
The Ford Bronco Sport continues to carve out its niche in the highly competitive compact SUV market by emphasizing off-road capability and rugged charm. For the 2025 model year, Ford has enhanced the Bronco Sport with bigger screens, updated safety tech, and the debut of the Sasquatch package—a nod to its bigger sibling, the Bronco. With these upgrades, the Bronco Sport is better positioned to take on segment heavyweights like the Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-50. However, despite these improvements, it still faces some challenges that potential buyers should carefully consider.
Ford’s updates for the 2025 Bronco Sport focus on technology, safety, and off-road capability. Key changes include:
- Sasquatch Package: Adds steel bumpers, skid plates, all-terrain tires, and an upgraded suspension for better off-road performance.
- Improved Technology: Upgrades to the Sync 4 infotainment system and a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen.
- Enhanced Safety: Expanded Co-Pilot 360 Assist+ suite now comes standard across all trims, adding features like intelligent adaptive cruise control with traffic sign recognition.
- Interior Tweaks: A new 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and more versatile storage options.
These updates position the Bronco Sport as a stronger contender, especially for buyers seeking adventure-ready features in a compact package.
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport is available in five trims, all featuring standard all-wheel drive. While the Free Wheeling trim is the most popular, we recommend the Badlands trim for its off-road prowess.
Big Bend
- Starting Price: $31,590 (includes $1,595 destination fee).
- Key Features: LED headlights, roof rails, 17-inch wheels, Sync 4 with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Heritage
- Starting Price: $34,730.
- Key Features: Retro styling with Oxford White accents, plaid fabric seat inserts, and unique badging.
Free Wheeling
- Starting Price: $34,730.
- Key Features: 1970s-inspired graphics, red-accented wheels, and a similarly themed interior with vibrant trim elements.
Outer Banks
- Starting Price: $36,580.
- Key Features: 18-inch wheels, leather-trimmed seats, dual-zone climate control, and ambient lighting.
Badlands
- Starting Price: $41,590.
- Key Features: Turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, advanced 4×4 system, all-terrain tires, skid plates, and two additional terrain modes. The Sasquatch package, available for $2,990, elevates the off-road capability even further.
Engine and Performance
The Bronco Sport offers two turbocharged engines, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
- Base Engine: A turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. While adequate for daily driving and mild off-roading, it struggles with towing and feels underpowered compared to rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue.
- Upgraded Engine: A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 238 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, exclusive to the Badlands trim. This engine delivers robust acceleration and is better suited for towing (up to 2,700 pounds).
While the Bronco Sport shines off-road with its advanced 4×4 system and drive modes like Rock Crawl, it falls short on-road. Its ride can feel stiff and noisy, particularly on rough pavement, making it less comfortable than the Mazda CX-50 or Subaru Forester.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy remains a weak point for the Bronco Sport, especially in the face of stiff competition. The 2025 EPA ratings are expected to mirror those of the 2024 model:
- 1.5-liter engine: 26 mpg combined.
- 2.0-liter engine: 23 mpg combined.
For comparison:
- Subaru Forester: 29 mpg combined.
- Mazda CX-50: 28 mpg combined.
Buyers prioritizing efficiency may find better options elsewhere.
Interior and Cargo Space
The Bronco Sport’s boxy design lends itself to a surprisingly spacious cabin. While its footprint is smaller than some rivals, the high roofline creates an airy feel.
- Seating: Accommodates five passengers comfortably, though lower trims use less refined materials. The Badlands trim adds washable rubber flooring and sealed switches, ideal for muddy adventures.
- Cargo Space:
- Behind Rear Seats: 32.5 cubic feet.
- With Seats Folded: 65.2 cubic feet.
- These numbers outpace competitors like the Jeep Compass and Jeep Cherokee but fall short of the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester.
- Storage Features: Includes an innovative interior bike rack and numerous tie-down points for gear.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2025 Bronco Sport upgrades to Ford’s Sync 4 system, featuring a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen. Standard features include:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- A Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices.
- Available Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker audio system on higher trims.
While the system is user-friendly, its reliance on touchscreen controls may frustrate those who prefer physical buttons.
Safety
The Bronco Sport continues to perform well in safety tests, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Co-Pilot 360 Assist+ suite now comes standard, adding:
- Adaptive cruise control.
- Traffic sign recognition.
- Automatic lane-centering.
Optional features like Trail Control (off-road cruise control) and a 180-degree front-facing camera make the Bronco Sport a standout for adventurous drivers.
Ford Bronco Sport vs. the Competition
While the Bronco Sport offers strong off-road credentials and a unique design, it faces tough competition:
- Subaru Forester: Redesigned for 2025, it offers better fuel economy, a smoother ride, and higher towing capacity (3,000 pounds).
- Mazda CX-50: A stylish alternative with excellent road manners and a powerful turbocharged engine option.
- Toyota RAV4: A well-rounded option with superior fuel efficiency and more interior space.
Verdict: Is the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Worth It?
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport improves upon its adventurous foundation with enhanced technology, safety, and off-road capability. However, its stiff ride, underwhelming base engine, and poor fuel economy may deter buyers who prioritize everyday comfort. For those seeking rugged charm and trail-ready performance, the Badlands trim with the Sasquatch package remains the standout choice.
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