One of the most exciting facets of the automotive industry is the chance for vehicles that once had their production halted to make a comeback to acclaim and great enthusiasm. Among the recent returns to glory has been the Ford Bronco, which made a comeback during the 2021 model year. This SUV, which had dominated the cultural landscape for three decades and served as the top rival of the Toyota Land Cruiser and Chevy Blazer, retook its territory after being absent since 1996. While much has changed in the automotive marketplace since then, Ford succeeded in breathing new life into the vehicle for an entirely new generation to experience.
To demonstrate just how effective Ford can be at adapting to the times and changes in trends, the Bronco was accompanied by a smaller sibling, the Ford Bronco Sport. This budget-friendly SUV possesses performance and off-road prowess worthy of the Bronco name in a compact package that appeals to modern SUV owners. With a new model year, excitement is in the air. Many drivers are looking to Ford to provide them with options that will merge versatility and practicality, and we're looking too. Today, we are examining the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport and all the great features and performance it has to offer.
Starting at
Describing the performance attributes of the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is as simple as saying big things come in small packages. The Bronco Sport uses the same platform as the Ford Escape, with some upgrades for off-road performance. In many ways, the Bronco Sport is to the Bronco what the Escape is to its larger sibling, the Edge. The Bronco Sport is off-road capable in any form, as four-wheel drive is standard across every trim level. However, the model makes use of two distinctive engines, each offering its own unique advantages.
The base offering is a 1.5L turbocharged three-cylinder. Don't judge it by size, though. The engine is rated for 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque, providing smooth handling on the highway and allowing for off-roading excitement if you feel obliged to partake. To improve off-road performance, the Bronco Sport comes standard with five driver-selectable GOAT modes tailored to different types of terrain. The three-cylinder engine is ideal for drivers looking to trim some costs and cut back on fuel consumption, as this engine gives the 2023 Bronco sport an estimated fuel economy of 26 MPG combined.
Of course, the ante can be upped courtesy of a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder producing 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. This four-cylinder allows for a tow rating of 2,200 lbs and is the perfect accessory for an off-roading excursion. No matter which engine you prefer, you'll have the advantage of an eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride even when the terrain gets rough.
If you're looking to take full advantage of the off-roading capabilities of the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport, we recommend the top-tier Badlands trim. While any trim of this rugged SUV can transition between the pavement and the wild with relative ease, the Badlands adds features such as a twin-clutch locking rear differential and heavy-duty skid plate to make for a more enjoyable time away from the pavement. Low-speed cruise control is also included to allow you to maintain focus on the trail while keeping a safe pace.
One look at the exterior of the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport, and you instantaneously know that you're being presented with a vehicle that was formulated for heading off the beaten path. But for all of its toughness and rough exterior, the interior is the perfect contrast. The cabin of the Ford Bronco Sport is anchored by a standard eight-inch infotainment screen that rests atop the dashboard. This design choice is ideal as it gives the driver the feeling of being at the helm of the vehicle and not just behind the wheel.
With the placement of the infotainment screen, Ford designed the interior with accessibility in mind, as the wheel, windshield, screen, and shifter are all in close proximity to one another. When you aren't driving, the interior of the Bronco Sport can be repurposed as a mobile workstation or camp kitchen, complete with overhead lights and a slide-out table. It's a rare occasion when a vehicle can go from office to off-roading in a matter of seconds, but Ford has achieved it with the versatile design of this small SUV.
As with many other modern vehicles, the Bronco Sport can be outfitted with the best amenities to achieve the level of comfort and entertainment you desire. The base trim offers the essential needs for a comfortable ride, such as single-zone climate control, a six-speaker stereo system, and a SYNC 3 infotainment center with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Upper trims have smartphone integration and access to Sirius XM Satellite Radio. For the ultimate in luxury and comfort, you will be most impressed with the Badlands trim. Aside from two-tone leather upholstery and dual-zone automatic climate control, fans of being entertained when on the road will love the optional Bang & Olufsen stereo system, which includes ten speakers and a subwoofer for maximum volume. Just because you're playing in the wild doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the finer things in life.
With impressive performance attributes and all the comfort and amenities you could ask for, the Ford Bronco Sport is a masterclass in versatility and accomplishment. Of course, we always believe in the importance of safety in any vehicle. We're living at a unique time and place in the automotive industry, an age where safety and driving-assistance features are more advanced and innovative than ever before. Ford has a long-standing reputation for keeping its drivers safe while they're on the road, and the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport manages to check all of the boxes.
For the 2022 model year, the Bronco Sport was awarded the coveted five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. These high ratings are only given to vehicles that excel in crash testing and ensure passenger safety. With a reputation to uphold, Ford once again equips its newest SUV with several advanced features that are necessary for peace of mind. This peace of mind comes in the form of Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of standard driving-assistance features.
Driving-assistance technologies include such innovations as Pre-Collision Assist. This feature is designed to help drivers recognize an impending collision and avoid an accident. Not everyone possesses pinpoint reflexes, and this assistance can be very beneficial. Accentuating this feature is Automatic Emergency Braking, which will apply braking pressure in those few critical moments before impact. Other aspects of Ford Co-Pilot360 include a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert and a Lane-Keeping System.
For those who are seeking more advanced features for a stronger feeling of security, the upper trims offer Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, which contains all of the features of Co-Pilot360 plus some highly renowned extras. These include such advanced features as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, voice-activated GPS navigation, and Evasive Steering Assist. No matter what you require to be comfortable on the road, you can have your Bronco Sport outfitted with everything you need for peace of mind.
The excitement in the air regarding the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is spreading throughout the industry. With off-road performance that far exceeds expectations, you no longer need to rely on cumbersome powertrains and overpriced special editions to embark upon the road less traveled. With its low starting price, the Bronco Sport is less expensive than traditional off-roading vehicles such as the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner. By combining a fuel-efficient powertrain with four-wheel drive and a stack of standard features, the Bronco Sport checks all of the boxes for a better product at a lower cost.
Purchasing such an exceptional vehicle is made even better at a dealership that has your best interests in mind and puts your needs far above its own. The good news is such a location exists. Located in Albany, New York, DePaula Ford has the years of experience and the wealth of knowledge necessary to help you find the ideal vehicle for you and your current situation. The car-buying process is sometimes considered lengthy and difficult, but you won't find that with us.
At our dealership, you'll have a pleasant and efficient shopping experience because we'll walk you through each step of the process, going over the various trims and features that are not only impressive but will benefit you in the long run. We believe in accessibility and transparency. There are no hidden surprises with us at DePaula Ford, just great deals, outstanding service, and vehicles that are held to the highest levels of quality assurance. No matter where you need to go, we'll make sure you get there in a vehicle that you will love!
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
