The Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport are two distinct SUV models that share a name but differ significantly in design, capabilities, and target audience. While both vehicles embody the rugged spirit of the Bronco brand, they cater to different needs and preferences. The full-size Bronco is a purpose-built off-road vehicle designed to tackle challenging terrains, while the Bronco Sport is a more compact, everyday crossover with moderate off-road abilities.
Understanding the key differences between these two models is crucial for potential buyers looking to make an informed decision. The Bronco offers more power, greater off-road capability, and a more customizable design, while the Bronco Sport provides better fuel efficiency, a more comfortable daily driving experience, and a lower price point. Let’s delve into a detailed comparison of these two popular Ford SUVs.
| Feature | Ford Bronco | Ford Bronco Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Body Style | Body-on-frame SUV | Unibody crossover SUV |
| Size | Midsize | Compact |
| Off-road Capability | High | Moderate |
| Base Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 | 1.5L EcoBoost I3 |
| Transmission Options | 7-speed manual, 10-speed auto | 8-speed automatic |
Design and Dimensions
The Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport have distinct designs that reflect their different purposes and capabilities. The full-size Bronco features a boxy, retro-inspired design that pays homage to the original Bronco from the 1960s. It’s available in both two-door and four-door configurations, offering flexibility for different lifestyles. The Bronco’s design is characterized by its removable doors and roof panels, allowing for an open-air driving experience that’s perfect for off-road adventures.
In contrast, the Bronco Sport has a more modern, crossover-like appearance. It’s only available as a four-door model and doesn’t offer removable body panels. The Bronco Sport’s design is more compact and aerodynamic, making it better suited for urban environments and daily commuting. While it still maintains some rugged styling cues, it’s clear that the Bronco Sport is designed with on-road comfort in mind.
Dimensionally, the Bronco is significantly larger than the Bronco Sport. The two-door Bronco measures 173.7 inches in length, while the four-door version extends to 189.4 inches. The Bronco Sport, on the other hand, has a length of 172.7 inches, making it more maneuverable in tight spaces. The Bronco also boasts a wider stance and higher ground clearance, contributing to its superior off-road capabilities.
Performance and Powertrain
When it comes to performance, the Ford Bronco offers more powerful engine options compared to the Bronco Sport. The base engine for the Bronco is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that produces 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel. For those seeking more power, there’s an available 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 that delivers 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco Raptor model even features a high-output 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 418 horsepower.
The Bronco Sport, being a smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicle, offers less powerful but still capable engine options. The base engine is a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder that produces 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. An optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder is available, generating 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission options also differ between the two models. The Bronco offers a choice between a 7-speed manual transmission (including a crawler gear for off-roading) and a 10-speed automatic. The Bronco Sport, however, comes exclusively with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Off-Road Capabilities
The full-size Bronco is designed as a serious off-road vehicle, capable of tackling challenging terrains with ease. It features a body-on-frame construction, which provides better durability and flexibility for off-road use. The Bronco also offers advanced four-wheel-drive systems, including an available two-speed electromechanical transfer case with an automatic on-demand engagement feature.
Other off-road-focused features of the Bronco include:
- Available front and rear locking differentials
- Disconnecting front sway bar
- Up to 11.6 inches of ground clearance
- Water fording capability up to 33.5 inches
- Terrain Management System with G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Modes
The Bronco Sport, while not as hardcore as its bigger sibling, still offers respectable off-road capabilities for its class. It features a unibody construction, which is lighter and provides better on-road comfort. The Bronco Sport comes standard with all-wheel drive and includes features such as:
- Terrain Management System with up to seven G.O.A.T. Modes
- Available twin-clutch rear-drive unit with differential lock
- Up to 8.8 inches of ground clearance
- Water fording capability up to 17.7 inches
Interior and Technology
Both the Bronco and Bronco Sport offer modern interiors with a range of technology features, but there are some key differences. The full-size Bronco has a more rugged interior design with durable materials and a layout that emphasizes functionality for off-road use. It features a standard 8-inch touchscreen (with an available 12-inch upgrade) running Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system.
The Bronco’s interior is designed to be easily cleanable, with available rubberized flooring and marine-grade vinyl seats. It also offers unique features like:
- Dash-mounted auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories
- Available 360-degree camera system with off-road spotter views
- Trail Maps feature for off-road navigation
The Bronco Sport’s interior is more oriented towards everyday comfort and practicality. It comes with a standard 8-inch touchscreen running the SYNC 3 infotainment system. The Bronco Sport’s interior design is more conventional, with a focus on passenger comfort and cargo versatility. Some notable features include:
- Available safari-style roof for increased headroom and cargo space
- Flip-up rear glass for easy access to the cargo area
- Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
Fuel Economy and Pricing
Fuel economy is an area where the Bronco Sport has a clear advantage over the full-size Bronco. The Bronco Sport’s base 1.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined (25 city/28 highway), while the 2.0-liter engine returns 23 mpg combined (21 city/26 highway).
The full-size Bronco, being larger and more powerful, is less fuel-efficient. The 2.3-liter engine with automatic transmission achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg combined (20 city/21 highway), while the 2.7-liter V6 returns 19 mpg combined (18 city/20 highway).
In terms of pricing, the Bronco Sport is the more affordable option. The 2024 Bronco Sport has a starting MSRP of around $30,000 for the base model, with higher trims reaching up to about $40,000. The full-size Bronco starts at approximately $35,000 for the base two-door model, with prices for higher trims and special editions exceeding $70,000.
FAQs About Ford Bronco And Bronco Sport
- Which is better for daily commuting, the Bronco or Bronco Sport?
The Bronco Sport is generally better for daily commuting due to its smaller size, better fuel economy, and more car-like driving dynamics. - Can the Bronco Sport handle serious off-roading like the full-size Bronco?
While capable, the Bronco Sport is not designed for extreme off-roading like the full-size Bronco. It’s better suited for light to moderate off-road use. - Does the Bronco Sport have removable doors and roof like the Bronco?
No, the Bronco Sport does not have removable doors or roof panels. This feature is exclusive to the full-size Bronco. - Which model offers better towing capacity?
The full-size Bronco has a higher towing capacity, up to 3,500 lbs, compared to the Bronco Sport’s maximum of 2,200 lbs. - Are there significant differences in safety features between the two models?
Both models offer similar advanced safety features, but the Bronco Sport may have an edge in some crash test ratings due to its unibody construction.