Have you ever woken up with an irresistible desire to drive your car over a sand dune, only to realize that you have an electric bill and your bank account can't handle the words "Raptor"? I know the feeling. The world of off-roading has become a bit of a fashion statement—everyone wears hiking boots, but few actually step in the mud. But Ford, that old American giant that gave us the Mustang and freedom of movement, has a solution. It's called the 2027 Ford Bronco RTR. And no, this isn't just another sticker pack. This is serious business.
You might rolled their eyeswhen you hear that it's not a V8 roaring under the hood, but "only" 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinderBut before you close this tab, listen up. Ford and the RTR Vehicles team, led by a legend of drifting and off-road madness Vaughn Gittin Jr., they knew what they were doing. And they did – Ford Bronco RTR.
Instead of cramming a heavy engine into the nose, which would have turned the car into a bowed ship, they kept the nose light. The result? The car is “flickable” in corners and on dunes – manageable, playful and responsive. The engine is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission, but the real magic lies in the software. The engineers added an “anti-lag” system that comes straight from the world of racing.
“When you take your foot off the accelerator, the turbine stays in drive. That means when you step on the gas again, there’s no awkward silence before it kicks you in the back. The power is there. Instantly.”
Although official figures have yet to be confirmed, this engine produces around 224 kW (300 hp) and 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque in standard form. With the RTR upgrades, we can expect the feeling of speed to be even more intense. Top speed? Probably limited by the brick's aerodynamics, somewhere around 170 km/h (105 mph), but trust me, on the sand it feels like 300 km/h.
Built in a factory, tortured in hell
This is no “garage project.” The Ford Bronco RTR comes straight from the Ford factory in Michigan, but its development took place in Johnson Valley. For those of you who don’t know the place – it’s 38,000 hectares (96,000 acres) of sand, rocks and brutal bumps where the legends of King of the Hammers racing are born.
There, they drove thousands of miles to ensure that the 1,000-watt cooling fan (borrowed directly from its big brother, the Raptor) could handle even the most hellish temperatures. The car wasn't just tested to survive; it was tested to enjoy pain.
Two Paths to Nirvana: Standard or Sasquatch?
This is where it gets interesting. The base Ford Bronco RTR comes with a high-performance suspension and Bilstein shocks, as well as 33-inch (approx. 84 cm) all-terrain tires. It's a combination you couldn't get from the factory before.
But if you're the type of person who thinks bigger is always better, you can check out the Sasquatch package. This gets you 35-inch (approx. 89 cm) Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires and Ford's HOSS 3.0 suspension with Fox internal-bypass shocks.
What does this mean in practice?
Standard: Better dynamics on the road and fast gravel roads.
Sasquatch: The willingness to climb over your neighbor's fence without spilling your coffee.
The icing on the cake are the 17-inch RTR Evo 6 rims, which are beadlock-ready (to prevent the tire from coming off at low pressure) and widen the track by about 5 cm (2 inches). Visually, this means that the car stands on the road like a boxer, ready to attack.
Design: From “Hyper Lime” to “Stealth Mode”
If you want to stand out (and let's be honest, who buys a Bronco to hide?), there's the Hyper Lime paint job with graphics that mimic the topography of Johnson Valley. They've also included square fenders reminiscent of the classic Heritage Edition models, and a unique grille with signature RTR LED lights.
For those more introverted adventurers, there's a new Avalanche Gray color and the option to tone down the flashy accessories. But why would you? If you're riding an RTR, let the world know.
The interior follows function – rugged, but with enough technology to remind you that you’re living in the 21st century. The steering column and end caps are reinforced (again, inspired by the Raptor) to withstand the abuse you’ll inevitably put the car through.
Conclusion: People's Hero? Ford Bronco RTR
The 2027 Ford Bronco RTR is proof that the automotive industry hasn't completely lost its sense of humor and fun. Ford has taken a tried-and-true recipe, added a dash of Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s racing madness, and created a package that's more affordable than the Badlands Sasquatch (currently priced at around €48,000 / $52,500) but packs more character.
Orders open in October 2026, with first deliveries in January 2027. This is a car for those who understand that it's not how fast you go on the highway, but how wide your smile is when the asphalt runs out. Is this a Raptor for the poor? No way. This is a Raptor for those who prefer agility to raw power. And in a world of over-the-top SUVs, it's as refreshing as a cold beer after a long day in the desert.
