The Ford Bronco Sport, a tiny SUV, is built on this principle. It has the same intimidating appearance as the massive midsize Bronco and looks ten times better than its slightly bigger compact sibling, the blobby Escape. The Bronco Sport is now Ford’s smallest SUV since the even blobbier subcompact EcoSport was discontinued last year.
The 2021-released Bronco Sport’s nostalgic appeal is heightened in 2023 when it gets two unique versions that are pastel-painted like the original Bronco from 1966. There are six trims, with prices ranging from $30,000 to $45,000. White headlamp surrounds, grilles, red Bronco lettering, and white wheels that seem vintage steelies but are cast aluminum are all features of the new Heritage and Heritage Limited. The new Black Diamond Off-Road package is available on Big Bend and Outer Banks trims with grey steelie lookalikes, steel skid plates, and side decals.
The Bronco Sport is more like a tiny fry, like the Chevrolet Trailblazer in size, yet is priced around on par with the Escape. Only the Jeep Compass, when both are fully equipped, can equal the hardware of the Bronco Sport when it comes to off-road prowess in this size class. However, it cannot match the power of the Ford’s optional engine. The Trailblazer, the somewhat bigger Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, and most grades are street-oriented and rival each other. All provide enough room for four people and a small cargo space behind the back seats.
Like the Trailblazer, the Bronco Sport has a three-cylinder turbocharged engine in most trim levels. Top models feature a 2.0-litre turbo four, which is substantially more powerful. These engines make the Bronco Sport more enjoyable to drive on roads and mild terrain, paired with a suspension tuned for additional wheel travel. Due to its square design, the cabin experiences more wind noise, and the body roll is noticeable while turning quickly. The perspective from the driver’s seat is unlike anything else in the class and has a more Land Rover-like feel and feedback than anything else in the class.
For a tiny SUV, comfort and space are abundant, even in the back seat, where the raised roof rises over the front for additional headroom. Although its rear seat is not as spacious as other competitors’, it is much bigger than the Toyota Corolla Cross and close to the RAV4. The dash and doors’ material quality is noticeably poor, with fragile plastic and poor fit. It is worn better by every other rival. In the Bronco Sport’s defense, the inside is built to withstand stains and scratches while mucking about in the woods. But it seems flimsy.
The Ford Co-Pilot360 package, which includes blind spot monitoring, lane-keep assistance, front emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, and high auto beams, is included as standard, along with all-wheel drive (AWD), a terrain management system (TMS) with five configurable driving modes, and these features. Additionally, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Sync 3 does. Because there is no budget front-wheel drive option, the Bronco Sport’s beginning price is more than that of other competitors, yet even in basic model form, it can live up to its off-road reputation.
Performance: Ford Bronco Sport
A 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-three with 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet torque powers most Bronco Sport models. The 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque is found in the Badlands and Heritage Limited top grades. All of them have an automatic gearbox with eight speeds and all-wheel drive.
Both engines have strong acceleration, but the 2.0 liter is an absolute powerhouse considering the size of the Bronco Sport. Its power is comparable to the Mazda CX-30 Turbo and higher than that of high-end crossovers like the BMW X1 or Mercedes-Benz GLA. The Badlands we tried felt nimble in sport mode, pulled firmly, and switched fast. With either engine, noise and vibration are reduced.
Anyone who desires better traction in bad weather would appreciate the unique features of these top trims. The torque split and the rear axle, essentially a twin-disc clutch lacking the actual locking behavior of the vast Bronco axles, have a 50:50 locking function. Ford asserts that it can direct the whole engine’s torque to a single rear wheel if necessary.
Additionally, the Bronco Sport offers an increased approach, breakover, and departure angles, 8.8 inches of ground clearance, and almost two feet of water fording when fitted with all-terrain tires. It isn’t revolutionary and won’t outperform a Subaru Forester Wilderness on a path in terms of power. However, it is far more durable than the common Hondas, Nissans, and Toyotas.
Body roll and excessive wind noise disappoint, but ride comfort and precise handling exceed. Ford modified the springs for more extended wheel travel since this vehicle is intended for off-road use, which results in a softer, lazier response when pushed harder on the road.
Fuel efficiency: Ford Bronco Sport
For all 1.5-litre versions, the EPA rates fuel efficiency as 25 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg overall. 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined are the ratings for the 2.0-litre engine. These are respectable numbers, but the Bronco Sport uses more petrol than its rivals. The Bronco Sport does not come with front-wheel drive, and its two engines—especially the larger ones—are more potent than many competitors. Nevertheless, despite our low scoring, which objectively examines raw EPA data and averages all combined ratings across a vehicle’s lineup, it’s essential to remember two things.
Additionally, Ford optimizes the engine for two different fuel grades, similar to Mazda. Put in premium if you want the best output. If you don’t mind a little loss in power, go with regular. You have the freedom to spend whatever much you want without endangering the engine or reducing efficiency.
Safety and driver support technology:
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2023 Bronco Sport a 2022 Top Safety Pick+, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded it five stars. (The IIHS evaluated the 2021 version; the 2023 model is a carryover but still receives the rating.) There are several active safety systems and seven airbags, including one for the driver’s knee.
Co-Pilot360 is standard equipment and includes blind spot monitoring, lane-keep assistance, front emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, and auto highlights. On Big Bend, Heritage, Outer Banks, and Badlands trims, Co-Pilot 360 help+ (adaptive cruise with lane centering and evasive steering help) is optional.
