FORD BRONCO SPORT: Don't mistake the Bronco Sport for the regular Bronco; this compact SUV packs plenty.
PROS:
CONS: The four-cylinder engine is only available on the top trim; the backseat feels a little tight; and driving in the city feels bumpy.
VERDICT: If you feel overwhelmed by the Bronco but still want its rugged look and feel, the Bronco Sport is for you.
Does it have any competitors or rivals?
Jeep Cherokee, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Outback
What’s interesting about the BRONCO SPORT?
- Don't think of the Bronco Sport as the Bronco's wimpy little sibling; this compact SUV has plenty to offer in its own right.
- Despite the tight backseat, the raised roof ensures plenty of cargo room for all your equipment and luggage.
The Bronco Sport designers assume you want an off-roading feel even when driving in the city, so don't expect an exceptionally smooth ride or luxurious interior.
- Despite its rugged look and feel, this model also comes with thoughtful features, such as a slide-out table in the cargo hold, a built-in bottle opener, and plenty of hidden cubbies to store everything you need for an adventure.
How about the prices and trims?
Four well-equipped trims are available for this model, each one offering additional creature comforts as you climb up the ladder. In terms of pricing, the Bronco Sport isn't cheap, but it's also not the most expensive compact SUV out there.
Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims differ primarily in minor ways. The higher you climb up the ladder, the more standard and optional features become available, such as heated front seats, easy-to-clean upholstery, and a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel. With Badlands comes the more powerful engine, the off-roading extras, and additional creature comforts.
Which one do we recommend?
If off-roading is what you want, splurge on the Badlands trim. It's the most expensive but is more affordable than its rivals at that price. This trim is for the busy commuter who wants to escape into the wilderness on the weekends.
Otherwise, we'd recommend the Big Bend. It's affordable for what it offers and will satisfy most drivers' needs for spaciousness and practicality while also inspiring double-takes and smiles.
What about its availability?
Shoppers should have no trouble finding the Bronco Sport at their local Ford dealership. It's highly customizable, so that might require some patience, but nothing too drastic.
What about its performance and handling?
- The three-cylinder engine gets paired with mechanical features that ensure a relatively smooth ride for a truck-based vehicle.
- Depending on the trim, the Bronco Sport can tow between 2-2,200 pounds when properly equipped.
- Though the Badlands trim comes equipped for off-roading, it has its limitations.
- Both engines get paired with all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.
The first three trims get fitted with a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engine that pushes 181 horsepower. Though some may find that insufficient, the fuel efficiency is higher than similarly-sized vehicles. The ride might feel clunky in the city, but it will get you where you need to go.
Yet, the Badlands could not provide the driving experience shoppers want unless powered by a 245 horsepower, turbo 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. The fuel efficiency drops with this engine, but that's part of the cost of all that prowess. This SUV is an excellent auto to start with if you're new to off-roading.
How’s the interior?
Cabin Space
One of the drawbacks of the Bronco Sport is the second row. It's smaller than we'd like, especially for adults. On the other hand, the cargo area is very spacious, thanks to the roof's design. Throughout the cabin, drivers and passengers will find a myriad of storage spaces, both hidden and in plain sight. Overall, the cabin offers an ergonomic design and many comfort features.
Unfortunately, the Bronco Sport's cabin looks cheap because of the plastic everywhere. Sure, it may be easier to clean when off-roading, but that's no excuse to use cheap-looking materials. Even if shoppers upgrade to the Badlands trim and add all the extras, the interior won't look luxurious.
Infotainment and connectivity
All four trims get equipped with Sync 3, Ford's infotainment system. It's relatively user-friendly and the eight-inch touchscreen is within easy reach of the driver. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and voice recognition come standard on these trims. An optional 10-speaker sound system and voice-activated navigation system are available for the Outer Banks and Badlands trims. Several USB charging ports are also available throughout the cabin.
LIKES: The standard infotainment features provide plenty for drivers to play with on long drives.
DISLIKES: A wireless charging port is optional instead of included on the top-tier trim.
How about the technology and features?
The cabin gets jam-packed with fun features despite the interior's cheap looks. A push-button start, remote start system, enlarged LCD instrument cluster, and rubberized flooring are some of the elements available (depending on the trim). An optional moonroof is also available for all trims except Base.
LIKES: The steering wheel comes with cruise and audio controls. Depending on the trim, drivers can choose between cloth, easy-to-clean cloth, or leather-trimmed upholstery.
DISLIKES: Dual-zone climate control isn't a make-or-break feature, but we wish it was optional on the Base and Big Bend trims.
Quick Quirks: Few packages are available and they get severely limited by trim. |
Some additional features:
- A privacy glass for the second-row side and liftgate windows come standard on all trims except the Base.
- The second row folds into a 60/40-split for easy loading.
- All seats offer more lumbar and thigh support than you may expect from such a sporty vehicle.
How's the exterior?
The Bronco Sport lives somewhere between the Bronco's boxy nature and the curvier compact SUVs on the market. It looks capable of thrilling adventures but does not have the aggressive stance of other similarly-sized utes. Still, there's a lot to enjoy, including roof rack side rails, floodlights, a customizable front grille, and a flip-up rear glass. Unfortunately, the liftgate is manual, and fog lamps are standard only on the Outer Banks and Badlands trims.
What warranty and safety does it offer?
All Bronco Sports come with the essential safety features you expect in 2022 and a standard warranty program:
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates this model five out of five stars.
- All trims include a lane-keeping system, cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera.
- Limited warranty for 36,000 miles or three years.
- Powertrain warranty for 60,000 miles or five years.
- No roadside assistance or scheduled maintenance programs.
Are there any incentives and rebates for the Bronco Sport?
Ford offers incentives to U.S. military personnel, veterans, college students, recent graduates, and first responders. Some franchise dealerships may offer additional incentives and rebates. Check with your local Ford dealer to learn more.
2022 Ford Bronco Sport in Villa Rica
