When you find yourself loving the new Bronco’s looks, but you don’t deem yourself a “hardcore off-roader,” the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is exactly what you need. Ford has created this smaller version of the Bronco for those who fall somewhere in between “casual commuter” and “off-road extraordinaire.” This model still offers off-roading assets such as G.O.A.T Modes, trail technologies, and camping accessories. However, it offers better fuel economy than the larger Bronco and is a great option for daily commutes and weekend camping trips.
Despite the Bronco Sport’s smaller size, it is still heavily inspired by the original Bronco model. In fact, the Bronco has a long history of maintaining its style despite size variations. Back in 1983, Ford introduced the Bronco II, which was based on the smaller Ford Ranger truck frame rather than the larger F-Series frame. Similarly, the Bronco Sport is based on the Ford Escape’s smaller frame, while the Ranger frame is now standard for the full-size Bronco. These body frame differences never influenced the Bronco’s popularity, and as you’ll see with the Sport model, they still don’t.
MSRP: $27,215*
Fuel Economy (city/hwy mpg): 25/28
Horsepower (hp): 181-250
Max Cargo Volume (cu.ft.): 65.2
Performance
Its impressive performance capabilities are part of why the new Bronco Sport is not just a “lesser” version of its full-size sibling. While it’s not designed to tackle as difficult terrains as a full-size Bronco or a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the 2021 Bronco Sport can still get you places that average SUVs can’t.
Designed for a Versatile Driving Experience
The first reason for this is its impressive G.O.A.T. Modes. This acronym stands for “goes over any type of terrain,” and that’s no exaggeration. Most Bronco Sport trims include 5 of these G.O.A.T Modes, which are Sport, Sand, Slippery, ECO, and Normal. However, the esteemed Badlands model comes with two additional modes, which are Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl.
Furthermore, four-wheel drive capability is standard on this model, and it comes with a “twin-clutch drive unit.” This unit makes it even easier to combat slippery, muddy situations by pushing torque to one rear wheel when traction is minimal.
You can even go as far as to add on tow hooks and underbody armor to help protect the Bronco Sport from logs, gravel, and other off-roading obstacles. This stuff comes standard if you choose the highest Badlands model, but no matter which trim level you choose, the Sport includes H.O.S.S. Suspension. Yes, we’ve got another acronym on our hands, but it’s easy to explain. In short, the High-Performance Off-Road Suspension System makes bumpy trips much smoother. So, if you think that off-roading in the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is supposed to feel like it did in your 2010 Jeep Wrangler, think again.
In addition to all these handy features, you can push through almost as much water as the full-size Bronco. You can tackle up to 23.6 inches of water without drowning your engine or ruining your interior. Just make sure you’re careful about where you’re crossing. Be familiar with the location, and don’t ever simply guess on the water’s depth.
Great Fuel Economy
While it’s evident that this model can tackle your average (and even above average) outdoor adventures, there’s still one important performance spec to go over, and that is fuel economy. At best, this model can reach an average of 28 miles per gallon on the highway and 25 miles per gallon in the city. This is with the standard 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine. When you upgrade to the larger 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, you’ll still get around 21 miles per gallon city and 26 miles per gallon highway while accessing 245 horses and up to 275 pound-feet of torque. Either way you go, you’ll get a powerful yet fuel-efficient SUV.
Safety
Safety You Can Count On
Off-roading isn’t all that matters when you choose a diverse model like the Bronco Sport. Your daily commute is equally as important, if not more. Safe travels are top of the list when you have to head somewhere daily. The great news here is that when you compare the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport to other models in its class, you’ll quickly see that safety is prevalent in this mode. No matter which Bronco Sport trim you choose, you’ll get standard Ford Co-Pilot360. This suite of features includes 5 different driver assist technologies:
- Auto High-Beam Headlamps
- BLIS (Blind-Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane-Keeping System
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Rear View Camera
Technically, the BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert feature offers two driver assist features in one. This system not only detects vehicles in lanes adjacent to you but can also detect vehicles in the parking aisle behind you. When you’re backing up and can’t see what’s coming, this detection system lets you know if you’re in the clear.
The Lane-Keeping System works by ensuring that you don’t “lane drift.” It only activates if you don’t use your turn signal. So, if you begin to drift into another lane or off the roadside because of distraction or fatigue, LKS kicks in. It’ll let you know when you’re consistently drifting and recommend that you pull over and rest before driving any further.
Of course, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking lets you know when a potential wreck may happen and will automatically stop the Bronco Sport if you don’t get to it first. These handy features paired with automatic headlamps and a rearview camera make it easy to navigate your daily commute. And the best part of it all is that you don’t have to pay extra time to access them.
Add On Some Extra Safety
You can also add on a few additional driver assist features if you want to. These come with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+. When you add on this package, you’ll get Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go AND Lane Centering. This works well with LKA, as it maintains the distance between you and the vehicle ahead, and it’ll also keep you centered in your lane. So, in addition to the lane drift warning, you’ll also get automatically recentered.
This add-on package also comes with Evasive Steering Assist. This one teams up with the standard Pre-Collision Assist feature to help you avoid collisions. It can detect where the other vehicle is, helping you swerve in the right direction to steer clear of impact.
Finally, this Assist+ package includes built-in Navigation with SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link. This gives you a 5-year free trial of these Sirius features, which include accident alerts, fuel station locations, parking availability, and much more. Plus, when you are on the trails, the Trail View Camera can help keep you safe as it shows you a better view of the path. You won’t have to worry so much about obstacles or falling into road ruts, thanks to this safety perk. Overall, Ford does it again by including accessible and affordable safety features on this new model.
Technology
Connection and Built in Tech
Most brands charge extra for their in-app features. At best, you may get a free trial for a month or two before being charged a subscription fee. Ford has waived this traditional, outdated process by including FordPass Connect for free. The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport comes with all those fun features that most other drivers have to pay for.
Thanks to this, you’ll get several standard features, including the following:
- A 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Remote Start with Scheduling
- Parked Vehicle Locator
- Vehicle Stats Information Center
This information is not only accessible through the FordPass Connect mobile application; it’s also available directly on the 8-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen. In addition to these free features, you’ll also get standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto music streaming. Furthermore, you can make phone calls, send hands-free texts, and even make mapping commands via voice.
Unlike most stock SUV models, the Bronco Sport includes a 10-speaker sound system with a built-in subwoofer, making weak stock bass a thing of the past. Plus, if you’re feeling really fancy, in addition to built-in micro-USB and 12V ports, you can add on a wireless mobile device charging pad. This sits conveniently in the front tray with all the plug-in charging assets.
Ford does an outstanding job of making the 2021 Bronco Sport well worth its price. In fact, you’ll get more standard take and safety features with the new Bronco Sport than you will on a Jeep Wrangler, and for a much lower price.
Future Ford of Sacramento
Future Ford of Sacramento is all about being your one-stop shop for all things automotive. When you’re ready to purchase a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, our goal is not only to help you find the model for you but to make sure it stays in shape for years to come. That’s why we have our own service team to help you out, and we don’t just hire anyone here. Our service department workers are trained specifically to work on Ford vehicles.
When you get a new model like a Bronco, you don’t want just any mechanic repairing it. It’s important that you go to someone who knows your vehicle inside and out. Plus, we’ll back both our parts and our labor with warranties, so if something goes wrong short-term and it’s due to our work, we’ll remain liable.
Ready to stop the search for a reliable dealership? Call or visit Future Ford today, and we’ll make sure you and your new Bronco Sport are taken care of for years to come. We want to build a long-term relationship with our customers rather than just rush a sale and send you on your way. You’ll be glad you chose to trust us.
