Friday, October 24, 2025

2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend AWD: The Brand’s Customizable Compact Boxy Crossover

 


Highlight: The Bronco Sport is only available in an all-wheel drive configuration.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $37, 160 (Base MSRP): $32,990

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; front passenger sensors; a rearview camera; traction control; stability control; all-wheel drive; a lane keep assist system; a blind spot electronic monitor system; and a tire pressure monitoring system


Standard Equipment (on test vehicle): 17-inch wheels; a variety of driving modes; a tuned suspension system; a liftgate with liftgate glass opener; roof rack side rails;  an automatic temperature control system; a wireless smartphone charger; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering system; a co-pilot steering assist system; remote keyless entry; a 13-inch infotainment screen; manual operated front; cloth heated front seats; rubberized second-row seat backs; and cargo tie-down hooks

Options: Metallic Tri-Coat pain; Black Diamond Off-Road Package: 17-inch all-terrain tires, cargo mat, cargo management system, floor liners and carpet mats, and Black Diamond graphic package

Other Trim Levels:

Heritage

Outer banks

Badlands


Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM audio system with SiriusXM

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder/181-hp

Standard Fuel Mileage: 25-city/30-hwy (test model)

Towing Capabilities: 2,000 lbs


What’s New: For the 2025 model year, the Bronco Sport adds a new Sasquatch package which provides a higher ground clearance for off road activities. Moreover, all of the Bronco Sport trims are outfitted with a slightly larger infotainment screen.

Why:

A mini version of the iconic Bronco

Stylish boxy design, a standout in the compact crossover segment

Comfortable seats

Heated front seat

Optional power front seats

Only available as a 4x4

A co-pilot assists steering system

A high-level of safety driving aids

Two powertrains

The 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine produces 250-horsepower 

SiriusXM included in the vehicle

Wireless charging

Rear 60/40 split folding rear seats

A variety of driving modes

A keyless entry system

An available power driver’s seat

A cargo management system


Heated steering wheel available

An illuminated door entry package

Ability to accessorize/customize the vehicle like the larger Bronco

18-inch wheels available

Roof rail crossbars available

Liftgate with liftgate glass opener with flip up glass

An optional bottle opener in the hatch

An available power moonroof

An optional fullsize spare wheel (attached to the rear cargo door)


But:

No brake hold feature

No navigation system (on test model)

Limited rear legroom

No power liftgate due the design of the rear cargo door

 


Verdict:  The Ford Bronco Sport is the compact version of the original larger iconic Bronco. At a starting price just under $33,000, the boxy designed crossover is the perfect alternative to many of the me-too styled competitors in this segment.

And unlike many of its segment competitors, the Bronco Sport, which can be configured in several trims, is only available in an all-wheel drive configuration.

Moreover, depending upon the trim, the distinguished compact crossover is available in two powertrains: 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder engine or 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine. Our test model, the Big Bend trim, was outfitted with the 181-horsepower peppy and fuel-efficient 3-cylinder Ecoboost engine. We found it to be acceptable, especially being that the vehicle had the ability to pull up to 2,000 pounds.

Also, in the rugged-looking base model Big Bend trim we reviewed, the compact was equipped with a host of standard features. Those features consisted of a co-pilot assist steering system, heated front cloth seats, an automatic temperature control system, a SiriusXM satellite system, split folding rear seats, a rear seat rubberized rear cargo mat and a rear lift gate with a flip up glass allowing access to the cargo area.

Furthermore, what makes this compact so special is the ability to customize the vehicle. Depending upon one's budget and needs, buyers can opt for a factory lifted vehicle, allowing access to rugged terrains, to graphics to give the vehicle more character to a rear wheel tire that hangs off the cargo door.

So, for those seeking a compact crossover which stands out for the crowd and is capable of doing some mild off-roading, the Bronco Sport could possibly fit the bill. 

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2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend AWD: The Brand’s Customizable Compact Boxy Crossover

  Highlight: The Bronco Sport is only available in an all-wheel drive configuration. Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $37, 160 ( Base MSRP) : $32,990...