The Ford Bronco and the Ford Bronco Sport are a fun choice, not a dilemma as some of our customers might worry. These great options for our more adventurous customers each have their own approach to off-roading.
This article will help you understand the key differences in the Ford Bronco vs Bronco Sport debate to find the best fit for your needs. We’ll cover size, performance, fuel economy, and more to guide your decision.
Key Differences Between the Bronco and Bronco Sport SUVs
- The Ford Bronco is larger, rugged, and better suited for extreme off-road adventures, while the Bronco Sport is more compact and agile.
- The Bronco has a body on frame design, whereas the Bronco Sport has a unibody design.
- Ford Bronco comes in 2.3L, 2.7L, and 3.0L EcoBoost whereas the Bronco Sport comes in 1.5L or 2.0L EcoBoost
- There is diversity in fuel economy with the lowest consumption at 9.0 L/100km for baser Bronco Sport modles and 15.7 L/100km for the Bronco’s upper trims.
- Towing capacity for the Bronco caps out at 3,500 lb while the Bronco Sport caps out at 2,000 lb.
- Upper trim Broncos can cost over six figures while Bronco Sport models are under $40K
- The Bronco offers more powerful engine options and superior towing capacity, but the Bronco Sport shines with better fuel economy and a quieter, more comfortable ride on highways.
Size and Dimensions Comparison
The Ford Bronco is undeniably bigger, with size differences of only a few inches making a tremendous contrast. Still, get into a Bronco Sport at Universal Ford and you’ll see how spacious the smaller option actually is!A notable difference between the new Ford Bronco and the Ford Bronco Sport is their size. The Ford Bronco is designed to be larger and more rugged, perfect for tackling challenging terrains and tough conditions. On the other hand, the Bronco Sport is more compact, striking a balance between paved-road comfort and off-road capabilities.
The 2-door Ford Bronco is 1 inch longer than the new Ford Bronco Sport with the standard compact engine. Additionally, takes up space 4 inches wider with mirrors and stands 1.7 inches taller. The most four-door Bronco trims are 16.7 inches longer than the Bronco Sport and 2.8 inches taller.
This size difference provides the Bronco trims with more interior space and off-road capability. This gap makes the Bronco a more imposing presence on the road but can make it less maneuverable in tight spaces.
Another key difference lies in their construction. The Bronco features body-on-frame construction, similar to a pickup truck, making it more rugged and durable for off-road adventures. In contrast, the Bronco Sport uses unibody construction like you’d find in any sedan or crossover SUV, offering smoother car-like handling.
Structural differences play a significant role in their overall driving dynamics and suitability for different conditions, especially when considering a body on frame SUV like the Bronco. For the fans of the Bronco, the design feature represents a commitment to off-road performance.
Engine Options and Performance
The Ford Bronco delivers power and performance through its 3 engine options, catering to diverse driving needs. The engine options for the Ford Bronco include:
- 2.3L EcoBoost engine: Standard in trims like Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Badlands, and the Heritage Edition. It offers a good balance of power and efficiency through its 300 horsepower.
- 2.7L EcoBoost engine: Available in several trims, it provides a significant boost via 330 horsepower and plenty of torque for a thrilling driving experience.
- 3.0L EcoBoost engine: Exclusive to the Bronco Raptor, it is designed for those who crave the highest level of performance and off-road capabilities, and no less than 418 horsepower.
The Bronco Sport, on the other hand, offers 2 engine options for punching above its weight. The standard engine is a 1.5L EcoBoost that delivers 181 horsepower, while the more powerful 2.0L EcoBoost engine provides 245 horsepower.
The Bronco Sport’s engines may not match the sheer power of the Bronco’s options, but either still offers a peppy and responsive driving experience, especially with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. From 1.5L to 3.0L, all Ford engines benefit from diligent service, and maybe even more so when it’s a dealership’s Ford engine service. You can get in it for the long haul!
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The Bronco allows for versatile use of space. With the second row of seats still up, it boasts a lot of storage, even making use of the cantilever tailgate’s inner surface. While the Bronco Sport has less, it’s just as space conscious.Both the Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport cater to varying needs with their generous cargo space and interior room. The Bronco Sport provides up to 1.84 cubic metres with the second row folded down, making it a practical choice for those who need a balance of passenger and cargo space.
In contrast, the two-door Ford Bronco offers 635 L of cargo space, in 2-door while the four-door Bronco can accommodate up to 1,008.0 L, providing more room for gear and supplies. If you prioritize maximum cargo capacity, the 4-door Bronco is the way to go.
When it comes to passenger room, the Bronco Sport has slightly more space than the 2-door Bronco, and if you get the Badlands trim, you can access a few extra litres of storage space under the second-row seats.
However, the four-door Bronco offers the largest passenger volume, especially when equipped with a soft-top. This makes it an excellent choice for families or those who frequently travel with passengers.
