FordBronco Sport

　　

2023 Ford Bronco Sport Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　, rating written byDan FrioContributor

　　Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.

　　Enthusiasts waited decades for Ford to reintroduce the Bronco SUV and got not one but two models to choose from when both debuted in 2021: the larger, truck-like Bronco and the smaller Bronco Sport. The former is truer to the model's rugged adventure roots from the 1960s through the 1990s, while the Bronco Sport distills some of that formula into a smaller crossover package.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$145/mo  for Bronco Sport Base

　　Bronco Sport Base

　　4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) - $29,215 MSRPBig Bend 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $31,230 MSRPHeritage 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) - $32,650 MSRPOuter Banks 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 3cyl Turbo 8A) - $35,615 MSRPBadlands 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $37,340 MSRPHeritage Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $44,655 MSRP

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　The Bronco Sport is based on the Ford Escape, which means it lacks the formidable off-road chops of its larger counterpart, but it makes more sense if you want an everyday compact SUV with just a bit of trail attitude. Standard all-wheel drive, an above-average amount of ground clearance, and optimized traction settings are all here to help you get you out into nature. A roomy interior and expansive (and easily cleaned) cargo area boost the Bronco Sport's practicality too.

　　On the road, the Bronco Sport can't match the smoothness or refinement of purely pavement-oriented rivals like the Mazda CX-5 or Honda CR-V, but it matches up well against other all-terrain alternatives like the Subaru Outback and Jeep Cherokee. Be sure to read our Expert Rating for our test team's deep dive into the Bronco Sport's pros and cons.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

6.5/10

　　How does the Bronco Sport drive? It's clear that the Bronco Sport has off-roading on the brain, especially in the Badlands guise we tested. The good news is the Bronco Sport is a blast to drive in the dirt. The bad news is that it's much less enjoyable on the street.

　　The optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine provides admirable power, covering 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds, which is good for the class. The power makes the Bronco Sport an eager off-roader and allows good use of intelligent traction modes. On the road, however, the braking and steering are not up to par. Stopping from 60 mph took 127 feet, which is longer than average for a small SUV, but worse is the lack of feel and response from the brake pedal. Transmission shifts are also jerky at low speed.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Bronco Sport? The Bronco Sport comes with the tacit acknowledgment that you are prioritizing off-road capability over traditional crossover comfort. So it inherently lacks the smooth ride you get from rivals such as Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5. For instance, the Badlands suspension that's been tuned for dirt and rocks often gives a bumpy ride over various road surfaces. And since the Bronco Sport has an upright design, there is wind noise at most speeds.

　　We also took issue with the front seats. Although they feature a wide range of adjustability to accommodate drivers of various heights, they lack lateral support and cause your shoulders to jostle. Buyers may also expect dual-zone climate control, which is an option this vehicle did not have equipped. These are not deal-breakers, but they are noticeable.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below