How a compact crossover adopted the rugged spirit of the legendary Bronco nameplate
In short: The Ford Bronco Sport offers a smaller, unibody alternative to the heavy-duty sixth generation Bronco. While it lacks a low-range transfer case, it uses specialized G.O.A.T. Modes and unique suspension components to navigate diverse terrains, blending the utility of a crossover with a distinct, retro off-road aesthetic.
Built on the C2 unibody platform—the same foundation used for the Ford Escape and Maverick pickup—the Bronco Sport is a compact crossover SUV designed to bring off-road styling to a smaller footprint. Unlike the larger, body-on-frame Bronco, the Sport utilizes a front-wheel drive-based architecture. To compensate for this different structure, the vehicle features four-wheel independent suspension and an all-wheel drive system equipped with proprietary G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) modes.
The powertrain options vary significantly depending on the selected trim. The base model utilizes a 1.5-liter turbocharged Ecoboost I3 engine, delivering 181 hp and 190 lb⋅ft of torque. For more demanding tasks, the Badlands trim offers a high-output 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecoboost I4 engine, producing 245 hp and 275 lb⋅ft of torque. Both engine configurations are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Capability and luxury are distributed across several distinct trims. The entry-level Base trim provides essential utility, while the mid-level Big Bend adds convenience features like keyless access. The Outer Banks serves as the luxury-oriented option, featuring leather-and-cloth seating. The off-road focused Badlands is the only trim to feature a twin-clutch rear differential for torque vectoring and hydraulic bump stops. For collectors, Ford released limited runs, including a 2,000-unit First Edition for the 2021 model year and a 1,966-unit Heritage Limited Edition in 2023.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Ford Bronco Sport
- Also: Ford Bronco Sport
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