Fuel Economy: Bronco vs Bronco Sport
Fuel economy is often a key consideration for many SUV buyers and a faceoff like this one demands a side by side comparison. The Ford Bronco Sport shines in this area, delivering an estimated
The smaller 1.5L Bronco sport engine wins out with an impressive 9.0 L/100km combined city/highway efficiency. excellent choice for those who spend a lot of time commuting or taking long road trips. The 2.0L engine offers more horsepower but it’ll cost you a reasonable 10.2 L/100km combined.
In comparison, the Ford Bronco achieves a decent 11.8 L/100km combined in 4WD, particularly in the middle-of-the-road 2.7L Ecoboost engine. At the extreme, the Ford Bronco in Raptor trim takes a combined 15.7 litres of premium fuel per 100 km.
The difference in fuel economy between the Bronco and Bronco Sport highlights their distinct purposes. The Bronco Sport is designed to be a more versatile and fuel-efficient daily driver, while the Bronco prioritizes power and off-road capabilities, even if it means sacrificing some fuel efficiency.
Towing Capacity and Off-Road Capabilities
The Bronco Sport is no slouch when compared to the superior towing capabilities of the Ford Bronco. Though you can tow a boat with the Bronco, you can haul smaller recreational trailers with the Bronco Sport’s 2,000 lb capacity; just make sure to opt for a towing package when you buy from Universal Ford!The Ford Bronco clearly outshines with its superior towing capacity and off-road capabilities, if that’s what you need in an SUV. In particular the Ford Bronco Wildtrak can tow up to 3,500 lb when properly equipped, making it suitable for hauling trailers, boats, and other heavy loads. The Bronco Sport of recent years, on the other hand, has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, which is still respectable but falls short of the Bronco’s capabilities.
The Bronco also excels in off-road performance, thanks to its higher ground clearance and better approach and departure angles. It features a true 4-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing and an available locking front differential, making it well-suited for extreme off-road conditions.
Additionally, newer Bronco models offer several tech aids for off-roading, such as Trail one-pedal driving and Trail Turn Assist.
Pricing and Trim Levels
Consideration of pricing and trim levels can be quite a tall order when deciding between the Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport. A quick look at our inventory shows that the Ford Bronco starts at around $65,000 for baser trims, while the 4-door Bronco Sport’s base trim level starts at just under $48,000.
Ford Bronco Trims
The options available for Ford Bronco trims show Ford’s commitment to fulfilling every niche on a performance and luxury spectrum. Our customers come in with a variety of needs and aspirations to get the most out of their vehicle, which is why it helps to get vehicles in the following trims:
- Big Bend
- Black Diamond
- Outer Banks
- Badlands
- Wildtrak
- Everglades
- Heritage Edition
- Raptor
- First Edition
For more budget conscious customers, we’d love to get some of our older models of the Ford Bronco back; please consider selling us your vehicle so we can boost our used inventory and offer a great price on a Bronco with some miles on it. With so many trims on the Bronco, we’d like to have several of each on hand for our customers!
Ford Bronco Sport Trims
In contrast, the Ford Bronco Sport starts at $28,910 for the base trim, making it a more affordable option. If you’re trading in or not, the Bronco Sport Badlands trim has tons of features for an affordable price, compared to base trim.
On the higher end, the fully equipped Ford Bronco Wildtrak trim and Sasquatch package can cost up to $84,580, offering a wide range of premium features and capabilities. The Bronco Sport simplifies choices for lower prices and comes in 5 trims:
- Big Bend: Adds more convenience and comfort features, making it a practical choice for daily driving.
- Outer Banks: Focuses on luxury with leather-trimmed seats and advanced tech features.
- Badlands: Geared towards off-road enthusiasts, it includes advanced 4x4 capabilities and all-terrain tires.
- First Edition: Limited edition trim with exclusive features and top-of-the-line amenities.
Overall, the Bronco offers more trim levels and customization options, allowing buyers to choose the features and capabilities that best suit their needs. However, the Bronco Sport provides a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features. If you get pre-approved for an auto loan through our finance department, you can get into either model for less.
Technology and Safety Features
The Bronco Trail App is a hidden gem of Ford’s technology and safety features. Our sales advisors can tell you how to get into a model with this integration so you can plan and share your off-road trail routes with others.Equipped with modern technology and safety features, both the Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport ensure a seamless and secure driving experience. The Bronco Sport features standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. It also includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Similarly, the standard Bronco includes smartphone integration and an 8-inch touchscreen. However, it also offers an optional 12-inch screen with high resolution on mid-to-upper trims like the Bronco Outer Banks, providing a more immersive and user-friendly interface.
