Best Ford Bronco Model Years (Ranked)

The Ford Bronco name spans two very different eras: the rugged, body-on-frame SUVs Ford built from 1966 through 1996, and the modern, retro-styled off-road icon that returned in 2021. Both are sought-after, but for completely different reasons — the classics are collector pieces and restoration projects, while the modern Broncos are capable, comfortable trail machines you can daily drive.

Choosing the right Bronco model year depends on whether you want a vintage trail rig, a restomod canvas, or a turnkey modern off-roader. This ranking sorts the Bronco by model year, weighing real-world reliability, off-road capability, known issues, and used-market value as of 2027.

Direct Answer

The best overall Ford Bronco is the 2022-2023 modern sixth-generation truck with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 and the available Sasquatch package, which delivers serious factory off-road capability, removable doors and roof, and a refined modern cabin after the first-year build issues were sorted.

The best value is the 1992-1996 fifth-generation full-size Bronco with the 5.0L or 5.8L V8, a tough, simple, and increasingly collectible classic that still trades reasonably compared with the wildly appreciated early models. Be cautious with the 2021 first-year modern Bronco (hardtop quality and 2.7L valve concerns) and budget for rust on any classic.

1. 2022-2023 (6th Gen, modern) 🏆 BEST OVERALL

The modern Bronco is a genuine off-road standout, and the 2022-2023 trucks benefit from fixes to the 2021 launch problems. The available 2.7L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 (around 330 hp) is the engine to chase, paired with a 10-speed automatic; the base 2.3L EcoBoost four is available with a 7-speed manual.

The Sasquatch package adds 35-inch tires, locking front and rear differentials, and Bilstein shocks for outstanding factory trail capability. Removable doors and roof panels make it a true open-air SUV. Value: holds value strongly thanks to high demand — a clean 2022-2023, especially Sasquatch-equipped, is the best all-around modern Bronco.

2. 1992-1996 (5th Gen Full-Size) 💎 BEST VALUE

The final full-size Bronco is the value pick among the classics. Built on the F-150 chassis, it offers the 5.0L and 5.8L Windsor V8s, a removable rear top, and rugged simplicity. These trucks are tough, easy to service, and supported by a deep parts and aftermarket supply.

While early (first- and second-gen) Broncos have appreciated to collector-car prices, the fifth-gen remains comparatively attainable and makes an excellent restomod base or weekend trail rig. Value: the best classic-Bronco bang for the buck — buy the cleanest, least-rusty example you can find and you will have an appreciating, usable piece of Ford history.

3. 2021-2023 Bronco Sasquatch

The Sasquatch package is the off-road enthusiast's choice on the modern Bronco. It bundles 35-inch mud-terrain tires, electronic-locking front and rear differentials, Bilstein position-sensitive dampers, and a higher final-drive ratio for serious trail and rock-crawling ability straight from the factory.

Available across multiple trims, it transforms the Bronco into a Wrangler Rubicon rival. Value: commands a premium but is worth it for buyers who actually wheel — the locking diffs and 35s would cost far more to add aftermarket, so a factory Sasquatch holds value better than a modified base truck.

4. 1987-1991 (4th Gen Full-Size)

The fourth-generation full-size Bronco brought fuel injection and improved refinement to the F-150-based platform, with the 5.0L and 5.8L V8s and the durable 4.9L (300 cubic-inch) inline-six available in related trucks. These are rugged, simple SUVs with strong V8 power and good aftermarket support.

They are climbing in value as classics but remain more affordable than the earliest Broncos. Value: solid and rising — a clean fuel-injected fourth-gen is an excellent daily-drivable classic and a great restomod or overland-build platform, provided the frame and body are rust-free.

5. 1966-1977 (1st Gen)

The original first-generation Bronco is the crown jewel and the most collectible of all, with clean examples and quality restomods now commanding very high prices. Compact, simple, and endlessly customizable, the early Bronco used inline-six and small-block V8 engines and a short wheelbase that makes it a fantastic trail rig.

Value: blue-chip collectible — these have appreciated dramatically and are bought as investments and showpieces as much as drivers. Expect to pay a premium and verify the originality and rust condition carefully before buying.

6. 2022-2023 Bronco Wildtrak / Badlands

The Wildtrak and Badlands trims are the high-capability modern Broncos short of the Raptor. Both can be had with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 and Sasquatch hardware; the Badlands adds the most aggressive off-road suspension, sway-bar disconnect, and skid plates, while the Wildtrak is tuned for high-speed desert running.

Each is a serious, well-rounded trail machine. Value: strong — these trims pack the capability buyers want and resell well, making a documented 2022-2023 Wildtrak or Badlands a smart pick for committed off-roaders who do not need the full Raptor.

7. 1978-1979 (2nd Gen)

The short-lived second generation grew the Bronco to full-size proportions on the F-Series chassis, offering the 351 and 400 cubic-inch V8s and a removable hardtop. Built for only two model years, these are relatively rare and have a dedicated following. They are big, thirsty, and simple, with strong V8 power and classic styling.

Value: collectible and appreciating — the two-year production run keeps supply limited, so a clean, rust-free second-gen is a desirable and increasingly valuable classic, though parts can be a bit harder to source than fifth-gen pieces.

