2026 Ford Bronco Safety Ratings
If you're shopping for a midsize SUV that can handle your Rio Rancho commute and weekend adventures in the Sandia Mountains, you'll know that safety ratings matter just as much as off-road capability. That's where the 2026 Ford Bronco stands out. It delivers solid protection for families who won't compromise between rugged performance and passenger safety. In this guide, our team at Chalmer's Ford breaks down the available safety ratings for the Ford Bronco and explains what they mean for New Mexico drivers.
Ford Bronco Safety Rating: NHTSA Scores
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) uses a five-star system to rate vehicle safety. While the 2026 Ford Bronco has yet to undergo testing, the 2025 Bronco earned a five-star rating for the front barrier test, which simulates head-on collisions, and an overall frontal rating of four stars. This builds on the strong performance of the 2024 Bronco, which earned similar test results.
These ratings translate to real-world protection for your family. U.S. News & World Report awarded the 2025 Bronco an 8.3/10 safety score, highlighting the vehicle's well-balanced approach that doesn't force you to choose between off-road capabilities and family protection — a rare find in this segment. For families in Rio Rancho considering the Bronco, this means confidence whether you're navigating Albuquerque traffic or exploring mountain trails.
Ford Bronco Crash Test Results: IIHS Scores
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) goes beyond star ratings to provide detailed crash test analysis. While the 2026 Ford Bronco is yet to be evaluated, the 2025 four-door model earned an overall Good rating (the highest attainable) in the following areas:
- Small overlap front tests for both driver and passenger
- Side impact tests
- Seat belt reminders
These results mirror the strong performance of the 2024 model, and we expect the 2026 Bronco to maintain these high safety standards.
Advanced Safety Technology and Driver-Assistance Features
Every 2026 Bronco trim, from the base model to the Raptor, comes equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, a complete suite of safety and driver-assistance features that includes:
- Automated emergency braking
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Trailer sway control
On higher-end models, you also get:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Front and rear parking sensors
These systems give New Mexico drivers peace of mind, especially when navigating winding mountain roads or traveling at night.
Occupant Protection Systems
The Bronco's occupant protection systems go far beyond basic airbags. The Bronco includes:
- Dual-stage front airbags
- Side seat-mounted airbags
- Driver knee airbag
- Ford's Safety Canopy system for all rows
- Airbag occupancy sensor technology
These systems work together to provide complete protection for all passengers in the event of a crash, automatically adjusting deployment based on the severity of the accident and the number of occupants.
Ford has also paid attention to child safety in the Bronco's design. Child seat installation is straightforward, with two complete LATCH sets for the rear outboard seats and a tether anchor for the middle spot.
Safety Ratings Across the Ford Lineup
Ford's broader commitment to safety extends across their entire lineup. Many Ford models have received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS. The 2025 Ford Explorer, Bronco Sport, F-150, and Mustang all earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
Is the 2026 Ford Bronco Right for You?
The 2026 Ford Bronco offers a unique combination of off-road capability and family-focused protection that's hard to find in today's SUV market. While official safety ratings for the 2026 model have not yet been released, the Bronco's recent track record offers strong reasons for confidence. The Bronco's solid airbag system, crash prevention technology, and strong structural design work together to protect your family. Whether you're driving through Albuquerque or exploring New Mexico's backcountry, the 2026 Bronco is engineered to deliver both adventure and peace of mind.
Experience the Ford Bronco's Safety Features at Chalmers Ford
Ready to experience the Ford Bronco's safety features firsthand? Visit us at Chalmers Ford to discover how the Bronco's safety systems work in real-world scenarios. Contact us to schedule a test-drive today and discover why families across New Mexico trust the Bronco for both daily adventures and weekend escapes. Our team can walk you through our inventory so you can learn more about the available models, trim options, and key safety features. Our safety experts will be happy to answer all your questions and help you find the perfect Bronco for your family's needs.