Optional features for the Bronco Sport and Bronco alike include Ford Co-Pilot360 with futher options to adopt adaptive cruise control and Ford’s navigation system. These models lead the way in enhancing convenience and safety on the road.
Driving Experience and Comfort
The Bronco Sport exhibits agility with confident performance at highway speeds and a peppy feel with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. This makes it an enjoyable vehicle for both city driving and long trips.
In contrast, the Bronco’s steering is well-weighted, providing a smooth ride on highways, though it’s less maneuverable in tight spaces due to its size and optional off-road tires.
Both the Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport, produced by our OEM and namesake, Ford, feature clean layouts with high-quality materials. When considering Ford Bronco vs Bronco Sport, whether you prioritize silence and nimble handling or bulk and off-road capabilities, both vehicles offer a great driving experience.
Which Model Fits Your Lifestyle?
For urban commuting, the Ford Bronco Sport offers a nimbler approach and better maneuverability in tight spaces like parking lots or metered spots on 17th Ave. Its smaller size makes it easier to park and navigate urban environments, making them an ideal choice compared to the larger Bronco.
For family recreational use, the Ford Bronco offers more interior space and higher quality materials, especially in its upper trim levels. This makes it a great option for families who need extra room for passengers and cargo.
Additionally, the Bronco Sport is quieter on highways due to less wind noise compared to the Bronco (which is still not too noisy), making it more comfortable for long family trips.
According to lifestyle and how you choose to spend your time on and off the road, there’s a clear choice that our sales advisors can help you discover; if you’re looking for an SUV that can handle urban commuting and family use, the Bronco Sport is a solid choice.
However, if you need more space for various types of gear and heavier off-road capabilities, the Ford Bronco is the better match for your adventurous lifestyle. If you take off-roading seriously and challenge your vehicle through trailblazing, the Bronco is the clear choice.
Test Drive and Purchase Information
The Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling trim is a great example of the style and comfort you can get out of a lighter duty off-road SUV. Some of the available trims and packages we have in our inventory can only be seen in person; describing it just wouldn’t do it justice. Come test drive a Bronco Sport to see what we mean!Our sales advisors often recommend a test drive of various models and trim levels to gain a comprehensive understanding of what these vehicles provide. Actually taking one through the streets of Calgary can you a better understanding of the features and powertrain options available.
For used Ford Bronco Sport models, a test drive is a must. While we check everything to make sure any used vehicle we sell is in great working order—you’ll definitely want to feel out its ride and hear a bit about the vehicle’s history.
At the end of the day, visiting our Ford dealership in person can help you explore special deals and discounts, ensuring you get the best value for your purchase. Taking the time to test drive and explore different options, even if it’s just for a few minutes, will help you make an informed decision for buying a used (or new) model of the Bronco and find the SUV that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
Come Down to Universal Ford
Our sales advisors can guide you through the difficult decision between these great Ford SUVs. It could be that you’re still on the fence about what you might need out of a vehicle and that’s fine! Let’s put our heads together and figure it out. There are lots of tough decisions to make, as seen with our breakdown of the Ford Maverick vs Ford Ranger.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and lifestyle. Whether you prioritize power and off-road performance or efficiency and comfort, both the Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport have something to offer.
Contact us to schedule a back-to-back test drive and experience these impressive vehicles for yourself to make the best decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main size differences between the Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport?
At first, you might think the Bronco Sport is just a trim of the Bronco. But they are different models!
The Ford Bronco is larger and more rugged, suitable for challenging terrain; most 4-door Bronco trims are 16.7 inches longer and 2.8 inches taller than the Bronco Sport.
How do the engine options compare between the Bronco and Bronco Sport?
The Ford Bronco has three engine options, with the top one producing 418 hp, while the Bronco Sport offers two options, with the highest generating 245 hp. They are all turbo-charged options, ensuring they pack a lot of power into a smaller engine block.
Which SUV has better fuel economy?
The Bronco Sport; in baser models the lighter option gets 9.4 L/100km in the city and an impressive 8.1 L/100km on the highway. Conversely, the Bronco, with a 2.7 L turbocharged engine does 12.4 L/100km in the city and 11.2 L/100km on the highway.
When you get into the upper trims of the Bronco with a 3.0 L EcoBoost, the lowest consumption stands at 14.7 L/100km on the highway. Are you budgeting gas for a road trip to one of the best summer destinations near Calgary? Knowing your chosen model’s efficiency can help you decide if you’re choosing for your lifestyle.
What are the towing capacities of the Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport?
The Ford Bronco can tow up to 3,500 lb, while the Bronco Sport can tow a maximum of 2,000 lb, though recent years show a higher capacity of up to 2,200 lb. Newer models are just as capable but a lower towing capacity sometimes means better safety.
If you are interested in towing more with SUVs the Ford Edge and Ford Escape also present some options to compare, with less emphasis on off-roading.
