The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport 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
Garish new Free Wheeling Special Edition celebrates the late '70s and early '80s
Black Appearance package available on base Big Bend trim level
Part of the first Bronco Sport generation introduced for 2021
Overview
by the Edmunds Experts
9/5/2023
Cashing in on the excitement around the resurrected Bronco, Ford released two Broncos in 2021: the big one that goes toe-to-toe with the Jeep Wrangler, and the smaller Bronco Sport. The Sport is a Bronco in name only; underneath the retro bodywork are the same mechanical pieces that make up a Ford Escape. But the Bronco Sport is more than just an Escape playing dress-up. Available exclusively with all-wheel drive, it also boasts some genuine off-road tech and capability, making it one of the most capable compact SUVs when the pavement ends.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend 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 $3.09 per gallon for regular unleaded in New York.
Ford's Terrain Management System is standard equipment on all Bronco Sports. It offers multiple so-called G.O.A.T. modes, which might be a cheeky reference to off-road ability, or might be a bold proclamation that the original Bronco was the Greatest Of All Time, but officially stands for "goes over any type of terrain." Each mode is a different combination of calibrations for throttle response, transmission shift points, the all-wheel-drive system, traction/stability control, and the antilock braking system intended to make the most of available traction. It's the sort of thing that makes no difference most of the time but makes all the difference when it matters.
Competitors to consider
The small SUV class is brimming with hugely popular competitors that annually combine for more than a million sales in the U.S.: Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4 and more. The Bronco Sport distinguishes itself from the crowd with genuine off-road capability, but it sacrifices some on-road manners in the pursuit. Read our Expert Rating for a comprehensive analysis of the Bronco Sport's strengths and weaknesses.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Average
7.6
out of 10
We drove the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.The 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.
Performance
6.5/10
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 $2,784 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; $2,784 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 it's 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 its 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 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?
The Bronco Sport's entire reason for being is to offer off-road capability beyond most compact crossovers, so we'd go for the Bronco-est of the Sports, the Badlands. It gets an upgraded all-wheel-drive system, off-road-optimized suspension, skid plates and all-terrain tires, plus many of the comfort and convenience features available on any other trim. And it's the only Bronco Sport with the 250-hp turbocharged four-cylinder.
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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport, so we've included reviews for other years of the Bronco Sport since its last redesign.
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 2024 Ford Bronco Sport is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
You could argue the Bronco Sport wouldn't exist if not for Jeeps like the Compass — and you could definitely argue the Bronco Sport Badlands wouldn't exist without Jeep's Trailhawk versions of its small crossovers. Jeep blazed this trail, but it did so a long time ago, and the Compass is in need of a refresh.
With the CX-50 — new for 2023 — Mazda is taking a page from the Escape/Bronco Sport playbook, selling two vehicles in the same class. The CX-50 is the more adventure-oriented counterpart to the CX-5, in the vein of the Bronco Sport to the Escape. And in Turbo Meridian trim, it even comes with all-terrain tires and some focused off-road gear — although not to the extent available on the Bronco Sport.
The Ford Bronco Sport and Escape share bones, hearts (engines) and brains (transmissions). But which one is right for you? The Escape isn't notably better behaved than the Bronco Sport on paved roads, but — unlike the Bronco Sport — it is available in front-wheel drive for a bit of a fuel economy boost if you don't plan on playing in the mud. This decision mostly comes down to which one you like the look of. Ford will be happy if you buy either one.
Though it might share half of its name with the bigger, badder off-roader brother, the Bronco Sport is, instead, a compact SUV based on Ford Escape. But that's not to say the Sport can't take you pretty far down the trail. All-wheel drive is standard, and to complement the Bronco Sport's higher-than-average ground clearance, there are quite a few off-road drive modes to suit your surroundings. Since the Bronco Sport was just introduced for the 2021 model year, we don't think it's heading for a full redesign just yet, but that's not to say there won't be a few changes.
The most significant change will likely be the addition of a hybrid powertrain. Because the Bronco Sport shares a platform with the Ford Escape and the Maverick, both of which offer a hybrid option, it would be a relatively easy addition to the lineup. Whether or not the hybrid option would include all-wheel drive remains to be seen, but neither the Escape nor the Maverick currently offers that combination. We'd expect power levels to be similar to the Escape and Maverick, at right around 200 hp.
It's possible Ford will make little tweaks to the exterior styling of the Bronco Sport, but we think anything more than that will be reserved for the 2025 model year. The main competition for the Bronco Sport comes from the equally rugged Subaru Crosstrek. Other compact SUVs to consider are the Mazda CX-50 and the Jeep Cherokee.
Edmunds says
Rumors of a hybridized Bronco Sport have been swirling around for over a year and we think 2024 could be when Ford finally makes it official. A few styling tweaks could accompany the hybrid option, but if you like what the Bronco Sport offers and don't want to wait for the hybrid, we don't see a reason to wait to go and check one out today.
FAQ
Is the Ford Bronco Sport a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Bronco Sport both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.6 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Bronco Sport gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 58 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 2024 Ford Bronco Sport?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport:
Garish new Free Wheeling Special Edition celebrates the late '70s and early '80s
Black Appearance package available on base Big Bend trim level
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 2024 Ford Bronco Sport a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Bronco Sport and gave it a 7.6 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Bronco Sport gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 58 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Bronco Sport is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Ford Bronco Sport?
The least-expensive 2024 Ford Bronco Sport is the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $29,795.
Other versions include:
Big Bend 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $29,795
Heritage 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $32,365
Free Wheeling 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $32,395
Outer Banks 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $33,935
Badlands 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $38,390
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 Big Bend 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A), Heritage 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A), Free Wheeling 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