2025 vs 2026 Ford Bronco: Updates to Off-Road Hardware, Ride Comfort, and Trail Displays

Choosing between a 2025 and 2026 Ford Bronco requires understanding exactly what changed. The 2026 model brings targeted updates rather than a complete redesign. At Stivers Ford of Montgomery, we help buyers navigate these differences daily, and the right choice depends on which features matter most for your needs. Ready to explore our new Ford Bronco inventory? Let’s break down what Ford changed for 2026.

2026 Ford Bronco: Key Updates at a Glance

The 2026 Ford Bronco represents an evolutionary update focused on convenience features, trim configuration adjustments, and connectivity enhancements. Ford didn’t redesign the body dimensions or alter the overall silhouette.

Several notable changes define the 2026 model year. A-pillar grab handles became standard across all trims. The Stroppe Edition shifted from two-door-only to four-door-only configuration. Ford introduced the 60th Anniversary Package exclusively for Outer Banks trim, bundling the Sasquatch Package with heritage-inspired styling cues including Wimbledon White paint, Vermillion Red accents, a special Warm Alloy grille, 35-inch Goodyear tires on 17-inch Gravity Gray alloy wheels, and 60th Anniversary badging inside and out.

Here’s where it gets interesting for the Badlands trim: the stabilizer bar disconnect moved from standard equipment to an optional add-on for models without the Sasquatch Package. This is a notable trade-off for budget-conscious off-road enthusiasts.

Other updates include transmission flexibility for Heritage Edition buyers (the 10-speed automatic now pairs with the 2.3L engine), expanded color customization for 4-door Badlands models, simplified roof options, and the new Ford Connectivity Package offering unlimited Wi-Fi hotspot access and streaming capabilities. Contact our team to discuss how these changes impact your specific needs.

Exterior Design and New Color Options

The 2026 Bronco maintains the same exterior dimensions as the 2025 model, but Ford expanded color choices. The 2026 lineup adds Avalanche to the standard palette, while Wimbledon White debuts exclusively with the 60th Anniversary Package on Outer Banks trims, available as a full-body color or paired with a Ruby Red Metallic body and Wimbledon White roof.

The Heritage Edition gains four new options: Marsh Gray, Oxford White, Velocity Blue, and Desert Sand. For comparison, the 2025 model featured Azure Gray, Eruption Green, and Robin’s Egg Blue (colors no longer available for 2026).

The 4-door Badlands trim now offers 37 mix-and-match body and roof combinations, letting buyers create more distinctive looks without stepping up to higher trim levels.

Trim and Configuration Changes for 2026

Stroppe Edition and 60th Anniversary Package

After offering the Stroppe Edition exclusively on two-door models in 2025, Ford moved it to four-door-only availability, reflecting market demand for more practical daily-driver configurations with Stroppe’s heritage-inspired styling and off-road enhancements.

The 60th Anniversary Package debuts as an Outer Banks exclusive, commemorating six decades of Bronco history. This special edition includes the Sasquatch Package as standard equipment. The exclusive Wimbledon White finish adds visual distinction.

Badlands Off-Road Hardware Changes

In 2025, all Badlands models included the front stabilizer bar disconnect as standard equipment. For 2026, Ford moved this feature to an optional add-on for Badlands models without the Sasquatch Package. Buyers seeking Badlands capability without the Sasquatch upgrade now face an extra cost to maintain the same functionality their 2025 counterparts received as standard.

Heritage Edition and 4-Door Badlands Updates

Heritage Edition buyers gain transmission flexibility for 2026. For the 2025 model year, the 10-speed automatic on the Heritage Edition required the 2.7L V6 engine. The 2026 model pairs the 10-speed automatic with the 2.3L inline-4 engine, giving Heritage Edition enthusiasts automatic transmission convenience without mandating the V6 upgrade.

The 4-door Badlands trim’s expansion to 37 body and roof color combinations addresses a common frustration from 2025 buyers who found color pairing options restrictive.

Roof Options and Ford Connectivity Package

Ford simplified roof configurations for 2026, streamlining to a soft top add-in option rather than offering multiple dual-top packages. This reduces complexity during ordering while focusing on the most popular configuration.

The Ford Connectivity Package represents the most significant technology addition for 2026. This package includes one year of unlimited Wi-Fi hotspot access, audio and video streaming capabilities, and voice assistant functionality. After the complimentary year, buyers can purchase a seven-year subscription. Our financing options help Montgomery-area buyers factor these technology packages into their purchase plans.

Powertrain: What Stays the Same for 2026

All three powertrain options carry over unchanged. The 2.3L inline-4 delivers 300 horsepower, the 2.7L V6 produces 330 horsepower, and the Raptor’s 3.0L V6 generates 418 horsepower. Transmission options, AWD systems, and G.O.A.T. modes remain identical.

Compare 2025 and 2026 Ford Broncos at Stivers Ford of Montgomery

Making Your Decision

Choose the 2026 Ford Bronco if you want standard A-pillar grab handles, prefer the Stroppe Edition in four-door configuration, need Heritage Edition flexibility with the 2.3L engine and automatic transmission, or value the Ford Connectivity Package. The 60th Anniversary Package appeals to collectors, while the expanded color combinations on 4-door Badlands models attract buyers who prioritize personalization.

Choose the 2025 Ford Bronco if you want Stroppe Edition in two-door configuration, need standard stabilizer bar disconnect on Badlands without paying extra, prefer 2025-exclusive colors like Azure Gray or Eruption Green, or find that the 2026 updates don’t justify any price difference. The mechanical capability remains identical between model years.

Visit Stivers Ford of Montgomery

We invite you to explore our new Ford Bronco inventory at Stivers Ford of Montgomery, where we stock both 2025 and 2026 models. Stop by our Montgomery location at 4000 Eastern Bypass to test drive both model years side-by-side, or call our sales team at (888) 825-8308 to discuss current availability and pricing.

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