The Ford Bronco continues to emphasize off-road capability through its sophisticated suspension systems. At the heart of the impressive Bronco performance is the High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (HOSS) system, which varies across trim levels to provide appropriate capability for different driving conditions and user preferences. This engineering approach balances off-road articulation with on-road comfort, a challenging proposition that Ford has addressed through multiple suspension configurations.

Base HOSS System

The foundation of every Bronco begins with the HOSS 1.0 system, standard on Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims. This setup features an independent front suspension (IFS) with twin forged aluminum alloy A-arms and long-travel coil-over springs. The IFS design represents a significant departure from traditional solid front axle configurations found on some competing off-road vehicles, offering improved on-road manners without severely compromising off-road performance.

At the rear, a solid axle with five-link design and coil-over springs provides the durability needed for rugged terrain while maintaining reasonable ride quality during highway driving. The standard HOSS 1.0 system delivers 203 mm of front suspension travel and 215 mm of rear suspension travel, sufficient for moderate off-road adventures.

Heavy-duty dampers come standard across all models, with progressive-rate end-stop control valves that prevent harsh bottoming out during aggressive maneuvers. This design allows the suspension to remain supple during normal driving conditions but firm up appropriately as travel increases.

HOSS 2.0 with Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers

The Black Diamond and Badlands trims, along with any model equipped with the Sasquatch Package, receive the upgraded HOSS 2.0 system with Bilstein position-sensitive dampers. These advanced shock absorbers feature three zones of dampening force that automatically adjust based on wheel travel.

During normal driving with minimal suspension movement, the dampers provide comfortable ride quality. As wheel travel increases during moderate off-roading, the middle zone delivers enhanced control. When tackling severe terrain that pushes the suspension to its limits, the firmest zone activates to prevent bottoming out and maintain vehicle stability.

This system increases suspension travel to 213 mm at the front and 226 mm at the rear, enhancing the ability to traverse rough terrain while maintaining contact between the tires and ground—crucial for maximizing traction in challenging conditions.

HOSS 3.0 for Wildtrak and Everglades

The Wildtrak and Everglades models feature the HOSS 3.0 system, which builds upon the HOSS 2.0 foundation with unique spring tuning and larger 35-inch tires as standard equipment. This configuration further increases ground clearance to 292 mm and enhances overall capability.

The HOSS 3.0 system calibrates specifically for high-speed desert running, adjusting damping rates to manage the larger tires’ increased unsprung weight while still delivering acceptable on-road comfort. This setup is ideal for owners who plan to tackle diverse terrain types at varying speeds.

HOSS 4.0 for Bronco Raptor

The pinnacle of Bronco suspension technology appears in the Bronco Raptor with its HOSS 4.0 system. This comprehensive upgrade includes FOX 3.1 Internal Bypass Semi-Active Dampers with integrated reservoirs that provide additional fluid capacity for improved cooling during extended off-road sessions.

These sophisticated dampers feature Live Valve technology that continuously adjusts damping rates based on terrain conditions and driving style. Sensors monitor suspension position, vehicle speed, steering angle, and G-forces 500 times per second, allowing the system to optimize damping force in real-time.

The Raptor’s suspension delivers an impressive 330 mm of front travel and 356 mm of rear travel—increases of approximately 60% and 40% respectively over the base system. Combined with reinforced control arms, unique frame modifications, and massive 37-inch tires, the HOSS 4.0 system enables the Bronco Raptor to handle extreme off-road conditions while maintaining surprising composure during on-road driving.

Front Stabilizer Bar Disconnect System

One of the most innovative features available on Badlands and Raptor models is the electronic disconnecting front stabilizer bar. This system allows drivers to increase front suspension articulation by up to 20% with the push of a button, enabling improved wheel conformity to terrain during low-speed crawling.

Unlike manual disconnect systems found on some competitors, the electronic system can be engaged or disengaged while the vehicle is in motion at speeds up to 32 km/h. When activated, the system automatically reconnects the stabilizer bar at speeds above 32 km/h to maintain on-road handling and stability.

