The names may sound similar, but that’s about where the similarities seem to end between the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport and the Ford Bronco. Jones Ford wants to make sure you have all the information you need to decide on the perfect choice for your family between these two amazing vehicles. Whether that’s the crossover Bronco Sport, or the midsize SUV Bronco, either would help lead you on a path of adventure and fun. So, the only question is: Which is the best option for you?
Quick Specs Comparison
- MSRP Price: Bronco Sport starting at $28,265 | Bronco starting at $30,800
- Seating Capacity: Bronco Sport offers seating for 5 | Bronco offers seating for 4 in the 2-Door or 5 in the 4-Door
- MPG: Bronco Sport estimated 25/28 mpg City/Hwy | Bronco estimated 20/22 mpg City/Hwy
- Engine: Bronco Sport has a 181-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder with option to upgrade | Bronco has a 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with option to upgrade
- Cargo Space: Bronco Sport fits 32.5 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the rear seats | Bronco fits 38.3 cu. ft. of cargo space in the 4-door or 22.4 cu. ft. in the 2-door
- Towing Capacity: Bronco Sport’s maximum towing capacity is 2,200 lbs | Bronco’s maximum towing capacity is 3,500 lbs
What’s the Difference?
It might be quicker to list what is the same between the Bronco Sport and the Bronco. Beyond the name and some stylized features, the two SUVs are very distinct. The most notable of differences is the body construction. The Bronco uses a body-on-frame design which is a heavier, pickup truck style frame. The Bronco Sport utilizes a unibody design which is lighter and more similar to a car. This means that the Bronco is able to tackle more difficult terrain with ease, but the Bronco Sport offers a more comfortable ride and smoother handling.
As you may expect from the names, there is also a significant size difference between the Bronco Sport and the Bronco. The Bronco Sport is shorter in length and height than the Bronco. So, while the Bronco may offer you more room for cargo and passengers, you may have an easier time finding a parking spot in the Bronco Sport!
Other differences between the two include things such as types of engines and performance, towing capacity, cargo space, fuel economy, driver aids, road noise (much noisier in the Bronco!), and even the interior designs.
Fun and Adventure Capabilities in the Bronco Sport
Just because the Bronco Sport is built using a unibody construction, doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. The Bronco Sport still offers 4x4 capabilities and is designed to be taken off road, within reason. Particularly if you choose one of the higher trim options, such as the Badlands. The Badlands model offers a twin-clutch rear-drive unit with a differential lock and a 1.0-inch suspension lift for added ground clearance. Using the seven G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) and Ford Trail Control, you are all set to explore.
Fun and Adventure Capabilities in the Bronco
The Bronco is undeniably designed for going far off the beaten path. Similar to the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco is capable of removable doors, a convertible top, and offers both two-door or four-door body styles. However, it surpasses the Jeep’s front stick axle by utilizing an independent front suspension. Options are available that allow the Bronco to do about anything; from a snorkel air intake to let you drive in deep water to a winch that can pull up to 10,000 pounds. Keep in mind, many of the options needed to tackle the most challenging of terrains will cost extra.
Trims Available for the Bronco Sport
2022 Bronco Sport Base
Starting at $28,265, this is the baseline trim for the Bronco Sport. Even at the simplest level the Sport is equipped with the Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology suite of driver aids. This includes pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, AdvanceTrac with roll stability control, and a rear view camera, among other features.
Technological extras abound. An 8.0-inch color touchscreen can easily sync up with your smartphone. FordPass Connect makes your Bronco Sport a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. SYNC3 voice recognition software, USB charging ports, and a 4.2-inch instrument cluster all work to make your trip as convenient as possible.
2022 Bronco Sport Big Bend
The Big Bend trim starts at an MSRP of $29,980. While there are a lot of available options that can be added on to this model, there are still some nice improvements from the base trim even without them. SiriusXM satellite radio was added to the entertainment system. The driver seat is equipped with 8-way power adjustments and a unique, high-quality, and easy to clean cloth material is added to the seats. The sideview mirrors are also heated to keep from becoming iced over on those chilly days.
