Does Bronco Sport have AWD or 4WD?
In short, the Ford Bronco Sport uses a four-wheel-drive system Ford labels Intelligent 4WD, and every Bronco Sport model comes with 4WD capability rather than a traditional AWD setup. This means you’ll have four-wheel drive traction when you need it, not just an on-paper all-wheel-drive configuration.
Understanding the Bronco Sport drivetrain
The Bronco Sport is marketed with an on‑demand four‑wheel‑drive system, bundled with Ford’s Terrain Management/Terrain GOAT modes. This setup is designed to automatically distribute power to the axle(s) that need it most, helping grip on slick pavement, mud, gravel, and other challenging surfaces without requiring you to manually engage a separate transfer case.
Before listing the key features, note that Ford positions this system as 4WD rather than a conventional AWD. It does not rely on a fixed front- or rear-wheel bias; instead, it can send torque to wheels as needed to maintain traction. This distinction matters for buyers comparing to traditional AWD crossovers or to larger off-road 4WD systems with dedicated low-range gearing.
- Intelligent 4WD with on‑demand capability: All Bronco Sport trims include four‑wheel-drive hardware and the ability to engage four wheels when traction calls for it.
- Eight‑speed automatic transmission paired with either a 1.5L or 2.0L EcoBoost engine: The drivetrain is designed to optimize torque delivery across surfaces and speeds.
- Terrain GOAT modes: The system includes terrain-specific settings to improve grip on surfaces such as sand, mud, snow, and slippery pavement, adjusting throttle response, traction control, and transmission behavior.
- No traditional low-range 4WD in the Bronco Sport: Unlike some larger 4WD SUVs, the Bronco Sport generally does not offer a dedicated low-range (4L) transfer‑case gear, relying instead on its on‑demand 4WD and traction-management features for off‑road capability.
These characteristics mean the Bronco Sport is built to handle light-to-moderate off‑roading and adverse conditions without requiring aftermarket modifications, while still prioritizing daily on-road efficiency and comfort.
What this means for drivers
For buyers deciding between AWD and 4WD, the Bronco Sport’s Intelligent 4WD is a practical compromise: it provides four‑wheel traction when needed, with terrain-adaptive modes, while maintaining smooth highway behavior. It’s designed to help with rain‑soaked streets, gravel drives, and easy dirt trails, rather than serious rock crawling or extreme off‑roading that a larger, low‑range 4WD system would handle.
Bottom line
The Bronco Sport is built around four-wheel-drive capability rather than a traditional AWD setup. It offers Intelligent 4WD with GOAT terrain modes on all trims, prioritizing traction and adaptability in varied conditions while omitting a dedicated low-range transfer case found on some larger off-road vehicles.
Summary: The Bronco Sport uses Intelligent 4WD across all trims, delivering four-wheel-drive traction with terrain management for everyday driving and light off-road use. If you need a true low-range 4WD with extreme off-road gear, you might consider larger, more rugged Ford Bronco models or other off-road SUVs.
