15 MPG combined. Let’s be blunt: The 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor is thirsty. But let’s also be realistic. Anyone cross-shopping a Raptor with a Prius is deeply confused. Fuel economy is arguably the last priority for those drawn to this aggressively-styled, high-performance off-roader. This is a vehicle built for conquering challenging terrain at speed, and that requires power, lots of it, delivered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. As impressive as its 400+ horsepower is, efficiency inevitably takes a back seat.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Bronco Raptor at 15 MPG in city driving and 16 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the engine’s need to constantly work against considerable headwinds and rolling resistance. The Raptor boasts a wide, blocky stance, aggressive off-road tires, and a suspension system optimized for soaking up bumps, not minimizing drag. While the highway number is marginally better, the difference is negligible. Expect consistent fuel consumption regardless of whether you’re crawling through city streets or cruising down the interstate, albeit with very different levels of driving enjoyment.

Annual fuel cost

That low MPG translates to a relatively high annual fuel cost. The EPA estimates that the average driver will spend $2,900 on fuel each year driving the Bronco Raptor. This estimate is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Of course, your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and where you live. But expect a gasoline bill that significantly exceeds that of a more fuel-conscious vehicle. Think of it as the price to join the Raptor’s exclusive club.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a valuable benchmark, real-world fuel economy will depend heavily on how you use your Bronco Raptor. If you spend most of your time commuting in stop-and-go traffic or engaging the four-wheel-drive system on challenging trails, expect to see numbers at or even below the EPA estimates. Conversely, if you spend most of your time on the highway, driving conservatively, you *might* inch closer to the 16 MPG figure. But don’t count on it. The simple truth is that the Raptor is designed to be driven hard, and such driving behaviors will punish your wallet at the pump. Owners posting their fuel economy on enthusiast forums generally corroborate the EPA estimates, with some reporting slightly better or worse figures depending on their driving style and terrain.

How it compares

The Bronco Raptor occupies a unique niche, blurring the lines between a dedicated off-roader and a high-performance vehicle. Comparing it to other SUVs requires careful consideration of its intended use. For example, a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, with its 6.4-liter V8, manages a similar 14 MPG combined. A Land Rover Defender 110 with the P400 inline-six offers substantially better fuel economy at 19 MPG combined, but lacks the Raptor’s extreme off-road capabilities. Even a luxury SUV like the BMW X5 M50i, with its powerful V8, achieves around 18 MPG combined. These comparisons illustrate the Raptor’s focus: it prioritizes off-road prowess and performance above all else. Potential buyers coming from a more fuel-efficient car will find all Ford fuel economy data useful for perspective, while those already familiar with the BRONCO MPG across all years know what to expect.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Bronco Raptor is not inherently fuel-efficient, there are some steps you can take to minimize fuel consumption. Avoid unnecessary hard accelerations, and maintain a steady speed on the highway. Anticipate traffic conditions and avoid sudden braking, which wastes energy. The Raptor is equipped with various driving modes; experiment with the “Normal” mode for daily driving to optimize throttle response and transmission settings for efficiency.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications. Given the Raptor’s large off-road tires, even a slight pressure deviation can impact fuel consumption.

Minimize unnecessary weight. Remove any cargo you don’t need from the vehicle. The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel it consumes. While this might seem insignificant, every little bit helps, especially when you’re starting from a relatively low baseline.

Avoid excessive idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, so idling is simply a waste of fuel. This is especially true in a vehicle with a large displacement engine like the Raptor.