17 MPG combined. That’s what you can expect with a 2022 Ford Bronco Badlands 4WD with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6. To be clear, this isn’t a Prius, and no one buying a Bronco Badlands expects it to be. 17 MPG is what you’ll get in exchange for serious off-road capability, a reliable four-wheel-drive system, and a kind of rugged charm that few vehicles can match. This is a vehicle built for adventure, not hypermiling; fuel economy is less important than capability to its target customer.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that the 2022 Bronco Badlands 2.7L V6 will achieve 17 MPG in both city and highway driving. This figure reflects the Bronco’s boxy shape, off-road tires, and the engine and 10-speed automatic transmission tuning. The short gearing, which is optimized for crawling over rocks, doesn’t translate to great highway efficiency, and the weight of the heavy-duty components also plays a role. Some vehicles see a significant difference between city and highway MPG, but the Bronco’s relatively consistent fuel consumption shows that its aerodynamic limitations affect it at all speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Ford Bronco Badlands 4WD 2.7L is $2,600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices. Remember that this is an estimate! Your actual fuel costs could be higher or lower depending on how you drive, where you drive, and the price of gasoline in your area. If you primarily use your Bronco for short trips or frequently engage its four-wheel-drive system, expect to spend more than $2,600 per year on fuel. This figure is merely a baseline for comparison.

Real-world expectations

The EPA rating is a standardized test, but real-world fuel economy can vary widely. Bronco Badlands owners often report fuel economy figures that are slightly below the EPA estimates, especially if they frequently drive off-road or have added aftermarket modifications such as larger tires or a lift kit. Aggressive driving habits, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, will also reduce fuel economy. Drivers who are mindful of their driving habits and primarily use their Bronco for highway cruising might see figures closer to the EPA estimate, but nobody buys a Badlands for highway cruising. If you’re constantly in “Baja” mode, prepare for the worst! Check out BRONCO MPG across all years to see how other model years compare.

How it compares

The Bronco Badlands’ fuel economy places it alongside other off-road-focused SUVs. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, another benchmark for off-road capability, achieves around 19 MPG combined with its 3.6L V6 engine, which gives it a slight advantage over the Bronco. The Toyota 4Runner, known for its reliability, manages around 17 MPG combined with its 4.0L V6 engine, matching the Bronco Badlands, but offering less impressive off-road equipment in its standard configuration. Even the Land Rover Defender 110, a more luxurious off-roader, gets around 19 MPG combined with its base 2.0L turbocharged engine. While other options exist, the Bronco owner deliberately chose the Bronco Badlands for its distinct character, features, and capability. The marginal difference in fuel cost isn’t a deciding factor for this buyer.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Bronco Badlands isn’t designed for optimal fuel economy, but you can still take steps to improve your mileage. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The Bronco’s weight and aerodynamic profile mean that fast changes in speed require significant fuel. Maintain a steady speed on the highway, and anticipate traffic conditions to avoid unnecessary braking.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep it within the recommended range specified on the door placard.

Reduce unnecessary weight inside the vehicle. Extra cargo adds weight, which increases fuel consumption. Remove any items that you don’t need to carry regularly, especially heavy items.

Consider using a less aggressive tire when not actively off-roading. The standard off-road tires on the Badlands trim provide good grip on rough terrain, but they also increase rolling resistance on pavement. Switching to a less aggressive all-terrain tire for daily driving could slightly improve fuel economy. Before making any decisions, you should consult all Ford fuel economy data.

Plan your trips efficiently to minimize unnecessary mileage. Combine errands into a single trip, and avoid peak traffic hours when possible. Using a navigation system to find the most efficient route can also save fuel.