18 MPG combined. That’s the fuel economy reality for the 2025 Ford Bronco 4WD with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6. For buyers of this vehicle, it’s not just a statistic, it’s an expected trade-off for unapologetic capability. This isn’t a crossover designed for suburban efficiency; it’s a rugged, body-on-frame beast built to tackle trails, ford streams, and generally dominate terrain where lesser vehicles fear to tread. Its appeal lies in its adventurous spirit, its classic styling, and its genuine off-road chops, attributes that inherently prioritize power, durability, and ground clearance over outright fuel frugality. The enthusiast who chooses the 2.7L Bronco understands its mission, accepts the fuel consumption as part of the package, and is actively seeking a vehicle that can deliver epic adventures, not just economical commutes. They’re paying for confidence when the pavement ends, and that comes with a certain thirst.

City and highway performance

The 2025 Bronco 4WD 2.7L posts 17 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway. This near-identical city and highway figure, almost an anomaly in modern vehicles with automatic transmissions, shows the Bronco’s design and intended use. The aerodynamic profile of a brick, substantial tire sizes, and the inherent drag of its off-road drivetrains mean that once you’re moving, the difference between city start-stops and sustained highway cruising isn’t as pronounced as it would be in a sleeker, more road-oriented SUV. The 2.7L EcoBoost V6, coupled with the 10-speed automatic transmission, delivers plentiful torque and usable power across the rev range, which is important for both navigating urban obstacles and maintaining momentum over challenging terrain. However, that power comes at a cost, reflecting in those 17/18 MPG numbers. The calibration prioritizes strong performance and reliability in demanding conditions, not hypermiling on the interstate.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,450 for the 2025 Ford Bronco 4WD 2.7L. This figure is derived assuming 15,000 miles of driving per year, split between city and highway conditions, and using national average fuel prices, which naturally fluctuate. For the typical Bronco owner, this isn’t a shocking revelation. They understand that a vehicle engineered for extreme environments with a powerful twin-turbo V6 will command a higher fuel budget than a compact sedan. This annual cost is simply a line item in the budget of an owner who values the freedom and capability the Bronco offers. They’re investing in a vehicle that enables a specific lifestyle, often involving weekend trips to remote locations, towing gear, or navigating challenging landscapes, where fuel efficiency takes a backseat to performance and reliability. Consider this roughly $204 per month purely for fuel, a manageable expense for the demographic this vehicle targets.

Real-world expectations

In the real world, owners of the 2025 Bronco 4WD 2.7L might see numbers varying slightly from the EPA estimates, sometimes even dipping below. Factors like aggressive off-roading, heavy towing, carrying significant cargo, or driving in mountainous terrain will predictably impact fuel efficiency. Installing larger aftermarket tires, lift kits, or heavy steel bumpers, common modifications for Bronco owners, will also add weight and aerodynamic drag, almost certainly reducing MPG. Conversely, drivers with a particularly light foot, who largely stick to paved roads and avoid demanding conditions, might occasionally nudge slightly above the EPA combined figure. What’s critical to understand is that the Bronco’s powertrain is optimized for torque delivery and durability under load, not for breaking fuel economy records. Owners are keenly aware that unlocking the Bronco’s full potential often involves activities that are inherently fuel-intensive. For more 2025 Bronco fuel economy data and historical comparisons, check out our dedicated page for the BRONCO MPG across all years.

How it compares

When placed next to its direct rivals, the 2025 Bronco 4WD 2.7L’s 18 MPG combined holds its own within this niche segment of highly capable off-roaders. For instance, the perennial benchmark, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with the 2.0L turbo-four often returns around 20 MPG combined, while the Wrangler with the 3.6L V6 typically hovers around 19 MPG combined (exact MPG varies by specific trim and options). The Bronco Raptor, with its larger 3.0L V6 and even more aggressive off-road modifications, dives significantly lower, often in the 15 MPG combined range. Even comparing it to more traditional body-on-frame SUVs like a Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro, which manages around 17 MPG combined from its venerable 4.0L V6, the Bronco’s 18 MPG looks competitive. These comparisons are crucial because they highlight that vehicles built to dominate truly rugged terrain simply aren’t engineered for Prius-like efficiency. The 2.7L EcoBoost offers a blend of power (330 horsepower, 415 lb-ft of torque) and fuel economy within its class. This makes it a powerful choice for those who want serious capability without completely sacrificing usability. This isn’t a comparison against unibody crossovers; it’s a measurement against vehicles designed to conquer the wild, and in that context, the Bronco performs as expected. You can find all Ford fuel economy data, including other models, on our website.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Bronco isn’t a fuel sipper, a few practices can help optimize its 18 MPG. Pay close attention to tire pressure. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing efficiency, over-inflation can also be detrimental to handling and tire wear, so stick to the manufacturer’s recommended pressures for daily driving.

Adopt a smooth driving style. Avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking, the Bronco’s powerful 2.7L EcoBoost V6 responds quickly, but heavy-footed driving burns unnecessary fuel. Gentle inputs on the throttle and anticipating traffic flow will make a noticeable difference.

Minimize unnecessary weight and aerodynamic drag. Remove roof racks, cargo carriers, or spare tires from the exterior when not needed for your adventures. Every extra pound and every bit of added drag impacts the Bronco’s ability to slice through the air efficiently.

Use the Bronco’s drive modes appropriately. While its off-road modes are fantastic for their intended purpose, sticking to “Normal” or “Eco” modes on paved roads ensures the powertrain is optimized for efficiency rather than outright traction or power delivery.

Regular maintenance is non-negotiable. Keeping up with oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug intervals ensures the 2.7L engine runs at peak efficiency. A well-maintained engine uses less fuel and performs more reliably, especially important for a vehicle designed for challenging environments.