What is the 1.5 L 3 cylinder engine in the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport?
The Bronco Sport’s 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine is a turbocharged inline-3 that delivers about 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive.
Ford’s 1.5L EcoBoost is part of the company’s broader EcoBoost family, designed to balance performance with efficiency in compact SUVs and crossovers. In the Bronco Sport, this three-cylinder unit is tuned to provide usable low-end torque for off-road access while still aiming for reasonable highway and city efficiency. The following details lay out the engine’s core characteristics and how it fits into the Bronco Sport lineup.
Engine fundamentals
Before we dive into numbers and tech specifics, here is a concise profile of what this 1.5-liter three-cylinder is and how it powers the Bronco Sport.
Key specifications at a glance
- Displacement: 1.5 liters
- Configuration: Turbocharged inline-3
- Turbocharger: Single turbocharger
- Valvetrain: Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT)
- Direct fuel injection
- Horsepower: 181 hp
- Torque: 190 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive available
Together, these elements are designed to offer responsive response at common driving speeds while keeping overall efficiency in check for daily use and light off-road tasks.
Performance and driving characteristics
In everyday driving, the 1.5L EcoBoost aims to provide brisk acceleration off the line and solid mid-range oomph without the weight and fuel penalty of a larger engine. The turbocharger helps boost power at lower RPMs, making hill climbs and merging feel more confident, while the 8-speed automatic ensures smooth gear changes and geared responses suited to urban and highway conditions. All-wheel-drive capability is available on Bronco Sport trims beyond the base setup, allowing improved traction when venturing onto dirt roads or wet surfaces.
How this engine sits against the Bronco Sport lineup
Ford also offers a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine for the Bronco Sport, which produces more horsepower and torque for buyers seeking stronger performance, particularly in off-road or high-demand driving scenarios. The 1.5-liter I3 remains the more efficient, lighter-weight option that suits most daily drivers and light-duty trips, with the 2.0L serving as the performance-oriented alternative.
What it means for buyers and owners
For prospective buyers, the 1.5L EcoBoost is a compelling choice if you want a Bronco Sport that’s easy to drive in urban settings, offers sufficient low-end torque for off-road entry, and aims for better fuel economy than larger engines. It pairs well with the Bronco Sport’s selectable drive modes and terrain capabilities, helping the SUV feel capable without necessarily requiring the extra power of the 2.0L option.
Summary
The 1.5 L 3-cylinder engine in the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport is Ford’s turbocharged EcoBoost unit, delivering 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available. It embodies a balance of everyday usability, efficiency, and light off-road capability that defines the Bronco Sport’s approach to compact-SUV versatility.
Is the Ford 1.5 3-cylinder EcoBoost reliable?
It's important to bear in mind that despite some owners having issues, if well maintained, the vast majority of Ecoboost engines offer reliable and efficient service to their owners. That said, some engines in the lineup don't have the aforementioned “wet belt” issue.
Is the Ford Bronco Sport 1.5 engine reliable?
The reliability of the Ford Bronco Sport 1.5 is generally considered good, with positive ratings from sources like J.D. Power and many owners reporting few major issues. However, there are some owner-reported concerns, including specific issues with the water pump and potential for engine problems in some models. Proper and consistent maintenance is key to ensuring long-term reliability, especially for turbocharged engines like the 1.5L EcoBoost.
Positive aspects
This video discusses the reliability of the Ford Bronco Sport's engine and transmission: 1mJohnny's car care & reviewsYouTube · Mar 20, 2021
- Good overall ratings: The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport received a "Great" reliability score from J.D. Power and has positive reviews from many industry experts.
- Owner satisfaction: Many owners report positive experiences, with some putting over 100,000 miles on their vehicle without major issues, provided they follow the recommended maintenance schedule.
- High safety scores: The Bronco Sport has received high safety ratings from organizations like the NHTSA and IIHS.
Potential concerns
This video explains some potential problems with the Bronco Sport's 1.5L engine: 58sI Do CarsYouTube · Sep 5, 2025
- Water pump issues: Some owners of the 1.5L model have reported premature water pump failures, though this can sometimes be due to issues with cheap clamps.
- Engine performance: The smaller 1.5L engine works harder than the larger 2.0L engine, which can lead to more wear over time. There have been reports of other issues, such as engine vibration or minor oil control solenoid problems.
- Transmission problems: While most drivers have good experiences, some reports exist of transmission-related issues in some cases.
Factors to consider
- Maintenance is critical: Following the recommended maintenance schedule, including regular oil changes and other fluid services, is crucial for the longevity of the turbocharged 1.5L engine.
- Engine type: The 1.5L is a smaller, turbocharged engine, and while it's capable, the larger 2.0L engine may offer better long-term reliability and performance.
- Warranty: A warranty can provide peace of mind for potential repairs, especially for components like the water pump.
What is the 1.5 engine in the Bronco sport?
The standard Ford Bronco Sport engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine that makes 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost powertrain, which produces 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, is available.
Are 3-cylinder Broncos any good?
The 3 cylinder is fine. It's the same engine that the Fiesta ST has, so it's not just an economy engine. I previously drove an Infiniti QX30 with a 208hp 4 cylinder turbo - there's not really much lacking with the 3 cyl bronco sport engine in my experience.