5 Top Best Features of the 2025 Bronco Suspension System

1. Electronic Disconnecting Front Stabilizer Bar: Allows for increased wheel articulation on demand with the push of a button, even while the vehicle is in motion at speeds up to 32 km/h.
2. Position-Sensitive Bilstein Dampers: Provide zone-specific damping that automatically adjusts based on wheel travel, delivering both off-road capability and on-road comfort.
3. FOX Live Valve Technology: Available on Raptor models, this system continuously adjusts damping rates 500 times per second based on terrain conditions and driving inputs.
4. Independent Front Suspension with Long-Travel Coilovers: Offers improved on-road manners compared to solid axle designs while still providing excellent off-road articulation.
5. Five-Link Rear Suspension: Delivers superior axle control and minimizes unwanted movement during off-road driving while maintaining ride quality during highway use.

5 Facts About the 2025 Bronco Suspension

1. The Bronco Raptor’s suspension components underwent testing equivalent to 1,609 kilometers of high-speed desert racing before being approved for production.
2. The electronic disconnecting sway bar uses a rotary actuator design that’s more compact and reliable than the linear actuators used in some competing systems.
3. Ford engineers developed a proprietary algorithm for the Raptor’s Live Valve technology that can differentiate between intentional jumps and accidental drops, adjusting damping accordingly to optimize landing forces.
4. The lower control arms on the Bronco Raptor are made from forged steel that’s approximately 3.5 times stronger than the standard components, allowing them to withstand impacts that would damage conventional arms.
5. The HOSS suspension naming convention pays homage to the original Bronco reputation for being “tough as a horse,” with each numerical designation representing progressively more advanced capability.

Questions and Answers About the 2025 Bronco Suspension

What type of front suspension does the Bronco use?

• This SUV utilizes an independent front suspension (IFS) with twin forged aluminum alloy A-arms and coil-over springs across all models.

How does the Bronco rear suspension differ from the front?

• Unlike the independent front suspension, it features a solid rear axle with a five-link design and coil-over springs, providing a balance of durability, articulation, and ride comfort.

What is the HOSS suspension system?

• HOSS (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) is the Ford designation for the suspension packages, with different numbered versions (1.0 through 4.0) indicating progressively more advanced components and capabilities.

Which Bronco model has the most suspension travel?

• The Raptor with its HOSS 4.0 suspension system offers the most suspension travel at 330 mm front and 356 mm rear, approximately 60% and 40% more than the base system, respectively.

How does the electronic disconnecting sway bar work?

• The system uses a rotary actuator that can disengage the front stabilizer bar on demand, increasing wheel articulation by up to 20%. You can activate it at speeds up to 32 km/h and it automatically reconnects at higher speeds for improved on-road handling.

Do all Bronco models have the same ground clearance?

• No, ground clearance varies by model and suspension package. Base models offer 210 mm, Sasquatch Package-equipped models provide 292 mm, and the Raptor delivers up to 332 mm of ground clearance.

What are position-sensitive dampers, and which models have them?

• Position-sensitive dampers provide different damping rates based on suspension position, with softer damping during normal driving and progressively firmer damping as wheel travel increases. They come standard on Black Diamond and Badlands trims, plus any model with the Sasquatch Package.

Can the Bronco suspension be upgraded after purchase?

• Yes, Ford offers various Ford Performance parts that can enhance the suspension, including lift kits, upgraded shocks, and reinforced components designed specifically for the vehicle.

How does the Bronco Raptor FOX Live Valve technology work?

• The system uses sensors that monitor vehicle conditions 500 times per second, including suspension position, vehicle speed, steering input, and G-forces. An onboard computer then adjusts damping rates in real-time to optimize performance for current driving conditions.

What maintenance does the Bronco suspension require?

• Regular maintenance includes inspection of bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers approximately every 32,000 kilometers. You should check the electronic sway bar disconnect system annually, and more frequent inspections are recommended for vehicles regularly used in extreme off-road conditions.