Roomy, quiet, comfortable, and a little bit country, the 2024 Bronco Sport kept growing on me.
Agile in town and well-planted on the back roads I love to explore, the compact SUV slowly convinced me that it is a solid choice for a guy who fights traffic during the week and treks the mountains on the weekend.
Doing battle in one of the most competitive market segments, the Sport embodies the iconic Bronco spirit while delivering urban practicality. The Bronco Sport appeals to a broad spectrum of buyers, with a base price of $29,215 for the entry-level model and climbing to $44,305 for the loaded Badlands trim.
Do not be misled by the Bronco Sport's exterior design, which boasts rugged off-road elements that pay homage to its adventurous predecessor. Though all Broncos come with four-wheel drive, this is not a vehicle for serious off-roading. Our tester did fine on uneven and unpaved mountainous roads, but where they ended, discretion told us to stop, too.
Also, do not be confused by the fact that Ford sells two Broncos--the larger one rides on the same platform as an F-150 pickup.
Based on the estimable Escape, the Bronco Sport appeals to young urbanites, family-oriented buyers, and adventurous empty nesters. A well-appointed cabin combines comfort with functionality, showcasing quality materials and meticulous assembly. Its innovative design elements, such as zipper pockets and rubberized flooring, enhance its active lifestyle appeal.
TALL, WIDE CABIN
The Bronco Sport's boxy design makes it feel big inside. It is competitive in cargo room, but front and rear passengers have best-in-class headroom and legroom. Add comfortable seating, a robust HVAC system, and USB plugs for everyone, and what is not to like?
The Bronco Sport offers a choice between a 3-liter 1.5L EcoBoost engine generating 181 horsepower and a more potent 2.0L EcoBoost engine churning out 250 horsepower. While these powertrains aren't class-leading, they provide ample power for everyday driving and occasional off-road excursions.
The Bronco Sport faces fierce competition from established rivals, including the Toyota RAV4 ($27,975 - $38,075), Subaru Forester ($27,620 - $37,860), and Honda CR-V ($31,310 - $38,370). Its distinctive design, versatile interior, and off-road capabilities are its main strengths. At the same time, an unrefined transmission, limited standard safety features, and less fuel efficiency than competitors are weaknesses.
We averaged 27 mpg, a mile or two below the niche average.
The Bronco Sport has garnered respectable safety ratings, receiving an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating for models with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights. However, its standard safety features are minimal compared to some rivals, while optional driver-assist technologies elevate its overall safety profile.
Ford has a mixed track record regarding reliability, but the Bronco Sport is in its fourth year of production, and indications are that Ford is working out the bugs. Depreciation is better than the industry mean. A new Bronco Sport loses about 8% of its value in the first year, and a five-year-old one projects to hold more than half its value, a feat few vehicles match.
UPSIDE DOWN?
The latter point may be the most critical if you are among the millions of Americans who paid above list price during the COVID-19-inspired supply shortage. The average time people start shopping for a new car is around 42 months after purchasing the last one.
We are 48 months from when the epidemic reached North America, and Edmunds last week estimated that people who bought during that period have, on average, $6,800 in negative equity. That is the median. Many are far more upside down. For people with pristine credit, banks will finance up to 130% of the list value, so on a $30,000 car, one could roll $9,000 into the note.
Roughly speaking, each $1,000 borrowed adds $30 a month to a car note. Still, putting oneself into positive equity in four or five years is feasible with a Bronco Sport or any other affordable and dependable car with strong residual values.
This would be a good time to do that. Though the Bronco Sport had strong second-quarter sales, my friend, Mike Terrell at McClarty Ford, tells me the manufacturer has a $750 cash rebate and financing ranging from 3.9% on 36 months and increasing by a percentage point every year up to 72 months.
Hint: First, get the best deal, then talk financing.
Ford's warranty includes 3-year/36,000-mile basic coverage and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
WHAT OTHERS SAY
Experts at Edmunds.com laud the Bronco Sport for its stylish exterior and roomy interior. Car and Driver praises its off-road capabilities and comfortable ride. Motor Trend commends its overall value but criticizes its transmission refinement. Kelly Blue Book appreciates its unique design and practical features.
Consumer Reports gives the Bronco Sport a respectable overall score of 75/100, highlighting its quiet cabin and spacious second-row seats but expressing concerns about its ride quality and limited standard safety features.
BOTTOM LINE
Blonde Beauty and I like this one. It is surprisingly well insulated from wind and road noise, handles and rides well and looks good in the driveway. Competitors offer hybrid and plug-in hybrids that deliver twice as good fuel economy, so shop smart and bargain hard.
2023 Bronco Sport Heritage Edition. (Photo courtesy of Ford)
2023 Bronco Sport Heritage Edition. (Photo courtesy of Ford)
2023 Bronco Sport Heritage Edition. (Photo courtesy of Ford)