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Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2023 Ford Bronco Sport: Solid Everyday Features
The 2023 Bronco Sport combines excellent features and impressive off-road capabilities. We look at interior options, trim levels, safety features, and more.
2023 Ford Bronco Sport – ford.com | Shop 2023 Ford Bronco Sport on Carsforsale.com
What’s new for the 2023 Bronco Sport?
The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is still part of the model’s original generation and features two different engine choices that both mate to an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
The big news for the Bronco Sport in 2023 is the addition of the Heritage models. Both offer throwback vintage styling and trim pieces with a few practical upgrades as well. In addition, Ford has created a new Black Diamond off-road package with unique gray wheels, bash plates, and special graphics.
The Breakdown
Capable off-road
Great visibility
Strong 4-cylinder engine
Interior quality needs improvement
2nd row legroom is tight
Expensive upper trims
Excellent off-road features
2023 Bronco Sport Specs
- 181 horsepower from base engine
- 190 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 6 available trims
- 32.5 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 65.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- 8-inch infotainment screen
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+
- 5-year powertrain warranty
2023 Bronco Sport Powertrain
Driving the Bronco Sport is a lesson in how application determines success. The majority of the Bronco Sport lineup is equipped with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine that develops 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. That’s not much, but this little SUV only weighs about 3,500 pounds so it feels powerful enough in most everyday driving situations.
The top two trim levels of the Bronco Sport come with a 250 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 277 lb-ft of torque. It’s downright quick in this little package but there’s still an issue. Both drivetrains are saddled with below-average driving feedback on the road. The steering is numb and the pedal feedback isn’t very linear or confidence-inspiring.
Thankfully, both the 1.5-liter and the 2.0-liter engines feature the same eight-speed automatic gearbox and AWD so when the road runs out, they come into their own. Off-roading doesn’t take gobs of horsepower so each Bronco Sport powertrain works great in the dirt.
The available terrain modes make that even easier and special features on some trim levels like upgraded suspension components and trick differentials make for a seriously capable SUV. It deserves its historically rugged name.
2023 Ford Bronco Sport Fuel Economy & MPG
The Bronco Sport gets decent fuel economy for a vehicle that’s as capable as it is. The three-cylinder engine boasts 25 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway while the four-cylinder will get up to 21 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway according to the EPA.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Despite being based on the Escape, the Bronco Sport feels nothing like it. The interior is upright with excellent visibility, and a commanding driving position. The seats are supportive and comfortable though a little boring looking. The dash shares some of its design characteristics with the Bronco but sits a bit lower in relation to the driver.
Headroom is surprisingly spacious in both rows too. If there’s any room for complaint it’s about the lack of legroom in the second row. That shouldn’t come as too big of a surprise though. What might be surprising is the fact that with the rear seats folded, a pair of bikes can fit into the Bronco Sport. Sure, you’ll need to do some disassembly but that’s not too much to ask for most cyclists.
Entertainment & Technology
Overall the infotainment and technology found in the Bronco Sport are both above the mean. The central touchscreen utilizes Sync3 which isn’t Ford’s newest user interface but it’s still pretty quick and reliable. Those that prefer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay have those to choose from as well. There are buttons and knobs too which make life easier.
The stock sound system with six speakers is fine but an upgraded 10-speaker system is available for those that want it. The digital gauge cluster on the Outer Banks and above is simple but informative. It’s tough to complain about much in the Bronco Sport.
Safety Features
Despite lacking some standard safety features that we’d like to see included, the Bronco Sport is pretty impressive when it comes to safety. Not only did it get five stars in crash testing with the NHTSA but it’s also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. That’s the firm’s highest award and is even harder to get after changes made earlier this year. On top of that, most Bronco Sport models are available with the high-end safety tech we like.
2023 Bronco Sport Trims & Pricing
Base – $30,810
The base Bronco Sport comes with the above-mentioned 1.5-liter engine, an eight-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive. It also gets 17-inch wheels, roof rails, LED headlights, a rear liftgate with a flip-up rear window.
The cabin features adjustable drive modes, remote monitoring via smartphone app, and an 8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and six speakers.
Safety equipment includes blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, lane-keep assist, and forward collision mitigation.
Big Bend – $32,825
The Big Bend adds automatic climate control, keyless ignition, tinted rear windows, heated mirrors, stain-resistant cloth upholstery, a rear-seat armrest, satellite radio, and cargo straps.
Heritage Edition – $34,245
This trim, which wasn’t available in 2022, is basically a Big Bend but with classic styling. To that end, it gets a white roof, a white grille, 17-inch wheels, white interior trim pieces, plaid cloth seats, and an upgraded suspension plus five selectable terrain modes.
Outer Banks – $37,210
The Outer Banks gets LED fog lights, 18-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, remote start, rear parking sensors, heated power-adjustable front seats, a 6.5-inch digital gauge cluster, interior ambient lighting, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, a household-style power outlet, and leather upholstery.
Badlands – $38,935
Stepping up to the Badlands trim equips the Bronco Sport with the larger 2.0-liter engine along with underbody skid plates, an upgraded 4WD system, a tougher rear differential, all-terrain tires, paddle-shifters, a forward-looking 180-degree camera system, passenger-side rear-seat underfloor storage, an upgraded driver information display, and heated cloth front sport seats.
Heritage Limited Edition – $46,250
This trim uses the Badlands as its base but attaches the same retro trim from the normal Heritage Edition. In addition to that, it gets two more terrain modes, a lockable center clutch pack for the AWD system, and a torque vectoring system in the rear differential. It also gets 29-inch tires, leather-trimmed seats, and white door inserts.
Warranties
Ford offers a very basic warranty package on the Bronco Sport. It includes three years or 36,000 miles of limited coverage and five years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Rivals like Jeep offer similar coverage but also include complimentary maintenance.
What we think
2023 Ford Bronco Sport – ford.com | Shop 2023 Ford Bronco Sport on Carsforsale.com
The Bronco Sport is a great little SUV with above-average off-roading capability, decent on-road drivability and solid everyday features. It’s a blend that’s fairly rare in the market so for those that need both, options are limited.
Nevertheless, we’d highly suggest cross-shopping the Bronco Sport against competitors like the Mazda CX-50 and the Jeep Compass. Keep in mind that top trim levels of the Bronco Sport cost more than the normal and more off-road capable Bronco too. Regardless of what you choose, be sure to check out our article on the best new car incentives.
