The Ford Bronco name is back, and it’s bigger than ever. Ford has revived this iconic off-roader, expanding it into a family of vehicles, including the rugged 2021 Bronco and the more compact 2021 Bronco Sport. Though they share a name and some design cues, these two SUVs cater to different needs and offer distinct capabilities. This article delves into a comprehensive comparison, highlighting the key differences between the two models.
Design and Dimensions
While both Broncos draw inspiration from their 1960s ancestor, their design philosophies diverge significantly. The Bronco, a true body-on-frame SUV, is available in two- and four-door configurations. Both versions offer removable roofs and doors for open-air adventures, although the windshield remains fixed. In contrast, the Bronco Sport is a unibody four-door crossover, with a fixed roof and doors. Surprisingly, the four-door Bronco Sport is only slightly shorter than the two-door Bronco, but rides on a longer wheelbase. The four-door Bronco surpasses both in overall length and wheelbase, promising more spacious rear seating. While Ford boasts about fitting two 27.5-inch mountain bikes inside the Bronco Sport, similar claims haven’t been made for the standard Bronco.
Engineering and Construction
The Bronco and Bronco Sport showcase contrasting engineering approaches. The Bronco’s body-on-frame construction, typical of trucks (it’s based on the Ford Ranger), prioritizes off-road durability and towing capacity over refined on-road handling. The Bronco Sport embraces unibody construction, merging the body and frame for enhanced structural rigidity, leading to better ride quality and handling—a characteristic of modern cars and crossovers (the Bronco Sport shares its platform with the Ford Escape).
Technology and Infotainment
The infotainment systems also differ. The Bronco features the latest SYNC 4 system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, and increased processing power. Its navigation system includes over 1,000 pre-loaded off-road trail maps. Screen sizes include a standard 8.0-inch and an optional 12.0-inch touchscreen. The Bronco Sport utilizes the older SYNC 3 system with standard (wired) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on an 8.0-inch touchscreen. It compensates with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features like autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and lane-keep assist, features not fully detailed yet for the Bronco.
Both models feature Ford’s Terrain Management System with G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand, Mud/Ruts, and Rock Crawl. The Bronco adds a Baja mode. Both also offer Trail Control, a low-speed off-road cruise control. The Bronco further benefits from Trail Turn Assist for tighter turns and a one-pedal off-road driving mode.
Powertrain and Performance
The Bronco’s standard engine is a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. A 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 with 310 hp and 400 lb-ft is optional. Transmission choices include a 7-speed manual and a 10-speed automatic. The Bronco Sport offers a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder with 181 hp and 190 lb-ft as standard, or an optional 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 245 hp and 275 lb-ft. Both Bronco Sport engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic. While Ford has no plans for a V8 Bronco, aftermarket options are already emerging.
Both SUVs feature four-wheel drive, but with different implementations. The Bronco utilizes a traditional two-speed transfer case with optional locking differentials. The Bronco Sport employs a clutch-based system in the rear differential to engage four-wheel drive and simulate a locking differential. The Bronco’s solid rear axle and available 35-inch tires enhance its off-road prowess, while the Bronco Sport’s independent suspension and maximum 29-inch tires prioritize on-road comfort.
Off-Road Capabilities
The Bronco boasts impressive off-road metrics, with 11.6 inches of ground clearance and a 33.5-inch water fording capability. The Bronco Sport offers 8.8 inches of ground clearance and can ford up to 23.6 inches of water. Towing capacity reaches 3,500 pounds for the Bronco and 2,200 pounds for the Bronco Sport.
Pricing and Availability
The Bronco starts at $29,995, while the range-topping Wildtrak trim begins at $48,875. The Bronco Sport has a narrower price range, starting at $26,660 and topping out with the Badlands trim at $32,660. Both models offered limited-production First Edition versions. Deliveries of the Bronco Sport began in late 2020, followed by the two- and four-door Bronco in spring 2021.
