2022 Ford Bronco Sport

The Ford Bronco Sport is perfect for those who don't want to deal with the negative drawbacks of the full-fat Bronco. It shares the same sort of design aesthetic but in a smaller, unibody package. The Bronco Sport has a smaller footprint and is more efficient, but it's not as good off-road - not that it matters. The Bronco is a niche product, while the Bronco Sport competes in the much more prolific compact crossover segment. Its rivals include the Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Rogue. You could even make a case for it competing against the larger Bronco if you want the rugged looks without all the necessary mechanical bits needed to go far off the beaten track - the Bronco Sport is a helpful off-roader. We've seen this little car do things that no other vehicle in this segment can do, even though it's based on the Escape platform.

Under the hood, it comes with either a 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with outputs ranging from 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque to 250 hp and 277 lb-ft. All derivatives come with all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a host of optional extras aimed at the off-road lifestyle.

Ford's Bronco design language is sublime. Both the Sport and the full-fat Bronco feature retro-inspired design, though the Sport a bit smaller and a little cuter. We dig the boxy design that's unlike anything else available in the segment, and that's a good thing. You can quickly lose most of its rivals in a parking lot, but not the Bronco Sport.

All models come standard with LED headlights, which play a pivotal role in the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport's safety rating. The Outer Banks and Badlands also gain LED fog lights.

The customization options make it possible to create a Bronco Sport unique to you. And you can have it with steelies, which is a must. We love the Bronco Sport (and Land Rover Defender) for making steelies cool again. Base and Big Bend models ride on 17-inch alloys, while the Outer Banks and Badlands upgrade to 18-inch wheels. A power sunroof is a standalone feature available on all models.

The Ford Bronco Sport's length is 172.2, and it's 82.2 inches wide; it's either 70.2 or 70.3 inches tall, depending on the trim. The Badlands model is slightly taller at 71.4 inches. All versions ride on a 105.1-inch wheelbase.

Interestingly, Ford also supplies several figures you'd typically only find in the brochures of serious off-roaders. We rarely see manufacturers quote overhang figures, but Ford has them. The bodywork extends 33.7 inches from the front wheels and 33.9 inches from the rears. Standard ground clearance for most 2022 Ford Bronco Sport models is 7.8 inches, while the Badlands comes standard with 8.6 inches with the stock tires and 8.8 inches with the optional tires. The approach and departure angles are rated at 21.7 and 30.4 degrees on standard models, respectively, and 30/32.8 degrees for the Badlands model.

The lightest model is the base Bronco Sport with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. It weighs an impressively low 3,467 pounds, so even the tiny engine manages to feel peppy. With the 2.0L engine, the Bronco Sport has a base curb weight of 3,707 lbs. That's still impressively low, but keep in mind that you can quickly get the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport's weight up to around 4,000 lbs by adding larger wheels and some of the optional accessories.

As is usually the case, the color palette is limited depending on the trim. We find this odd, as Ford opened up the Mustang Mach-E's available colors to the entire range. Why not do the same with exterior colors for a big seller like the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport? Anyway, the base model's available colors are unspectacular. The four available colors are no-cost but also dull. Options include Shadow Black, Iconic Silver Metallic, Carbonized Gray Metallic, and Oxford White.

Opting for one of the three remaining trims unlocks the entire palette. Additional cost-free colors include Velocity Blue Metallic, Bronze Smoke Metallic, Area 51, and Cactus Gray. Hot Pepper Red Tinted Clearcoat and Alto Blue Metallic Tinted Clear Coat cost $495 each, while the stunning Cyber Orange Metallic Tri-Coat adds $795 to the price.

There are two engines tasked with powering the Bronco Sport, and both send the power to an all-wheel-drive system. The standard AWD system is unique in this segment, as most cars are sold as standard with front-wheel drive, with AWD an option.

The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks are powered by Ford's 1.5-liter turbocharged triple EcoBoost engine, producing 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. While these figures may seem low, the power delivery is so well judged that it feels pretty zippy. There's no need to go for the bigger engine unless you need all of the additional goodies that come with it.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine is exclusive to the Badlands trim. Here it produces 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Ford does not provide 0-60 mph or top speed figures for any 2022 Bronco Sport model, but independent tests have shows that it can complete the sprint in just below six seconds.

The towing capacity is far more critical for a car like this. The maximum towing capacity for Bronco Sport models equipped with the 1.5 EcoBoost is 2,000 lbs, while the 2.0 EcoBoost can tow an additional 200 lbs. These figures are above average in a segment where most cars can handle 1,500 lbs at most.

