2027 Ford Bronco Getting Secret Baja Upgrades

Plus, the offering has proved popular with the Blue Oval delivering 146,007 of them in 2025, which was up 33.7% over 109,172 units in 2024.

Now, Ford is admitting a secret about the latest Bronco. The company has been taking stock models with experimental parts to compete in the NORRA Baja Mexican 1000, a 1,200-mile off-road rally through Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. The event gave engineers a chance to torture-test new components without the public noticing, at least until this announcement.

Breaking The Bronco To Make It Better

Ford started this testing in 2021, when it took a then-brand-new Bronco Badlands with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 and 10-speed automatic to the Baja Mexican 1000. The only modification from stock was the mandated safety equipment. The SUV managed to finish 58th overall out of over 150 vehicles that started the rally.

Off-road racing offers random and variable conditions that just can’t be reproduced elsewhere.

- Seth Goslawski Ford off-road and trailer tow team leader

The timeline for the testing included checking out the then-upcoming HOSS 3.0 suspension and a new 2.7-liter powertrain subsystem in 2022. For 2023, there were prototype underbody protection pieces and a new brake control system. The company used a Bronco with the 2.3-liter four-cylinder and manual gearbox in 2024, in addition to evaluating 35-inch Goodyear tires and a revised electronic brake control booster. For 2025, tried out a prototype front-axle mount, revised sway bar disconnect system, and experimental Fox suspension components. 

Ford won't yet detail what it will be testing on the Bronco competing in the 2026 Baja Mexican 1000 that will run in early May. "I wish I could say but I can’t. It’ll be obvious. I’ll state that," Goslawski told The Drive.

When evaluating these parts, there's an engineer along for the adventure. This person is responsible for doing real-time data analysis and failure root-cause evaluations. After the event, components such as the shocks, bushings, and front lower control arms go back to the suppliers to see how these pieces withstand the harsh conditions. 

Motorsport competition often results in better performance parts for road-going models. However, Ford's testing here is a little different. It doesn't intend for these factory-spec vehicles with prototype components to win the event. Instead, the engineers could see how the parts endured the same rigors as the top-level racing machines.

The Latest Changes To The Bronco

Ford didn't make any significant changes to the 2026 Bronco. There were just some revised contents for various trim levels and option packages. The Base trim also made a return for anyone looking for a no-frills, less-expensive off-roader or for buyers who plan to make extensive modifications. The 60th Anniversary Package was new, too.

For 2027, the Bronco lineup gains the new RTR trim that comes with the base 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. For better off-road performance, the model comes stock with 33-inch Goodyear rugged-terrain tires. In Baja mode, anti-lag turbo technology maintains boost while the driver is off the throttle, for better response. There's also reinforced steering and the 1,000-watt cooling fan from the Bronco Raptor. The optional Sasquatch package adds 35-inch rubber and the HOSS 3.0 suspension system with Fox internal bypass shocks.

No pricing details are available for the Bronco RTR yet. Ford will start taking orders for them in October 2026, and deliveries will start in January 2027.