed from the Bronco Raptor, which keeps engine temperatures in check during sustained high-speed off-road abuse. That’s the kind of detail that separates a poser from a proper performance machine.
Transmission and Drivetrain
All RTRs come with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The four-door body style is the only option, which makes sense — this is meant to be a usable, daily-drivable off-roader.
Suspension: HOSS 1.0 Standard, HOSS 3.0 Optional
- Standard: Wide-track HOSS 1.0 suspension with a lift and 33-inch tires.
- Optional (Sasquatch Package with RTR Suspension): HOSS 3.0 with Fox Internal Bypass Dampers, 35-inch tires, and a heavy-duty modular front bumper.
The Sasquatch upgrade is the one to get if you’re serious about high-speed desert running. Those Fox dampers are the real deal.
Detailed Specifications Table
| Specification | Bronco RTR (Standard) | Bronco RTR (Sasquatch w/ RTR Suspension) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft | 325 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD |
| Suspension | HOSS 1.0 (wide-track) | HOSS 3.0 with Fox Internal Bypass Dampers |
| Tires | 33-inch all-terrain | 35-inch all-terrain |
| Wheels | 17-inch beadlock-capable | 17-inch beadlock-capable |
| Front Bumper | Standard | Ford Racing heavy-duty modular |
| Cooling Fan | 1,000-watt (from Bronco Raptor) | 1,000-watt (from Bronco Raptor) |
| Anti-Lag | Yes (Baja mode) | Yes (Baja mode) |
| Seating | 4-door, 5-passenger | 4-door, 5-passenger |
| MSRP (before destination) | $50,495 | Under $60,000 (fully loaded) |
| Destination Fee | ~$1,995 | ~$1,995 |
| Release Date | January 2027 | January 2027 |
Pros and Cons: The Honest Truth
Pros
- Unbeatable Value — You get Raptor-adjacent hardware for tens of thousands less. The $31,500 gap between a base RTR and a base Raptor is staggering.
- Anti-Lag Technology — This is genuine motorsport tech that makes the 2.3L feel punchier than its numbers suggest.
- Raptor-Sourced Components — The steering gear, cooling fan, and suspension tuning all benefit from the Raptor’s development.
- Head-Turning Style — Squared fenders, beadlock wheels, and that Hyper Lime interior make it impossible to ignore.
- Factory-Backed — Unlike aftermarket builds, this comes with a full warranty and Ford’s engineering seal of approval.
Cons
- Only the 2.3L Engine — Some enthusiasts will be disappointed that the 2.7L EcoBoost isn’t available. The RTR is strictly a four-cylinder affair.
- No Two-Door Option — If you prefer the classic short-wheelbase Bronco look, you’re out of luck.
- Hyper Lime Isn’t for Everyone — It’s bold, and bold means divisive. Some will love it; others will reach for the neutral color palette.
- Fuel Economy Unknown — Ford hasn’t released official MPG figures yet, but don’t expect miracles from a lifted, 33-inch-tire-equipped 4×4.
- It’s Not a Raptor — If you need 418 horsepower and a twin-turbo V6, you’ll have to pay Raptor money. The RTR is a different flavor, not a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the 2027 Ford Bronco RTR?
A: It’s a new trim level developed in collaboration with RTR Vehicles, positioned between the Bronco Badlands and Bronco Raptor. It focuses on high-speed desert performance with anti-lag technology, a wide-track suspension, and 33-inch tires.
Q: How much does the 2027 Bronco RTR cost?
A: The base MSRP is $50,495** before destination. A fully loaded model with all packages comes in **just under $60,000 before destination and delivery.
Q: When can I buy a 2027 Bronco RTR?
A: Orders open in late 2026, and first deliveries are expected in January 2027.
Q: Does the Bronco RTR have anti-lag?
A: Yes. The 2.3L EcoBoost engine features anti-lag technology that activates in Baja drive mode, keeping the turbo spooled for instant throttle response.
Q: What’s the difference between the Bronco RTR and Bronco Raptor?
A: The RTR uses a 2.3L four-cylinder with 300 hp, while the Raptor has a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 with 418 hp. The RTR is also significantly cheaper — about $31,500 less than a base Raptor.
Q: Does the Bronco RTR come in a two-door version?
A: No, the RTR is only available as a four-door model.
Q: What is the Sasquatch Package with RTR Suspension?
A: It’s an optional upgrade that adds 35-inch tires, HOSS 3.0 suspension with Fox Internal Bypass Dampers, and a Ford Racing heavy-duty modular front bumper.
Q: Is the Bronco RTR good for daily driving?
A: Absolutely. With heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a 10-speed automatic, it’s perfectly livable. Just don’t expect Prius-level fuel economy.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy One?
Here’s the thing — the 2027 Ford Bronco RTR isn’t trying to be the ultimate off-roader. It’s not trying to out-crawl a Wrangler or out-muscle a Raptor. What it is trying to do is deliver 90% of the Raptor experience for 60% of the price, and by all accounts, it nails that brief.
The anti-lag tech is a genuine differentiator. The Raptor-sourced cooling and steering components give it real durability. And that Hyper Lime interior? It’s a conversation starter, for better or worse.
If you’re in the market for a factory-backed desert runner that can handle the daily commute without breaking the bank, the Bronco RTR deserves a serious look. It’s the kind of vehicle that makes you want to find the nearest dirt road and see what happens.
Your Turn: What Do You Think?
Is the Bronco RTR the sweet spot of the Bronco lineup, or would you rather save up for the full Raptor? Drop a comment below and let me know. And if you’re lucky enough to get behind the wheel of one, tell us how that anti-lag feels in Baja mode.
Ready to build yours? Head over to Ford’s website, configure your dream RTR, and start counting down the days until January 2027.
Don’t forget to share this article with a fellow off-road enthusiast — because misery loves company, but so does excitement.
