Bronco vs. Bronco Sport (2025): What Ford Didn’t Tell You — But I Will

If you’re torn between the Ford Bronco and the Bronco Sport, welcome to the club. You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not wrong for scratching your head at Ford’s choice to name two very different vehicles nearly the same thing. At a glance, they look related—both share boxy retro styling and a taste for dirt—but once you dig in, it becomes clear: these are two completely different machines built for very different lifestyles.

I’ve spent time with both—on pavement, gravel, and mud—and this is the guide I wish existed when I first started weighing the Bronco vs. Bronco Sport decision. Whether you’re planning your next off-road adventure or just want a ride that looks like it could climb a mountain (even if all it’s climbing is a Trader Joe’s parking lot), this breakdown will help you figure out which Bronco is right for you.

If you’re torn between the Ford Bronco and the Bronco Sport, welcome to the club. You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not wrong for scratching your head at Ford’s choice to name two very different vehicles nearly the same thing.

At a glance, they look related—both share boxy retro styling and a taste for dirt—but once you dig in, it becomes clear: these are two completely different machines built for very different lifestyles.

I’ve spent time with both—on pavement, gravel, and mud—and this is the guide I wish existed when I first started weighing the Bronco vs. Bronco Sport decision.

Whether you’re planning your next off-road adventure or just want a ride that looks like it could climb a mountain (even if all it’s climbing is a Trader Joe’s parking lot), this breakdown will help you figure out which Bronco is right for you.

Let’s Start with the Basics: What Are They, Actually?

The Ford Bronco

The Bronco is Ford’s full-size, body-on-frame off-road SUV. It was brought back in 2021 after a 25-year hiatus to go toe-to-toe with the Jeep Wrangler.

It’s built on the same platform as the Ford Ranger pickup, and everything about it screams rugged. Two-door and four-door options? Check. Removable doors and roof? You bet. Sasquatch package with 35-inch mud tires and locking differentials? Oh yes.

The Ford Bronco Sport

The Bronco Sport, on the other hand, is a compact crossover SUV. It looks like a baby Bronco—and that’s kind of the point.

But it’s not just a smaller version. It’s based on the Ford Escape platform, meaning it’s a unibody construction. It’s built more for urban adventurers than hardcore off-roaders. Think of it as the Subaru Forester of the Ford lineup—capable enough, but not meant for Moab.

So, same name, wildly different beasts.

Exterior and Styling: Same DNA, Different Purposes

At first glance, these two vehicles could pass as siblings, and Ford wants it that way. Both share that retro-futuristic look: squared-off profiles, upright grilles, round headlights, and contrast-colored trim.

But park them side by side and the size difference is clear. The Bronco looks like it’s ready for an expedition. The Bronco Sport is tidier, easier to park, and doesn’t scream “weekend warrior” quite as loudly.

For daily life in the city, the Bronco Sport’s smaller footprint (just 172.7 inches long vs. the Bronco’s 189.4–198.9 inches depending on trim and door count) makes a difference. Tight garages? Parallel parking? Advantage: Bronco Sport.

But for presence—rolling into a campsite or trailhead and turning heads—the Bronco takes the crown.

Under the Hood: Power and Performance

Ford Bronco Powertrains:

• 2.3L turbocharged inline-4 (300 hp / 325 lb-ft torque)
• 2.7L twin-turbo V6 (330 hp / 415 lb-ft torque)
• 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (in the Bronco Raptor) (418 hp / 440 lb-ft torque)

Transmissions: 7-speed manual (with a crawler gear) or 10-speed automatic.

Editor Note: Before you buy your next truck, read this deep dive on the Ford 2.7L EcoBoost—a powerhouse engine with a surprising downside that might change your mind.

Bronco Sport Powertrains:

• 1.5L turbocharged 3-cylinder (181 hp / 190 lb-ft torque)
• 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder (250 hp / 277 lb-ft torque) — Badlands trim only

Transmission: 8-speed automatic across the board.

Let’s be clear: if raw power and torque are what you’re after, the Bronco wins. Hands down. Even the base 2.3L EcoBoost offers more grunt than the Sport’s top engine. Plus, you can opt for that lovely 7-speed manual in the base Bronco—a rarity these days.

But here’s the flip side: the Bronco Sport, particularly with the 1.5L engine, sips fuel in comparison. If you’re commuting or just cruising, it’s easier on the wallet.

According to EPA estimates, the Sport gets up to 28 mpg highway, while the full-size Bronco tops out around 21 mpg highway.

Off-Road Capability: Trail Slayer vs. Trail Teaser

This is where the big separation happens.

