Does the 2024 Bronco Sport Live Up to the Hype?

Since its debut in 2021, the Bronco Sport has become a household name. As the smaller sibling to the sixth-generation Ford Bronco, the Bronco Sport has big treads to fill. The Bronco has long been an icon in the world of off-roading and paved driving alike, which means great things are expected from the 2024 Bronco Sport for sale.

So far, drivers have been thrilled with the Bronco Sport. But when you see one on the market, how do you know if you should invest in your own? Well, this model offers plenty of trims and options to choose from, although this can be somewhat intimidating to those who are new to the lineup—so, in that case, let’s take a closer look at how the smaller sibling of an SUV legend has been living up to everyone’s expectations...

Off-Roading in the Bronco Sport

One of the top questions folks have about the Ford Bronco Sport is whether it has the same off-roading chops as its bigger sibling.

That question could mean a lot of things, depending on how intense you are about off-roading. If you’re planning on enjoying some local trails or just want a vehicle that offers lots of stability in dirt, gravel, and various weather conditions, a production Bronco Sport is a fantastic choice. If you’re planning on heading to the Baja500, though, you probably already have a sense of the updates you’ll need to make that happen.

The 2024 Bronco Sport offers a standard 7.8-inch ground clearance. An increased 8.8-inch ground clearance is available for those who select off-road tires. With the increased ground clearance, the Bronco Sport can ford water up to 23.6 inches, and it offers a 30.4-degree approach angle, 20.4-degree breakover angle, and 33.1-degree departure angle.

All Bronco Sport trims include 4x4 capability as the standard drivetrain, but the Badlands trim has been given an advanced system that features a twin-clutch rear-drive unit that’s ideal for those who regularly tackle rugged terrain and strange climbs.

The Bronco’s famous GOAT Modes (Goes Over Any Terrain) are also offered across the Bronco Sport’s lineup, including settings for Sand, Slippery, Sport, Eco, and Normal driving. Again, the Badlands trim has a few extra options, in the form of the Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl modes.

Since the Bronco Sport is smaller than the original Bronco, some trail enthusiasts may be concerned about its cargo space. This is a reasonable consideration for those with plenty of adventure gear, but the good news is that the Bronco Sport offers 65.2 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the first row for most trims; the Badlands trim's cargo space is a bit less, as it measures 60.6 cu.ft. behind the first row.

Is the Bronco Sport Practical?

Plenty of drivers think of the Ford Bronco Sport as a sort of compromise between the trail-climbing SUV they want and the pavement-appropriate daily driver they need. In fact, this is exactly what the Bronco Sport does best.

Most Bronco Sport models are equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine, which provides 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. More importantly, for folks with daily driving needs, it offers a combined fuel economy of 26 MPG.

Those looking for more power can check out the 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque produced by the Badlands trim’s exclusive 2.0L EcoBoost engine. Impressively, fuel economy drops only slightly to a combined 23 MPG in this trim, which combines a bigger engine with a more intricate 4x4 system.

Furthermore, each of the 2024 Bronco Sport's trims offers features that are practical and helpful no matter where you plan to drive. Thoughtful standard touches in the base Big Bend trim—like a spill-resistant rubberized cargo floor and heated side mirrors—help drivers get the most from their investment.

Climbing up the trims unlocks unique features that allow drivers to truly enjoy their Bronco Sport. The Heritage trim includes plaid cloth seats and a white painted roof that are reminiscent of the debut 1966 Bronco. The Outer Banks trim adds heating elements to the front seats and steering wheel, while the Badlands trim is fully ready for outdoor adventure with its additional performance features, as well as bash plates and tow hooks for the trail.

Safety-minded drivers will also enjoy the standard driver assistance technology aboard each Bronco Sport trim. The standard Ford Co-Pilot360 suite features a rearview camera, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert, and automatic high beams.

While it might seem strange to get hyped about a car’s practicality, there are plenty of drivers who enjoy a truly versatile vehicle—and the Bronco Sport fits the bill perfectly.

Extra Special Editions

Ford has built a legacy of reliable, versatile vehicles with one major advantage over its competitors: the ability to customize your vehicle to best meet your individual needs.

The Bronco Sport is no exception. The 2024 model year includes special edition trims and optional packages that allow buyers to drive their ideal SUV right off the lot.

The Bronco Sport Free Wheeling Special Edition has been one of the most highly anticipated trims of 2024, thanks to the vintage look that gained popularity as a 2021 project car. With red, orange, and yellow sunset stripes along with sunset-themed upholstery with ombre stitching, the Free Wheeling trim pays tribute to the 1970s appearance package of the same name.

The Black Appearance Package is for drivers who want a sleeker, more sophisticated version of the Bronco Sport. Offered only on the Big Bend trim, this package includes matte black hood graphics, a shadow black painted roof, and sport contour seating, along with black and smoked chrome accents.

Not every package updates the Bronco Sport’s appearance, however. Several packages offer greater creature comforts and make this SUV not just more practical but more enjoyable.

The Convenience Package is offered on the Big Bend, Heritage, and Free Wheeling trims; it adds more comfort in the form of a premium wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats with power-adjustable driver’s seat, rear parking sensors, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

Drivers of the Outer Banks trim can select the Tech Package to help them enjoy their trail tunes with a ten-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, HD radio, and the same wireless charging pad.

Those looking for more adventure may be interested in the Black Diamond Off-Road Package, which adds trailer towing capability and underbody protection to the Big Bend and Outer Banks trims.

Not Just Hype: The 2024 Bronco Sport Is Really Cool

If a Ford Bronco Sport has caught your eye, you may be wondering if it’s a wise investment. Ultimately, that depends on your budget, lifestyle, and driving needs.

However, if you are in the market for a vehicle that has the ability to take on highways, extreme weather, and trails alike, the 2024 Bronco Sport might be just what you’re looking for. From its well-considered off-roading features to its on-road practicality, the Bronco Sport is designed for a good time behind the wheel. Furthermore, with loads of special editions and packages to choose from, you can sleep easy knowing you’ve found exactly the model you’re looking for.