What is the difference Between the Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport?

The Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport both offer off-road capability and rugged design, but they’re designed for different types of drivers and experiences. Whether you’re looking for a heavy-duty trailblazer or a more versatile, city-friendly SUV with off-road chops, understanding the differences can help you make the right choice. Let’s break down the key differences between these two vehicles in terms of size and dimensions, performance, engine options, interior and cargo space, and off-road features.

Size and Dimensions

Ford Bronco: The Ford Bronco is the larger and more rugged sibling of the two. It comes in both two-door and four-door configurations, with the four-door model measuring about 190.5 inches in length. Its wider stance, higher ground clearance, and overall larger dimensions make it ideal for serious off-road enthusiasts. The Bronco’s large tires and boxy design not only enhance its off-road ability but also give it a commanding presence on the road. Depending on the trim, you can expect a ground clearance of up to 11.6 inches, which is essential for tackling tough terrains.

Ford Bronco Sport: The Bronco Sport is more compact and is built on a different platform than the full-size Bronco. Its overall length is about 172.7 inches, making it easier to maneuver in tight city spaces. It’s smaller in every dimension compared to the Bronco, including a lower ground clearance (ranging from 7.8 to 8.8 inches depending on the trim), which limits some of its off-road capabilities. However, this smaller size makes the Bronco Sport more versatile for everyday driving, fitting into standard garages and navigating urban environments with ease.

Performance and Engine Options

Ford Bronco: The Bronco is built for those who crave power and off-road dominance. The base engine is a 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 that produces 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. For those who want even more power, there’s an optional 2.7L EcoBoost V6, delivering 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco’s engine options, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission (or an available 7-speed manual), make it an off-road powerhouse that can handle rock crawling, mudding, and desert driving with ease.

Ford Bronco Sport: The Bronco Sport offers more modest engine options designed for everyday efficiency rather than pure power. The base engine is a 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder, producing 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, the Bronco Sport offers a 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that generates 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. While it lacks the raw power of the Bronco, the Bronco Sport’s performance is well-suited for weekend adventurers who want to explore light trails without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

Interior and Cargo Space

Ford Bronco: The Bronco’s larger size gives it a more spacious interior, especially in the four-door version. The front seats offer plenty of headroom and legroom, and the rear seats are roomy enough for adults on longer trips. In the four-door version, you can expect up to 83 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. This ample cargo space makes the Bronco a great option for families or those who plan on bringing lots of gear for camping or off-road adventures. Additionally, the Bronco’s interior is highly customizable, with removable doors and a roof for a true open-air experience.

Ford Bronco Sport: The Bronco Sport is smaller but still offers a comfortable and functional interior. It seats up to five passengers, and while the rear seats are not as spacious as those in the full-size Bronco, they’re still suitable for shorter trips. The Bronco Sport provides up to 65 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down, which is plenty of room for most outdoor gear. One advantage the Bronco Sport has is a clever cargo management system, including under-seat storage and an available cargo shelf for added utility.

Off-Road Features and Capability

Ford Bronco: The Bronco is built for extreme off-road conditions, and it shows in its off-road features. Standard 4×4 capability, electronic locking front and rear differentials, and an available front sway bar disconnect are just a few of the features that make the Bronco a serious contender for the most demanding trails. The Bronco’s Terrain Management System includes GOAT (Goes Over Any Terrain) modes that allow drivers to optimize performance for various off-road environments, such as sand, mud, snow, and rocks. Additionally, the Bronco is equipped with a heavy-duty suspension system designed to take on even the toughest trails without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re rock crawling or wading through water, the Bronco is up to the task.

Ford Bronco Sport: While the Bronco Sport isn’t as off-road capable as the full-size Bronco, it still holds its own in light off-road situations. The Bronco Sport features standard all-wheel drive across all trims, which helps in slippery conditions or on gravel roads. The Bronco Sport also has its own version of the Terrain Management System, offering five to seven GOAT modes depending on the trim. While it lacks the heavy-duty suspension and locking differentials of the Bronco, the Bronco Sport’s off-road capability is more than enough for most weekend adventurers who want to hit light trails or navigate snowy conditions.

Conclusion

The Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport may share a name, but they serve different purposes. The full-size Bronco is a heavy-duty off-road machine designed for serious off-road enthusiasts who need maximum capability, while the Bronco Sport is a more versatile, city-friendly option that can handle light off-roading and daily driving with ease. If you’re someone who craves adventure on extreme trails, the Bronco is the clear choice. However, if you need a smaller, more efficient SUV that can still handle occasional outdoor excursions, the Bronco Sport offers a great balance between comfort and capability.

Ultimately, the choice between the Bronco and Bronco Sport depends on your lifestyle and how much off-road performance you need. Both are solid options, but each offers a unique set of strengths for different types of drivers.