This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the 2024 Ford Bronco’s safety ratings and features, drawing on data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Safety Ratings at a Glance
| Model Year | Organization | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Impact | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Bronco (4-door) | IIHS | Top Safety Pick+ | Good | Good | Not Rated by IIHS |
| 2024 Bronco (4-door) | NHTSA | Not yet rated | |||
| 2024 Bronco Sport | IIHS | Good | Good | Good | Not Rated by IIHS |
| 2024 Bronco Sport | NHTSA | 5 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars |
| 2024 Bronco (2-door) | IIHS | Not yet rated | Not Rated by IIHS | ||
| 2024 Bronco (2-door) | NHTSA | Not yet rated |
Note: NHTSA ratings for the 2024 Bronco (2-door and 4-door) are pending. Always consult the official IIHS and NHTSA websites for the most up-to-date information.
Decoding IIHS Ratings
The IIHS evaluates vehicle safety through a series of rigorous crash tests, assigning ratings of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor.
- Small Overlap Front: This test simulates striking a tree or another vehicle with the front corner. The 2024 Bronco 4-door received a “Good” rating, suggesting good structural integrity.
- Moderate Overlap Front: This test evaluates performance in a more head-on collision. The Bronco 4-door again scored “Good.”
- Side Impact: This simulates a T-bone collision. The 2024 Bronco 4-door and Bronco Sport performed well, earning “Good” ratings.
- Roof Strength: Important for rollover protection, this test also resulted in a “Good” rating for the Bronco 4-door.
- Head Restraints & Seats: Evaluated to gauge whiplash protection, the Bronco 4-door received a “Good” rating.
- Headlights: Depending on the trim, the Bronco’s headlight rating varies from “Good” to “Marginal,” indicating that visibility could be an issue on some models.
- LATCH System: For child car seat installation, the Bronco earned an “Acceptable” rating for its LATCH system, suggesting decent functionality but with some potential ease-of-use considerations.
Understanding NHTSA Ratings
The NHTSA employs a star-rating system (1-5 stars) to assess crashworthiness and rollover resistance, offering a broad overview of safety performance.
- Frontal Crash: The 2024 Bronco Sport earned 5 stars. NHTSA data for the standard Bronco is pending.
- Side Crash: The Bronco Sport also secured a 5-star rating in the side crash test.
- Rollover: The Bronco Sport received a 4-star rollover rating, indicating a slightly elevated rollover risk.
NHTSA website
Safety Features by Trim
While the Bronco offers a strong foundation of safety features, certain advanced technologies may be available only on higher trims or as optional add-ons. The table below summarizes key safety features and their availability by trim:
| Feature Category | Description | Standard/Optional | Trim Level Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Co-Pilot360 | Pre-Collision Assist with AEB, Lane-Keeping System, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Automatic High-Beam Headlamps | Standard | All |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Maintains a set following distance | Optional | Certain trims |
| Evasive Steering Assist | Helps steer around obstacles | Optional | Certain trims |
| Reverse Brake Assist | Automatically brakes when reversing if an obstacle is detected | Optional | Certain trims |
Note: Precise feature availability may vary. Consult the official Ford website or your local dealer for the most accurate information for your specific model.
Real-World Implications
While crash test ratings provide valuable insights, they represent controlled environments. Real-world accidents are far more complex. Driver behavior, road conditions, and the type of collision all influence outcomes.
- Headlight Performance: A “Marginal” headlight rating may negatively impact nighttime visibility, increasing accident risk. Consider aftermarket upgrades if this is a concern.
- Rollover Resistance: Although the Bronco Sport achieved a 4-star rollover rating, its higher center of gravity, typical of SUVs, could increase rollover susceptibility compared to lower-riding vehicles. Exercise caution, particularly when making sharp turns.
Competitor Comparisons
Direct comparisons are challenging due to variations in testing procedures and model year availability. However, the Bronco’s IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award places it favorably against many competitors in its segment. Further comparisons will be possible once NHTSA releases complete ratings for all Bronco models.
FAQs
- What do the safety ratings mean? Safety ratings provide a standardized evaluation of a vehicle’s crashworthiness and crash avoidance capabilities. They offer valuable insights but do not guarantee safety in all situations.
- How do I interpret the NHTSA star rating system? The NHTSA star rating system ranges from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 stars representing the best performance. It evaluates frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance.
Conclusion
The 2024 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport demonstrate a commitment to safety, achieving strong ratings in several key areas. However, remember that no vehicle is entirely accident-proof. Safe driving practices and maintaining awareness of real-world conditions remain crucial. This guide is intended to be informational, not a definitive statement on vehicle safety. Always consult official sources for the latest information.
Legal Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only. Safety ratings can change, and readers should consult official sources like the IIHS and NHTSA for the most up-to-date information before making any purchasing decisions. Neither the author nor any affiliated party assumes responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of this information or for any decisions made based on it.