Both engines in the Bronco Sport range are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. There are subtle differences which we shall get into shortly. The 1.5 EcoBoost engine produces 181 hp at 6,000 rpm and 190 lb-ft at just 3,000 rpm. The latter figure is the secret to the Bronco Sport's zippiness, as the low-down torque and widespread gear ratios ensure that you always have enough power available.

The 2.0 EcoBoost delivers 250 hp at 5,500 rpm and 277 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm. The additional low-down torque makes this model feel quite brisk for a blocky off-roader. Ford also chose to equip the 2.0 EcoBoost with an eight-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift. This is just a fancy way of saying it has paddles behind the wheel, giving the driver extra control over the driving experience. You don't need it, however. The GOAT driving modes are well-judged, and the gearbox does a perfectly adequate job when you simply leave it alone. The manual override does give you more control in off-road situations, which is likely why it's only a standard feature on the most off-road-ready Bronco Sport.

The Bronco is based on the Escape platform, which isn't a bad start. But Ford's other compact crossover has zero off-road aspirations and would easily be defeated by anything more severe than a muddy gravel road. Therefore, the Bronco Sport requires an entirely different suspension setup and a more advanced traction control system. The Bronco's suspension allows for more articulation than the Escape, which also has a four-wheel independent suspension. Couple that with a higher center of gravity, and you get exactly what you expect. It's not unsafe, but it's also nowhere near sporty. If that's what you're looking for, Ford has at least three other models that do it much better.

The steering is devoid of any feel, but the compact dimensions of the Bronco Sport make it easy to drive and park. Thanks to the more supple suspension setup, the Bronco is much better at soaking up bumps than the Escape. If you live in an area with bad roads or regularly travel down dirt roads, the Bronco Sport is the way to go.

As for off-roading, you get the GOAT system as standard. It's an acronym for Goes Over Any Type of Terrain, which is a bit ambitious in this particular model. Think of it as Ford's version of Terrain Response. The driving modes on the Base, Big Ben, and Outer Banks are Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand. The 2.0 EcoBoost model gets all of the above modes and adds Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl.

The 2022 Ford Bronco Sport has impressive gas mileage figures for a compact off-roader with an AWD system. According to the EPA, mpg ratings for the Bronco Sport are as follows: 1.5 EcoBoost turbocharged inline-three models consume 25/28/26 mpg city/highway/combined. The more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder comes with EPA-estimated figures of 21/26/23 mpg.

Thankfully, the Bronco Sport comes with a large 16-gallon tank. The 1.5 has a claimed range of 416 miles, while the 2.0 can do 368 miles between refills.

The Ford Bronco Sport's interior is logical but nothing special. There are a few touches we like, however. The storage space underneath the infotainment screen is a nice touch, and the lack of a traditional gear lever leaves more room and easier access to the lower storage space with the USB charger.

As for quality, it's both a hit and miss. Thanks to a smart steering wheel featuring a bucking bronco instead of a Ford badge, the interior is elevated. The large infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster give it an upmarket feel. Ford was also smart enough to keep the climate control buttons separate, which always scores bonus points from us. However, some interior materials are a bit low-rent, but that's expected at the price. It's more of a niggle on the Badlands, which carries a near-$40,000 sticker price if you add some goodies. Overall, it's comfortable, ergonomic, and seemingly bolted together correctly.

Headroom is generous in the front and rear, rated at 41.5 and 41.7 inches, respectively. Front passengers get a maximum of 42.4 inches of legroom, while passengers in the rear might struggle. Rear passengers only get 36.9 inches of legroom, which isn't much. That's just 0.2 inches more than rear passengers get in the compact Ford EcoSport. In front, there is a more generous 40.8 inches of legroom.

The rear middle seat is large enough to accommodate a slim person, but there's minimal room for the skinny person's feet due to the running gear underneath the car. Treat the Bronco Sport as a four-seater, and all will be fine.

The Base model only has one interior option: Ebony cloth. Since the Big Bend is aimed at more adventurous people, it's equipped with easy-clean cloth seats available in Ebony and Medium Dark Slate. The Outer Banks is more luxurious, which means leather is standard. It's available in Ebony/Roast or Navy Pier. Finally, the Badlands comes standard with unique cloth seats, available in Ebony/Area 51 and Ebony/Active Orange. When equipped with the Premium Package, the Badlands comes with perforated leather seats in Ebony/Roast.

The interior trim is primarily various shades of dark plastic, but the Badlands adds multiple interior trim pieces in either Area 51 or Active Orange. It enhances the interior a bit, but not by much. As mentioned previously, the Bronco Sport's cabin isn't especially plush and some plastics have a hard finish.

