Bronco vs Bronco Sport: A Detailed Comparison
Ford has recently reintroduced the iconic Bronco lineup, igniting the enthusiasm for SUVs from all over the world. However, there’s a difference with the new lineup: it brings two separate lineups – namely, the more full-sized variant of the new Bronco as well as its smaller counterpart Bronco Sport, which are designed to help people venture outdoors and conquer terrains, even though they’ll be worlds apart in terms of size, capacities, and buyers. Let us see which one should you opt for.
1. Design and Size:
Sport:
The most noticeable area of differentiation from the Bronco Sport is the size- the Ford Bronco is big and rugged, so it is used to compete as a heavyweight from the likes of Jeep Wrangler. It goes with body-on-frame construction for a wider footprint and more massive ground clearance meant for serious use in off-roading. Then there is the four-door Bronco, offering slightly more interior real estate and far more commanding roads.
On the flip side of the coin, this Bronco Sport is a smaller, unibody SUV built on the same platform as the Ford Escape. That’s significantly more compact and maneuverable for urban habitats. It remains competent off-road but comes with a more urban-friendly design to be ideal for drivers who seek a balance between ruggedness and usability in daily drives.
2. Engine Options and Performance:
The Bronco and the Bronco Sport come in several different engines, but the levels of performance vary depending on what a driver might be looking for. Ford’s Bronco is better equipped with higher power engines: the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, with 275 horsepower, and the 2.7-liter V6 with 310 horsepower. Both of these engines come paired with advanced 4WD systems, locking differentials, and high-performance suspension systems to get them through the toughest off-road courses.
The Bronco Sport is more oriented towards light off-roading and daily driving, but it still has impressive performance. The base model comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower, while the available 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 250 horsepower. Not as rugged as the Bronco, the Bronco Sport is still equipped with an advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system and can handle trails and tough conditions with ease.
3. Off-Roading Capabilities:
Sport:
Both are off-road built, but the Ford Bronco has been designed to get through the roughest terrain. The Bronco is equipped with features such as the G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) mode selector, advanced suspension systems, and a rugged 4WD drivetrain, letting it conquer rough, muddy, or sandy trails with ease. The larger tires and higher clearance give it an edge in extreme off-road conditions.
While not as extreme as the Bronco, this Sport still gives up little when it comes to the off-road feats. This features an available Terrain Management System and G.O.A.T. modes while also having an option with the Badlands model, with additional features including underbody protection and a suspension. The Bronco Sport is excellent in light to mid-level offroading, forest trail, and general camping situations that won’t put it at much of an uneven playing field vs. the non-sport variants of the real Bronco-off-road machine.
4. Interior/Comfort:
When it comes to interior design, the Ford Bronco focuses on offering maximum space and comfort, especially in its four-door version. The Bronco features an open-air cabin, removable doors, and a removable roof, perfect for those who want to experience the outdoors. Inside, you’ll find a modern, rugged design with durable materials suited for dirt, water, and mud. It also offers ample cargo space, with the ability to fold down seats to carry larger items.
The Bronco Sport, with a more conservative SUV experience, also still delivers a practical interior. It has a more refined cabin with comfort features like available leather upholstery, a touchscreen infotainment system, and more. The interior of the Bronco Sport is for those who want adventure without comfort, but it does not have the rugged off-road features of the Bronco nor the interior space.
5. Price:
An easy difference between both vehicles is a price difference: the Ford Bronco starts at an even higher price due to more size and sophistication in off-road capabilities. While the two-door Bronco comes in at roughly $33,000, its four-door competitors start at an estimated $35,000. Trims and various options increase this price.
The Bronco Sport is more budget-friendly, with base models starting at around $28,000. It offers excellent value for those who want a smaller, more affordable vehicle with off-road capability but don’t require the ruggedness or size of the full Bronco.
FAQs:
Sport:
1. Which vehicle is better for off-roading, the Bronco or the Bronco Sport?
The Ford Bronco has higher ground clearance, a more advanced 4WD system, and bigger tires than the Bronco Sport. Still, the Bronco Sport will be a decent off-roader for light trails and outdoor activities.
2. Is the roof and door removable in both vehicles?
Yes, the Ford Bronco and the Bronco Sport have the functionality to remove the roof and doors, but that feature is much more prominent on the Bronco since there are several more open-air configurations available for the vehicle.
3. Which has better fuel efficiency, the Bronco or the Bronco Sport?
It’s smaller, making it even more fuel-friendly than its original engine and design; its options to take home lighter than ever range in miles-per-gallon of about 25-28 while the Ford Bronco comes close at 17-20 on the higher ranges for most types.
4. Which car better drives through a city?
The Bronco Sport is the better city car; it is less massive, provides a more mature driving experience, and is just easier to pilot in tight quarters. The Ford Bronco is bigger and trickier to move around in most cities.
5. Which model is cheaper?
The Bronco Sport is slightly cheaper, around $28,000 for entry-level, whereas the Ford Bronco starts off at around $33,000 for the bottom-of-the-line model.