Bronco: Built for the Wild

The Bronco has legitimate trail chops:

• Available front and rear locking differentials
• Disconnecting sway bar
• High ground clearance (up to 11.6″)
• Optional 35″ tires (Sasquatch package)
• True 4×4 with low-range gearing

It’s made for crawling rocks, fording streams, and handling terrain that would make a crossover cry. Even the base model is more capable than many so-called off-roaders.

Bronco Sport: Better Than You Think

Surprisingly, the Sport holds its own on light trails:

• Standard AWD across all trims
• GOAT Modes (Goes Over Any Terrain)
• Ground clearance up to 8.8″ (Badlands)
• Twin-Clutch rear drive unit (Badlands) that mimics a locking diff

It’s not going to out-wheel the Bronco—or a Wrangler—but it will confidently handle snowy backroads, gravel trails, and mild off-road excursions.

If you hike, kayak, or camp on the weekends and need something ready for adventure without being overkill, the Sport’s got your back.

Interior and Tech: Function Meets Lifestyle

The Bronco interior is all about modularity. It’s designed to get dirty. Floors are rubberized and washable, switches are big enough to use with gloves on, and there’s room to mount GoPros and phones without janky aftermarket setups.

In contrast, the Bronco Sport leans into comfort. It has more soft-touch materials, more refined tech integration, and a generally more car-like feel. You get Ford’s Sync 3 or Sync 4 infotainment depending on trim, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and optional B&O sound in both models.

But here’s something interesting: the Bronco Sport, despite its smaller size, actually has clever storage and cargo tricks the big Bronco doesn’t.

The liftgate on the Sport includes built-in lights. There are under-seat compartments, and the boxy shape maximizes usable rear cargo space. For gear-haulers, the Bronco Sport punches above its weight.

Real-World Driving: How They Actually Feel on the Road

This part surprised me.

The Bronco, with its off-road focus and big tires, isn’t exactly plush on the highway. It’s fun, don’t get me wrong—but there’s noticeable wind noise, some bounce over bumps, and a steering feel that’s more truck than SUV. It’s not fatiguing, but you feel like you’re piloting something substantial. And that’s kind of the point.

The Bronco Sport, on the other hand, drives like a well-sorted crossover. Smooth, planted, and far more refined in daily driving. Parking is easier, maneuvering through traffic is less stressful, and you get better visibility out the back windows.

If 90% of your life is city or suburb-based, the Sport is just easier to live with. If adventure is a lifestyle and you want your vehicle to reflect that, the Bronco delivers that badge of honor—and the capabilities to back it up.

Pricing and Value

As of early 2025, here’s how they stack up:

• Bronco Sport base MSRP: ~$31,230
• Bronco base MSRP: ~$39,130

By the time you spec a Bronco with the features you want (like the Sasquatch package or the 2.7L engine), you can easily cross the $50k line. The Bronco Sport Badlands tops out closer to $40k fully loaded, and offers a lot for that price point.

If budget is a factor, the Sport delivers solid value, especially if you don’t need extreme off-road gear. But if you’re investing in capability and a lifestyle machine, the Bronco is worth the stretch—just know you’re paying for ruggedness and style as much as comfort.

So… Which One’s Right for You?

Get the Bronco if:

• You crave serious off-road adventures
• You want a lifestyle vehicle with presence
• You value modularity and customization
• You don’t mind sacrificing some on-road refinement

Thinking about buying a Bronco? Read this first—we break down the 8 biggest complaints (and why it still might be the right SUV for you).

Get the Bronco Sport if:

• You need a daily driver with weekend capability
• You value fuel economy and easier maneuverability
• You want something more budget-friendly
• You appreciate clever storage and interior practicality

Final Thoughts

Choosing between the Bronco and Bronco Sport isn’t about which one is better—it’s about which one is better for you.

As someone who loves driving, tinkering, and talking cars with anyone who’ll listen, I’ll say this: don’t get caught up in the hype. Be honest about how you’ll use your vehicle 90% of the time.

If you’re a weekend warrior looking for rugged looks and commuter sensibility, the Sport is a sleeper hit. But if your idea of a good time involves switchbacks, skid plates, and rock gardens, the full-size Bronco is the real deal.

Either way, it’s great to see Ford bringing real personality back to SUVs. Now it’s just a matter of choosing which adventure you’re signing up for.

Sources:

• Ford.com product specs (2025 model year)
• EPA.gov fuel economy ratings
• Personal driving impressions from test drives conducted in 2024
• Edmunds and Car and Driver reviews (2024-2025 model updates)