2021 Ford Bronco Sport: Review, Specs, And More

by Alex Braham 48 views

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive deep into the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport? This compact SUV has been making waves, and for good reason. It blends the iconic Bronco heritage with modern features and a practical design, making it a seriously compelling option for anyone looking for adventure without sacrificing daily comfort. So, buckle up, and let's explore everything this awesome vehicle has to offer.

Overview of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport isn't just a smaller version of its big brother, the Bronco; it's a unique vehicle designed for a different kind of adventure. Think of it as the perfect companion for weekend getaways, light off-roading, and navigating city streets with ease. The Bronco Sport boasts a rugged exterior, a surprisingly spacious interior, and a host of tech features that make it a joy to drive.

It comes in several trims, each offering a different level of equipment and capability. From the base model to the top-tier Badlands, there's a Bronco Sport for every type of adventurer. The standard engine is a 1.5-liter EcoBoost, providing plenty of power for everyday driving. For those craving more punch, there's an available 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers even more oomph.

One of the standout features of the Bronco Sport is its GOAT (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Modes. These modes allow you to optimize the vehicle's performance for various surfaces like sand, mud, and rocks. While it's not a rock crawler like the full-size Bronco, the Bronco Sport is surprisingly capable off the beaten path, especially in the Badlands trim, which comes with enhanced four-wheel drive and off-road suspension.

Inside, the Bronco Sport is designed with practicality in mind. There's plenty of cargo space, and the rear seats fold down easily to accommodate larger items. The interior is also packed with user-friendly tech, including an intuitive infotainment system and a suite of driver-assistance features. Overall, the 2021 Bronco Sport is a well-rounded package that offers a great blend of style, capability, and comfort.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's break down the key features and specifications that make the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport stand out from the crowd. This compact SUV is packed with features that cater to both everyday practicality and adventurous weekend getaways. From its engine options to its off-road capabilities and interior comforts, there's a lot to love about the Bronco Sport.

Engine Options and Performance

The Bronco Sport offers two engine choices:

  • 1.5-liter EcoBoost: This turbocharged three-cylinder engine produces 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. It's peppy and efficient, making it ideal for daily commuting and light adventures.
  • 2.0-liter EcoBoost: Available on the Badlands trim, this turbocharged four-cylinder engine cranks out 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It provides significantly more power for tougher terrain and quicker acceleration.

Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which delivers smooth and responsive shifts. The Bronco Sport comes standard with four-wheel drive, ensuring confident traction in various conditions. The fuel economy is respectable, with the 1.5-liter engine achieving around 25 mpg combined and the 2.0-liter engine getting slightly less.

Off-Road Capabilities

While the Bronco Sport isn't designed for extreme rock crawling, it's surprisingly capable off-road. The GOAT Modes system allows you to tailor the vehicle's settings to different terrains, optimizing traction and stability. The Badlands trim takes things a step further with its advanced four-wheel-drive system, off-road suspension, and all-terrain tires. It also features a front-facing camera that helps you navigate tricky trails.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the Bronco Sport offers a comfortable and functional space. The seats are supportive, and there's plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The cargo area is surprisingly spacious, and the rear seats fold down to create even more room for gear. The interior design is rugged and stylish, with durable materials and thoughtful storage solutions.

The Bronco Sport comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that's easy to use. It features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. Available tech features include a premium sound system, a wireless charging pad, and a suite of driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

Trim Levels

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is available in several trim levels, each offering a unique combination of features and equipment. Let's take a closer look at each trim to help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.

  • Base: The base model comes standard with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, four-wheel drive, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a suite of driver-assistance features. It's a great value for those who want the Bronco Sport's rugged styling and basic capabilities without breaking the bank.
  • Big Bend: The Big Bend adds features like alloy wheels, a carbonized gray grille, and additional interior storage options. It's a step up from the base model, offering more convenience and style.
  • Outer Banks: The Outer Banks trim adds a touch of luxury with leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power moonroof. It also includes unique exterior styling elements, such as black roof rails and body-colored door handles.
  • Badlands: The Badlands is the most off-road-focused trim, with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, an advanced four-wheel-drive system, off-road suspension, and all-terrain tires. It also features unique interior and exterior styling elements that set it apart from the other trims.

