The newly introduced Ford Bronco Sport promised off-road capability, and it delivers. This is one small crossover that can tackle terrain and look good doing it. Technology and usable space are also strong points. However, the Bronco Sport struggles to meet expectations in several areas that rivals have long mastered such as ride comfort, rear passenger space, and confident steering and braking.Read full review
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.
Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.
Pros
More capable off-road than most rival SUVs
Easy-to-use controls
Plenty of customization options
Cons
Dull steering and braking feel
Less rear legroom than most compact crossovers
What's new
Black Diamond Off-Road package adds trail-ready features
New Heritage and Heritage Limited models debut
Minor changes to optional equipment
Several new colors
Part of the first Bronco Sport generation introduced for 2021
Overview
Enthusiasts waited decades for Ford to reintroduce the Bronco SUV and got not one but two models to choose from when both debuted in 2021: the larger, truck-like Bronco and the smaller Bronco Sport. The former is truer to the model's rugged adventure roots from the 1960s through the 1990s, while the Bronco Sport distills some of that formula into a smaller crossover package.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
The Bronco Sport is based on the Ford Escape, which means it lacks the formidable off-road chops of its larger counterpart, but it makes more sense if you want an everyday compact SUV with just a bit of trail attitude. Standard all-wheel drive, an above-average amount of ground clearance, and optimized traction settings are all here to help you get you out into nature. A roomy interior and expansive (and easily cleaned) cargo area boost the Bronco Sport's practicality too.
On the road, the Bronco Sport can't match the smoothness or refinement of purely pavement-oriented rivals like the Mazda CX-5 or Honda CR-V, but it matches up well against other all-terrain alternatives like the Subaru Outback and Jeep Cherokee. Be sure to read our Expert Rating for our test team's deep dive into the Bronco Sport's pros and cons.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Average
7.6
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The newly introduced Ford Bronco Sport promised off-road capability, and it delivers. This is one small crossover that can tackle terrain and look good doing it. Technology and usable space are also strong points. However, the Bronco Sport struggles to meet expectations in several areas that rivals have long mastered such as ride comfort, rear passenger space, and confident steering and braking.
How does the Bronco Sport drive? It's clear that the Bronco Sport has off-roading on the brain, especially in the Badlands guise we tested. The good news is the Bronco Sport is a blast to drive in the dirt. The bad news is that it's much less enjoyable on the street.
The optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine provides admirable power, covering 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds, which is good for the class. The power makes the Bronco Sport an eager off-roader and allows good use of intelligent traction modes. On the road, however, the braking and steering are not up to par. Stopping from 60 mph took 127 feet, which is longer than average for a small SUV, but worse is the lack of feel and response from the brake pedal. Transmission shifts are also jerky at low speed.
Comfort
7/10
How comfortable is the Bronco Sport? The Bronco Sport comes with the tacit acknowledgment that you are prioritizing off-road capability over traditional crossover comfort. So it inherently lacks the smooth ride you get from rivals such as Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5. For instance, the Badlands suspension that's been tuned for dirt and rocks often gives a bumpy ride over various road surfaces. And since the Bronco Sport has an upright design, there is wind noise at most speeds.
We also took issue with the front seats. Although they feature a wide range of adjustability to accommodate drivers of various heights, they lack lateral support and cause your shoulders to jostle. Buyers may also expect dual-zone climate control, which is an option this vehicle did not have equipped. These are not deal-breakers, but they are noticeable.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? Inside, the usefulness of the Bronco Sport is an advantage over many rivals. There is a lot of space in the front, particularly headroom, and it's easy to slide inside thanks to the wide range of adjustability in the front seats. Another strong point is the control placement, and dials for both the transmission and selectable drive modes fall right to your hand.
On paper, the Bronco Sport trails most of its rivals in rear legroom. And while taller occupants might have difficulty squeezing in behind taller front passengers, the rear seats prove comfortable and supportive, especially during off-road endeavors. But the small rear doors, and narrow access to the rear seat footwell, make it difficult to climb inside. Another concern is the wide and flat hood, which can impede forward visibility, but some trim levels include a handy front-facing camera to aid in off-roading and parking situations.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $4,831 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $4,831 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Badlands trim.
