Ford is Expanding its Off-Roadeo Experience to Make it More Fun for Bronco Owners

Ford is committed to growing its presence in off-roading. Ford sponsors off-road driver training programs all over the country and continues to build more vehicles equipped for the growing trend. Earlier, I did a report on the new 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor off-roader. Ford’s Bronco and Bronco Sport have been immediate hits in the off-roading community. Now, Ford is enhancing its Bronco Off-Roadeo to make it even more fun for Bronco owners. Once Bronco and Bronco Sport owners have completed the complimentary Bronco Off-Roadeo hands-on driving experience, Ford will allow them the opportunity to return and continue expanding their off-road skills using their own Bronco.

“Ninety percent of Bronco Off-Roadeo participants say they want to return and learn even more,” said Kelsey Gerken, Bronco consumer strategy manager at Ford. “Bring Your Own Bronco gives them that chance, expanding the Off-Roadeo experience to two unique, four-hour courses that further grow a Bronco owner’s skillset.”

What Exactly is Bronco Off-Roadeo?

Bronco Off-Roadeo is a complimentary driving experience available to new Bronco, Bronco Sport, and Bronco Raptor owners. The course teaches safe and responsible off-road driving. The idea is to help drivers learn off-roading the correct way, making sure drivers don’t harm the environment or trails. The experience is designed to help build the driver’s confidence but it also builds a sense of Bronco community.

Next Level Off-Road builds on the fundamentals, with a sharper focus on reading terrain, line selection and vehicle technology to navigate real-world obstacles. Drivers will practice safe, efficient ascents and descents, improve their throttle and brake control and learn how to communicate effectively with a spotter. Drivers will learn how to use features like Trail Control, Rock Crawl Camera and electronic locking differentials in real driving scenarios. The experience is tailored to the capabilities of the participating Bronco vehicles, ranging from a base model to a fully loaded Raptor.

Off-Road Advanced Recovery prepares drivers for what could happen when driving out on unknown trails. This experience teaches Bronco owners how to assess trail risks, execute safe winch recoveries and use tools such as soft shackles, tree savers and recovery boards. With a focus on real-time decision making and responsible recovery techniques, the program builds confidence in handling the unexpected. Drivers learn how to possibly help a friend out of a tough spot. The additional skills could also help a Bronco owner get out of a tough spot without damaging his or her beautiful new Bronco.

How Bring Your Own Bronco Works

Remember, the program is only open to Bronco, Bronco Sport and Bronco Raptor owners who have been through Ford’s Off-Roadeo program. 

Bronco Off-Roadeo graduates can register for a Bring Your Own Bronco program and experiences will begin July 10 at three Off-Roadeo locations. The sites are scattered throughout the country at Moab, New Hampshire and Texas. The new class is part of a growing number of Off-Roadeo experiences. Ford sponsors the complimentary full-day program for new owners and a half-day adventure option for guests who don’t own a Bronco. In addition, Ford hosts special programs for veterans, women, and other enthusiast groups.

Ford has also set up a special program for veterans and military families. The first-ever Proud to Honor: Bronco Off-Roadeo gave veterans, military families, and survivors an opportunity to celebrate service, create memories, and make connections in the Texas hill country.

Ford’s New Bronco Off-Roadeo Experiences

Starting this summer, the Moab and Tennessee programs for new Bronco Sport owners will feature Badlands Sasquatch edition vehicles. The more capable Bronco Sports will be able to demonstrate the full capabilities of Bronco Sport by opening up more challenging obstacles at Bronco Off-Roadeo. The deadline for new 2024 model year Bronco owners to attend Bronco Off-Roadeo has been extended from December 2025 to June 2026. Existing owners may register for Bring Your Own Bronco. The $495 (plus tax) cost per vehicle includes a driver and up to three guests.

Ford’s Goal is Helping Bronco Owners Get More Out of Their Off-Roaders

“We’re making Bronco Off-Roadeo more accessible and getting more people to experience the Bronco lifestyle.” Gerken said.

According to Ford, “Every Bronco Off-Roadeo experience is equipped with exciting and challenging trails, custom-designed Bronco basecamp facilities and a team of expert Trail Guides. The hands-on and immersive experiences highlight the design and engineering that make Bronco and Bronco Sport so capable.”

More than 65,000 outdoor adventurers have already participated in Bronco Off-Roadeo since the first location opened in 2021. With five locations to choose from, approximately 80% of Bronco customers are located within 500 miles of a Bronco Off-Roadeo. 

The Five Off-Roadeo Locations:

• Tennessee – Near Knoxville
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Texas Hill Country
• Moab, Utah
• New Hampshire - Mountain setting

I think the most important part of the Ford training programs is helping owners learn to operate their vehicles safely. Off-roading is a tremendous pastime. Encouraging drivers to explore safely and responsibly protects and preserves the great outdoors for all of us. 

Ford Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories.