A Closer Look at the 2021 Bronco Sport

Vehicle

While we are waiting for the large Bronco to arrive at Ford dealers, we now have the smaller Bronco Sport. In reality, it is more related to the Ford Escape, of which shares the same basic platform. The main difference between the two is higher ground clearance, better front/rear overhangs, and a more sophisticated all-wheel-drive unit. These changes provide an improvement in off-road ability. We borrowed one for a full week to see how it measures up. 

Text and photos by Chad Haire

Engine

The largest engine is a 2.0 liter cranking 245 horsepower, and rated at 21/26 mpg. The base that most customers will get is a tiny 1.5-liter three-cylinder seen here. While small, its turbo boosts horsepower to a healthy 181. Fuel economy is claimed to be 25/28 mpg. All Bronco sports come with an 8-speed automatic tranny, and AWD. This small motor doesn't sound like much on paper, but it actually provides very good acceleration. It is also smooth and quiet. We put 600 miles on it to get the real-world fuel economy, which we will present in the other slides.

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Shifter

Instead of the old obsolete stick shifter design that takes up space, we select gears by turning this round knob. It is a better way to go. It takes up no room and automatically goes into PARK when the engine is shut off.

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Mode

This is the drive mode control. It offers a NORMAL, ECO, SPORT, SAND, or SLIPPERY choice.

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Off Road

With decent ground clearance and AWD, the Sport can be taken off the pavement. However, like the competition, small crossover SUVs are for light-duty chores only. They work great on mild dirt trails, snow, and sand. But taking these on the rugged Rubicon trail is better left to the larger Bronco model due this summer, which is designed to compete with the Jeep Wrangler. 

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Driving

On highway trips, the Bronco Sport is very comfortable, and wind noise is low. This is a surprise for such a small boxy SUV. We racked up 350 freeway miles, and averaged 26 mpg, close enough to what the EPA claims.

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Gauge

The gauge cluster is well designed. The trip computer showed that in all of our mixed commuting, we averaged 24.7 mpg. This includes much-spirited driving, so draws no complaints. 

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Screen

The info/navigation/rearview camera screen is large enough and easy to use.

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HVAC

The climate controls are about as simple as it gets. 

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Price

This Bronco was not for sale, so did not have a pricing numbers. But the base fee starts at $28,160. This example was charged $395 for the blue metallic paint, and $795 for Co-Pilot360 assist package. Last was the Big Bend option. For your $1,595 we get heated mirrors, fog lamps, keyless entry, auto climate control, and rubber floor mats. Total tab came to $32,440. A heavy duty "Badlands" package issues the larger engine, a better AWD system with locking differential and larger tires. It is estimated to start about $37,000.

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Emblem

Your $1,595 Big Bend option includes this emblem on the door to impress everyone.

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Vehicle Rear

The Bronco Sport has been very popular in the short time it has been available, so should be a sales success. For those who do not need the rugged off-road features of that larger Bronco that is due soon, this Sport alternative might just work.

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