What’s Different Between the Bronco and the Bronco Sport?

After fifteen years on the bench, Ford called the Bronco SUV back into the lineup, and we quickly saw it become one of the best-selling off-road SUVs in the industry. The Bronco didn’t return all by itself, though, bringing along a new nameplate for the Ford Brand: the Ford Bronco Sport. Since both Ford SUVs share the same name, folks often wonder what the real differences are and which Bronco makes the most sense for them. The Ford Bronco is a mid-size SUV that offers a larger profile and a bit more capability than the Sport. The Ford Bronco Sport is often referred to as the baby Bronco, both because it’s the newer of the two nameplates and because it’s a smaller SUV. They serve different markets, but both deliver off-road capability, plenty of cargo space, and sharp design. We’ll compare and contrast everything you need to know about the new SUVs, from the Bronco towing capacity to the Bronco trim levels. If you’d like to compare both Ford SUVs for yourself, visit our Ford dealership in Oklahoma City.  

 

 

Ford Bronco Sport vs Ford Bronco Specs and Towing Capacity

Both Broncos come with your choice of two powertrains. Let’s start by comparing the powertrains of the Ford Bronco Sport: 

 

Engine:	Horsepower:	Torque (lb-ft):	Towing Capacity (lbs):	Fuel Economy (city/highway MPG)
1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder	180	190	2,200	25/30
2.0-liter four-cylinder	250	280	2,700	21/27

 

No matter the powertrain, you’ll find that every Ford Bronco Sport comes equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. This gives it some off-road ability, but neither engine is particularly effective if you need to tow. For that, the larger Bronco is going to be more your speed:

 

Engine:	Horsepower:	Torque (lb-ft):	Towing Capacity (lbs):	Fuel Economy (city/highway MPG)
2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder	300	325	3,500	18/22
2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6	330	415	4,500	19/21
3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6	418	440	4,500	15/16

 

The Ford Bronco Sport has two powertrains that are well-equipped for comfortable everyday driving, but if you’re looking for some extra power on and off the road, the classic Bronco delivers. It’s much less fuel-efficient than the smaller SUV, but it is more capable of tearing up the trails. It comes with your choice of a seven-speed manual or a ten-speed automatic transmission, and all Broncos come equipped with four-wheel drive. We’ll preview the important features to be aware of in both Broncos below.

Ford Bronco vs Bronco Sport Off-Road Features

The Bronco Sport delivers its off-road ability with 4×4 drive and five G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes, both of which come standard across the board. Most models also come equipped with all-terrain tires, and the ability to add an off-road package, and a range of other more off-road packages. The Sasquatch package is available at an additional cost for anyone who wants to spec the Sport for off-road thrills, adding beefier Goodyear all-terrain tires, a suspension lift, Bilstein shocks, and modular steel bumpers.  

The Bronco is understandably a beefier SUV than the Bronco Sport, as the larger size and extra horsepower make it an even more daunting off-road champion. The Bronco comes in two body styles. For a classic look, you can choose the two-door Bronco, though the four-door offers more space. Like the Bronco Sport, the base Bronco comes with your choice of off-road packages, including the Sasquatch package outlined above. There is a range of features you could add, including steel bash plates, tow hooks, and skid plates. If you opt for the fully loaded Ford Bronco Raptor, you’ll get an even beefier V6 engine that posts horsepower to 418, and adds a High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension with semi-active dampers. If you’d like to learn more about the Bronco trim levels and different build options, visit our Ford Bronco dealership in Oklahoma City!

Comparing Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport Pricing

We’ve established that the Ford Bronco Sport is a compact SUV that delivers better fuel economy with your choice of off-road features. The Bronco itself offers a more spacious mid-size cabin and is better for mid-size towing and storing your gear. The Bronco Sport serves as an entry point to the Bronco name, so it’s the more affordable option. It competes in the same class as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CRV. The Bronco is priced as a more premium option, and competes with SUVs like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Jeep Wrangler. Since the trim levels aren’t 1 to 1, we compare the most expensive and least expensive trim options in the table below: 

 

Model:	Lowest Listed MSRP:	Highest Listed MSRP:
Ford Bronco Sport	$31,595	$38,265
Ford Bronco	$39,995	$79,995

 

While not exactly a budget car, the Ford Bronco Sport brings an affordable option to the off-road SUV segment. While the Ford Bronco delivers a premium price thanks to the extra helping of horsepower and overall better off-road ability. 

Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport Final Comparison

So which Ford SUV is better? The classic Ford Bronco probably takes the crown, albeit at a steeper price point. The Bronco Sport delivers excellent value for its features and space, though, and while it might not be capable of all the same feats, it more than holds its own on and off the road. Which SUV makes the most sense for you? Visit our Ford dealership in OKC to find out!