Quick Take: 2021 Ford Bronco Sport
Some customers for a compact SUV may put a premium on off-roadability and the ability to accommodate gear for outside adventures. The Bronco Sport targets this market with features that cater heavily to outdoors-oriented shoppers while still retaining practicality and efficiency of a compact SUV. We got behind the wheel of one during WAJ Media Days to find out whether it can really accommodate the people who frequently venture off the pavement while appreciating the styling that only a vehicle with the Bronco nameplate can have.
Our Bronco Sport test vehicle was specced with the Outer Banks trim level and came with a very nice looking Navy Blue cloth and leather interior. Features included LED headlights, 18-inch machined aluminum wheels, safari roof, a rubberized cargo floor, as well as power driver and passenger front seats. The Ford Co-Pilot suite of safety features came standard along with the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch infotainment screen on the dashboard. In the powertrain department, the Outer Banks trim we had came with the 1.5-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine that makes 181 horsepower.
Due to time constraints, we didn’t have the chance to take the Bronco Sport off the pavement and test the off-road capabilities; however, on-road comfort was good and drivers will appreciate the view of the road as well as the usability of the SYNC infotainment system. Pickup from the EcoBoost engine was more than adequate when driving up and down Highway 1 while handling around curves was similar to other compact SUVs and unlike the typical dedicated off-road vehicles.
After our short time with the Bronco Sport, we think customers who go off the beaten path on the weekends but need a usable vehicle in the city will appreciate the Bronco Sport. As it has the ability to take on a lot of cargo and people, the usefulness is unmatched. With an interior and exterior that both look good and can handle the travails on-road and off-road, the Bronco Sport will likely become more often seen at trailheads across the country.
