18 MPG combined. No one buys a 2021 Ford Bronco Black Diamond 4WD 2.3L expecting Prius-like fuel efficiency. This is a body-on-frame, purpose-built off-roader designed for weekends spent conquering trails, not hypermiling on the highway. The Black Diamond trim sits in the middle of the Bronco lineup, offering a balance of capability and reasonable comfort. The target buyer prioritizes off-road prowess over fuel savings, understanding the trade-offs involved when they choose the 4WD option.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates are straightforward: 18 MPG city and 18 MPG highway. There’s no bump for slower speeds, no benefit for open-road cruising. The 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder, potent and offering 300 horsepower, works hard to move the Bronco’s weight and deal with its less aerodynamic shape. The 10-speed automatic transmission does its best to keep the engine in its optimal range, but stop-and-go traffic and sustained highway speeds place demands on the powertrain. Expect similar numbers regardless of your driving environment. This consistency, although not impressive, at least removes any guesswork.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for this specific 2021 Ford Bronco Black Diamond 4WD 2.3L at $2,450. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with fuel prices reflecting a national average. It’s important to remember that your actual fuel costs will vary depending on how much you drive, your driving style, and the price of gasoline in your area. This $2,450 estimate provides a benchmark for comparison, but consider personalized driving habits to get a realistic prediction of your expenses. Think about how frequently you plan to use the Bronco for daily commuting versus weekend adventures, and how those scenarios might affect your fuel consumption.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs. Bronco owners report figures close to the official estimates. Aggressive driving, oversized tires, and aftermarket accessories can affect fuel consumption. If you’re tackling challenging trails or frequently using four-wheel drive, expect to see MPG dip below 18 MPG. Disciplined driving habits and minimizing unnecessary weight can help you get slightly better fuel economy. However, don’t anticipate improvements, the Bronco’s design and off-road focus limit its fuel-saving potential.

How it compares

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, the Bronco’s competitor, doesn’t fare much better in fuel economy. The 2021 Wrangler Unlimited with the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder and automatic transmission achieves a combined 22 MPG. That’s an improvement, but it comes with its own compromises. The Toyota 4Runner, another off-road SUV, gets around 17 MPG combined with its V6 engine. For those considering a less-focused off-roader, the Jeep Grand Cherokee with its V6 manages around 21 MPG combined. Buyers weighing the Bronco against these alternatives need to consider whether the Bronco’s off-road capabilities outweigh the fuel costs. BRONCO MPG across all years reveals how the current generation compares to its predecessors in terms of efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid flooring the accelerator. The 2.3L EcoBoost engine delivers torque, but aggressive acceleration burns fuel. Gentle acceleration and maintaining a steady speed will help optimize fuel economy.

Tire pressure is important. Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure listed on the door jamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially before long trips.

Avoid weight. The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel it consumes. Remove any cargo from the Bronco, such as unused tools or equipment. Minimizing weight can contribute to a slight improvement in fuel economy.

Plan your routes and avoid stop-and-go traffic. Constant braking and acceleration consume more fuel than maintaining a consistent speed. Using navigation apps to anticipate traffic congestion and choosing alternative routes can help improve efficiency.

Stick with the stock tire size. While larger tires enhance off-road performance, they increase rolling resistance and decrease fuel economy. Maintaining the factory tire size is the way to preserve fuel efficiency. Explore all Ford fuel economy data for a broader perspective on the brand’s offerings.