The Ford Bronco Sport remains the entry-level model in the Bronco family, building SUV ruggedness on a crossover frame. Sharing its architecture with the Ford Escape, the Bronco Sport roughly splits the off-road chops difference between the Bronco and Escape. The Bronco Sport offers a budget-friendly alternative to the Bronco, while supplying enough grit to likely satisfy a significant portion of enthusiasts.
Ford Bronco Sport Overview
The Ford Bronco Sport is a compact SUV with standard all-wheel drive. This model offers a choice of turbo engines paired with automatic transmissions. It seats five on paper and is ideal for four.
Ford offers the 2024 Bronco Sport in Big Bend ($29,795), Heritage ($32,365), Free Wheeling ($32,395), Outer Banks ($33,935), and Badlands ($38,390) grades. Add $1,595 for the destination charge.
Ford lent us a Bronco Sport Big Bend, the lowest cost of the lot. Add in features such as a Convenience Package ($1,785) and Black Diamond Off-Road Package ($1,295), and this model retails for approximately $35,000. The packages bring in such features as LED exterior lighting, heated front seats, a power-controlled driver’s seat, and underbody protection with off-road wheels.
Bronco Sport Exterior
Comparisons with the standard Bronco are inevitable. Thankfully, the Bronco Sport does the name justice. Ford may have used the Escape’s platform, but the body panels are unique to the Bronco Sport. This means consumers will find a much more rectangular body, roughly mimicking the design layout of the Bronco.
You’ll find a broad grille along with a wide, beveled hood. Strong shoulders give way to upright roof pillars. The roof itself is long and straight. From the rear, the Bronco Sport cuts straight down.
Modern touches such as LED lighting add flair and distinction. You’ll find the expected rocker panel embellishments and roof rails on most models. Like a traditional crossover, the liftgate raises high instead of from the side.
The standard 17-inch wheels give way to all-terrain tires on some models. The Free Wheeling trim adds retro touches, while the Badlands grade gains skid plates and front tow hooks to go along with its sophisticated suspension system.
Bronco Sport Interior
The Bronco Sport seats five on paper, though four is the ideal. Most models feature cloth seats and Ford makes generous use of plastics throughout. The vibe is minimalist with cabin ornamentation reserved for the top trims.
The front seats are comfortable with average support. Due to the design of the vehicle, passengers will find ample headroom and legroom, besting nearly every model in this class. The bonus though is in the cargo area where the Bronco Sport’s boxy shape supplies the ideal vertical loading space. Its overall room parallels what most competitors offer, but the layout is certainly inviting.
Ford equips the Bronco Sport with a host of creature features, including power-controlled windows and door locks. Keyless start and remote engine start come standard. There are sufficient storage compartments throughout, and the air conditioning blows cold and sends its power all through the cabin.
Safety and Technology
On the safety front, the Bronco Sport comes with a long list of features. The standard driver-assistance package includes features such as a rearview camera, forward collision warning, and forward automatic emergency braking. Also, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning come standard. Finally, the Badlands model is equipped with rear parking sensors.
The Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package ($895) brings in stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, traffic-sign recognition, evasive-steering assist, and a navigation system.
The standard technology features include an 8-inch touchscreen display, a six-speaker audio system, voice recognition, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, satellite radio, USB ports, and proximity keyless entry. Select models also offer remote start and a 6.5-inch digital instrument cluster. For an additional $1,285, the Tech package upgrades the system with a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, HD Radio, wireless charging, and a universal garage door opener.
