When Ford developed the new Bronco, they created a vehicle intended to be the most capable off-road SUV possible. Such capability inevitably results in a few on-road, everyday-use compromises regarding the ride, space allocation, and fuel efficiency. Think of the Bronco Sport as the bridge between that level of capability and that of the typical crossover. It has crossover bones, like unibody construction and a front transverse engine, but was given a sophisticated standard 4-wheel drive system together with the Bronco’s Terrain Management System. While the Bronco exists for the dedicated off-roader, the Bronco Sport has off-road capability that is more than sufficient for the casual trail-running enthusiast.

For 2025, the Bronco Sport gets some much-appreciated upgrades that will give customers more off-road usability. The Sasquatch off-road package is available on the Bronco Sport Badlands and Outer Banks trim levels. This package was originally developed and perfected for the larger Bronco but is now being added to the Bronco Sport for customers who don’t need the size of the Bronco but still enjoy going off-roading or adventuring off the beaten path.

Other interior upgrades include an all-new 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and extra safety features.

Performance

The standard Bronco Sport engine is a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged inline-3 with a double overhead cam and variable valve timing. It produces 181 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 190 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm of peak torque and is combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission with sequential manual shifting ability. The EPA estimates mpg to be 25 in the city and 29 on the highway for 26 combined. The standard Bronco Terrain Management System features G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) modes to optimize the drivetrain depending on the terrain and conditions. The standard five modes are:

• Eco – For efficient driving. This mode helps deliver maximum fuel efficiency and increases driving range.
• Sport – For sporty driving with improved performance handling and response. This mode increases accelerator pedal response and provides a sportier steering feel. The powertrain system holds onto lower gears longer, helping the vehicle accelerate faster.
• Normal – This mode balances excitement, comfort, and convenience for everyday driving. This is the default mode after each ignition cycle.
• Slippery – This mode is for slick conditions like snow or ice-covered roads. It can be used to cross terrain where a firm surface is covered with loose, wet, or slippery material. Slippery mode lowers throttle response and optimizes shifting for slick surfaces.
• Sand/Snow – Sand mode is for off-road driving on soft, dry sand or deep snow. It engages the four-wheel drive lock.

The Badlands model has a more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged inline-4 that produces 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm and 277 lb-ft @ 3,000 of torque. It is connected to the same 8-speed automatic transmission, which sends the power to a more advanced 4x4 system that adds a twin-clutch rear differential to direct power to either side as needed with these two added G.O.A.T. modes:

• Mud/Ruts – This mode is for off-road driving. It enhances vehicle performance to traverse muddy, rutted, or uneven terrain. Mud/ruts mode engages the four-wheel drive lock.
• Rock Crawl – For optimum rock-climbing ability. Rock crawl mode engages the four-wheel drive lock and the rear differential lock feature.

The Bronco Sport has a unibody construction, a 4-wheel independent suspension featuring struts up front, and a multi-link arrangement in the rear. The Badlands model rides an inch higher and has stiffer suspension tuning than the rest of the model line.

Models equipped with the Sasquatch package get 29-inch 235/65/R17 Goodyear Territory All-Terrain Tires engineered specially for the Bronco Sport Sasquatch. The Sasquatch models also receive class-exclusive Bilstein rear shocks with position-sensitive dampers and piggyback reservoirs that replace the standard monotube dampers on the Bronco Sport Badlands.

Exterior

Unlike the Bronco, all Bronco sports are 4-door models. The Bronco Sport was clearly designed to closely resemble its namesake, both in original and current form, with squared-off proportions, round headlights bridged by trim pieces within the wide rectangular grille, and short overhangs. Standard exterior design features include LED headlights, roof rails, and a raised safari-style roof that can take on a different color than the rest of the vehicle on certain models.

The new front and rear springs increase all models’ ride height by four-tenths of an inch (0.4 inch), and Badlands Sasquatch models have six-tenths of an inch of extra suspension travel (0.6 inch) compared to the 2024 Badlands model. This means not only a more comfortable and compliant ride over rough terrain but also more control when off-roading at higher speeds.

Sasquatch models also feature a standard front brush guard, steel skid plates, and front and rear bumpers with steel bash plates that are pre-made for accessories. There are four recovery points for the Bronco Sasquatch. There are also two pop-out hooks on either fender that allow owners to strap a bungee or tie-down for extra usability when hauling something on the roof.

Bronco Sport Big Bend models also get a similar off-road option called the Black Diamond Off-Road Package, which features four recovery hooks and steel underbody protection.

Interior

The Bronco Sport dashboard allows a few more curves than the Bronco. However, it still shows a priority toward functionality with physical controls for the audio and HVAC system, including two convenient knobs for each. The transmission selector is a rotating knob on the console that is easy to use and enhances access to the cupholders and front storage space. The front seats provide plenty of support to keep you in place in the rough and tumble of off-road. There is plenty of headroom both front and rear. The rear legroom is a generous 36.9 inches.

The boxy shape, high roof, and low floor combine to provide an impressive 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat, growing to 65.2 when the rear seatbacks are folded. A rubberized floor helps keep things from sliding and means you can toss anything in there, no matter how dirty, and it will be easy to clean. Around the cargo area are hooks, plugs, and lights for plenty of versatility.

Technology

All Bronco Sports have a brand new 13.2-inch touchscreen that features standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is simple to use. The SYNC 4 operating system is fast and intuitive in its organization. The infotainment screen is coupled with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that can be configured to show just about any piece of information for drivers. This display adds animations inspired by the Bronco Raptor that show when the vehicle has been put into G.O.A.T. mode. Available features include wireless charging from an easy-to-reach pad. A 10-speaker audio system designed by the high-end Band and Olufsen electronics manufacturer is available on the Outer Banks and Badlands models. For off-roaders, the Bronco Sport can be optioned with a 360-degree camera with Trail View that is automatically activated in Off-Road and Rally G.O.A.T. driving modes and can even be used at high speeds. The 360-degree camera shows width-accurate tire overlays by using cameras under the side mirrors.

Standard on all models is FordPass Connect™, which integrates with the FordPass App to provide many remote functions from your smartphone, including checking fuel levels and oil life through your phone.

Like its bigger sibling, the Bronco, the Bronco Sport is equipped with two USB-C ports on top of the dash behind the infotainment display. There are also two more USB ports for the driver and front passenger and two more for rear passengers, for a total of six throughout the cabin.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2025 Bronco Sport offers several technologies for general safety and driving over long distances. All models now come standard with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, which includes Auto High Beam Headlights, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, and Dynamic Brake Support, plus Rear View Camera with Rear Parking Sensors, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, and Evasive Steering Assist.

Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 is standard on Badlands and optional on Outer Banks trim levels. It adds a 360-degree camera with Split View, Reverse Brake Assist, and Speed Sign Recognition.

The 2025 Bronco Sport did well in crashworthiness tests, earning an Overall 5-star Rating from the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA) for its ability to protect drivers and passengers in its crash tests and its onboard safety technology. For the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests, the Bronco Sport received a rating of ”Good” (their highest rating) in all impact tests.