The Ford Bronco and Ford Bronco Sport: Which One Is Right for You?

The Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport are two highly-celebrated off-road vehicles that have recently hit the market. Both vehicles offer impressive capabilities and unique features, making it easier for customers to choose between them. Whether you’re an off-road enthusiast or simply looking for a rugged vehicle to take on your next adventure, the Bronco, and Bronco Sport are worth considering.

So, should you get a Bronco or Bronco Sport? The answer depends on what you want out of your Bronco model. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at each vehicle, comparing and contrasting their capabilities, features, and design to help you make an informed decision and choose the one that best fits your needs. When you’ve made up your mind, the only question you’ll have is, “Where is a Ford Dealer near me?” In that case, we welcome you to come visit us here at Loganville Ford and check out our extensive selection of Ford Bronco and Ford Bronco Sport models.

The Ford Bronco vs. the Ford Bronco Sport

What makes the Ford Bronco and its Sport sibling so different? We’re here to break down ten aspects of both vehicles. Learn how iconic styling cues, off-road capability, engine power, and more will affect your experience when comparing these two nostalgia-inducing SUVs. Here are the ways in which these models differ from each other.

Engine Options

The Ford Bronco Sport and its big brother, the Bronco, each offer two engine options. The standard engine for the Sport is an impressive 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder turbocharged motor, generating 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. If that’s not fast enough, boost it up with the 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged option delivering 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Sport also showcases exceptional performance, going from 0 to 60 mph in just 7 seconds.

The Bronco offers remarkable power no matter which engine you choose. The turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder produces 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, while the optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6 packs a punch with 330 hp and 415 lb-ft under its hood, quite impressive for an off-roader. It also reaches 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, even on rough terrain.

All-Wheel and 4×4 Drive Systems

The Bronco Sport is designed for tackling any terrain as its two power takeoff units can send up to 50% engine torque to the rear wheels to help you make it through slippery surfaces or difficult off-road conditions. Choose the upgraded system on your Sport or Badlands model and enjoy torque vectoring, a water-cooled power takeoff unit, and five terrain mode settings. The advanced G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes (Rock Crawl and Mud-and-Ruts) included in Badland models feature specialized braking calibrations to help make sure you’ll never get stuck with this revolutionary off-road machine.

Bronco owners can choose two different transfer cases for tackling any terrain. The base version allows you to switch between 2-wheel drive, 4Hi, and Lo with electric shift-on-the-fly technology at a low range gearing of 2.72:1. Upgrade your off-roading experience with electromechanical shifting capabilities, including full-time four-wheel auto mode paired with an enhanced 3.06:1 low range gear ratio. The Bronco comes equipped with locking differentials that can be switched between 4Hi and 4Lo mode, but also an amazing G.O.A.T. mode offering up to eight traction settings and an anti-roll bar disconnect system alongside stability control programming so no trail will stand in your way.

Exterior

Bronco Sport is the perfect combination of minivan convenience and off-road capability. It was designed to foster exploration, boasting a permanently attached roof for protection but with shortened overhangs and increased suspension height so drivers can take it on any adventure. You can optionally equip your Bronco Sport with a sunroof, then hit the trails in style.

Experience the ultimate freedom with the Ford Bronco’s signature “Max Air” roof designs, which allow you to choose between three hard and soft top configurations. Enjoy all-weather protection from waterproof marine grade vinyl upholstery and rubberlike floor coverings equipped with handy drain footwells for easy cleanup when needed.

Suspension

The Bronco Sport offers an independent suspension design, which includes revised control arms and knuckles to increase track width and provide better ground clearance for a more comfortable journey. With its unibody construction combined with the integrated suspension system, it is set up perfectly for taking on but enjoying all terrain.

The Ford Bronco is built with a control-arm front suspension and an optional anti-roll bar disconnect device for optimal flexibility when taking on challenging terrain. It also features a reliable live axle located by trailing arms in the rear. Plus, you can equip your vehicle with additional components like locking differentials and underbody armoring.

