Ford Motor Company
Words by Perry Mack
The marketplace is filled with look-a-like compact SUV’s with very little differentiation in style and performance. The Bronco Sport breaks away from the sea of faceless AWD’s with a look that harkens back to the glory days of the Mint 400 and Baja 1000. It incorporates off-road performance for individuals who need a ride that will get them farther into the backwoods to pursue their passion of the outdoor lifestyle.
Ford’s third and smallest entry in the Bronco family is a 4x4 with unibody construction like most cars and SUV’s, as opposed to the robust ladder frame construction of most trucks. The standard power plant is a 1.5 L three-cylinder EcoBoost generating 181 hp and 190 lb.-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed transmission. All the models get front and rear independent suspension. By the numbers, the Sport has a potential max 30.4-degree approach angle, 33.1-degree departure angle and 20.5-degree break-over angle. Ground clearance is 8.8 inches and the max water-fording depth is 23.6 inches.
Ford Motor Company
The front-facing camera is a terrific feature for off-road trails
We like the front-facing trail camera with lens washer, which is really helpful for cresting blind corners when you can’t see the trail but you sure want to know where it’s headed (and if there are any rocks, stumps, or trenches). We’re also comforted by the fact that it comes with steel underbody skid plates and although we can’t see it, it does come with a full-size spare tucked under the body.
All trims come with five familiar terrain modes, which Ford calls GOAT (Goes Over Any Terrain). They are Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand. We had a chance to test these modes in the new Ford Escape and they were surprisingly effective. Combined with the two optional drive modes of Mud ‘n Ruts and Rock Crawl, GOAT should allow inexperienced off-roaders to safely go farther into the backcountry than they normally would.
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Driving through water is a lot of fun as long as you don’t drown your engine.
The Sport also offers Trail Control, which is like cruise control for low-speed challenging trails, allowing the driver to focus on overcoming or avoiding obstacles while the system takes care of the throttle and braking, even while ascending or descending hills.
The top two trims – the Badlands and First Edition – get the most serious off-road features starting with a 2.0 L four-cylinder EcoBoost engine cranking out 250 hp and 277 lb. ft of torque. It’s linked to a similar automatic eight-speed transmission on the standard 1.3L EcoBoost, but in this case it gets transmission and rear drive coolers that better handle tougher terrain. In addition to the familiar automatic driving experience, this transmission also offers a sportier driving experience using paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The Badlands and First Edition also come standard with a twin clutch rear drive unit with a differential lock feature. The twin clutch system gives you 4WD and allows the rear wheels to spin at different rates to help maintain the best traction, especially during high speed off-road driving.
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The Bronco Sport’s Dial GOAT. Focus on the trail and let the Bronco Sport select the rest.
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The Sport maintains traction using Trail Control even while climbing and descending hills.
Additionally, these top two trims have uniquely-tuned front struts with hydraulic bump stops as well as softer springs and antiroll bars for more comfort and performance off-road. They add the Mud ‘n Ruts and Rock Crawl modes to the terrain management options and you can cross streams up to 23.6” deep. Part of this ability comes from the Badlands 28.5” tires and the First Edition’s more aggressive 29” tires.
Since you’re going to get wet and muddy, these two trims also come with a washable rubber floor, and easy-to-clean seat fabrics. We also like that these two trims can tow up to 998 kg (2,200 lb.), which is enough to handle many off-road trailers. The Badlands and First Edition models have off-road capabilities that are better or comparable to the Jeep Compass Trailhawk and Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk.
Perry Mack
It’s available in a 1.5L or 2.0L EcoBoost. We feel bigger is better.
The big brother Bronco has the off-road chops to make the journey so exciting, that the journey almost becomes everything. The Bronco Sport is really designed for folks who will use it to get where they can enjoy their activities so Ford has really focused on the Sport’s ability to manage gear. Sport owners can load two 27.5” bikes in the low load cargo area thanks to the raised safari roof, hang gear off the MOLLE straps, use the built in tie-downs, mount a roof top tent on the high capacity rack, chill out under the lift gate lights and set-up camp with the slide-out table.
Since it really is a piece of lifestyle gear, buyers will be able to able trick out the Sport with four accessory bundles for bike, snow, water or camping; or choose a la carte from the 100 factory-backed and aftermarket parts and accessories.
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Did someone say ‘Sand’ mode?
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What comes after ‘Sand’ mode? A washable interior.
On the tech side, the all new Bronco Sport has a Sync 3 with an 8” screen and Ford Co-Pilot 360 with a host of driver-assist and safety features. Or, upgrade to the Ford Co-Pilot 360 2.0.
There are four trims to choose from: Base, which is just as its name suggests, basic. Big Bend offers a bit more style and comfort than Base, while Outer Banks is the luxury and technology trim. Badlands is the most off-road capable trim level and the special edition, called the First Edition, combines the off-road chops of Badlands with the luxury and technology of Outer Banks.
Ford stressed that although it’s built alongside the Ford Escape, the Bronco Sport is not an Escape with bigger tires. It has a unique wheelbase, track, ground clearance, and suspension system.
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Compare the Sport Badlands with the Compass and Cherokee Trailhawk.
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The Sport is specifically designed to get into the wild. But we wouldn't choose this mosquito-infested site.
The Bronco Sport will roll onto dealer lots later in 2020, and Ford let us know that the First Edition will not be available in Canada. With this exception, buyers can build, price and reserve a Sport now with a $100 CAD deposit.
Can you see yourself behind the wheel of the Bronco Sport, and if not, what would rather drive?
See the full Bronco Sport feature video at https://youtu.be/m86sFIURywU
Watch the terrain management features tested in the 2020 Ford Escape https://youtu.be/iuvX2TO9UNw
Exciting Bronco 2- and 4-door off-road feature review video is here;