8. 2024+ Bronco Raptor

The Bronco Raptor is the modern halo model, packing a high-output 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 (around 418 hp), massive 37-inch tires, Fox live-valve shocks, and a widened track for extreme desert and rock performance. It is the most capable factory Bronco ever built. Value: very high starting price and premium resale, so it is a want rather than a value play.

For buyers who demand the ultimate factory off-road Bronco and have the budget, nothing else in the lineup matches its hardware — but ownership and tire costs are substantial.

9. 1980-1986 (3rd Gen Full-Size)

The third-generation full-size Bronco brought a lighter, more efficient design and a wider range of engines, including the 4.9L inline-six and 5.0L/5.8L V8s, with improved fuel economy over the thirsty second gen. These are rugged, usable classics with good parts support and a strong following.

Value: affordable entry into classic Broncos — third-gens are among the cheaper vintage full-size Broncos, making a clean example a great restomod or trail-rig base, though rust and worn drivetrains are common at this age and should be inspected closely.

10. 2021 (6th Gen, first year)

The first model year of the modern Bronco generated enormous demand but suffered well-documented launch issues, most notably hardtop quality problems that triggered replacements, and some early 2.7L EcoBoost valve-train concerns in certain builds. With all campaigns completed, a clean replacement-top 2021 can be a great truck and the cheapest way into the modern Bronco.

Value: lowest modern-Bronco prices, but only worth the savings if the hardtop was replaced and any engine concerns were addressed — otherwise step up to a 2022-2023.

What to Watch For When Buying

On the modern Bronco (2021+), confirm the hardtop is a sound replacement unit free of the early molding-quality problems, and verify any 2.7L EcoBoost engine campaigns were completed. Check the Sasquatch hardware (locking diffs, 35s) functions correctly, and inspect removable doors and roof seals for leaks.

On the classic full-size Broncos, rust is the number-one concern — inspect the frame, floors, rear quarters, and tailgate thoroughly, as rust repair can exceed the value of a cheap truck. Verify V8 condition, transmission, and 4x4 engagement on classics, and on first-gen collector trucks, confirm originality and documentation to protect resale value.

A specialist inspection is essential on both eras.

How to Choose

For a capable, comfortable modern off-roader you can daily drive, target a 2022-2023 Bronco with the 2.7L EcoBoost, ideally with the Sasquatch package, and confirm the hardtop is sound. If you want an affordable, appreciating classic, the 1992-1996 fifth-gen with a V8 is the value champion and a great restomod base.

Investors and collectors gravitate to the first-generation (1966-1977) trucks, which command premium prices. Serious off-roaders who want the ultimate factory hardware should look at the Bronco Raptor, accepting its high cost. Across both eras, condition and documentation matter far more than trim — a rust-free, well-documented Bronco is always the smarter buy.

FAQ

What is the best modern Ford Bronco year to buy? The 2022-2023 sixth-generation Broncos are the best modern years because they benefit from fixes to the 2021 launch issues, including hardtop quality and early 2.7L concerns. A 2022-2023 with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 and Sasquatch package offers the best combination of capability, refinement, and resale value.

Are classic Ford Broncos a good investment? The first-generation (1966-1977) Broncos have appreciated dramatically and are treated as blue-chip collectibles. The later full-size Broncos, especially the 1992-1996 fifth-gen, are more affordable and still rising in value, making a clean, rust-free example a usable classic that tends to hold or grow its worth over time.

What problems did the 2021 Bronco have? The 2021 first-year Bronco had well-documented hardtop quality problems that led Ford to replace many tops, along with some 2.7L EcoBoost valve-train concerns in certain builds. With those issues addressed and the campaigns completed, a 2021 can be a fine truck, but verify the fixes before buying.

Which Bronco engine is best for off-roading? On the modern Bronco, the 2.7L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 is the preferred off-road engine for its strong low-end torque, especially when paired with the Sasquatch package's locking differentials and 35-inch tires. On the classics, the 5.0L and 5.8L V8s provide the torque and simplicity that make them durable trail engines.

Bottom Line

The 2022-2023 modern Bronco with the 2.7L EcoBoost and Sasquatch package is the best overall buy — seriously capable, open-air-ready, and refined once the 2021 bugs were sorted. For value, the 1992-1996 full-size Bronco with a V8 is an affordable, appreciating classic and an ideal restomod base.

Collectors chase the first-generation trucks, off-road purists eye the Bronco Raptor, and everyone should make rust and documentation the deciding factors. Ford Bronco review shoppers in 2027 should buy on condition and history, not just trim or color.

Sources

• Ford Bronco (sixth generation) — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Bronco_(sixth_generation)
• Ford Bronco — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Bronco
• Ford Bronco (first generation) — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Bronco_(first_generation)
• Ford Bronco Raptor — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Bronco_Raptor
• Ford EcoBoost engine — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_EcoBoost_engine
• Ford Windsor engine — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Windsor_engine
• Kelley Blue Book used and classic valuations — https://www.kbb.com
• Edmunds Ford Bronco reliability and reviews — https://www.edmunds.com/ford/bronco/