Comfort and Space
The Bronco Sport sits between subcompact and small SUVs. As a result, it is more significant than a Honda HR-V but not as spacious as a Honda CR-V. Compared to the Jeep Compass’s 38.3 inches and the vast 39.4 inches of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford’s second-row legroom measures 36.9 inches. Despite having a substantially wider footprint, the CR-V offers 41.0 inches of back legroom. However, it also has a more prominent rear than several crossovers of comparable size, such as the Hyundai Kona (35.2 inches), Nissan Kicks (33.5 inches), or Toyota Corolla Cross (32.0 inches).
Due to the Bronco Sport’s narrow front seat backs and elevated roof, which steps up safari-style for additional rear headroom, the inside seems roomier than its measurements indicate. The chairs’ combination of soft vinyl and cloth makes them easier to clean and comfortable enough for extended trips. The carpets are removed with a rubber floor, making cleaning even more straightforward. Rear armrests are not standard on base models.
Infotainment: Ford Bronco Sport
On its standard 8.0-inch touchscreen, the 2023 Bronco Sport still employs the outdated Sync 3, which is disappointing. The previous method is still fast and easy, but we like the modern system’s sleeker UI. Along with wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and FordPass Connect, which enables remote connections through a smartphone, two USB ports, including a type C connector, are standard.
Optional features include navigation, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a remote start, a wireless charging pad, a garage door opener, power seats, and dual-zone temperature. A front camera with a 180-degree field of vision remains on when using specific off-road driving modes, which is also acceptable.
Storage & Cargo Space:
Compared to other SUVs of similar size, the Bronco Sport offers a more significant storage room and more inventive methods to stow stuff. Cargo capacity on 1.5-liter vehicles is 32 cubic feet behind the back seats and 65 with the rear seats folded. The cargo room in the 2.0-litre variants is 29 and 61 cubic feet, respectively (when a sunroof is included, the luggage space is further reduced by a few tenths of each). It has more inside space than the Jeep Compass (27 and 60 cubic feet, respectively) and Chevrolet Trailblazer (25 and 54). It is smaller (39 and 76) than the Honda CR-V, the model at the top of the class.
Except for one other SUV in this class, several versions include unique interior features, such as zippered bags and Molle straps on the backs of the front seats (ideal for attaching small objects like multitools and torches and quickly retrieving them). The Badlands and Heritage Limited include flip-up rear seat cushions for additional concealed storage space.
A typical feature of every SUV nowadays is a pop-up rear glass window. Instead of carpet, the rear seatbacks might have rubberized padding. The cargo area’s panels are lined with several hooks and mounting points, a built-in bottle opener is located in the board above the rear right taillight, and a sliding tray that divides the cargo space into two shelves and can also swing out to serve as a table sits partly on the back bumper.
Design: Ford Bronco Sport
Despite the chairs, the dashboard and door plastics have a cheap, flimsy feel. Despite the sound design, Ford does not provide its SUVs with excellent interiors. At any price, the interiors of the Jeep Compass and Honda CR-V are significantly superior.
Nevertheless, Bronco Sport capitalizes on its reputation and history. For those who want actual capacity in their tiny crossover and want it to look the part, its boxy, truck-like appearance and practical interior, featuring all the belts and pockets and rubber flooring, make a persuasive appeal. This is a critical factor in the Bronco Sport’s ability to charge more for a smaller car. Additionally, the Bronco Sport has a lot of the personality of the original Escape, which continues to have a rough, modern appearance.
The Ford Bronco Sport 2023: Is It Worth It?
According to Ford, you don’t want the basic model Bronco Sport, so don’t bother ordering it. Accordingly, the starting price of a Bronco Sport in the Big Bend is $32,825, making it almost comparable in cost to the more spacious Honda CR-V.
The Outer Banks are a good option for $37,210. You steer clear of the Heritage model and its lesser trimmings and dress up the drab inside with brighter hues and plusher textiles (along with several of the practical storage features we highlighted). It is also reasonably priced compared to the Jeep Compass Trailhawk ($37,340 when the 2023 versions go on sale in the latter part of this spring). The Subaru Forester Wilderness costs $35,245 if you can locate one without a markup, although both are notable for being more expensive.
Even while driving the 2.0-liter Badlands and Heritage Limited trims is fantastic, paying more than $40,000 to buy a quicker Subaru Forester is unjustified. Be cautious of your dealer’s price and avoid being duped into splurging on such a little SUV.
How Much Does the Ford Bronco Sport Cost to Insure?
Comparable vehicles like the Ford Bronco Sport have similar insurance rates. On a Bronco Badlands (the most costly model to insure), an average 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record may anticipate an average yearly premium of $1,957; however, this estimate is based on all 50 states. It would cost $1,957 for a comparable Jeep Compass Trailhawk, $1,829 for a Kia Seltos SX, and $1,742 for a Subaru Crosstrek Sport.
Verdict
The Ford Bronco Sport would be preferred over the Escape, a more family-oriented sister. The Bronco Sport is better competent off-road and gives owners more options for interior and exterior customization while being more expensive than many other popular small SUVs and noticeably more compact than the Escape. Upper trims are also astonishingly sophisticated and robust, given their off-road prowess.
