2023 Ford Bronco Sport

Two years ago, we saw the resurgence of the Ford Bronco nameplate on two new Ford models. While the Bronco is a larger off-road ready competitor to the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco Sport is a completely different model that is smaller and similar to the Escape.  The Bronco Sport is a five-passenger compact SUV that is offered in six trim levels known as the base, Big Bend, Heritage, Outer Banks, Badlands, and Heritage Limited.  Prices start at $29,215 for base models and have a range up to $44,655 for Heritage Limited, the rest fall somewhere in between. All models are equipped with an 8-speed transmission and four-wheel drive paired to one of two engine options. New for 2023 are the Heritage models that feature signature Oxford White accents including a uniquely painted roof to mimic the original Bronco style. Also new is an off-road package that brings increased capability and style with the Black Diamond Off-Road Package and is expanding Bronco Off-Roadeo access for customers that purchase a new 2023 Bronco Sport. Competition includes vehicles such as the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Honda CR-V, Jeep Cherokee & Renegade, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4 just to highlight a few. I spent a week in a Yellowstone Metallic Bronco Sport Heritage Limited priced at $46,400 and here's what stood out...

Heritage Edition (+)
The overall styling is inspired by the first generation of the Bronco that ran from 1966-1977 with a modern twist. New this year are even closer ties to the original Bronco with the addition of the Heritage models. The standard Heritage is essentially a specially trimmed version of the mid-level Big Bend trim, while the Heritage Limited is based on the topline Badlands trim. They get an Oxford White heritage grille featuring Race Red "BRONCO '' lettering, Oxford White 17-inch aluminum heritage wheels and body side stripes to heighten the throwback appearance. Both Heritage and Heritage Limited models include interior touches such as plaid cloth seats and a Navy Pier instrument panel with Oxford White accenting the bin and door ring. Cloth seats feature heathered Navy Pier with plaid inserts and Race Red and Robin's Egg Blue accent stitching. A unique Navy Pier microsuede center console and armrests include Race Red stitching. The Bronco Sport MOLLE strap storage system on the front-row seat backs includes Navy Pier straps and Race Red zipper grips. The Navy Pier color was inspired by the cloth seats that were available in Bronco in the 1980's.

Bronco Sport Heritage Edition is available in seven paint options including Robin's Egg Blue, while Heritage Limited Edition is exclusively available in Robin's Egg Blue, Yellowstone Metallic and Peak Blue.Heritage Limited Edition models add metal "Bronco" script front fender badging and larger 29-inch all-terrain off-road tires with more aggressive, deeper treads that stretch on to the sidewalls for improved off-road traction. Heritage Limited Edition models also upgrade to leather-trimmed seats and include Oxford White door inserts and unique center console badging. The appearance package looks great on this vehicle and the Yellowstone Metallic certainly stood out in the parking lot. It garnered a lot of head turns and compliments throughout the week.  Production is limited to 1966 models for 2023.

Exterior Styling (+)
The Bronco Sport and full-size Bronco share some exterior design cues, most notably the front which prominently spells out B-R-O-N-C-O across the grille flanked by circular LEDs housed in a casing with a horizontal LED and turn signals. The overall length of the Bronco Sport is 172.7" with a 105.1" wheelbase which makes it slightly smaller than a Ford Escape. Comparatively, the Bronco 4-door is nearly 17" longer overall with an extra 10+ inches of wheelbase as well.

One unique feature is its safari style roof that steps up about an inch higher for the second row and rear cargo area, thus creating additional head room and interior cargo space. Stylistically, it's further amplified by a black, angled c-pillar and rise in the rear quarter-panels. Around back, the ruggedness continues with stamped tailgate to create dimension and Bronco Sport spelled out across the center. The hatch glass opens separately from the liftgate which is not often seen in current models but I nice throwback to the originals... and look for a nod to that first generation in the form of a small Bronco icon on the rear glass. Wheel sizes vary in style across trims from 17" silver wheels on base models, 18" machine-faced aluminum ebony black painted wheels on the Outer Banks to 17" carbonized, gray-painted low gloss aluminum on Badlands models. The styles all vary but tie into the rugged looks of the SUV.

Powertrain (+)
The Bronco Sport is an easy SUV to hop in and drive. Despite its Bronco name and rugged looks, this is a compact SUV better intended for an urban environment. Two engine options are available, the base, Big Bend, Heritage, and Outer Banks come with a turbocharged 1.5L Ecoboost engine and 181 horsepower along with 190 lb.-ft. of torque. Badlands and Heritage Limited models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.0L offers a smooth ride with a little pep of acceleration. It's quicker in getting from 0-60 MPH in about 6 seconds compared to the 8.2 seconds in the 1.5L. It feels powerful with a nice sound as you push the gas pedal. The transmission shifts through gears with ease and it has enough passing power to navigate rush hour traffic. On the road, the steering is light, and it feels grounded. As expected with an SUV marketed as an off-roader, the suspension is strong and minimizes road imperfections, but the ride is not as smooth as some of its car-based competitors. Nonetheless, this is a fun-to-drive SUV and Ford has done a nice job blending an on-road vehicle that is also capable off-road.

