The Ford Bronco Sport is the younger sibling of the highly anticipated Ford Bronco 2021, set to arrive at dealerships in earnest this summer. In terms of architecture and vehicle intent, the relationship between the Bronco Sport and the Bronco is akin to that of the Jeep Compass and the Jeep Wrangler.
While the senior Bronco and Wrangler are body-on-frame vehicles designed for serious off-road driving, the Bronco Sport and Compass boast impressive off-road capabilities when properly equipped but utilize crossover SUV platforms that better suit daily on-road driving.
Measuring 172.7 inches in overall length, the Bronco Sport is 20.6 inches longer than the 1966 2-door roadster, and its 105.1-inch wheelbase is 13.1 inches longer. The solid front and rear axles with parallel rear leaf springs from the “good old days” have given way to fully independent suspension, and the body-on-frame construction is replaced by a unibody platform. While it originally took six cylinders and 170 cubic inches (2.8 liters) to generate 105 horsepower in the raw, a 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder engine produces a net 181 horsepower in the 21st-century vehicle.
The cabin ambiance of the Bronco Sport is functional yet pleasant in the Outer Banks trim. The gauge cluster features a digital display (with many visually appealing animated graphics) positioned between an analog tachometer and speedometer.
The front seatbacks have zippered storage pouches and integrated MOLLE straps to secure loose items. Rear legroom becomes tight as the front seats adjust backward.
All models come with 4-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety features in the Ford Co-Pilot360 package include pre-collision warning with emergency automatic braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights.
An Outer Banks-trimmed Bronco Sport also features 18-inch Ebony Black-painted alloy wheels with machined face, Shadow Black-painted safari-style roof, black grille, body-color door handles, full LED exterior lighting, heated power mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, leather-upholstered seats with mini perforations, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s and 6-way power-adjustable passenger’s heated front seats, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, dual USB ports in the center console, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, SYNC3 infotainment system, satellite radio, Wi-Fi hotspot, remote start, and reverse sensing.
The “safari-style” roofline of the Bronco Sport rises to provide a bit more rear cargo space (and headroom for rear-seat passengers). The rear glass can open independently of the liftgate, a very useful feature.
The Outer Banks package includes a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 10 speakers and subwoofer, HD radio, power panoramic sunroof, and wireless charging. Rapid Red Metallic paint is its only other optional feature at an extra cost.
The cargo volume of the Ford Bronco Sport is quite good considering its tidy exterior dimensions; in the Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks models, there are 32.5 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seats and 65.2 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded down. A washable and rubber-coated cargo floor is standard, as are integrated carabiner-style retention hooks on the side walls of the cargo area.
Without stellar performance from the 3-cylinder turbocharged engine, the Bronco Sport is more likely to impress with its utility, space, and driving dynamics. The 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine generates 190 pound-feet of torque at 3000 rpm, enough to propel the new, compact Ford fairly adequately, but it is noisy with a shaky idle.
EPA fuel economy projections are 25 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 26 combined.
The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks models are powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Outer Banks models come standard with 18-inch alloy wheels.
Ford has fun acronyms for its terrain management system (GOAT = Goes Over Any Terrain) and suspension (HOSS = High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension). The lower three models have a 5-position GOAT system with “Sand,” “Slippery,” “Sport,” “Eco,” and “Normal” modes. The HOSS setting aims for comfort and off-road capability with soft springs and stabilizer bars to enhance articulation over obstacles. Surprisingly, it offers decent on-road driving and well-controlled handling.
All Bronco Sports have a pair of adjustable and bright LED lights integrated into the liftgate, very useful for camping or hiking, or simply for loading/unloading groceries or whatever into/out of the cargo area after dark.
At first glance, the suspicion is that passenger space might be narrow, but headroom for four adults is excellent in both rows, even under the panoramic sunroof. However, the narrow rear door openings complicate foot extraction. Materials are nice at the Outer Banks level, with a good amount of soft-touch material where passengers are likely to notice it. Driver visibility is fairly clear.
The backpacks on the back of the front seats are more or less stationary. They zip closed and are covered on the outside with straps that serve to secure loose items. The cargo floor is a tough, textured rubber surface that continues to the back of the folding rear seats. Cargo ties are integrated into the side walls, and inside the liftgate, two LED spotlights are installed, useful for illuminating loading operations after dark in the middle of nowhere.
The rear window can be opened independently of the liftgate, and there’s a small, organized space for small items beneath the cargo floor. A large glove compartment, a modest console compartment, and door pockets provide additional storage. Cupholders are found in the console, door pockets, and the folding rear armrest.
For those seeking optimal drivetrain and off-road features, they can opt for the Badlands for only $500 more than the Outer Banks. However, at any price, the Sport has the spirit of the Bronco from long ago, even if many other things have changed.
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is brimming with personality, and its adventure-focused off-road features make it a more practical vehicle for daily use as well. Acceleration with the base engine is average, and rear-seat space may be somewhat tight despite the vertical dimensions of the body, but the Bronco Sport nonetheless manages to deliver the style and rugged attitude of its Bronco sibling in a more compact and affordable package.