Driving Experience and Performance

So, what's it like to actually drive the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport? In this section, we'll dive into the driving experience and performance of this compact SUV. Whether you're navigating city streets or exploring off-road trails, the Bronco Sport offers a unique and engaging driving experience.

On-Road Performance

On the road, the Bronco Sport is surprisingly comfortable and refined. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and imperfections, providing a smooth ride. The steering is precise and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine provides adequate power for most driving situations, while the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine offers more spirited acceleration.

The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently, helping to maximize fuel economy. The Bronco Sport also offers a variety of driving modes that allow you to tailor the vehicle's performance to different conditions. For example, Sport mode sharpens the throttle response and firms up the steering for a more engaging driving experience.

Off-Road Performance

Off-road, the Bronco Sport is surprisingly capable, especially in the Badlands trim. The GOAT Modes system allows you to optimize the vehicle's settings for various terrains, such as sand, mud, and rocks. The advanced four-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction, and the off-road suspension helps to absorb bumps and ruts.

The Bronco Sport also has decent ground clearance and approach and departure angles, allowing it to tackle moderately challenging trails. While it's not a rock crawler like the full-size Bronco, the Bronco Sport is more than capable of handling most off-road adventures.

Overall Driving Experience

Overall, the driving experience of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is positive. It's a versatile vehicle that's comfortable and refined on the road, yet capable and adventurous off-road. Whether you're commuting to work or exploring the great outdoors, the Bronco Sport is up for the task.

Pros and Cons of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. No vehicle is perfect, and it's important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before making a purchase.

Pros

  • Stylish and Rugged Design: The Bronco Sport boasts a distinctive design that sets it apart from other compact SUVs. Its boxy shape, round headlights, and bold grille give it a rugged and adventurous look.
  • Capable Off-Road: The Bronco Sport is surprisingly capable off-road, especially in the Badlands trim. Its GOAT Modes system, advanced four-wheel-drive system, and off-road suspension make it a competent trail companion.
  • Practical and Spacious Interior: The Bronco Sport offers a comfortable and functional interior with plenty of cargo space. The rear seats fold down easily to accommodate larger items, and there are plenty of storage cubbies throughout the cabin.
  • User-Friendly Technology: The Bronco Sport comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that's easy to use. It also offers a variety of available tech features, such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium sound system.

Cons

  • Base Engine Can Feel Underpowered: The 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine is adequate for most driving situations, but it can feel underpowered when accelerating or climbing hills. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine offers more power, but it's only available on the Badlands trim.
  • Fuel Economy Could Be Better: While the Bronco Sport's fuel economy is respectable, it's not class-leading. Some competitors offer better fuel efficiency.
  • Ride Can Be Stiff: The Bronco Sport's suspension is tuned for off-road performance, which can result in a somewhat stiff ride on paved roads. However, most drivers will find the ride to be acceptable.

Final Verdict: Is the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Right for You?

So, after all this, the big question remains: Is the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport the right vehicle for you? Let's recap what we've learned and help you make an informed decision. The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is a compelling option for those seeking a compact SUV that blends style, capability, and practicality.

If you're looking for a vehicle with a unique and rugged design, the Bronco Sport definitely delivers. It stands out from the crowd with its boxy shape, round headlights, and bold grille. It's a vehicle that looks ready for adventure, even if you're just heading to the grocery store.

For those who enjoy exploring off-road, the Bronco Sport is a surprisingly capable choice, especially in the Badlands trim. Its GOAT Modes system, advanced four-wheel-drive system, and off-road suspension make it a competent trail companion. While it's not a rock crawler, it can handle most moderate off-road adventures.

If practicality and space are important to you, the Bronco Sport won't disappoint. It offers a comfortable and functional interior with plenty of cargo space. The rear seats fold down easily to accommodate larger items, and there are plenty of storage cubbies throughout the cabin.

However, if you prioritize fuel economy above all else, you might want to consider other options. The Bronco Sport's fuel economy is respectable, but it's not class-leading. Also, keep in mind that the base engine can feel underpowered at times, so if you crave more power, you'll need to opt for the Badlands trim.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value style, capability, and practicality, and you're willing to sacrifice a bit of fuel economy, the Bronco Sport is definitely worth considering. It's a fun, versatile, and capable SUV that's sure to turn heads wherever you go.