CASEY WILLIAMS | Auto Reviewer
AutoCasey@AOL.com
Sixty years is a long time to build anything, but the Ford Bronco has proven to be especially resilient. From very basic early models to the full-size truck-based versions during the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s all the way to today’s Ranger-based bruisers, the Bronco has evolved to meet each decade’s desires and needs. It looks especially fetching in “60” livery.
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2026 Ford Bronco OBX 60
Five-passenger, 4×4 SUV
Powertrain: 2.7-liter TV6, 10-spd trans
Output: 330hp/415 lb.-ft. torque
Suspension f/r: Ind/Solid axle
Wheels f/r: 17-inch/17-inch alloy
Brakes f/r: disc/disc
Towing: 3,500 lbs.
Fuel economy: 17/17 mpg city/highway
Assembly: Wayne, Mich.
Base/As-tested price: $41,295/$67,070
Likes:
- Classic style
- Thoughtful interior
- Ridiculous capability
Dislikes - Harsh ride
- Fuel economy
- Lofty price
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Even though it’s based on the mid-size Ranger platform, today’s Bronco absolutely dwarfs the original. And yet, you can park them side-by-side and know they are spliced from the same DNA. Both wear round headlamps, removable tops and rectangular eggcrate grilles with “BRONCO” spelled across them. Originals were all two-door, but the current generation is available in a family-friendly four door version.
Add 60 Livery with creamy Wimbledon White paint (popular on ’60s Mustangs, T-Birds and Broncos), “60” logos, red stripes and a white roof for a nod to the past. Our Outer Banks edition comes fortified with some other accoutrement like tow loops, 17-inch wheels shod in all-terrain tires and a rear-mounted spare with white cover.
Getting inside is not for the short of stature as it’s a pretty good heave to plop up. But once there, check out the white seat faces, “60” logos in the backrests and the anniversary plaque on the console. I like the contrasting light-on-dark styling to add style and lighten the interior some.
The silvery dash panel gleams with BRONCO spelled across in red to echo the grille.
As the Outer Banks trim level, ours is loaded with luxuries like 12-speaker B&O audio, heated front seats, heated steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control. Proving it’s no longer in the ’60s, the dash is dominated by flatscreen gauges and a 12-inch infotainment display that connects phones wirelessly through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Charge them wirelessly in the console.
You can remove panels above the driver and above the rear seats, or you can remove the roof altogether for your choice of open air enjoyment.
Our Bronco was equipped with Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 suite of safety systems that include adaptive cruise, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, lane keep assist and rear cross path detection.
Base Broncos come with a turbo-four, but our truck runs with a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 producing a stout 330 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque. I like the available manual transmission, but I have to admit: The 10-speed automatic is a better choice for negotiating daily traffic.
As expected with a powerful brick, fuel economy rates a terrible 17/17 mpg city/highway.
Some might argue solid front axles enhance off-road capability, and there’s something to that, but I much prefer the independent set-up on the Bronco. A front stabilizer bar keeps it under control. There’s a lot less shaking and bouncing over regular roads, and handling is much more stable through weekend backroads.
The Sasquatch Package includes a rear locking differential, front locker and adjustable G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Almost any Terrain) modes to adjust the powertrain for varying conditions. The Bronco still rides pretty rough, even with big fat tires, so you’ll be constantly reminded of that capability.
Maybe you want the Bronco’s looks without its stiff ride. Ford has a smaller option: The Bronco Sport. Sharing architecture with the Escape and Maverick, it’s a proper crossover with smaller dimensions and fully independent suspension. Properly equipped, it’s surprisingly capable, too and prices start at $10k less than the big one.
Our Bronco’s price reflects its heritage and capability. Base models with two doors, soft tops and manual transmission start at $41,295. Our 60th Anniversary Outer Banks Sasquatch came to $67,070, making it strong competition for the Jeep Wrangler Land Rover Defender, Mercedes G-Wagen and Toyota Land Cruiser.
Storm Forward!
Send comments to Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com; follow him on YouTube @AutoCasey.