In the 1960s, the Ford Bronco made its iconic entrance into the automotive market. Then with a new release in 2021, the Ford Bronco made its reentrance into the market with great success. With the release of the 2023 models, Ford offers two distinct options for off-road enthusiasts: 2023 Ford Bronco and the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. Though both models are great, let’s explore each model to see which one matches your lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- The Bronco has a boxy aesthetic while the Bronco Sport has a streamlined design.
- The Bronco is designed for off-roading while the Bronco Sport is designed for both urban and off-road driving.
- Both SUVs come with different types of engines that depend on your level of adventure.
- The Bronco’s starting price is about $36,000 while the Bronco Sport’s starting price is about $31,000.
Exterior
Like the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco comes with a boxy aesthetic and front grill that matches its 1960s predecessors. With a look that is ready for rugged terrain, the Bronco can come with a two or four door body which can come with removable doors and roof. With nine different trims to pick from, you can pick an aesthetic look that matches your off-road personality.
Though the Bronco Sport shares the same look as the Bronco, the Bronco Sport takes a more streamlined approach that shares a crossover with the Ford Escape. With a fixed roof and doors, the Bronco Sport takes a less-rugged stance that is less expensive than the Bronco and is more friendly for urban driving. The Bronco Sport does come with a variety of unique colors that is sure to match one of your preferences for style.
Interior
The interior of the Bronco is made to be adaptable to the flexible bodies of a hard or soft top. The dashboard is made to mount a GoPro or smartphone so you can record your fun off-road adventures. The cabin has multiple rubberized surfaces that make cleaning a breeze. Both the two and four door options offer ample room for you and your passengers, but the back seats can be tight while the front seats offer great space. Cargo space for the Bronco is about 22.4 cubic feet, which is smaller for a truck-based SUV.
The Bronco Sport, with its crossover design, places a greater emphasis on passenger comfort and everyday practicality. It offers a nice interior with comfortable seating, easy accessibility, and impressive space. The Bronco Sport can seat up to five passengers, and it still has a cargo space of 32.5 cubic feet, which is a significant increase over the Bronco.
Engine Performance
The Bronco offers two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine. The first engine comes with 275 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque while the second engine comes with 315 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come with a 10-speed transmission or 7-speed manual transmission for off-road driving. The first engine has a fuel efficiency of 20 city/22 hwy MPG with a 16.9-gallon tank; the second engine has a fuel efficiency of 18 city/20 hwy MPG with a 16.9-gallon tank. It also has noticeable clearance, electronic locking differentials, and 4x4 systems that make it a true off-road masterpiece.
The Bronco Sport leans towards a crossover SUV that still has the capacity to go off-roading. It offers two engine choices: a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The first engine produces 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque while the second engine produces 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco Sport has an eight-speed automatic transmission that comes in AWD, which makes it an ideal SUV for urban and off-road driving. The fuel efficiency of the first engine is 25 city/28 hwy MPG while the second engine’s fuel efficiency is 21 city/26 hwy MPG. Both engines come with a 16.0-gallon fuel tank.
Pricing
The Bronco has a market price of about $36,000, but it has an MSRP range of about $34,000 – $77,000 based on the different trim levels and optional features.
The Bronco Sport has a market price of about $31,000, but it has an MSRP range of about $29,215 – $44,655 based on the different trim levels and optional features.
With these prices, you can see how the Bronco Sport is the more affordable option between the two Broncos. However, both Broncos are available in multiple trim levels that allows you to choose the level of performance and features that suit your preferences and budget.
Overview
The Ford Bronco and the Ford Bronco Sport cater to different needs within the off-road SUV segment. The standard Bronco excels in off-road capability and is designed for an adventurous experience. The Bronco Sport, on the other hand, combines off-road capability with daily drivability and practicality. Again, your choice between the two will depend on your specific requirements, lifestyle, and budget. Whichever Bronco you decide to go with is determined to bring the legacy and heritage that comes with this iconic SUV.