Fuel Efficiency

The Bronco Sport boasts impressive fuel economy compared to its larger counterpart, getting 25 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. This is exceptional efficiency when compared to the Ford Bronco, which gets 20 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. While fuel economy may not be at the top of everyone’s list when looking for a great off-road-focused SUV, it’s worth noting that there is a clear difference between the Bronco Sport and the Bronco.

Towing Capacity

The Bronco Sport boasts a much more sedan or crossover SUV-like frame based on Ford’s Escape crossover platform. On the other hand, the Ford Bronco is constructed with an extra-sturdy body-on-frame process, the same type of construction used for pickup trucks. With its off-road capabilities and outdoor stylings, the Bronco Sport is great for weekend getaways but won’t be the vehicle of choice for those bigger hauls. With a maximum tow capacity of 2,200 lbs., this factory off-roader has enough power to bring along small utility trailers or campers, just not much more. However, the Ford Bronco can handle loads as big as 3,500 lbs, in line with similarly sized vehicles in cargo carrying potential.

Cargo Capacity

While the four-door Bronco has a roomier cargo capacity at 38.3 cu.ft., the more compact four-door Sport still packs an impressive punch with 32.5 cu.ft. of space in its trunk, great for road trips and hauling your gear. As a two-door vehicle, the Bronco has only 22.4 cu.ft. of space whereas the Sport only comes as a four-door model, offering the aforementioned 32.5 cu.ft. of storage, 65.2 when the second-row seats are folded down. The Bronco Sport is also cleverly designed with an organized center console and handy door pockets for small items, elements that the Bronco lacks.

Off-Roading Capabilities

Designed for the adventurous driver and off-roading enthusiast alike, the Bronco Sport offers all-terrain capability with better wheel angles, higher ground clearance, and even more optional tire choices than its big brother. The Trail Control system allows the Bronco Sport to take on any terrain. It’s essentially cruise control for off-roading. Set your desired speed and let the vehicle navigate through harsh conditions to confidently get you where you need to go.

However, if you want to conquer challenging obstacles on your adventure, the larger Bronco has a 4WD system featuring low-range gears and a locking front differential paired with manual transmissions. These features allow drivers to “crawl” over any obstacle. The Ford Bronco is the winner here if you’re looking for maximum performance in rough terrain.

Interior Noise

The Bronco boasts a luxurious interior with premium materials that stand out even more when compared to its compact counterpart, the Bronco Sport. The high price tag is offset by high-end touches like sophisticated buttons and roomier passenger space, perfect for those drivers seeking an escape from their everyday routine.

If you want a tranquil atmosphere while driving, go with the Bronco Sport, which is much quieter than the Bronco. Because of the Bronco’s hardtop and convertible tops, there is lots of wind noise, especially while driving on highways. If the noise doesn’t bother you and you’re more focused on the car’s rugged off-roading capabilities, the Bronco is the better of the two vehicles.

Technology

Both of these vehicles that you can find at your local Ford SUV dealership, the Bronco and the smaller Sport, are great examples of modern technology. The Sport features standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, plus an impressive 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Available optional features include innovative tools like adaptive cruise control and Ford’s navigation system.

The Bronco has a range of tech features that come as standard, including an 8-inch and 12-inch touchscreen option, the latter being particularly impressive with a high-res picture. It also offers optional driver assist features designed to help off-roaders feel more confident in rough terrains, such as Trail One-pedal Driving and Turn Assist. Remember, though, that the Bronco’s stereo system isn’t powerful enough to fight against wind noise when cruising on dirt roads.

To Sport or Not to Sport?

The Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport offer two unique experiences regarding off-roading. The larger, more powerful Bronco provides a no-nonsense approach with excellent driving capabilities in rugged terrain. In contrast, the smaller yet still capable Bronco Sport provides an easy ride thanks to its driver aids. Both vehicles are sure to impress adventurous drivers looking for something different. Are you interested in scheduling a test drive of these exceptional Ford SUVs? Contact Loganville Ford today, and we’ll help you choose the right Bronco for you.