How Does the Bronco Sport Fit Into the Ford Lineup?

August 16th, 2024 by

A white 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands parked on the beach.

When the sixth-generation Ford Bronco debuted in June 2021, it was celebrated as the return of an iconic off-road vehicle that hadn’t been seen in 25 years. However, a different version had gone into production eight months earlier with less fanfare. The Ford Bronco Sport came out in October 2020 and has remained part of the lineup ever since.

At DePaula Ford, you can easily find a Ford Bronco Sport for sale alongside the Bronco, Bronco Raptor, and other Ford SUVs like the Edge and Explorer. The question is, should you buy one, and why does Ford offer the vehicle in the first place? This guide takes a closer look at the Bronco Sport so buyers and admirers alike can understand how it fits into the Ford lineup and how the vehicle is part of Ford’s brand strategy.

A Quick Overview of the Bronco Sport

Let’s begin by quickly running down the main Bronco Sport specs so you can get a picture of this machine. Officially classified as a compact crossover SUV (with some even deeming it a subcompact), the unibody Ford Bronco Sport is a vehicle that combines strong daily driving and more-than-capable off-roading in the same package. The base 1.5L turbo I-4 engine has 181 hp and 190 lb-ft. of torque. Those who want more power will get it from the 2.0L turbo I-4 that bumps things up to 250 hp and 277 lb-ft. of torque. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive.

Each Bronco Sport has a High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (HOSS) and precision-tuned steering system to boost turning and grip on rough surfaces. You also get up to seven driving modes that adjust the suspension based on the terrain. The Badlands trim adds a twin-clutch rear-drive unit that can send torque to just one rear wheel if you need to get out of a jam. Cargo space maxes at 65.2 cu.ft. with standard roof racks for mounting bikes, snowboards, and other equipment. The interior features an eight-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. Add-ons include front tow hooks, all-terrain tires, skid plates, GPS navigation, a 180-degree front camera, and a ten-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

A grey 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend off-roading down a rocky trail.

Comparing the Bronco Sport to the Ford Bronco

Now that we’ve established the basics, we can see how the Bronco Sport stacks up against the flagship Bronco. The sixth-gen Ford Bronco is a true body-on-frame midsize SUV made for off-roading purists. With two engine options that can produce up to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft. of torque, true four-wheel drive, and a choice of a seven-speed manual or ten-speed automatic transmission, it’s a lot of SUV. Higher trims like the Sasquatch and Everglades include a height-raising suspension design and 35-inch tires to give you even more clearance. Cargo room increases to 83 cu.ft. on the four-door model, and you have a little more legroom in the front and back.

The Ford Bronco Raptor turns the off-roading volume up to 11, beginning with its 3.0L twin-turbo-six engine that delivers 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque on a ten-speed automatic. The “Braptor” is taller and wider, has more suspension travel, and offers better wheel angles for getting over obstacles. Ford Broncos also have a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen and pre-wired auxiliary switches for custom accessories. When you add it all up, there’s no denying that diehard off-roaders will get more from the Bronco.

On the other hand, the Bronco Sport has some distinct advantages for people who aren’t planning to tackle the Catskill mountains every day. Its smaller size, AWD, and more refined chassis will give owners a better on-road driving experience while letting them enjoy legitimate off-road adventures thanks to the shared HOSS system. The compact nature can come in handy when trying to fit through narrow gaps. The Bronco Sport is also more economical, getting an EPA-estimated 26 MPG combined with the 1.5L engine and 23 MPG combined with the 2.0L engine. By comparison, the Ford Bronco maxes out at 20 MPG combined.

Most notable is the price difference. The Ford Bronco Sport has a starting MSRP of approximately $31,000 [a] for the introductory Big Bend trim and $38,000 [a] for the highest-level Badlands, which is still less than the lowest-level Ford Bronco Big Bend. If you’re a semi-serious off-roader who needs their SUV to also do well on the road or a serious off-roader on a tight budget, the Ford Bronco Sport gives you a lot of bang for your buck. It’s a remarkably safe vehicle, too, receiving a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA.

Comparing the Bronco Sport to the Ford Escape

Now let’s look at the Ford Bronco Sport versus its cousin with a Ford nameplate. According to Ford, the Bronco Sport and Escape compact crossover are made of 80% identical parts. This includes the same C2 platform and the same engine options. What are the major differences?

  • The Ford Escape has a front-wheel drive option, while the Bronco Sport is only sold with all-wheel drive.
  • The Ford Escape has better fuel mileage. The 1.5L engine gets an EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined in FWD and 28 MPG combined in AWD. It’s also available with a hybrid or plug-in hybrid design, boosting fuel economy to 39 MPG combined.
  • The Escape does not have the HOSS suspension system.
  • The Escape has more sophisticated exterior styling, while the Bronco Sport has a boxier look.
  • The available cargo space is virtually identical, but the Escape has more rear legroom.
  • The standard infotainment screen is the same size, but you can upgrade the Escape to a 13.2-inch screen on higher trims.
  • The Escape has an available 360-degree camera system and Wi-Fi hotspot but does not offer GPS navigation.

Camping gear in the cargo area of a 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend for sale.

What Is the Strategic Importance of the Bronco Sport?

When you add it up, the Bronco Sport is a vehicle for people who like paved roads and trails in equal measure. We hesitate to call it a compromise because that would imply it’s inadequate in certain areas. Rather, the Bronco Sport allows you to enjoy daily driving Monday through Friday, then take the same vehicle to rediscover the outdoors Saturday and Sunday. It has all the essentials to be a legitimate seven-day-a-week SUV and feel satisfied at the end of every drive.

It’s not just us who have reached this conclusion. When it was first released, MotorTrend called the Ford Bronco Sport the “linchpin” of the Bronco family. The vehicle provides the capabilities most off-roaders need, the aggressive style and attitude they want, and the price tag they can afford. This brilliant combination makes the Ford Bronco Sport the ultimate vehicle for “everyman adventures.”

Get a Bronco Sport at DePaula Ford

If a vehicle that can do it all is your speed, visit us to test drive the Ford Bronco Sport. As the leading Ford dealer in Albany, NY, we can help you find a new, used, or Certified Pre-Owned Bronco Sport that fits your needs. Call us to set up an appointment or stop by to discover how the Ford Bronco Sport delivers in any situation.

[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.
Posted in Ford Bronco Sport for Sale