Ford Is Giving the Bronco a New Off-Road Package — and It’s Raising Interest for 2027

Ford has teamed up with RTR Vehicles to create a factory-built off-road package that slots between the standard Bronco trims and the top-tier Raptor. The 2027 Ford Bronco RTR debuts with features like 33-inch rugged-terrain tires, high-clearance suspension, and race-derived anti-lag turbo technology, bringing serious capability at a lower price point than the Raptor. Order banks open in October 2026, with deliveries starting in January 2027.

The collaboration brings RTR founder Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s racing expertise directly to the factory floor, following the same approach used for the 2026 Mustang RTR. This marks a shift from RTR’s traditional aftermarket business model to an official partnership where Ford and RTR developed the Bronco using knowledge from off-road racing at events like King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley, California.

The new model aims to attract younger off-road enthusiasts with its distinctive styling elements, including RTR’s signature lighting, front grille, Hyper Lime graphics, and 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels. Beyond the visual upgrades, the package includes hardware previously reserved for higher-end Bronco models, making serious off-road capability more accessible to a broader range of buyers.

2027 Ford Bronco RTR Off-Road Package: Features and Upgrades

The 2027 Ford Bronco RTR brings a factory-built performance package developed with RTR Vehicles that slots between the Badlands and Raptor models. Ford equipped this new variant with high-speed desert running hardware and distinctive styling cues aimed at making serious off-road capability more accessible.

RTR and Ford Collaboration for the Bronco

Ford partnered with RTR Vehicles founder Vaughn Gittin Jr. and two-time King of the Hammers champion Loren Healy to develop the Bronco RTR as a factory-built model. The team tested prototypes in Johnson Valley during development, using lessons learned from their King of the Hammers championship victories. Bronco chief program engineer Ed Krenz explained that the goal was finding a sweet spot for high-speed off-road performance while keeping the price below Bronco Raptor levels.

The collaboration marks the second chapter of Ford’s motorsport partnership with RTR Vehicles. Healy noted that the brief was clear: deliver serious performance for enthusiasts who can’t necessarily afford a Bronco Raptor while maintaining the competition-derived expertise RTR brings to the table.

Key Hardware and Technology Enhancements

The Bronco RTR comes standard with a high-clearance suspension and 33-inch tires, a combination never before offered on a Bronco from the factory. Ford chose the turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission specifically for its lighter weight, which makes the SUV more responsive in sand.

Ford upgraded the 2.3-liter engine with the 1,000-watt cooling fan from the Bronco Raptor and added a software-operated, race-derived anti-lag system for instant throttle response. When buyers opt for the Sasquatch package, the Bronco RTR steps up to 35-inch Goodyear rugged-terrain tires and includes the HOSS 3.0 suspension with FOX Internal Bypass Dampers as standard equipment.

The RTR only comes as a four-door model, focusing on desert pre-runner capabilities rather than rock crawling.

Bronco RTR Design, Styling, and Color Options

The Bronco RTR features distinctive styling elements that set it apart from other models in the Bronco lineup. A new grille with RTR signature lighting, Bronco RTR-specific Evo 6 wheels, and heritage-inspired wheel arches give the SUV its unique appearance.

Available Avalanche Gray paint and Hyper Lime accents create bold visual statements on the trail. The Hyper Lime graphics and accents give the RTR what Healy described as a bright and loud presence that stands out. Ford designed these styling touches to blend RTR’s motorsport attitude with Bronco’s functional design philosophy, creating what the Blue Oval calls a vehicle with competition pedigree built for the next generation of off-roaders.

Performance, Capability, and Package Options

The new Bronco RTR package centers on enhanced power delivery and suspension technology designed for serious off-road use. Ford equips this variant with turbo advancements and specialized damping systems that set it apart from standard models.

2.3-Liter EcoBoost Turbo and Anti-Lag Tech

Ford borrowed technology from the Bronco Raptor to power the RTR variant. The package uses a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine equipped with a race-derived anti-lag system that maintains turbo boost pressure between shifts. This anti-lag turbo technology eliminates the traditional turbo lag that affects throttle response during aggressive driving.

The anti-lag turbo works by keeping exhaust gases flowing through the turbine even when the driver lifts off the accelerator. This means the turbo stays spooled and ready to deliver immediate power when the driver gets back on the throttle. The setup pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission designed to handle the demands of desert pre-runner and rock crawler applications.

Suspension and Off-Road Upgrades

The RTR package includes HOSS 3.0 suspension with Fox internal bypass dampers that provide position-sensitive damping. These Fox internal bypass shocks adjust their resistance based on suspension travel, offering comfort during normal driving while preventing bottoming out over harsh terrain.

Ford fits the RTR with 33-inch all-terrain tires mounted on RTR Evo 6 wheels. The package also features a wider track than standard Bronco models for improved stability. A 1,000-watt cooling fan helps manage engine temperatures during extended off-road sessions, particularly important for events like King of the Hammers where sustained high-load operation is common.

The high-clearance suspension geometry differs from both the Badlands and Badlands Sasquatch configurations. While the Sasquatch package on the Badlands trim offers 33-inch rugged-terrain tires, the RTR version focuses specifically on desert racing applications rather than general trail use.

Bronco RTR Pricing and Availability

Ford announced the RTR package will arrive for the 2027 Bronco model year. The company has not released official pricing details, though the package will likely command a premium over the standard Badlands trim given its specialized components and limited production status. The 2026 Bronco already offers seven different models, and the RTR adds another performance-focused option to the lineup.

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