How’s the tech? For a vehicle focused on playing in the dirt, the Bronco Sport's tech game is on point. All Bronco Sports come with the Sync 3 infotainment system and an 8-inch touchscreen, which prove to be a potent combination. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is standard and simple to use. Audio quality is also very good, and appreciated because it effectively blocks the otherwise prevalent wind noise.
Some optional features are also strong. Adaptive cruise control is a bright spot due to smooth operation, especially in stop-and-go traffic, though you need the Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 package to include it. Navigation is not standard on any trim, but when equipped, the directions are clear and work in concert with voice recognition controls.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? Available storage space is well utilized in the Bronco Sport to an impressive degree. It's among the class leaders in maximum cargo space, whether the second row of seats is folded down or left up. The Bronco Sport has a high ceiling and low load floor, which, by the way, is rubberized and can be removed completely to clean. The cargo area has a number of hooks, plugs and lights available that are sure to come in handy on trips. Badlands and First Edition models have rear underseat storage cubbies.
The Bronco Sport can accommodate child seats in the rear easily, but it may be difficult to load bulky rear-facing seats due to doors that don't open very wide. And be aware that the maximum towing capacity of 2,200 pounds, even with the optional towing package, is not very impressive compared to the Toyota RAV4 or even the Ford Escape.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
7/10
How’s the fuel economy? The Badlands trim and its 2.0-liter engine are rated at 23 mpg (21 city/26 highway), which is unimpressive for the class. However, on our 115-mile mixed-driving test route, the Bronco Sport returned an average of 26.6 mpg. That's good considering the EPA's estimate but not very high for the class.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Bronco Sport a good value? A number of factors work in the Bronco Sport's favor when it comes to price — standard all-wheel drive, excellent tech features and a lot of style, just to name a few. Our Badlands test model came to $35,745 including options and destination fees, which undercuts its closest rival in the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk before you add extra equipment. If you expect off-road ability for that price, you likely won't be disappointed. For others, however, the lack of premium-feeling materials could be of more concern.
Ford offers fairly standard coverage on the Bronco Sport, with three-year/36,000-mile basic and five-year/60,000-mile drivetrain warranties. It also offers coverage of five years/unlimited mileage for rust and five years/60,000 miles for roadside assistance. We find this acceptable, but some rivals are much more generous.
Wildcard
9/10
The Bronco Sport deserves its off-road credentials thanks to a host of impressive rugged technologies, and it doesn't hurt that it looks the part too. This crossover turns heads, prompts questions and inspires smiles — something that a lot of competitors simply can't say. And it is genuinely fun to drive when the pavement ends.
In fact, these attributes are enough to cover some significant shortcomings. The Bronco Sport is far from perfect in everyday driving on the road, and we advise you to take heed. This is a unique vehicle with a lot of charisma. If that's enough for you to forget some frustrations, then congratulations on your new Bronco Sport.
Which Bronco Sport does Edmunds recommend?
Assuming you don't need the most off-road-capable Bronco Sport — the Badlands trim — we recommend the Big Bend for a pleasing mix of features and value. It slots above the Base trim and below the pricier Outer Banks trim. We'd suggest adding the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package for more advanced driver aids, including adaptive cruise control.
2023 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Initially when the "baby" Bronco came out, I was not sure about the looks or the stance, as time went by and more of them appeared on the road, I became enamored albeit skeptical about owning one.
After a couple of weeks and 300 miles, I must say I am impressed by its ride quality, even with the Badlands pkg., the ride is smooth and quiet. The power of the 2.0 L 4 is sufficient to … propel this little colt up the hills and the eight-speed transmission is seamless., That is until you opt for the ECO mode, then the shifting is more noticeable, and it seems to hunt for gears on takeoff. I do not notice this in NORM or SPORT mode, and with no inclement weather to test the SLIPPERY mode on, I cannot speak to how it performs in that mode. The other G.O.A.T modes I have not tried, and probably never try the "rock crawl" mode voluntarily.
The interior is perhaps a little plastic, and I am not a fan of the screen standing above the dash, it will grow on me I imagine as time passes. Unlike other reviews, I do not think it looks cheap, no it is not the quality of the Lariat pick-up I traded in on it, nor was it close to the 80K I paid for the truck. Ford's attempt to balance between the weekend outdoor enthusiast and the daily driver like me is well executed in my opinion. The easily cleaned materials are appreciated as I have aged and less able to spend hours cleaning my vehicles. If you want all the upscale interior treatments, the Outer Banks version will be the better option, otherwise the Premium Pkg. added to the Badlands will come with most of the treatments. Beware it adds 10K to the price tag when all is said and done.
I balanced what I really care about, the larger engine and more capable AWD system, along with an intent to stay as close to 40K as possible. I think it does well in meeting my needs in those regards.
What are the things I like the most:
Build quality is impressive. Little to no squeaking plastic parts driving down the road. Engine performance is awesome for a four cyl. This from a diesel engine guy who always opts for 8 cylinders. Looks are pretty spot on, enough of the original Bronco cues to take me back to 1966, and yes, I remember the original Bronco quite well. The interior layout is done well, everything is easy to reach and the knobs for the radio and the HVAC are appreciated. Trying to work on a touchscreen alone, is not my thing to be certain.
What do I not like:
The rotary gear selector! I would much prefer a lever. I am forever trying to rotate the wrong way when going from D to R and the fact that I have to confirm N every time I am at a drive-thru line is irritating. WHY does it not stay in the mode I select from the G.O.A.T menu or keep the Start/Stop function turned off? You must reselect every time you re-start the car. I have read the manual front to back and can find no way to make it do these things.
Ford, it is just programming, write an extra couple of lines of code so these items will stay engaged till the driver opts otherwise.
Overall, vehicles are always subjective. What I dislike or like, you may or may not. What is comfortable for me, may or may not be for you. One should always evaluate from the drivers' seat before signing.
I was not originally thinking about the 'baby" Bronco when the time came to move from my F-250 to something more manage and practical to my old age self, the full-size version was more what I had in mind. How did I end up with the mini size?
The added cost of the full-size version is due to the nature of its core market, those who take them off-road and are serious about their outdoor activities. This was never my intention, nor is it my lifestyle these days.
No need to remove the tops, or doors. Nor do I feel the need to impress the neighbors with a vehicle that will never do what it was designed, and I paid for it to do. How many people own big trucks and pull nothing but their butts around?
When all is needed is a comfortable, capable AWD SUV, that is not too much SUV or mini-van, this little colt fits the corral neatly and without too much pain either at the dealership of the pump. Easy to tie to the hitching post as well, much easier than 26' of 3/4 ton truck!
Versatile vehicle...make sure seats work for you
4 out of 5 stars
milwdriver, 04/27/2023
2023 Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A)
Very good utility for small SUV that fits in my tight garage space. Getting 28mpg on mostly highway. Runs more smoothly on mid than regular. Good for hauling mulch and compost to the garden in containers...rubberized cargo area is nice for this. Excellent on the muddy and rutted trail...easily went through where old SUV got stuck. Excellent on snow and ice. Interior is nice...some … reviewers call it cheap material...I think it looks and feels good, and cleans up well. Blue is a refreshing change from standard black or tan interiors. Reviewers say infotainment display is subpar...looks good to me and easy to use. Only drawback...driver seat is not that comfortable and doesn't have as much height and angle adjustment as I would like...bothered this old man's prostate at first. But its gotten better and was fine for a recent long drive...the seat is breaking in or my bottom is breaking in. Make sure you give it a lengthy test drive before buying to make sure the seat is a good fit for you.
So far so good
5 out of 5 stars
S Harris, 10/19/2023
2023 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
So far it is all we expected and then some. Bought it for my wife’s daily driver. She loves the compact size but larger feel. There is much more interior room than it seems from the outside and the premium package adds some great features. The stereo really sounds high end. We love the seat material and the comfortable feel on the highway. Gas mileage is great too. Drove about 80 miles … home from Orlando and the gas needle barely moved. The adaptive cruise and lane keep worked flawlessly in traffic.Even the road noise with the 235 all terrain tires was barely noticeable. Also there is tons of little storage places all over in there. The cargo management system is awesome. Loved that it gave us two levels for our belongings and we could put what we needed to quickly get to on top and just open the glass not the entire hatch door.
My 2023 Bronco Sport is great!
