The 2021 Ford Bronco vs. Bronco Sport
Isabel Armiento
· 4 min read
After nearly a quarter of a century without a new Ford Bronco, drivers got hit with two at once:
the 2021 Ford Bronco
and the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. These two Ford-made
, off-road SUVs not only share plenty of the same features but were even released on the same day. This doesn’t mean that they’re the same car, however—far from it. Let’s look at the Ford Bronco vs. Bronco Sport.
Ford Bronco vs. Bronco Sport: The differences
At first glance, the 2021 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sports may be difficult to tell apart. Both of them boast exceptional off-road capabilities and are sure to blow their competition out of the water. However, the two models have plenty of differences according to
MotorTrend
, from their chassises to their engines, transmissions, suspensions, bodywork, and drive systems.The Ford Bronco’s body is fairly conventional for an SUV and is reminiscent of the Ford Ranger pickup. The Bronco Sport, on the other hand, is based on the Ford Escape crossover and is closer in style to a car than an SUV.
According to MotorTrend, another major difference between the 2021 Ford models is their engines. The Ford Bronco gives car-buyers the option between a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost and a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 EcoBoost, with the former offering 310 pound-feet of torque and 270 horsepower and the latter offering 400 pound-feet of torque and 310 horsepower.
The Bronco Sport also comes with the option between two engines, though these are less powerful than the Ford Bronco’s. Its 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine offers 190 pound-feet and 181 horsepower, while its 2-liter four-cylinder option offers 275 pound-feet and 245 horsepower.
Another big difference between the two Broncos is their body design. While the Bronco Sport is traditional—its doors and roof stay right where you found them—the Ford Bronco has tons of moveable parts. With removable panels and doors, you can open up or seal off this Bronco’s body, and depending on the weather, let in the sun or block out the snow.
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Ford Bronco vs. Bronco Sport: A head-to-head comparison
MORE: New 2022 Ford Bronco Color Option Will Appease Long-Time Bronco Lovers
When choosing between the Ford Bronco vs. Bronco Sport, there are several factors to consider, including comfort, price, fuel economy, and safety.
While the models’ exteriors largely speak for themselves, some car-buyers will be interested in what’s going on inside. The Ford Bronco has room for four passengers, while the Sport can fit five. That being said, the Ford Bronco has a more spacious second row with plenty of legroom for adult passengers, according to
U.S. News
. Both models have the option to upgrade to luxurious leather upholstery, with comfy and roomy front seats. The Sport adopts a tougher and sturdier interior design, while the Ford Bronco opts for a sleeker, more modern look.
Another thing to keep in mind when deciding between the two is your budget. The Ford Bronco starts at $29,995, while the Bronco Sport is slightly cheaper, with a starting price of $28,155. The beloved Bronco also gets far more expensive, with sportier models going for over $50,000, while luxury Bronco Sport models stick within the mid-$30,000 range.
The two models also different in terms of their fuel economy, with the smaller Bronco Sport coming out on top. According to U.S. News, while the Ford Bronco gets only 22 miles per gallon on the highway and 20 in the city, the Bronco can reach far more, with 28 miles per gallon on the highway and 25 in the city.
The Bronco Sport is also superior in terms of safety, earning a top safety pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Plus, the Sport comes with more safety features than the Ford Bronco, with extras such as lane keep assist, rear-cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.
Which should you buy?
Which model you prefer is ultimately up to you and will depend on your preferences in terms of off-road abilities, style, and performance. Still, the 2021 Ford Bronco is a fun throwback to Ford’s earlier days and has won over the hearts (and wallets) of many car enthusiasts.
The Ford Bronco has a better interior and higher performance specs, though the Bronco Sport also offers several upsides, such as a lower price, better fuel economy, and more advanced safety features. It’s a real toss-up when it comes to the Ford Bronco vs. Bronco Sport.
