2023 Ford Bronco Sport Review

Since it’s re-release following a 25-year hiatus, it may be safe to say that Ford has an absolute hit on its hands with the new Bronco. Despite still being hampered by supply shortages, people are willing to wait to get the perfect Bronco. And with a plethora of trims to choose from, there will no doubt be a Bronco for everyone.

Unfortunately, if you're hoping for a 2023 model, you will have to wait a little longer as Ford has announced that it won’t be available until Q2. As part of Ford's SUV lineup, when the 2023 does become available, you will have two new trims to choose from. Inspired by the original Bronco, the automaker recently announced the Bronco Heritage (based on the Bigbend trim) and Heritage Limited Edition (based on the Badlands trim) joining the lineup. Only 1,966 examples of the Limited Heritage Edition will be produced.

Model: Bronco Sport

Engine: 1.5L EcoBoost I3 ICE

Power Output: 181-250 HP

Horsepower: 181 HP @6000 RPM

Torque: 190 lb.-ft. @ 3000 RPM

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Driveline: Four-Wheel Drive

Starting Price (MSRP): $29,215

Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs.

Fuel Economy: 25/28/26 MPG

Make: Array

For 2023, there are six different trims on offer; only available in a four configurations.

Base

Big Bend

Heritage

Outerbanks

Badlands

Heritage Limited

The Bronco Sport shares the platform with the Escape. There are two engine options: the standard 1.5-liter inline three-cylinder turbo that puts out 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque and the 2.0-liter inline turbo four-cylinder more powerful 250 horsepower 277 pound-feet of torque which comes standard in the Badlands, Outer Banks, and Heritage Limited. Both powerplants are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Performance for the Bronco Sport is respectable. 0-60mph comes up at 8.4 seconds for those who opt for the 2.0-liter Ecoboost engine. Meanwhile, the Bronco covers the quarter mile in 15.8 seconds at 96 mph. For the best fuel economy, go with the four-cylinder with the automatic transmission. Expect an EPA-rated 25mpg in the city and 28mpg on the highway. Upgrading to the 2.0-liter will see those numbers drop by three miles per gallon.

But honestly, none of this is why people buy this vehicle. Much like Jeeps, they want it for offroading, or to at least look like they’re going off-road. All trims come equipped with a 4x4 system and the Bronco's G.O.A.T modes. For an additional $6,000 over the base price, Ford offers the base in its new off-road oriented Black Diamond Package. This is aimed at buyers who want to take their Bronco Sport off-road but don’t want to pony up for the Badlands edition.

The package adds four steel skid plates to protect the underbody including the fuel tank. It also comes with new 17-inch wheels with larger all-terrain tires. To let everyone on the outside know what’s underneath, the package also includes special graphics on the hood, lower body, and doors. The Class II trailer hitch package with sway control available on Big Bend, Outerbanks, and Badlands models lets you tow up to 2,200 pounds.

What makes this more of an appealing option, Ford has included the Bronco Sport in its Bronco Off-Roadeo program. The program teaches owners about the capabilities and limits of their vehicles. According to Ford, 90 percent of Bronco Sport customers who attend are likely to go offroading again while 97 percent reported being more confident about taking their vehicle off-road. It's available at four different locations around the U.S.

Bronco Sport Specs

Model

Bronco Sport

Engine

1.5-Liter turbo/2.0-liter turbo

Horsepower

181hp/250hp

Torque

190lb-ft/277lb-ft

Transmission

8-speed automatic

Driveline

4-wheel drive

The latest model maintains the iconic Bronco design that’s made it an instant hit. Boxy and rugged, it appeals to anyone who was a fan of the OG Broncp. New for 2023, the Heritage and Heritage Limited Edition trims bring nostalgic touches in the form of classic body graphics, an oxford white roof and wheels, and contrasting red Bronco script on the white grille.

The Sport isn't as large as the full-sized Bronco and hence lacks a few popular features such as removable doors, removable roof, and multiple roof options. What it lacks in configurations, the Bronco Sport makes up for comfort and practicality. All come standard with LED headlights while Outer Banks and Badlands versions get LED foglights. Base and Big Bend models come standard with the 17-inch alloys while moving up the Outer Banks and Badlands gets drivers the 18-inch wheels.

