2025 Ford Bronco Sport : Now With More Bronco!
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When the Ford Bronco Sport was first unleashed into the automotive arena, it was immediately classified as the little “pony” trying to clumsily copy ts brother, the “real” Bronco. Even though they come from the same family, the two vehicles are and will remain in two completely separate classes. However, as the appetite for small, rugged SUVs with enhanced off-road capabilities rapidly gains momentum, Ford has seen fit to add a little more bite to its recipe for 2025.
Aesthetic and technological improvements, but above all a new Sasquatch package inspired by fraternal genes, are on the menu. The Car Guide tested the 2025 Bronco Sport 2025 in its Outer Banks and Badlands variants in the California desert last week, and here are our impressions.
More Metal, Less Plastic...On the Outside, at Least!
Making small SUVs look “tough” always starts – and often ends - with the physical elements. Purely aesthetic in some variants, more functional in others, the Bronco Sport's additions range from bumper touch-ups to metal skid plates, brush guards and anchor points for securing cargo on the roof.
The layout remains similar in the cabin, but Ford has added a new, larger instrument cluster and the new 13.2-inch touchscreen that controls the SYNC 4 interface. It comes notably with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly and replaces the small 8-inch screen criticized in the outgoing model.
While the Badlands variant offers a level of finish that provides a skilful balance between sturdiness and functionality, we still quickly fall into a more plasticky environment in the lower variants. The front seats provide a comfortable environment for long distances. In the rear, however, legroom could be limited for taller passengers.
A Braver Bronco Sport
Available on Outer Banks models powered by the 3-cylinder, 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, and Badlands models equipped with the 4-cylinder, 2-litre turbocharged engine, the Sasquatch package gives the Bronco Sport a series of components that draw inspiration from the big Bronco.
Locking rear differential, 29-inch Goodyear Territory tires, “Rally” driving mode in addition to “Off-Road” mode, Bilstein rear shock absorbers with external tanks, 0.4-inch (10 mm) higher ground clearance, oversized radiator fan, tow hooks, bumpers and protective steel plates under the vehicle are just some of the equipment on offer. Note that Ford also offers a more docile off-road package for the entry-level Bronco Sport Big Bend. Called Black Diamond, it provides anchor points, a towing capacity of 2,200 lb (1,500 lb standard), and steel protective plates under the chassis to protect vital mechanical components.
It's important to note that all Bronco Sport variants, with the exception of the range-topping Badlands, are offered exclusively with the 180-hp, 3-cylinder, 1.5-litre turbocharged engine. In our Outer Banks test model, this unit proved to be just right in terms of power, and the delivery of said power is at the mercy of the turbocharger's lag. On the Badlands variant, the turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder has much more giddy up with 250 hp. The sound of this engine is amplified by the cabin’s speakers. Note that the Bronco Badlands can tow up to 2,700 lb with this powertrain.<
In terms of ride comfort, the Bronco Badlands equipped with the Sasquatch package proved rather choppy in city and highway driving - the combination of big tires and off-road suspension logically had something to do with it. On the trails, even though we've reached the limit of the suspension's 8.3” front and 8.7” rear travel, the Bronco Sport was impressively eager to climb rocky terrain that would have put off most of its rivals.
When it came time to descend, the Hill Descent Control system gave us the option of one-pedal driving - the Bronco Sport being in low-speed cruise control mode for added safety. In off-road mode, the 360-degree camera, which gives a clear view of what's in front of the vehicle, now operates at higher speeds, enhancing our trail experience.
Finally, we ventured out onto a sandy stretch of desert to briefly test the high-speed rally mode, where the Bronco Sport Badlands proved to be quite agile. This personality trait may seem useless to us Canadians...until we have the opportunity to put it to the test on 30 centimetres of powdery snow!
The Bronco Sport 2025 still can't take you as far off the beaten track as the “real” Bronco. On the other hand, it has gained skill in a world where small family SUVs now have to show their teeth to charm the adventurous side of potential buyers. In terms of pricing, the Bronco Sport catalogue starts with the Big Bend variant at $38,495 (excluding $2,195 prep and delivery) and extends to the Bronco Badlands at $48,995, including the Outer Banks model with a price tag of $43,195. To get the Sasquatch package, add $4,995 to the Outer Banks model and $4,495 to the Badlands model.
Badlands.
