The 2026 Ford Bronco 60th Anniversary Edition: A Blend of Nostalgia and Modern Capability

Ford's storied Bronco, a nameplate that has become synonymous with rugged off-roading and American adventure, is celebrating its 60th anniversary. To mark this significant milestone, the company has unveiled the 2026 Ford Bronco 60th Anniversary Package. This special edition is not a radical reimagining of the modern Bronco but rather a thoughtful tribute to the original 1966 model, blending its iconic retro aesthetics with the advanced technology and off-road prowess of today's sixth-generation SUV. Drawing heavily on the success of previous heritage-inspired editions, the 60th Anniversary package presents a compelling case for a vehicle that honors its past while remaining firmly planted in the present. This article review delves into the details of the new package, examining its design, features, and overall place in the Bronco's celebrated history.

A Design That Honors a Legacy

The most striking aspect of the 2026 Bronco 60th Anniversary Package is its exterior design, which meticulously incorporates elements from the original 1966 model. Ford has made a clear effort to evoke a sense of nostalgia, and it's most apparent in the choice of color. The special edition is available in the classic Wimbledon White, a hue that hasn't been seen on a Ford since the early 1980s, and is a direct homage to the first-generation Bronco. It can also be had in a Ruby Red, paired with a contrasting Wimbledon White roof, a two-tone scheme that further emphasizes the vintage feel. This attention to detail extends to the new grille, which features a classic design with "BRONCO" lettering in Vermilion Red, a color that is used for other commemorative accents throughout the vehicle.

The retro inspiration is also evident in the exclusive 17-inch Gravity Gray alloy wheels. These wheels are not just a stylistic choice; they are fitted with a Vermilion Red center cap that features the bucking Bronco logo and the year "1966," echoing the hubcaps of the original. These wheels are wrapped in 35-inch Goodyear rugged terrain tires, a standard feature thanks to the mandatory inclusion of the off-road-ready Sasquatch package. Other notable exterior features include a Vermilion Red bodyside graphic with the 60th Anniversary logo, a solid spare tire cover in Wimbledon White with red "BRONCO" script, and fender badges that draw inspiration from the Mustang's 60th Anniversary package. These elements work in harmony to create a vehicle that is instantly recognizable as a tribute to its heritage.

A Premium and Modern Interior

While the exterior of the 60th Anniversary Bronco is a throwback, its interior is a masterclass in blending classic style with modern comfort and technology. The cabin has been given a more premium feel, a significant upgrade from the standard Bronco. The seats feature a two-tone design with Ebony leather on the outer sections and Alpine leather inserts, with "60" debossed into the seatbacks. The Alpine theme continues with stitching on the leather-topped dashboard and marine-grade vinyl armrests, adding a touch of luxury and durability. Bronco Red accents on the instrument panel and grab handles tie the interior to the exterior's commemorative color scheme.

Ford has also addressed some of the modern Bronco's usability. The 60th Anniversary Package includes standard wheelbase-length running boards and, for the first time, new A-pillar-mounted grab handles, which will be available on all 2026 Bronco models. This is a practical and welcome addition that improves ingress and egress, especially for a vehicle with a lifted suspension. The interior also boasts the expected modern amenities, including a large infotainment touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster, ensuring that the driver has all the necessary information and connectivity at their fingertips. This combination of classic design cues and contemporary features makes the 60th Anniversary Bronco's cabin a comfortable and functional space that is both stylish and highly usable.

Performance and Capability

At its core, the 2026 Ford Bronco 60th Anniversary Edition is built for adventure. The special edition is based on the well-equipped Outer Banks trim and comes with the Sasquatch package as standard. This is a crucial detail, as it means the anniversary model is not just a cosmetic upgrade but a genuinely capable off-roader. The Sasquatch package includes an advanced 4x4 system, a high-clearance suspension, an aggressive final drive ratio, and electronic-locking front and rear differentials. This robust hardware, combined with the 35-inch Goodyear rugged terrain tires, ensures that the 60th Anniversary Bronco is ready to tackle a wide variety of terrains, from rocky trails to deep mud.

Under the hood, buyers have a choice between the standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine or the optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6. Both engines provide ample power and torque for both on-road and off-road driving. The 2.3L engine is a capable performer, while the V6 offers a significant boost in power for those who desire more performance. The availability of these two engine options allows customers to tailor the vehicle to their specific needs and preferences. The focus on making the Sasquatch package standard on this commemorative model reinforces the idea that the Bronco's heritage is not just about looks, but about its "Built Wild" capability.

Pricing and Availability

Ford has announced that the 2026 Bronco 60th Anniversary Package will be available for order in October 2025. While specific pricing has not been revealed, it is expected to be a premium offering, reflecting its exclusive features and the standard inclusion of the Sasquatch package. Given that it is based on the Outer Banks trim with the Sasquatch package, which is already a well-equipped and pricey combination, one can anticipate the 60th Anniversary Edition to have a commensurately higher sticker price. The special edition is a limited offering, and its unique blend of retro style and modern capability is likely to make it a highly sought-after model for both collectors and enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The 2026 Ford Bronco 60th Anniversary Package is a fitting tribute to a vehicle that has become an American icon. Ford has masterfully navigated the challenge of creating a special edition that is both nostalgic and contemporary. By focusing on authentic heritage-inspired design cues, from the classic Wimbledon White paint to the meticulously crafted wheel details, the company has produced a vehicle that tells a story. At the same time, the inclusion of the Sasquatch package as standard ensures that the anniversary model lives up to the Bronco's reputation for rugged off-road performance. This is not a fragile showpiece but a functional and capable machine that is ready for adventure. The 60th Anniversary Bronco is a testament to Ford's ability to honor its past while continuing to push the boundaries of modern automotive design and engineering. It is an anniversary edition that is not only a celebration of six decades of history but also a strong statement about the future of the Bronco nameplate.