2022 Bronco Sport Outer Banks
With the Outer Banks trim, we start to get into more of the fun stuff. Starting at $33,900, several of the available add-ons from the Big Bend are now standard, along with many more features as well. Rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, a remote start system, and LED fog lamps help to keep you a little safer. Helpful conveniences like Intelligent Access with push-button start and an upgrade to a 6.5-inch color LCD instrument panel are included. Ambient lighting and an auto-dimming rearview mirror also add that little touch of luxury to this model.
2022 Bronco Sport Badlands
The Badlands is where the Bronco Sport really shines. This trim starts at $36,590 and is the most capable at handling the off-road terrains as well as being a comfortable daily driver. Technological features such as a front 180-degree camera with split-view and washer can help you keep an eye out for rocks or ruts in the trail and Ford Trail Control is added to work similarly to cruise control off-road.
The biggest changes here are the engine and drivetrain. The Bronco Sport Badlands has a more powerful engine than the previous trims as well as an enhanced all-wheel-drive system and an off-road lifted suspension added.
Trims Available for the Bronco
2022 Bronco Base
The baseline model for the Bronco, it starts at $30,800 and is already packed with features for heading off the paved road. Off-road technology such as Trail Control, Terrain Management System with 5 G.O. A.T. Modes, Trail Turn Assist, Trail One-Pedal Drive, and Hill Descent Control are ready to go, as well as Ford’s Trailer Sway Control technology. The drivetrain offers 4x4 with part-time selectable engagement, meaning that the driver can have three modes to increase wheel torque for handling steep grades or deep sand. There is also an 8 inch LCD capacitive touchscreen infotainment system with the SYNC 4 connectivity through Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
2022 Bronco Big Bend
With a starting MSRP of $35,285, the Big Bend adds another layer to the Terrain Management System with 6 G.O.A.T. modes. Also a few additional features such as LED fog lamps and improved tires are included.
2022 Bronco Black Diamond
Starting at $37,950 there are some nice improvements such as an upgraded seat material to Marine Grade Vinyl and rubberized flooring that is capable of being easily washed out with drain plugs in the floor.
2022 Bronco Outer Banks
At $40,885 the Outer Banks adds some safety features such as a reverse sensing system and many of the driver aids contained in the Ford Co-Pilot360 technology suite. Also, luxuries such as heated front seats and a connected voice-activated touchscreen navigation system with pinch-to-zoom capabilities are added.
2022 Bronco Badlands
Another bump up, the Badlands starts at $44,495. Here we see an improved drivetrain with electronic-locking front and rear axle, advanced 4x4 with automatic on-demand engagement, and a front stabilizer bar disconnect. Additionally, the Terrain Management System with G.O.A.T. Modes increases to 7 modes with this trim.
2022 Bronco Wildtrak
The Wildtrak starts at $49,780 and provides a more powerful engine upgrade as well as 35 inch mud-terrain tires. A higher clearance ride height provides easier maneuvering over uneven terrain.
2022 Bronco Everglades
Starting at $53,000, the Everglades introduces a factory-installed Ford Performance by WARN winch kit and air-intake snorkel. While the Everglades is not yet available, we will let you know when it is!
2022 Bronco Raptor
Finally, the most impressive of the Bronco trims, the Raptor, comes in at a starting price of $68,500. All the bells and whistles adorn this beauty. Featuring the HOSS 4.0 Suspension with FOX Live Valve 3.1 Internal Bypass Semi-Active Dampers, an even more powerful V6 engine, and 37-inch tires, it is made for traversing the unknown. Additional features such as increasing the LCD instrument cluster to 12-inches and many options for a better sound system, wireless charging pads, and more can make this a dream come true.
So…Ford Bronco Sport or the Ford Bronco?
Really, whether the Bronco Sport or the Bronco work better for you all comes down to how you plan to use your vehicle. For driving around town and occasionally going out on adventures, the Ford Bronco Sport is a more affordable and multi-purpose way to go. However, if you are planning on some heavy duty off-roading with steep cliffs, deep sand, rivers to forge, and more… the Bronco is going to be your new best friend.