Ford understands that buyers appreciate having choices, which is why the manufacturer introduced the Bronco Sport to the market. The model is based on the same platform as the Ford Escape but offers a completely different appearance. Ford has also chosen to associate it with the Bronco family, giving it a rugged look and enhanced off-road capabilities, and that was the best decision to make. So, despite its proximity to the Escape, the Bronco remains a unique vehicle with a very different application from its twin. We would have simply liked to see the other engine options from the Escape also available in the Bronco Sport lineup, but otherwise, Ford's SUV is a resounding success in every way.
One of the aspects that makes the Bronco Sport so interesting is its retro appeal. Just like the Bronco, the American manufacturer's compact SUV started offering heritage special editions that generated a strong reaction, which is a good thing for the brand and the model. For 2024, Ford is repeating this with an even more eye-catching special edition. The Free Wheeling appearance package features a graphic design popular in the 1970s with four gradient colors in a sunset style. It's not for everyone, I agree, but it's the kind of thing that interests enthusiasts who want a vehicle that stands out from the ordinary. For others, the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport offers a fairly wide and comprehensive range, allowing you to choose the model that suits your needs.
Range and Pricing
With a starting price of $41,190, it's safe to say that the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport is not within everyone's budget. This price is partially justified by its off-road capabilities and overall concept. Unlike the Escape, the Bronco Sport does not offer a front-wheel-drive-only version. The model's lineup consists of 5 different versions for 2024, with the Big Bend model serving as the entry-level version. Then, we move directly to the Heritage model at $44,190. Next is the Free Wheeling version, also starting at $44,190. The Outer Banks version is next at $45,390. Finally, the Badlands version sits at the top of the range at $48,745. This last one offers the best off-road driving capabilities for the model.
Category and Competition
The Ford Bronco Sport competes in one of the most competitive categories in the market. Compact SUVs are very popular at the moment, and some brands have made them their most popular models. While that's not the case for Ford, the Escape and the Bronco Sport remain very important for the American manufacturer.
Rivals: Chevrolet Equinox, Dodge Hornet, Ford Escape, GMC Terrain, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Mazda CX-50, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Toyota Rav4, Volkswagen Tiguan.
Design and Technology
Let's face it, Ford has done an excellent job when it comes to the design of the Bronco Sport. It bears a resemblance to the older Ford Escape while offering a modern and rugged touch, much like the Bronco. The American manufacturer's compact SUV boasts a unique appearance that allows it to stand out from all the other vehicles on the market. Ford has capitalized on the model's retro appeal with retro versions that are all the more enticing, and that's an excellent decision.
The interior of the Ford Bronco Sport is quite different from that of the Escape. Once again, we find a more rugged finish. Despite what the numbers say, I find that the Bronco Sport's interior is more spacious than that of the Escape, at least in its configuration.
Ford has also invested heavily in technology because the Bronco Sport leaves nothing to be desired in this regard. Its multimedia system is one of the most user-friendly on the market. The navigation is easy and very fluid. The driver assistance technologies are precise and well-balanced. When using the lane-keeping assist system, you feel securely anchored to the road. The adaptive cruise control is one of the most accurate on the market.
Performance
The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport offers two mechanical options, starting with a small 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged engine. Despite its modest displacement, this little engine delivers 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard 4x4. For more dynamic performance, there's the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, which produces 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Like the 1.5-liter engine, this one is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and comes with standard 4x4. In terms of fuel consumption, the 1.5-liter engine averages 9.3 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 L/100 km on the highway, which is quite reasonable. As expected, the 2.0-liter engine is slightly thirstier, with an average consumption of 11.1 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 L/100 km on the highway.
Weak Points
The power is a bit lacking with the 3-cylinder engine. There is definitely a need for a hybrid version in the Bronco Sport lineup. Its base price is relatively high.
Strong Points
It's a head-turning model, and Ford offers very interesting retro versions. Its equipment is quite comprehensive. The off-road capabilities of the Badlands version are quite impressive.
Signature Element
The Ford Bronco Sport is a rugged-looking SUV with enhanced off-road capabilities, and it leaves almost no one indifferent.
In Conclusion
To be honest with you, I believe Ford should have replaced the Escape with the Bronco Sport while keeping the Escape name. The model could truly rank among the most popular vehicles in its category with a broader and more diversified range. Who knows, maybe that's what Ford has in store for the future of the model.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
