A kinder gentler take-off of the rugged retro Bronco Tested: 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands
By William Jinkins
What's New:
The Bronco Sport is an all-new model that's intended to serve as a smaller alternative to the larger Bronco.
Pros:
Nice tight package using the Escape platform.
Cons:
Tailgate is not remote controlled. Sunroof is not panoramic.
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is the baby brother of the all-new, off-road-capable Bronco SUV, and a viable alternative to Jeep's smaller models, such as the Renegade, Compass, and Liberty, so this model doesn’t have the option of removing the doors like it’s now larger brother. With a boxy design that's both cool and cute, in addition to numerous innovative features, this Ford Ute is poised to be popular. Proof of that was all the comments I received taking it by my cleaners and Walmart’s Neighborhood market. People literally came out of the woodwork to see it, knowing exactly what it was.
Models include the Base ($28,170), Big Bend ($30,215), Outer Banks ($34,355) and Badlands $ 34,855). The Bronco Sport rides on the same platform that underpins the compact Escape crossover, and every model has all-wheel drive. A 181-hp, turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder is the base engine, but a 245-hp turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder is also available. Both pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but the more powerful engine brings steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and upgraded cooling components. The Bronco Sport can also tow between 2,000 and 2,200 pounds.
Every trim is offer with standard all-wheel drive, a host of driver assists, as well as a roomy cabin. For once, the “Sport” moniker is put to good use, because the little Bronco has enough interior space to carry two mountain bikes, as well as a configurable cargo area that transforms into a mobile basecamp. Most models will be a perfect companion for those buyers with "active lifestyles." But the Bronco Sport also has capabilities that make it worthy of sharing one of the Blue Oval's most storied SUV nameplates.
Although the Badlands is the most extensive model in the lineup, it’s also the most capable off-road. Along with a 245-hp turbo-four engine - the more potent of the two available powerplants - and an enhanced all-wheel-drive system, the Badlands has a lifted suspension and upgraded dampers for tackling rugged terrain. Ford says it's only going to build 2,000 copies of the First Edition (which are all spoken for), which will be the most expensive Bronco Sport, but it gets all the goodies from the Bronco Sport Badlands as well as the more luxurious interior and black exterior accents from the Outer Banks model.
The Badlands and First Edition pack an assortment of exclusive equipment, including a twin-clutch rear-drive unit with a differential lock. They also have all-terrain tires mounted on 17-inch wheels, a 1.0-inch suspension lift for added ground clearance, and stouter shock absorbers. We've driven a Bronco Sport Badlands and noted its hefty steering and firm ride that made it feel truck-like, but not particularly smooth and steady on the highway. Its off-road abilities also exceeded expectations, but just remember that it still has limitations before you try to tackle the Rubicon Trail.
The EPA estimates the three-cylinder Bronco Sport will earn 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Stepping up to the more powerful four-cylinder version drops those figures to 21 mpg city and 26 highway. On a weekend day trip to Oklahoma to the tranquil Arbuckle and Blake Shelton’s hometown of Ada I literally burned half a tank full of gas. That’s mainly because of the smallish 12-gallon tank.
Speaking of Ada, my wife and I were lucky to hit this fabulous restaurant on Blake Shelton Way (aka Main St.) called the Brickhouse which served steaks, seafood and pasta, as well as delicious soup du jour. The restaurant has only been open for eight months yet receives patrons from the local college as well as their parents and passersby. The locals may think its high dollar, but I would make a special point to drive another vehicle to Ada just for the meal.
Inside, the Bronco Sport boasts an attractive design and a plethora of popular features. The little ute also has an impressive amount of space and several neat innovations. While its wheelbase is shorter than the Escape, this “baby” Bronco has an upright seating position and a decent amount of rear-seat legroom. Likewise, its roofline rises in the rear, providing additional headroom and enough cargo volume to fit two mountain bikes or an expandable ladder.
The cargo hold can also be outfitted with a slide-out table that doubles as a workspace, a 400-watt power inverter, and LED lights built into the inside of the rear gate that provides overhead lighting. While the rear tailgate doesn’t open with a key fob or a leg under the bumper (its only manual) it features a glass hatch and a built-in bottle opener. The Badlands and First Edition models come with washable, rubberized flooring and upholstery which is easy to clean. Another neat trick is the storage compartments located under its rear seats.
Every Bronco Sport features an 8.0-inch touchscreen which supports Ford's Sync 3 software. It comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it can be upgraded with SiriusXM satellite radio and a B&O audio system. That was the only option that my tester did not come with.
I would have liked to have seen Ford’s Sync 4 system found on the Mustang Mach-e and eventually all other models. It would fit quite nicely into the dash, eliminated the open storage compartment below the infotainment system. Though the Bronco Sport I tested had a sunroof, it was not paramaniac, which is quickly becoming the industry norm.
In addition to touch-sensitive controls and voice commands, the infotainment interface can be operated with hard buttons as well as a volume and tuning knob.
The 2021 Bronco Sport hasn't been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Bronco Sport also comes with a host of driver-assistance technology that includes standard automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
For more information see review this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5OSOeJHWo4
What’s new for 2022
Since the Bronco Sport was all-new for 2021 and allocations are completely sold out, don’t expect any major changes, only possibly limited to paint colors.
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