2021 Ford Bronco Sport

2021 Ford Bronco Sport Highlights

Despite bearing a similar name to its big brother, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is an all-new model in Ford's lineup. This compact SUV is based on the same platform as the Escape crossover but adds more off-road capability to match its rugged styling. The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport configurations vary, with some trim levels aiming toward luxury while others focus on off-road performance.

Key Details

• Compact crossover SUV body style
• Two-row seating for up to five passengers
• Standard all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Two engine options: 1.5-liter EcoBoost and 2.0-liter EcoBoost
• G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Modes
• Up to 8.8 inches of ground clearance

Benefits

• Combines city-friendly size with off-road prowess
• Distinctive, boxy styling reminiscent of the full-size Bronco
• Versatile cargo area with standard rubberized flooring
• Standard advanced safety features
• Competitive fuel economy for its class

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2021 Ford Bronco Sport Overview

Performance

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offers two engine options:

1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine:

• 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque
• Standard on Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims
• Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission

2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine:

• 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque
• Standard on Badlands and First Edition trims
• Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift

The standard 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder can best be described as “able to move the vehicle.” Excitement comes with the 2.0-liter four, and it's 245 hp. Both engines come with standard AWD capability, and while the Bronco Sport isn’t as rugged as the full-fledged Bronco, it’s no slouch. The AWD system includes a twin-clutch rear-drive unit with a differential lock feature on 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands and First Edition models, providing enhanced traction in challenging terrain.

Key performance features include:

• G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain): Up to seven selectable drive modes
• Available Advanced 4x4 system with twin-clutch rear drive unit
• Trail Control for low-speed trail driving
• Up to 2,200 pounds of towing capacity (with the 2.0-liter engine)

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Bronco Sport a top five-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2021 Bronco Sport a Top Safety Pick+, its highest designation.

Standard safety features on all 2021 Ford Bronco Sport trims include:

• Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assist technologies
  • Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking
  • Blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert
  • Lane keep assist
  • Auto high-beam headlamps
• AdvanceTrac with roll stability control
• Personal safety system for driver and front passenger
• Safety canopy system with side-curtain airbags
• SOS post-crash alert system
• Rearview camera

Buyers can also opt for the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system with adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist.

Driving

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is ideally at home on urban and suburban roads but has the goods when the pavement ends. Its compact dimensions and responsive steering make it easy to maneuver in urban environments, while its robust AWD system and G.O.A.T. Modes allow it to tackle various off-road challenges.

The Bronco Sport delivers a comfortable ride on paved roads with well-controlled body motions. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections effectively, contributing to a smooth driving experience. The vehicle's boxy shape and large windows provide excellent visibility. With the 2.0-liter engine, the Bronco Sport is genuinely quick, too.

The Bronco Sport is competent off-road, especially in the Badlands and First Edition trims, which genuinely excel. These models feature an advanced AWD system with a twin-clutch rear drive unit that can send virtually all axle torque to either wheel. Combined with the G.O.A.T. Modes, this system allows the Bronco Sport to navigate challenging terrain easily.

The G.O.A.T. Modes include:

• Normal
• Eco
• Sport
• Slippery
• Sand
• Mud/Ruts (Badlands and First Edition)
• Rock Crawl (Badlands and First Edition)

Interior

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport's interior combines rugged, woodsy design elements with modern comfort and technology. The cabin reflects the vehicle's outdoor-oriented nature while providing a comfortable space for daily commutes and weekend adventures.

Key interior features include:

• Available MOLLE strap system on seatbacks for attaching gear
• Rubberized flooring for easy cleaning
• Available leather-trimmed seating surfaces
• 60/40 split-fold rear seats
• Available six-way power driver's seat

The Bronco Sport's boxy exterior translates to a spacious interior with ample headroom. The upright seating position provides excellent visibility. Rear seat space is adequate for adult passengers, though not as generous as some competitors in the compact SUV segment.

Cargo versatility is a strong point for the Bronco Sport. With the rear seats up, it offers 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 65.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The cargo area features:

• Configurable rear cargo management system
• Available rubberized cargo mat
• Flip-up rear glass for easy access to the cargo area
• Available 400-watt inverter for powering devices

Technology

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport comes with a pleasantly surprising amount of tech for a vehicle that aims to be rough and rugged:

• SYNC 3 infotainment system with 8-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• FordPass Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability
• Available ten-speaker B&O sound system
• Available wireless charging pad

Additional available technology features include:

• 180-degree front camera with split-view and washer
• Trail control for low-speed trail driving
• Navigation system

Fuel Economy

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offers competitive fuel economy ratings for its class, particularly considering its standard 4x4 capability. EPA fuel economy estimates are as follows:

1.5-liter EcoBoost engine:

• AWD (mpg): 25 city / 28 highway / 26 combined

2.0-liter EcoBoost engine:

• AWD (mpg): 21 city / 26 highway / 23 combined

2021 Ford Bronco Sport Reviews

Consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book give the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5. Owners praise the Bronco Sport for its styling, value, and comfort.

Reasons to Buy It

• Distinctive, rugged styling that stands out in the compact SUV segment
• Standard AWD capability across all trims
• Impressive off-road performance, especially in Badlands and First Edition trims
• Comfortable and well-equipped interior
• Advanced safety features come standard
• Versatile cargo area with rubberized flooring and flip-up rear glass
• Good balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability
• Competitive fuel economy, particularly with the 1.5-liter engine

Problems

• Some may find the rear seat space tight compared to competitors
• Higher trims can get expensive, approaching the price of larger SUVs
• The 1.5-liter engine may feel underpowered for some drivers, especially when fully loaded
• Boxy shape contributes to wind noise at highway speeds
• Some interior materials may not feel as premium as those in some competitors

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CoPilot's Take

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is far from being an also-ran doomed to be compared to the “true” Bronco. It’s rugged enough for a surprising amount of off-road adventuring and tame enough for comfortable in-town cruising. The style also comes in spades, especially when climbing higher trims, such as the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks, with painted black wheels and body-color door handles.

One of the Bronco Sport's key strengths is its standard AWD capability across all trims, providing plenty of grip in various weather conditions and terrains. The available G.O.A.T. Modes give the Bronco Sport the chops to handle rougher terrain than you might think.

As for downsides, the Bronco Sport isn’t going to match dedicated off-roaders such as the Jeep Wrangler or its namesake, the large Bronco, on the most challenging terrain. Upper trims can add more to the price than buyers think. Shoppers of the 2021 models must also be aware of potential reliability issues.

2021 Ford Bronco Sport FAQs

Are there any problems with the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?

Some issues have been reported:

• Some owners have experienced problems with the infotainment system, including occasional freezing or unresponsiveness.
• There have been reports of transmission issues in some units, including harsh shifting or hesitation.
• A few owners have noted excessive wind noise at highway speeds.
• Some have found the rear seat space tight, especially for taller passengers.
• Some recalls have been issued to address potential issues with the rear drive unit, suspension, fuel injection system, and cooling system.

What should I pay for a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?

According to CoPilot national listings, a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport costs $17,000 to $40,000, depending on condition, mileage, equipment, and marketplace conditions.

How long will a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport last?

With proper maintenance and care, a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport should last for many years and 200,000 miles or more.

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