The 2023 Ford Bronco 4WD with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 gets 20 MPG combined. This figure probably won’t surprise its target demographic. These aren’t buyers prioritizing Prius-like efficiency; they’re seeking off-road capability, strong styling, and open-air adventure, and understand compromises must be made. The Bronco’s mission is to conquer trails and evoke a sense of freedom, and for many, fuel consumption is a secondary concern.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Bronco 2.7L V6 4WD achieves 19 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. This slight difference highlights the Bronco’s design. Its aerodynamics are compromised by its boxy shape, tall stance, and off-road accessories (like roof racks or oversized tires). In stop-and-go city driving, the engine can be under more load and return similar economy to highway driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Ford Bronco 2.7L V6 4WD at $2,200. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Remember that fluctuating gas prices will directly impact this number; higher prices will obviously increase your annual fuel expenditure. Your personal driving style and the proportion of city versus highway miles will also significantly affect your real-world costs.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, remember that real-world MPG often deviates. How aggressively you drive, the terrain you frequent, and even tire pressure all play a role. Bronco owners who frequently engage four-wheel-drive, add aftermarket accessories, or lift their vehicles should expect fuel economy figures below the EPA estimates. However, careful drivers who stick to paved roads might see slightly improved mileage.

How it compares

The Bronco’s fuel economy is similar to other vehicles in its class, though with some trade-offs. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with the 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder is rated at 22 MPG combined, offering slightly better efficiency, but sacrificing some of the V6’s power. A Toyota 4Runner, in contrast, gets just 17 MPG combined, which shows the efficiency of Ford’s EcoBoost technology. Of course, all of these vehicles can see lower MPG figures depending on trim, available equipment, and driving style. For buyers comparing BRONCO MPG across all years, the current generation is better than older, less technologically advanced models. If you’re looking at all Ford fuel economy data, the Bronco prioritizes off-road capability over outright efficiency compared to other models.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The Bronco’s 2.7L V6 has plenty of torque; use it carefully rather than stomping on the accelerator. Gradual acceleration and anticipatory braking will conserve fuel, especially in city driving.

Maintain proper tire pressure. Check your tires regularly and keep them inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. This is especially important if you’ve upgraded to larger, off-road tires.

Minimize aerodynamic drag. Remove roof racks or other accessories when they’re not being used. These items create drag, which negatively impacts fuel economy, especially at higher speeds. Even mud flaps and aftermarket bumpers can affect fuel efficiency.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed on long highway drives can improve fuel economy. Cruise control helps prevent unnecessary speed fluctuations that waste fuel. However, be mindful of road conditions and traffic, disabling cruise control when needed.

Consider your route. Planning your trips and avoiding congested areas can significantly reduce fuel consumption. Stop-and-go traffic wastes gas. Choose routes with fewer intersections and less traffic, even if they’re slightly longer, to save fuel.