Against 247 other V6 cars rated 2024–2026, the Bronco trails their 21 mpg average by 1 mpg, about $91 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2.3L 4-cyl (2021–2026), does 20.2 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5L 8-cyl (1984–1996), 13.4: $965 a year apart.
Every Ford Bronco engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 19.3 / 21.5 | 2021–2026 | $1,901 | |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 18.8 / 20.7 | 2021–2026 | $1,949 | |
| 4.9L 6-cyl | 13.6 / 17.4 | 1984–1992 | $2,560 | |
| 5L 8-cyl | 11.6 / 16.2 | 1984–1996 | $2,866 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.160 |
| Fuel per year | $1,920 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,600 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2024–2026 | +$91 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,988 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Ford Bronco gives up 3 mpg in town: 21.5 on the highway against 18.5 in the city, $290 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 18.5 mpg | $2,076 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 21.5 mpg | $1,786 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +3 mpg (16%) | Typical for its type |
How the Bronco changed over the years
The Bronco peaked in 2026 at 20 mpg (18.5 city, 21.5 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1992 at 13.5 — 6.5 mpg apart, or $924 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 18.5 / 21.5 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 2025 | 18.5 / 21.5 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 2024 | 19.5 / 21 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 2023 | 19.5 / 21 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 2022 | 19.5 / 20.5 | 2 | $1,969 | |
| 2021 | 19 / 21 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 1996 | 13 / 16 | 1 | $2,743 | |
| 1995 | 12 / 17 | 1 | $2,743 | |
| 1994 | 12 / 17 | 1 | $2,743 | |
| 1993 | 12 / 17 | 1 | $2,743 | |
| 1992 | 11.5 / 16.5 | 2 | $2,844 | |
| 1991 | 11.5 / 16 | 2 | $2,844 | |
| 1990 | 11.5 / 16 | 2 | $2,844 | |
| 1989 | 13 / 16.5 | 2 | $2,648 | |
| 1988 | 12.5 / 16.5 | 2 | $2,743 | |
| 1987 | 12.5 / 16.5 | 2 | $2,743 | |
| 1986 | 13.5 / 18 | 2 | $2,560 | |
| 1985 | 13.5 / 18 | 2 | $2,648 | |
| 1984 | 12.5 / 16 | 2 | $2,743 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 34 EPA ratings of the Ford Bronco — 4 engines across 1984–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,988. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Ford Bronco get?
20 mpg combined, 18.5 city and 21.5 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Bronco has averaged 16.1 mpg.
Is the 2026 Bronco more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 20 against 20 mpg combined.
Which Bronco year has the best gas mileage?
The 2026, at 20 mpg combined (18.5 city, 21.5 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
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