Capability (+)
It comes standard with a terrain management system with up to seven different G.O.A.T. modes (standing for Go Over Any Type of Terrain) that include normal, eco, sport, sand and slippery on base models. Badlands & Heritage Limited trims get two additional modes called mud/ruts and rock crawl along with additional ground clearance, monotube shocks, and softer springs. All models come with an independent front and rear suspension which will keep it grounded on uneven terrain. Also available is trail control technology which enables a cruise control type of setting up to 20 mph so the driver can focus on the trails. To add to its capabilities, the Heritage and Badlands models come with 235/65R17 All-terrain tires that grip all kinds of terrain.

Fuel Economy (+/-)
When it arrived with a full 16-gallon tank it offered a range of 400-430 miles. EPA estimates are 21/26/23 MPG city/highway/combined on the 2.0L and slightly better at 25. 28 MPG city/highway for the 1.5L. It does run on regular grade fuel, but many competitors are more efficient. After a week of driving, I averaged 22.5 MPG.

Interior (+)
Inside, drivers face either a standard twin dial set-up or a 6.5-inch digital instrument cluster (Outer Banks and up trim level) that displays a variety of information. At the center of the dash is a standard 8-inch LCD touchscreen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upon opening the doors, the Bronco Sport features some graphics on both of its screens that show rolling boulders that ultimately come together to become the Bronco horse. It's a simple, but engaging graphic that captures attention. The touchscreen graphics are large and easy to navigate through.

The interior space is designed for function with extra compartments for storage, easy to access knobs, and a generally simple layout. The materials are class appropriate and certainly have a different vibe than the Escape. Everything inside the Bronco Sport is easy to understand and straightforward, drivers will be able to operate the vehicle without needing a technology tour. Ford implements its rotary dial for gear selection in the center console and directly below that is a second dial for the GOAT modes. Stepping up to the Badlands+ trim levels will also add rubberized flooring which is easy to clean after some off-road adventures or just a short trip with the kids. Despite its great functionality, I did feel underwhelmed with the dash/door materials in the Heritage Limited model that had a $46k price tag.  It lacked an upscale appeal to align with that price point.

Seats (+/-)
The seats are sufficiently comfortable but not overly impressive. Power adjustable heated seats are available for front passengers. The interior space for the front passengers is impressive. Base models come with standard cloth upholstery, but leather is available on higher trim models. Rear seats are tighter but comparable to others in the same class. All three of my kids were fairly comfortable in the back with plenty of headroom thanks to the tall roofline, however there wasn't much legroom or space for additional bags on the floor. Door openings are ok for rear passengers, but other vehicles such as the Nissan Rogue offer something much wider that provides easier access.

Cargo Capacity (+)
Cargo capacity is average for the class with 32.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.2 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. Load-in and out is easy with a low load floor and a boxy shape. A nice bonus in the Bronco Sport is the rear glass (within the hatch) opens separately from the hatch. This is a throwback element to older Broncos that is a welcome return for when you want to drop in smaller items or have limited space behind you. However, there is no power tailgate available so you will need to flex those muscles to open and close this one. Another bonus, my test model came with a cargo management system for only $150 that allowed the area to have two levels which was nice and functional. The system also slid out and could double as a table for tailgating.

Safety & Technology (+)
Safety and technology continue to be of importance to the Ford team. Standard on all models is Ford's Co-Pilot 360 suite of advanced driver-assist technologies. Included in this suite of tech are pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking featuring pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, auto high beam headlamps and a rearview camera. Optional additions include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane-centering, steering assist and voice-activated touch screen navigation.

Final Statement:
With a retro-rugged style, the Bronco Sport stands out among the sea of compact SUVs and crossovers. It is an easy to drive SUV with updated technology inside that doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out. It works well for urban commuters but comes with off-road capabilities that will allow owners to take it down some trails for an adventure. While it's easy to confuse naming with the bigger and more capable Bronco, the Bronco Sport is a credible contender. I especially liked the retro touches added this year with the introduction of the Heritage models.

First Impression Summary

Test Vehicle: 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Heritage Limited
Exterior Color: Yellowstone Metallic
Interior Color: Perforated Plaid Brown Leather
Notable Options: Cargo Management System ($150)
MSRP as tested: $46,400