17 MPG combined. That’s the official EPA number for the 2022 Ford Bronco Badlands 4WD with the 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder. Honestly, it’s not winning any awards for lower fuel costs, but for the buyer considering this specific Bronco, fuel consumption likely ranks far below ground clearance, rock crawling ability, and the sheer swagger of piloting a modern interpretation of an off-road icon. This isn’t a vehicle purchased for its frugality; it’s a tool, an escape pod, a statement. It’s the kind of vehicle purchase where you compare your bank account balance to the price of mods before seriously worrying about gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA splits that 17 MPG equally between city and highway driving. Yes, you read that right: 17 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highway. This unusual parity shows the Bronco Badlands’ design. Its aerodynamics, or rather deliberate lack thereof, mean that highway speeds offer no real efficiency advantage. In the city, constant stop-and-go hinders fuel economy, but the relatively low gearing means you’re often not getting up to speeds that would maximize (as much as it can on a brick) efficiency. The turbocharger, while delivering ample low-end torque, also contributes to fuel consumption, especially when you’re using that torque to blast away from stop lights. The automatic transmission features ten speeds, theoretically allowing for more efficient cruising, but this also means more frequent shifting, a characteristic that may or may not contribute to the overall MPG achieved.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Ford Bronco Badlands 4WD (2.3L) at $2,600. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Consider that this is only an estimate. Variations in driving style, local fuel costs, and even tire pressure can significantly alter the actual amount you spend at the pump. The $2,600 figure provides a standardized baseline for comparing fuel costs across different vehicles, and highlights the cost of admission to the Bronco Badlands club.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized rating, real-world fuel economy can vary dramatically. Bronco Badlands owners frequently equip their vehicles with larger, more aggressive tires, roof racks, and other accessories that further degrade fuel efficiency. Off-road driving, by its very nature, is fuel-intensive, and anyone regularly tackling challenging trails should expect to see significantly lower MPG numbers than those advertised. Think of the EPA number as a best-case scenario achieved under ideal conditions, conditions a Bronco Badlands is rarely, if ever, exposed to. Some drivers report that seeing actual MPG in the low teens is not uncommon, particularly if they prioritize aftermarket modifications.

How it compares

Competitors in the off-road space typically don’t fare much better in the fuel economy department. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, arguably the Bronco’s direct rival, hovers around the same 17-20 MPG range, depending on the engine and configuration. A Toyota 4Runner typically gets in the neighborhood of 16-19 MPG. The more comfort-oriented Land Rover Defender 110 with the P300 engine manages around 19 MPG combined, offering a slight improvement, but at a considerably higher price point. These vehicles all deliver similar smiles-per-gallon ratios to the Bronco Badlands, with comparable compromises at the pump. If fuel economy is truly a top priority, someone might consider the aforementioned Land Rover, but would also be shopping vehicles outside of the dedicated body-on-frame off-roader class. All Ford fuel economy data is available here. For specific BRONCO MPG across all years, take a look at our complete data set.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Bronco Badlands wasn’t designed with fuel efficiency as a primary goal, there are still a few steps you can take to squeeze out every last mile per gallon. First, resist the urge to constantly bury your right foot in the throttle. The 2.3L EcoBoost engine delivers plenty of torque down low, so accelerating gently and smoothly will help minimize fuel consumption. That turbo spools up quickly when you demand it, but gentle inputs pay dividends.

Check your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which directly translates to lower fuel economy. Consult the sticker on your driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure, and consider avoiding overly aggressive off-road tires if you spend the majority of your time on paved roads. Swapping rubber for less aggressive all-terrains could provide significant improvement in less bumpy daily driving.

Minimize the extra weight you carry. Remove any unnecessary cargo from your vehicle, as every extra pound contributes to fuel consumption. Ditch that shovel, sand ladders, and extra set of recovery gear if you’re just commuting to work, and only load up the gear when you’re actually hitting the trails.

Plan your trips strategically. Combine errands into a single trip to minimize cold starts, which are particularly fuel-intensive. Consider routes that minimize stop-and-go traffic to maximize highway mileage.