5 out of 5 stars
2023 BroncoSportMOGF, 01/23/2023
2023 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A)
After ordering at the end of October 2022, it arrived at the dealership Jan 6, 2023. Good build quality and so far quite satisfied. The paint quality on it is better than the 2022 premium cost rapid red on my mustang.
Ford Bronco vs. Bronco Sport | 10 Differences Between 2021 Bronco & Bronco Sport | Price, MPG & More
NOTE: This video is about the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport, but since the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
The Outback and Bronco Sport both come with all-wheel drive and similarly strong engines. And despite its wagon-like profile, the Outback actually offers more cargo space than the Bronco Sport. The Subaru also has more standard driver aids and a larger center touchscreen, and it's easier to drive on the road every day. Still, the Bronco Sport has better overall off-road ability (optimized traction modes, beefier tires on the top trim level) and loads more personality. We spent extended time with the 2020 Outback, and you can read our long-term impressions here.
The Cherokee is legend in off-road circles, although today's Cherokee is more of a crossover and bears little resemblance to the lauded 1980s and 1990s models. Still, it's a Jeep and offers two potent optional engines and several configurations, including the very capable Trailhawk. On-road, the Cherokee drives better, but the Jeep's cabin and features feel dated next to the more modern Bronco Sport.
The RAV4 doesn't have much off-road pedigree, but it does offer the more rugged Adventure and TRD Off-Road models. A comfortable ride, roomy interior, and just-enough off-road skill make the RAV4 the better choice for everyday driving or commuting. Several standard advanced driver aids such as adaptive cruise control also make a strong case for the RAV4. But like the Subaru Outback, the RAV4 lacks the Bronco Sport's bold design and personality.
It would be easy to be a bit cynical about the Bronco Sport. Based on Ford's competent but tepid Escape SUV, the Bronco Sport doesn't have anywhere near the off-road chops of its bigger, more capable brother, The Bronco. And adding to the naming confusion, the lesser Bronco Sport was released before the rebirth of the legendary Bronco. But not so fast! The Bronco Sport has plenty of positive and rugged attributes that are hard to come by in a compact SUV.
Utilitarian style turns heads and helps to visually establish the Bronco Sport's off-road capability in the class. Standard all-wheel drive and a host of trick off-road technology help get this little SUV more places than you might expect, while two available engines help you decide between fuel economy and easy passing power. Ford's suite of advanced driver assists, Co-Pilot360 Assist+, is available on most every trim level and plenty of other modern conveniences are offered, even if you're not planning on covering half the continent off road.
We don't have any official information about the 2023 model year, but because the Bronco Sport is based on the aforementioned Escape, we think Ford might be working on a way to install the Escape's hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain (or both) into the Bronco Sport.
Edmunds says
Even with the similar names, there's no confusing the Bronco Sport for its bigger, badder brother. Even with the Bronco Sport's relatively recent introduction, we think Ford might be working out a way to install a hybrid, or even a plug-in hybrid, powertrain into the diminutive off-roader. It's a growing trend in the off-road vehicle market and could help put a little eco into your next off-highway exploration. Check back with Edmunds in the coming months for more complete information as well as a full test of the 2023 Bronco Sport.
FAQ
Is the Ford Bronco Sport a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 Bronco Sport both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.6 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 Bronco Sport gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 32 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the Bronco Sport ranges from 29.4 to 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Ford Bronco Sport. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport:
Black Diamond Off-Road package adds trail-ready features
New Heritage and Heritage Limited models debut
Minor changes to optional equipment
Several new colors
Part of the first Bronco Sport generation introduced for 2021
To determine whether the Ford Bronco Sport is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Bronco Sport. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Bronco Sport's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 Bronco Sport and gave it a 7.6 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 Bronco Sport gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 32 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 Bronco Sport is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport?
The least-expensive 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $29,215.
Other versions include:
4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $29,215
Big Bend 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $31,230
Heritage 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $32,650
Outer Banks 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $35,615
Badlands 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $37,340
Heritage Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $44,655
What are the different models of Ford Bronco Sport?
If you're interested in the Ford Bronco Sport, the next question is, which Bronco Sport model is right for you? Bronco Sport variants include 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A), Big Bend 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A), Heritage 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A), and Outer Banks 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of Bronco Sport models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more