27Jul
The Ford Bronco Sport was a highly anticipated compact SUV released in 2021. It offers a unique blend of off-road capability, practicality, and comfort that makes it a great choice for adventure-seeking auto shoppers. Ford claims the Bronco is “the first automobile called out specifically as a ‘sport-utility vehicle.” As such, ‘sport’ and ‘utility’ have remained the nameplate’s defining factors and greatest selling points after over five decades.
Despite belonging to the proud Bronco family, the Bronco Sport is a unique animal in its own right. For example, Sport trails behind the Bronco in terms of off-road capability but leads in driving dynamics and compact size.
It shares underpinnings with the Ford Escape and comes standard with AWD. This buyer's guide offers a comprehensive overview of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, including its features, specifications, and performance. We'll also give you tips on choosing the best-fit Bronco Sport model for your needs and budget.
Should You Buy The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport?
You should definitely consider buying the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport if you’re looking for decent off-road capability in a compact size.
In other words, the Bronco Sport is exactly what the Blue Oval made it for – the alternative for customers who’ve always looked at the Bronco and imagined it was smaller.
The SUV has received praise for its athletic, fun-to-drive nature and impressive all-terrain capability. To crown it all, the Bronco Sport looks deliciously attractive.
We may have mentioned that the Bronco Sport shares the Ford Escape's underpinning, but the 'little Bronco' turned out a highly desirable compact SUV with impressive performance both on- and off-road.
Many Bronco fans would choose the smaller Sport over the larger Bronco, citing the better build quality and improved livability.
On its release, many test drivers remarked on the commanding view of the road from the driver’s seat, which is a fine bonus in addition to the class-leading headroom both in the front and rear cabin. As a result, the Bronco Sport is the benchmark for spacious small SUVs.
Related Read: Fear The Vengeance: Rezvani’s Tank-Like Zombie-Slaying SUV Probably Shouldn’t Be Road-Legal, But It Is
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Trim Levels
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is available in five trim levels: Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands, and First Edition. All models come standard with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque.
A more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine is available on the Badlands and First Edition models, producing 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque.
All models come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. See our Choosing The Right Model near the end of this article for our recommended 2021 Ford Bronco Sport variant.
2021 Ford Bronco Sport Off-Road Capability
The Bronco Sport is designed for off-road adventures, and it comes with several features that make it capable of tackling rough terrain. These features include:
- Standard 4x4 drivetrain with a Terrain Management System that allows you to choose between five different drive modes to optimize performance in different conditions.
- Standard Hill Descent Control, which helps you maintain a steady speed while descending steep hills.
- Available Trail Control that allows you to set a low speed while off-roading, letting you focus on steering rather than throttle and brake inputs.
2021 Ford Bronco Sport’s Technology And Safety Features
The Bronco Sport also comes with several convenience features that make it practical for everyday use, such as:
- Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assistance technologies, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.
- Available SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and available navigation.
Related Read: Leisure Redefined: The 10 Best Luxury SUVs On The Market You Can Buy In 2023 Without Breaking The Bank
2021 Ford Bronco Sport’s Specifications
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport has the following specifications:
- Overall length: 172.7 inches
- Overall width: 74.3 inches
- Overall height: 71.4 inches
- Ground clearance: 7.9 inches (Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks) or 8.8 inches (Badlands and First Edition)
- Seating capacity: 5
- Cargo volume: 32.5 cubic feet (behind the second row) or 65.2 cubic feet (with the second row folded down)
- Towing capacity: 2,000 pounds (with the 2.0-liter engine and Class II Trailer Tow Package)
2021 Ford Bronco Sport’s Performance
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is a capable off-road vehicle that also performs well on the pavement.
The 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine provides sufficient power for most driving situations, while the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine adds an extra level of performance for those who want it.
The Bronco Sport's suspension is tuned for off-road use, which can result in a slightly rougher ride on paved roads, but it's a tradeoff that many drivers are willing to make for the vehicle's off-road capabilities.
Choosing The Right Ford Bronco Sport Model
Choosing the right Ford Bronco Sport model depends on your needs and budget.
The Base model is the most affordable, but it lacks some of the features that come standard on higher trims, such as the Terrain Management System and the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assistance technologies.
The Big Bend model adds these features at a relatively modest price increase, making it a good value for those who want a well-equipped Bronco Sport without spending as much.
The Outer Banks model adds more luxury features, such as leather-trimmed seats, a power moonroof, and a 10-speaker B&O sound system. It also comes with additional exterior styling elements, such as 18-inch wheels and a black roof.
The Badlands model is the most capable off-road variant of the Bronco Sport, with features such as the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, a more advanced 4x4 system, and a lifted suspension with unique shocks.
This model is aimed at serious off-road enthusiasts who want a vehicle that can handle the most challenging terrain.
The First Edition model is a limited-production model that comes fully loaded with all available features, including the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, leather-trimmed seats, and a unique exterior color scheme.
This model is aimed at those who want the ultimate Bronco Sport experience and are willing to pay a premium for it.
Our Verdict On The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is a versatile and capable compact SUV that offers a unique blend of off-road capability, practicality, and comfort. With five different trim levels to choose from, there's a Bronco Sport model to fit every budget and need.
Whether you're looking for a practical daily driver or an off-road adventurer, the Bronco Sport is a compelling buy. With its impressive features, specifications, and performance, it's a strong competitor in the compact SUV segment.
Comments