Home FAQ

Is a Bronco Sport RWD?

The Bronco Sport is not a traditional rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Some trims use front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, while others offer Ford’s Intelligent 4WD all-wheel-drive system, and top variants emphasize enhanced four-wheel-drive capability. There is no factory, pure rear-wheel-drive configuration.

Here’s a detailed look at how the Bronco Sport’s drivetrain options are typically arranged, how Intelligent 4WD works in practice, and what buyers should know when shopping for this compact SUV.

Drivetrain options by trim

Base and entry trims

In the most basic configurations, the Bronco Sport can come with front-wheel drive as the standard setup. Four-wheel drive is commonly available as an option or through a package on higher trims.

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) is standard on some base models

Optional Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)/Intelligent 4WD on select trims

For buyers who prioritize simple, city-friendly driving, FWD is a straightforward option. If more traction in adverse conditions is important, check whether the 4WD option is included on the trim you’re considering.

Higher trims and off-road focus

On higher trims and those aimed at off-road capability, Intelligent 4WD becomes more common, with configurations designed to help grip in rain, snow, mud, or sand. These trims may also offer additional traction modes and related features to enhance capability.

Intelligent 4WD (AWD) is widely available or standard on mid/high trims

Off-road oriented trims emphasize enhanced traction and driving modes, but still do not include a traditional low-range transfer case

These setups deliver improved on-road stability and better off-road performance without converting the vehicle into a dedicated rear-drive platform.

How Intelligent 4WD works and what it means for driving

The Bronco Sport uses Ford’s Intelligent 4WD system, which distributes torque to the front and rear axles as needed and pairs with selectable drive modes to optimize traction in various conditions. It’s designed for everyday versatility and light off-roading rather than a true performance 4x4 rig.

On-demand torque distribution to improve grip on slippery surfaces

Drive modes such as Snow, Slippery, Sand, and Mud/Ruts to tailor handling

No dedicated low-range gear like some larger 4x4 SUVs; tuned for everyday capability and modest off-road use

If your goal is a traditional rear-drive feel with a low-range transfer case for serious off-roading, the Bronco Sport isn’t the right pick; the full-size Bronco or another model with a true low-range 4x4 would be more suitable. Always confirm the exact drivetrain on the specific model year and trim before purchase.

What to know when shopping

Before committing, keep these practical considerations in mind so you choose the drivetrain that matches your needs:

Verify whether the trim you want includes standard or optional Intelligent 4WD

Consider tire and wheel options that accompany the drivetrain package, as they affect traction and ride quality

Test-drive in typical conditions (rain, snow, rough pavement) to gauge AWD performance and confidence

Bottom line: The Bronco Sport isn’t sold as a pure rear-wheel-drive model. It offers FWD on some trims and Intelligent 4WD AWD on others, with top trims geared toward enhanced traction for light off-roading. For a true RWD experience or a model with a dedicated low-range, look at other Ford SUVs or the larger Bronco lineup. Always verify the exact drivetrain for your year and trim.

Summary

The Bronco Sport does not come in a pure rear-wheel-drive configuration. Depending on the trim and model year, you’ll encounter either front-wheel drive or Ford’s Intelligent 4WD all-wheel drive, with higher trims offering better off-road traction while still not providing a traditional low-range, rear-drive setup. If you specifically need RWD, explore other options in Ford’s lineup or the full Bronco family, and always check the exact drivetrain at the time of purchase.

Is the Bronco Sport a real 4x4?

Unlike some competitors that offer all-wheel drive as an optional upgrade, Ford has positioned the Bronco Sport as a dedicated off-road-capable vehicle with standard 4WD across all trim levels, including the Big Bend. This system differs from traditional part-time 4WD systems found in larger, body-on-frame SUVs.

Are Ford Broncos rear wheel drive?

No, Broncos are not exclusively rear-wheel drive; they are available with a part-time four-wheel-drive system that uses rear-wheel drive for normal driving. The standard system allows drivers to manually switch between rear-wheel drive (2H2 cap H2𝐻) and various four-wheel-drive modes, including 4H4 cap H4𝐻 and 4L4 cap L4𝐿 for off-road conditions.
This video explains how the Ford Bronco's 4x4 system works: 39sKalispell FordYouTube · Apr 25, 2024

Part-time 4WD: The standard system is designed to be rear-wheel drive for everyday use, which is the most efficient mode.
Manual engagement: Drivers must manually engage four-wheel drive using the transfer case to switch from 2H2 cap H2𝐻 to a 4x44 x 44𝑥4 mode, such as 4H4 cap H4𝐻 (four-wheel high) or 4L4 cap L4𝐿 (four-wheel low).
Off-road capabilities: The 4x44 x 44𝑥4 system is built for off-road use, providing enhanced traction and control when needed. Using 4x44 x 44𝑥4 on high-traction surfaces can cause damage.
Automatic 4WD: Some trims of the larger Bronco offer an automatic four-wheel drive (4A4 cap A4𝐴) mode that engages the front wheels when it detects slippage.

Is Bronco Sport RWD?

No, the Ford Bronco Sport is not rear-wheel drive; it is all-wheel drive (AWD) on all trims, with an advanced 4x4 system on the Badlands trim that can send power to a single rear wheel when needed. The standard AWD system sends power to all four wheels automatically for better traction, while the optional advanced 4x4 system in the Badlands offers even more capability on difficult terrain.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Ford Bronco Sport's engine and drivetrain: 1mBros FOURR SpeedYouTube · Mar 20, 2025
Bronco Sport drivetrain explained

Standard AWD: All Bronco Sport models come standard with an all-wheel-drive system that automatically sends power to all four wheels.
Badlands 4x4 system: The Badlands trim (and other models with the available Advanced 4x4 system) includes a twin-clutch rear-drive unit. This more advanced system can:
- Proactively send power to the rear wheels.
- Lock the rear differential to maximize traction in low-grip situations.
- Send power to a single rear wheel to help you get unstuck, even if the other three wheels have no traction.
G.O.A.T. Modes: The vehicle's G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) system allows you to select a driving mode that adjusts the AWD/4x4 system for optimal performance on different surfaces, like sand, mud, or snow.

This video demonstrates the Bronco Sport's advanced 4x4 system in action: 1mThe Fast Lane CarYouTube · Jul 9, 2025

Does the Bronco Sport come in 2WD?

The Bronco Sport is a 4WD SUV in every configuration. It has two core engine options, both of which are a part of the turbocharged EcoBoost family. The first is the standard 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine, which makes 180 horsepower plus 200 pound-feet of torque.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.