The new Bronco RTR brings anti-lag turbo tech to the desert

The 2026 Ford Bronco RTR has officially broken cover, and the announcement carries a Dubai dateline — a clear signal that this off-roader is aiming directly at the Middle East market.

For UAE drivers, this solves a common problem: buying a stock SUV and immediately spending thousands at a garage to make it desert-ready. The Bronco RTR arrives with the suspension, cooling, and software tweaks needed for optimal desert performance and dune bashing already installed, ensuring superior Bronco RTR off-road performance.

While the official Ford Bronco RTR price for UAE is yet to be confirmed, Ford positions this as a value-oriented performance option. It sits below the Bronco Raptor but promises similar thrills, filling a gap for enthusiasts who want factory-backed reliability for their weekend desert trips.

What Sets the Ford Bronco RTR Apart: Anti-Lag and Raptor Tech

This isn't just a sticker pack. The collaboration focuses on mechanical upgrades that actually matter in the dunes. Most notably, the Bronco RTR features a software-operated anti-lag turbo system. This race-derived tech keeps the turbocharger spooled even when you lift off the throttle, ensuring instant power delivery when you get back on the gas — a crucial feature for maintaining momentum in soft sand.

To handle the UAE's intense heat, the vehicle borrows the 1,000-watt cooling fan directly from the Bronco Raptor. This hardware sharing suggests the RTR is built to handle extended sessions in the Liwa desert without overheating, a common issue for modified stock vehicles.

"Bronco RTR is built to dominate the dirt," said Vaughn Gittin Jr., founder of RTR Vehicles. "We gave it the suspension tech to handle the hits, but we also sweat the details that matter to drivers."

Ford Bronco RTR Suspension and Off-Road Capability

The Bronco RTR is available in two distinct configurations, allowing buyers to choose their level of aggression.

The Standard Bronco RTR comes with a wider track and high-clearance suspension. It rides on 17-inch RTR Evo 6 wheels wrapped in 33-inch rugged-terrain tyres. This setup offers better stability than the base Bronco while maintaining on-road manners.

For those who take their off-roading seriously, the Sasquatch Package unlocks the full potential. This variant upgrades to 35-inch Goodyear tyres and features the HOSS 3.0 suspension system with Fox internal bypass shocks. These are similar to the dampers found on the first-generation F-150 Raptor, designed to soak up high-speed impacts across washboard tracks and dunes.

Steering has also been reinforced to handle the increased loads from the larger rubber and aggressive driving style.

Design and styling

Visually, the RTR stands out with a signature grille and integrated lighting. The launch model features 'Hyper Lime' accents on the graphics and wheel rock rings, contrasting with a new Avalanche Grey paint option for 2026. It's a look that fits right in with the modified 4x4 culture here.

While it faces stiff competition from heritage models like the Jeep Wrangler, the RTR's focus on high-speed capability rather than just rock crawling gives it a unique niche.

Ford Bronco RTR Comparison: Standard vs. Sasquatch Package

UAE availability

The 2026 Ford Bronco RTR made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show, where its key specifications were highlighted. It is expected to appear at off-road events throughout the year. While Ford's official announcement confirms the global launch, specific UAE availability dates and pricing are still under wraps.

However, given the Dubai dateline on the announcement and the specific desert-focused engineering, we expect this model to arrive in local showrooms relatively quickly. It offers a compelling alternative for drivers who find the standard Bronco too soft but the Raptor too expensive.

FAQs

Written by

Share

Copied