When it comes to cargo space, the Ford Bronco Sport is more than sufficient. It has a 32.5-cubic-foot trunk with all seats in place. The Badlands has a slightly smaller trunk, rated at 29.4 cubes. Fold the rear seats forward, and the luggage capacity increases to 65.2 cubes for the lower trims and 60.6 for the Badlands. These figures are more than acceptable in the segment and should make life easy for a family of four.

Interior storage is impressive. Front passengers get two small storage compartments, another storage space underneath the front armrest, and three cupholders: two regular-sized cupholders and one for those tall but thin energy drinks. Rear passengers get large door pockets. Finally, there is also an overhead console with sunglasses storage.

Standard features on the Base include a 4.2-inch information screen, a six-way manual driver's seat (with four-way adjustability for the front-seat passenger), manual single-zone climate control, and Ford's Co-Pilot 360 safety suite. The latter consists of forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a rearview camera, and automatic high beams.

The Big Bend gains heated side mirrors, electronic temperature control, push-button ignition, and the rear fold-down center armrest with dual cupholders. Outer Banks models have many additional features due to their supposed luxurious nature. These include remote start, heated and power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, a 6.5-inch screen in the instrument cluster, and a windshield wiper de-icer.

The Badlands mainly adds features that help it off-road. These include a model-specific suspension and tire combo, skid plates, tow hooks, an upgraded GOAT system with a special rear differential, and a forward-facing 180-degree camera to keep an eye out for obstacles.

All models are equipped with the same infotainment system, consisting of an eight-inch touchscreen loaded with Ford's SYNC 3 software. It's not the latest version, which is frustrating if you've already used to the more modern version equipped to some other Fords. It's both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, and features like a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, smart-charging USB ports, and voice activation are inclusive as well. The sound system is a six-speaker unit, and the Big Bend adds SiriusXM satellite radio to the mix. For an added cost, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system can be added, as can HD Radio.

The Bronco Sport follows the tradition of a new model having several recalls at the beginning of its lifecycle, slowing down until it eventually the teething issues have been eliminated.

2021 models were recalled seven times for some pretty significant problems. These include inadequate lubrication in the rear-drive unit, models being equipped with the incorrect front lower control arms, missing or loose rear suspension bolts, a fuel delivery module that may leak, inadequate bonding of the moonroof glass panel, reduced braking performance due to incorrectly manufactured rear brake lines, and an engine leak for certain 1.5 EcoBoost models.

So far, the 2022 model has been recalled three times. These problems were carried over from the 2021 model and included the engine oil leak, reduced braking performance, and a fuel delivery module that may leak. Even with the recalls mentioned above, the Ford Bronco Sport's reliability is expected to be high; it scored an above-average 82 out of 100 points in the J.D. Power Ownership Survey for quality and reliability.

The Bronco Sport is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Roadside assistance also runs for five years or 60,000 miles.

The Bronco Sport received stellar ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS. It scored the full five stars in the NHTSA test. The only non-five-star rating was in the rollover test, which scored four stars.

The IIHS's review of the Ford Bronco Sport was even more positive, giving it the highest rating a car can achieve. The Top Safety Pick + applies to all Bronco Sport models.

The Bronco Sport comes standard with all the expected safety features, including ABS brakes, traction and stability control, and seven airbags, including a driver's knee bag. A tire pressure monitoring system is also included, as is Ford's MyKey technology.

The biggest bonus is Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, which includes front collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a rearview camera, and automatic high beams.

Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist + is available as an optional extra on all but the base model. This suite comes standard with intelligent adaptive cruise control with Stop-and-Go, lane centering, speed sign recognition, evasive steering assist, and a voice-activated touchscreen navigation system. A Class II Trailer Tow Package is available as well and includes trailer sway control. Rear parking sensors are also available.

The Bronco Sport is a brilliant SUV with very few downsides. We love that it's not just a poser off-roader but the real deal. We think most people in the market for the full-fat Bronco would be more than happy with what the Bronco Sport is capable of. There is, quite simply, no other car in this segment that's as good off-road as this.

The pricing is also acceptable, and the equipment levels are high. Since this will most likely be used as a family car, we're pretty impressed with the standard safety features and the Bronco Sport's rating from the NHTSA and the IIHS. The only downsides are the iffy interior materials, which we can forgive at this price. The lack of rear legroom is less easy to overlook, but other Ford models offer more.

Despite the initial teething problems, the Bronco currently stands head and shoulders above its competitors. It's a sensational little off-roader that looks the part and can walk the walk.

The Base carries a sticker price of $28,565, while the Big Bend goes for $30,280. From there, it's a sizeable leap to the Outer Banks with an MSRP of $34,200. A Badlands will cost you $36,590. These prices exclude the $1,595 destination and delivery charge.

