Bronco Vs. Bronco Sport

Since reintroducing the Ford Bronco last year for the first time in 25 years, the 5th generation has captured the hearts of Ford lovers everywhere. After taking a backseat from the game, the legendary Ford Bronco came to shake up everything you thought you knew about the SUV experience. With refinements in off-road performance, sophisticated specs, and modern design, Ford’s re-release of the Bronco has become the hallmark of SUV prestige. If you’ve been curious about the key differences between the compact Bronco Sport and the iconic full-size Bronco, Cornwall Ford is here to help you find which rugged model best suits your lifestyle!

Engine Options and Performance

Impressive horsepower and torque can be easily found in either Bronco model. Ford Bronco has a standard 2.3L EcoBoost engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, generating a hefty 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. If you’re looking for a little more power, you can also upgrade to the 2.7L EcoBoost engine, which puts out a thrilling 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco Sport’s engines are slightly less powerful but still generate plenty of torque. The standard engine is a 1.5L EcoBoost that offers 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. You can also opt for more horsepower and torque with the 2.0L EcoBoost option, which produces 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.

Off-Roading Capabilities

When it comes to the Bronco and Bronco Sport, your need for speed is less of a deciding factor than your need to roam the road less travelled. While both the Bronco and Bronco Sport can off-road with the best of them, off-roading is where the Bronco really shines. The Bronco and Bronco Sport come prepared with 4x4 drivetrains, however, the 2-door Bronco also has an available Sasquatch Package, which comes with 35-inch tires and BILSTEIN positive sensitive monotube shocks to let you handle steep drops over rugged terrain. The Bronco Sport can make it to some pretty remote destinations, especially if you opt for one of the off-road-oriented trims, but it's no match for the big Bronco. The Bronco has significantly more ground clearance, better approach and departure angles, more optional choices for all-terrain tires, a solid front axle and a true four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing (instead of all-wheel drive).

Exterior Frame

The most notable exterior difference between the 2022 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport is their body styles and size. The larger Bronco is available in two- and four-door body styles, while the Bronco Sport is four-door only. The two-door Bronco measures 173.7 inches — one inch longer than the four-door Bronco Sport.  As with many modern brands, Ford uses the word “Sport” to mean “smaller and less expensive.” It has a rugged-looking exterior, but underneath, the Bronco Sport is on the same unibody platform as the Ford Escape or the Jeep Compass as it relates to off-roading capability.

Verdict? 

The Bronco and Bronco Sport both offer retro-modern style that appeals to a wide range of people. However, if you’ll mostly be driving on-road, the Bronco Sport is your best option. It offers a classic design, a more compact size, and a lower price point.

If tackling tough terrain is your main goal, the full-sized Bronco has more capability. It’s a true competitor to the impressive Jeep Wrangler. If you want a daily driver SUV that has the ability to take you well off the beaten path on weekends, the Bronco will fill that role perfectly.

Interested in seeing both Broncos in person? Browse our Bronco inventory and contact us at Cornwall Ford to set up a test drive!

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