Advantages: Highly capable off-road, especially the Badlands edition; spacious and versatile cargo area; range of trims and packages available
Disadvantages: Relatively expensive for its size; limited rear seat space; not as refined on-road compared to competitors
Starting with the downside, the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport may surprise buyers with its higher price tag in comparison to other subcompact SUVs. While it does offer standard all-wheel drive and a generous cargo capacity, its value proposition may be questioned by many potential customers.
On the flip side, the Bronco Sport is a charming, adaptable, and enjoyable small crossover, ideal for those with a taste for off-roading adventures. While the Badlands trim is best suited for tackling rough terrain, the Bronco Sport is more about what comes after the drive rather than the drive itself. Its clever storage solutions, practical roof rails, convenient pop-up liftgate glass, and optional tow hitch are ready to accommodate all your outdoor gear. The driving experience leans more towards a truck-like feel compared to other subcompact crossovers, adding to its unique character both inside and out.
The Bronco Sport caters to a specific group of customers, primarily outdoor enthusiasts. This niche market is one that many people aspire to be a part of, even if they may not engage in outdoor adventures frequently. Whether you opt for the Bronco Sport or consider alternatives like the Subaru Crosstrek, Volkswagen Taos, or off-road editions of the Toyota RAV4, you are sure to find a vehicle that suits your preferences and budget.
Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy
Driving Experience | Pricing & Trim Levels | Safety Ratings & Features
What’s new for 2024?
If you’re a fan of the Houston Astros and their retro “tequila sunrise” uniforms, you’ll love the Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling special edition for 2024. Inspired by Ford’s off-roaders from the 1970s, this edition features colorful stripes on the hood and sides, along with red-accented wheels. Inside, you’ll find matching stripes on the seats and red trim accents on the dash and doors. Additionally, the new Black Appearance package for the Big Bend trim adds a sleek matte black finish to the wheels, roof, seats, and badging. The Outer Banks and Badlands trims receive upgraded steering wheel covers, along with two new exterior color options: Azure Gray and Desert Sand. Unfortunately, several colors have been discontinued, including Alto Blue, Area 51, Cyber Orange, Iconic Silver, Peak Blue, and Yellowstone Metallic. The base Bronco Sport has been discontinued, leading to a price increase for the remaining trims. However, Ford reduced prices for all versions except the Badlands in April 2024. Details can be found in the pricing section below.
What are the interior and technology features of the Bronco Sport?
The interior of the Bronco Sport exudes a rugged truck-like vibe. Sitting in an upright position, you’ll have a commanding view over the hood, enhanced by two prominent power bulges. Different from its sibling, the Escape, the Bronco Sport boasts a more utilitarian and upright cabin design. The high air vents straddle the 8-inch touchscreen, creating space for a convenient shelf for small items. The cabin features thoughtful details like rubberized adjustment prongs on the air vents, premium soft-touch surfaces, and a robust GOAT Modes dial for selecting off-road drive settings. While some areas may have cheaper plastics, Ford compensates with color choices and premium fabric options in certain trims.
The Bronco Sport excels in interior storage solutions, offering various amenities for outdoor enthusiasts. Some trims feature zippered pockets and MOLLE straps on the front seatbacks, LED camp lights on the liftgate, sturdy grab handles for hanging wet items, and functional roof rails. Additionally, the vehicle offers extensive outdoor lifestyle accessories, including in-vehicle bike storage and easy-to-clean rubberized flooring.
Equipped with Ford’s previous-generation infotainment system, the Bronco Sport provides easy-to-use functionality despite not being the fastest unit available. Standard features include four USB ports, with higher trims offering a larger 6.5-inch screen between the physical gauge cluster.
How spacious is the Bronco Sport?
Although the Bronco Sport shares the Escape’s platform, it is notably smaller in overall dimensions, positioning it as a subcompact SUV alongside vehicles like the Chevrolet Trax, Kia Seltos, and Volkswagen Taos. While its compact size is advantageous for off-road excursions in tight spaces, it may not be as accommodating for families compared to larger, more road-focused crossovers.
The rear seating area can comfortably accommodate adults, but space is somewhat limited, especially in terms of rear legroom. This may pose challenges with rear-facing child seats, making the Bronco Sport less family-friendly despite its ample cargo capacity. With 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the raised back seat, the Bronco Sport surpasses similarly sized crossovers in luggage-carrying capability, even outperforming larger competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Its impressive cargo capacity makes it a practical choice for transporting various items.
What are the fuel economy and performance specs of the Bronco Sport?
With the exception of the Badlands trim, all Bronco Sport models are equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivering 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the Bronco Sport achieves fuel efficiency ratings of 25 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. While these figures are lower than many subcompact SUV competitors, they are on par with off-road-oriented models like the Subaru Forester Wilderness and slightly below the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road. For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, the RAV4 Woodland Edition offers a hybrid powertrain for 37 mpg combined.
Exclusive to the Badlands trim is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This larger engine, also paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, enhances off-road performance with a torque-vectoring rear differential. The trade-off for increased power is reduced fuel economy, rated at 21/26/23 mpg.
What is the driving experience of the Bronco Sport like?
The Bronco Sport offers a unique driving experience that sets it apart in a segment dominated by on-road-focused SUVs.
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