The Bronco Sport's main rival is the Subaru Forester, as it's also only available in AWD guise. Subaru's base model starts at just under $26,000, while the Premium model retails for around the same price as the new Bronco Sport in base guise. The adventure-ready Wilderness with all the toys is $33,520, representing a considerable saving over the Bronco Sport Badlands sans any options.

There are four trim levels in the Bronco Sport range: Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Badlands. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks are powered by a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, while the Badlands get a larger 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. All models use an eight-speed automatic that sends the power to an all-wheel-drive system.

All models also come standard with an eight-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system. Another common feature across the range is Ford's Co-Pilot 360, which consists of front collision mitigation with automatic braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams.

The Base comes standard with LED headlights, roof rails, 17-inch wheels, and a manual liftgate with a flip-up rear window.

Moving up to the Big Bend gets you stain-resistant upholstery, heated side mirrors, keyless entry and start, electronic climate control, and a rear center armrest with dual cupholders.

The two top-spec models are aimed at different customers, with the Outer Banks offering more luxury features. These include 18-inch alloys, leather upholstery, remote start, power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a 6.5-inch digital instrument cluster.

The Badlands is aimed at off-road enthusiasts, which means you get more driving modes to play with, a model-specific suspension setup, off-road biased tires, skid plates, tow hooks, and a 180-degree front camera to keep an eye on obstacles.

The Base has no optional packages you can add to it, but it can be upgraded with a few accessories like a cargo management system and a fender flare kit. The Big Bend can be ordered with the $1,285 Convenience Package, the $690 Class II Trailer Tow Package, and the $895 Ford Co-Pilot Assist Plus suite. The Convenience Package includes keyless entry with a push-button start, a keyless entry keypad, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, LED fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, a universal garage door opener, rear parking sensors, and zipper pockets on the driver and front passenger seatbacks. With the upgraded Co-Pilot360 suite, the Bronco Sport adds intelligent adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and a voice-activated touchscreen navigation system.

The Outer Banks' Tech Package retails for $1,285 and adds a ten-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, HD Radio, wireless charging, and a universal garage door opener.

The Premium Package on the Badlands retails for a hefty $2,285. It includes power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, a ten-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone climate control, HD Radio, remote start, rear parking sensors, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, and a universal garage door opener.

If you're looking for a bargain, the Big Bend is the way to go. It adds some excellent features and is only $1,715 more expensive than the Base. You also get access to more colors and more optional extras.

Got more money to spend? Your model choice will depend entirely on what you want to do with the car. If it's going to spend most of its time on the tarmac, the Outer Banks and its many luxurious features is the way to go. More adventurous types should get the Badlands. The suspension, tire, and software upgrades will get you further outdoors than any of the other models, and it comes with a decent amount of standard features.

In our humble opinion, the Big Bend with the Convenience Package and the more advanced Ford Co-Pilot 360 Assist + is the ideal single model. It offers the best balance between the Bronco Sport's many positive attributes.

Be in no doubt; the Subaru Forester is a fantastic vehicle. There's a reason Subaru sells so many of them. It beats the Bronco Sport in several important departments. First, the Subaru's interior quality is much better and almost Germanic. Secondly, the rear legroom is vast. Rear passengers in the Scooby get 39.4 inches of legroom compared to the Bronco Sport's 36.9 inches. The Scooby also handles better and is more affordable. In most departments, these two cars are perfectly matched. The safety levels are the same (both come with Safety Pick + ratings from the IIHS), and the trunk capacities are similar.

The Scooby's biggest problem is its old-school naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine and the CVT gearbox that might compare to the 2022 Ford Bronco's specs, but doesn't feel as good. The 2.5 NA engine produces 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, which is remarkably similar to the Bronco Sport's horsepower from the 1.5L EcoBoost engine at 181 hp. Yet, the two couldn't feel more different. The Bronco Sport feels zippy, while the Subaru feels sluggish and uneager to respond. We'd go for the Bronco Sport solely to avoid the Scooby's flawed powertrain.

The Bronco Sport's other main rival comes from within its own ranks, and it's not the Escape it's based on. Most people get caught up deciding whether to buy the baby Bronco or the full-fat Bronco. The answer is straightforward. The Bronco is a serious off-roader built on a ladder-frame chassis. You can also have it with Dana 44 axles, electronic locking differentials, a disconnecting sway bar, massive off-road biased tires, and a transfer case with low range. It's also much heavier and uses a lot more fuel. And, naturally, the MSRP of a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport is much less than that of its bigger brother.

Are you going to climb up a mountain, or will you just be using the car to drive to the mall and down the occasional gravel road? If you are serious about off-roading, the big Bronco is the answer. If not, the baby Bronco Sport will serve you much better.