The return of the iconic Ford Bronco nameplate in 2021 generated tremendous excitement among off-road enthusiasts and SUV buyers. Today, the Bronco and its smaller counterpart, the Bronco Sport, remain popular. While the two vehicles share the same adventurous spirit, they have distinct characteristics that cater to different needs and preferences. In this article, we'll dive deep into the key differences between the Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport so you can decide which model suits you best.
Trim Levels
The Ford Bronco is available in two-door and four-door body styles, with nine trim levels: Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Heritage Edition, Badlands, Everglades, Wildtrak, Heritage Limited Edition, and Raptor. Notable features include removable doors and roof panels, advanced four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems, and a Terrain Management System with up to seven G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes. The Ford Bronco Sport is a more compact SUV available in five trim levels: Big Bend, Heritage, Bronco Sport Free Wheeling, Outer Banks, and Badlands. It comes standard with a 4WD system and offers features such as the Terrain Management System and an advanced twin-clutch rear drive unit on the Badlands trim.
Design and Aesthetics
The Bronco and Bronco Sport are notably different in size. The two-door Bronco measures 173.7 inches long, 75.9 inches wide, and 73-77.8 inches tall, while the four-door Bronco is 189.4 inches long, 79.3 inches wide, and 73-77.8 inches tall. The Bronco Sport is more compact, measuring 172.7 inches long, 74.3 inches wide, and 71.4-72.2 inches tall. Both vehicles feature retro-inspired styling that pays homage to the original 1966-1996 Bronco. The Bronco has a more rugged, boxy appearance with classic cues such as round headlights and a flat grille. It has a traditional SUV silhouette with a tall, upright stance. The Bronco Sport has a more modern, crossover-like design with a sleeker profile, making it more refined and car-like than its larger sibling. The Bronco Sport has a wider selection of exterior colors. You can choose from nine hues, from the classic white, gray, and black to the more adventurous Hot Pepper Red, Eruption Green, and Atlas Blue. The Bronco, on the other hand, comes in five colors: Eruption Green, Shadow Black, Azure Gray, Cactus Gray, and Carbonized Gray Metallic.
Performance Specifications
The Ford Bronco offers three engine options: a 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 with 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, a 2.7L EcoBoost V-6 with 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L EcoBoost V-6 with as much as 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. These engines can be paired with a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Bronco also features advanced 4WD systems and the Terrain Management System with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport has two engine choices: a 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder with 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque and a 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder with 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard 4WD system. The Badlands trim adds an advanced twin-clutch rear drive unit for enhanced off-road capability. The Bronco's more powerful engines allow it to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in the low 6-second range, while the Bronco Sport takes around 7 to 8 seconds. The Bronco also has a higher towing capacity of up to 4,500 pounds, compared to the Bronco Sport's maximum of 2,200 pounds. The Bronco Sport has a slight edge in fuel economy, with ratings of up to 25 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, compared to the Bronco's 20 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
Interior Features and Comfort
Both models offer comfortable and functional interiors with durable materials and modern amenities. The Bronco's interior is more customizable, with options such as washable rubberized flooring and marine-grade vinyl seats. The Bronco Sport's interior is slightly more upscale, with available leather upholstery and a more car-like layout. The Bronco has a longer wheelbase than the Bronco Sport, which translates to more interior space and cargo volume. The two-door Bronco offers 99 cubic feet of passenger volume and up to 52.3 cubic feet of cargo space, while the four-door provides 103.7-108.2 cubic feet of passenger volume and up to 83 cubic feet of cargo space. The Bronco Sport has a passenger capacity of 105.7 cubic feet and a max cargo volume of up to 65.2 cubic feet.
Technology and Safety
The Bronco and Bronco Sport offer similar levels of technology and safety features. Both come standard with Ford's SYNC 4 infotainment system, featuring large touch screens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system. They also include the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assist technologies, with features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Bronco offers exclusive off-road-focused technologies, such as the Terrain Management System with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, Trail Turn Assist, and the Trail Toolbox navigation system. It also has more available customization and accessory options, allowing owners to personalize their vehicles for specific needs and preferences.
Pricing and Value
The Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport occupy different segments of the SUV market, and the Bronco commands a higher starting price mainly because of its larger size. Its starting MSRP ranges from $39,630 for the two-door Big Bend to $90,035 for the top-of-the-line Raptor. The Bronco Sport's starting MSRP is $29,795 for the base Big Bend model and $38,390 for the Badlands. While the Bronco Sport is more affordable, the Bronco offers more value for buyers prioritizing off-road capability, performance, and customization. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual needs, budget, and intended use. Those seeking maximum off-road prowess will likely gravitate toward the Bronco, while the Bronco Sport may be better for buyers wanting a more city-friendly, everyday SUV with some off-road chops.
Experience the Bronco Lifestyle at Cochran Ford Boardman
Visit us at Cochran Ford Boardman to experience the Bronco and Bronco Sport firsthand. Our knowledgeable sales staff is ready to assist you in finding the Bronco model to suit your lifestyle and adventure needs. Contact us to learn more about our special offers and incentives or to schedule a test drive. Alternatively, you can browse our online inventory of new vehicles to discover more about the thrilling Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport lineups.