The biggest appeal of Bronco Sport is customization. There are several exterior options available for buyers looking to give the base car a more rugged appearance. Options such as fender flares, mudguards, and graphics give drivers the ability to make their Bronco Sport unique to them giving the look of going off-road even if they're sticking to the highways. Ford has always done a great job with color choices and Bronco does not disappoint as fun color choices such as Area 51 and Cyber Orange Metallic ($995) are available.

The Bronco can also be outfitted with a multitude of exterior accessories. There is an optional roof rack that can support more than 100 pounds of cargo while in motion or 450 pounds while parked. So campers can store all their gear up top at night without worrying about wildlife ruining their trip. For those of you who want to sleep outside but not on the ground, there’s an optional roof-mounted two-person tent available as well.

Once inside, don’t expect a luxury feel. Now, fair enough, it is nicer and more comfortable than the comparable Jeep, but there’s no denying that this vehicle is intended for those looking for ruggedness. You can opt for the optional leather seats for a more luxurious feel, but the Brono Sport isn’t the SUV for anyone wanting a premium feel. But having said that, the Heritage Editions do bring a lot of unique touches like contrasting white trim pieces on the dash and doors with a unique tartan-style pattern on the seats. The Heritage Limited edition also gets a plaque in the center console.

Seats are supportive and can fit five adults. Four comfortably. Like the exterior, Ford gives you plenty of options to protect the interior, especially if you’re looking to use the vehicle in the way it was intended. The cabin can be protected with optional rubber floors and marine-grade vinyl upholstery. Another big plus is the cargo room which is plentiful.

All Bonco Sports are equipped with the 8.0-inch touchscreen display and all come with Ford’s latest Sync 3 software with available navigation, voice activation, and wireless charging. Both Apple and Android users will be happy to know that Apple Carplay and Android Auto are supported along with the increasingly more common subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. Top-spec models also get a 10-speaker premium B&O audio system.

Prices for the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport start at $29,215 excluding a destination charge of $1,595. The top-of-the-line Heritage Limited edition model tops out at $44,655. Expect the base level, Sport to be the bestseller as a large group of buyers will want to look and won’t really care about off-road capability. Those wanting to go off-road but not looking to break the bank will choose to go with the “Black Diamond” package which adds several off-road components to the base vehicle.

But if you really want to stand out with your Bronco Sport, you can't go wrong with the either of the Heritage Edition models joining the Bronco Sport lineup this year. If you want a 2023 model, you will have to wait, thanks to ongoing supply chain issues and increasing demand, any new Bronco available now will still be last year’s model. Ford says that the 2023 won’t be available until Q2 at the earliest. Special editions will take even longer.

Bronco is available with a solid list of driver assistance tech. Standard equipment includes automatic high beams and parking sensors. Available are forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking along with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Both lane-departure and lane-keep assist are also available. Ford has also included equipment for low-speed rock crawling and trail driving to build confidence in those who are just getting into the hobby.

This is not a particularly crowded segment as only a handful of automakers have vehicles with the same capability. Kia's Sportage, Mazda's CX50, and Subaru's Outback are some of the more impressive alternatives. But the Bronco Sport's stiffest competition will come from the Jeep Cherokee.

Similarities in size, power, and price point (Cherokee starts at $31,590), the Jeep Cherokee is a strong option when comparing it to the Bronco Sport. But if you had been clamoring for Bronco following its ax in 1996 and the rumored resurrection over the last two decades. And now that it’s here, Ford can’t keep them in stock and expect for inventory to remain tight as supply chain shortages remain a problem and demand continues to increase.

The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport has a starting MSRP of $29,215.

4WD is standard on all Bronco models.

No the Bronco Sport does not offer a V6 or V8. You can choose between a 1.5-liter three-cylinder or a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with up to 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. All Bronco-Sports come with a 4x4 system as standard.

Bronco Sport is the entry level model with a starting MSRP of $29,215.

The Ford Bronco Sport is a compact SUV.