Whats the difference between a Ford Bronco Sport?
The Ford Bronco and the Ford Bronco Sport are two popular SUVs in Ford's lineup, but they cater to different types of drivers and lifestyles. While they share the iconic Bronco name, they differ significantly in terms of size, design, performance, and intended use. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your needs.
1. Size and Platform
The Ford Bronco is a larger, more rugged SUV built on a truck-based platform, making it ideal for serious off-road enthusiasts. In contrast, the Ford Bronco Sport is a smaller, more compact SUV built on a unibody platform, which it shares with the Ford Escape. This makes the Bronco Sport better suited for urban driving and light off-road adventures.
2. Off-Road Capability
When it comes to off-road performance, the Ford Bronco is the clear winner. It offers features like:
- Available two-door and four-door configurations.
- Removable doors and roof for an open-air experience.
- Advanced 4x4 systems with a low-range transfer case.
- Heavy-duty suspension and larger tires for tackling extreme terrain.
The Bronco Sport, while capable, is designed for milder off-road use. It includes features like Ford's G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) modes and an available twin-clutch rear-drive unit for improved traction, but it lacks the hardcore off-road hardware of the full-size Bronco.
3. Interior Space and Comfort
The Ford Bronco offers more interior space, especially in the four-door model, making it a better choice for families or those who need extra cargo room. The Bronco Sport, being smaller, is more compact but still provides a comfortable and practical interior for daily driving.
4. Engine Options
The Ford Bronco comes with a range of powerful engine options, including:
- A 2.3L EcoBoost inline-4 engine.
- An available 2.7L EcoBoost V6 for more power.
The Bronco Sport, on the other hand, offers smaller engine options, such as:
- A 1.5L EcoBoost inline-3 engine.
- An available 2.0L EcoBoost inline-4 for higher trims.
While the Bronco Sport's engines are efficient and adequate for most drivers, they don’t match the power and towing capacity of the Bronco.
5. Price
The Ford Bronco is generally more expensive than the Bronco Sport due to its larger size, advanced off-road features, and customizable options. The Bronco Sport is a more budget-friendly option, making it accessible to a wider range of buyers.
Which One Should You Choose?
Your choice between the Ford Bronco and the Ford Bronco Sport ultimately depends on your lifestyle and driving needs:
- Choose the Ford Bronco if you’re an off-road enthusiast who needs a rugged, capable SUV for extreme adventures.
- Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if you’re looking for a versatile, compact SUV that’s great for city driving and occasional outdoor excursions.
Both vehicles carry the Bronco legacy, but they serve different purposes. Whether you’re hitting the trails or navigating city streets, there’s a Bronco for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different levels of the Bronco Sport?
You'll choose from the Big Bend, Heritage, Free Wheeling, Outer Banks, and Badlands trims. Let's look at these editions to pinpoint the finer details that make each special. We encourage you to look at the available options of the new Ford Bronco Sport for sale at our dealership.
Are Bronco sales declining?
Sales of the Ford Bronco have been declining in 2024, with a reported 10% decrease through October.
Why is Bronco Sport so expensive?
The Bronco's cost is reflective of the work that went into developing it, which was clearly substantial. You cannot expect incredible build quality AND low price. If it were any better built than I expect it to be, it would cost more. If it were any cheaper, it would contain inferior parts.
Is the Bronco Sport a rough ride?
So it inherently lacks the smooth ride you get from rivals such as Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5. For instance, the Badlands suspension that's been tuned for dirt and rocks often gives a bumpy ride over various road surfaces. And since the Bronco Sport has an upright design, there is wind noise at most speeds.
What is the Bronco Sport comparable to?
The 2025 Bronco Sport shares its platform and size with the Ford Escape, but it takes on the look, spirit, and off-road packages of the larger Bronco off-roadmobile. Subaru expands its off-road Wilderness trims to the Crosstrek and Forester, but they're more soft-roaders than trail conquerors.
What is different between Bronco and Bronco Sport?
Styling and Features
The Bronco comes in 2-door and 4-door configurations, while the Bronco Sport is a 4-door only. The Bronco also offers a manual transmission and powerful V6 engine option, while the Bronco Sport has two turbocharged 4-cylinder choices.
What's special about the Outer Banks Bronco?
The Bronco Outer Banks model features a standard removable top and doors, LED Signature Lighting and LED Fog Lamps, tow hooks, and a manual swing-gate with up to 150-degree swing, as well as heated front seats and a manual six-way driver's seat.
What is the difference between Bronco Sport Outer Banks and Badlands?
The Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks® model is powered by the standard 1.5L EcoBoost® engine, which provides 181 horsepower and 190 lb. -ft. of unstoppable torque. The Ford Bronco Sport Badlands® model differs from the rest of the lineup, coming standard with the powerful 2.0L EcoBoost® engine.
Which Bronco Sport has a sunroof?
Expand Your Cabin Experience With The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Power Moonroof Feature. The new Ford Bronco Sport for sale in Newton can be outfitted with an expansive power moonroof. Any of the Bronco Sport trim levels can opt for the feature.
Why is the Bronco Sport so popular?
The Bronco Sport comes exclusively with all-wheel drive, and its inclusion of special G.O.A.T off-road modes makes it one of the more capable small SUVs on sale. G.O.A.T. stands for Goes Over Any Type of Terrain and these modes are offered on the Bronco Sport as well as in more robust form in the Ford Bronco.
