2021 Ford Bronco Sport Packs A Surprising Amount Of Off-Road Capability In A Small Package

The Ford Bronco is back and it’s being joined by an all-new Bronco Sport.

Designed to appeal to customers looking for something a bit more rugged than your typical crossover, the Bronco Sport embraces the look of the full-size Bronco and brings a surprising amount of off-road capability to the subcompact segment.

Ford conducted extensive research when developing the model and potential customers told them it had to be “true to the spirit and identity” of past Broncos. As a result, it has a ‘pure and simple’ design which echoes both the original Bronco and its modern predecessor.

Given that the two vehicles were designed alongside one another and by the same person, they share a number of styling details. This is particularly true at the front as the Bronco Sport has an “encapsulated cartridge grille” which is flanked by circular headlights.

The Bronco-inspired design is visible elsewhere as the model has plastic body cladding and relatively flat bodywork. Designers also gave the Bronco Sport short overhangs to maximize its off-road capability.

Other notable features include front fender vents and a stepped “safari” style roof. The latter is functional as it allows for additional second row headroom and cargo space.

Out back, there are bold taillights and a tailgate with prominent “Bronco Sport” badging. The model also has an old-school glass liftgate which means you no longer have to open the rear hatch just to throw something small inside.

In terms of size, the Bronco Sport measures 172.7 inches (4,387 mm) long, 82.2 inches (2088 mm) wide and between 70.2 – 74.4 inches (1,783 – 1,890 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 105.1 inches (2,670 mm). Compared to the Escape, the model is 7.8 inches (198 mm) shorter, 3.4 inches (86 mm) narrower and up to 5.8 inches (147 mm) taller. The Bronco Sport also has a 1.6 inch (41 mm) shorter wheelbase.

A Straightforward Interior With A Number Of Interesting Touches

The no fuss design continues in the cabin as drivers are greeted by a straightforward interior that puts controls in easy reach. The dashboard is topped by an 8-inch SYNC 3 infotainment system which is flanked by vertical air vents and dedicated audio control knobs.

Further below, there are climate controls and a minimalist center console with a rotary shifter. While the cabin is somewhat basic, there are a handful of interesting touches including MOLLE straps, zippered seatback pockets and a built-in bottle opener in the cargo area.

Speaking of the latter, Ford sweated the details and equipped the liftgate with unique LED floodlights. They illuminate an area of up to 129 square feet (12 square meters) and are designed to be used during off-road adventures “because out in the wild, there are no streetlamps.”

The attention to the cargo area doesn’t end there as the Bronco Sport will be offered with a slide-out table that can be used as a makeshift workbench. Customers can also get washable rubber flooring and a class-exclusive 400-watt inverter for powering your toys far from home.

Ford didn’t release a detailed equipment breakdown, but there will be five trim levels called the Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands and First Edition.  The base model is pretty bare bones, but the Big Bend adds easy-clean cloth seats, folding second-row seats and keyless access with a push-button ignition.  The model also has privacy glass, a rubberized cargo floor and the aforementioned zippered backseat pockets with MOLLE straps.

The Outer Banks is more luxurious as it features heated leather front seats with power adjustment. Buyers will also find ambient lighting, a remote start system and a 6.5-inch digital display in the instrument cluster.

The Badlands is an off-road focused model based on the Big Bend – more on that later – while the First Edition is a Badlands based crossover which is limited to 2,000 units. The special edition comes equipped with black accents, a towing package and 17-inch wheels wrapped in 29-inch all-terrain tires.  The model also has Navy Pier leather seats, a heated leather steering wheel, a power moonroof and a 10-speaker B&O audio system.

Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assistance systems comes standard and includes pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, a blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, a rearview camera and automatic high beam headlights. Customers can also upgrade to the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite which adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane-centering, evasive steering assist and voice-activated touchscreen navigation.

Two Turbo Engines And Class-Leading Power

Under the hood, there are two different engines. The entry-level unit is a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder which is targeted to produce 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 190 lb-ft (257 Nm) of torque.

The Badlands and First Edition use a more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine which develops an estimated 245 hp (183 kW / 248 PS) and 275 lb-ft (372 Nm) of torque. Those are best-in-class numbers and they should ensure the Bronco Sport has plenty of power on- and off-road.

Regardless of which engine is selected, both are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, models equipped with the 2.0-liter engine feature additional cooling and a SelectShift system with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

A Bucking Baby Bronco

Since the model wears the Bronco name, Ford had to ensure it was off-road capable. As part of this effort, they equipped the Bronco Sport with a trail-ready suspension and a terrain management system with up to seven GOAT (Goes Over Any Terrain) Modes including Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Sand.

Of course, the off-road features don’t end there as the Bronco Sport offers a Trail Control system which is like cruise control for off-roading. When activated, the vehicle can travel at speeds of up to 20 mph (32 km/h) forward or 6 mph (10 km/h) in reverse, while the system controls the throttle and braking. Ford says this allows the driver to stay focused on navigating the trail, rather than worrying about braking and accelerating.

The model can also be equipped with an optional off-road camera that serves as a spotter. It displays a live video feed on the infotainment system, so you can see obstacles that would typically be hidden from view.

For those who really want to go off-roading, there’s the Bronco Sport Badlands and First Edition. Both feature a more advanced 4×4 system with a class-exclusive twin-clutch rear-drive unit with a differential lock.

The models also have a uniquely tuned suspension with larger monotube rear shocks, softer springs and antiroll bars that allow for greater articulation. There’s also underbody protection, additional GOAT modes (Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl) and 17-inch wheels wrapped in 28.5- or 29-inch all-terrain tires.

When equipped with all the off-road goodies, the Bronco Sport offers a best-in-class ground clearance of 8.8 inches (224 mm). The model also trounces the Jeep Compass Trailhawk as it offers a 30.4° approach angle, a 33.1° departure angle and a 20.4° breakover angle. The crossover also has a crawl ratio of 18:1 and can ford up to 23.6 inches (599 mm) of water.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport will arrive at dealerships late this year and pricing starts at $28,155 including a $1,495 delivery charge.  If the hefty price tag hasn’t scared you off, the company is currently accepting reservations for a $100.