Part of the fifth model year of the first-generation Bronco Sport, Ford’s 2025 offering is surprisingly heavy on updates and visual improvements a half-decade into its production run. It features a larger screen, updated exterior styling, a standard digital gauge cluster, and an exciting Sasquatch off-road package with all the bells and whistles. It’s the most capable and arguably the most desirable Bronco Sport model year yet.
New for 2025, a larger center touch screen and digital gauge cluster are just the start of the excitement. Across a range of five unique trims tailored to different environments, there’s a load out for daily drivers and off-road enthusiasts alike. Compared to competitors like the Jeep Compass and the Chevy Equinox, the Bronco Sport seems more tempting than ever.
2025 Ford Bronco Sport – ford.com| Shop 2025 Ford Bronco Sport on Carsforsale.com
Instantly recognizable styling
Choice of two EcoBoost engines
Solid fuel economy
Capable off-road
A bit cramped in the back seat
Best engine locked behind top trim
a fun little 4×4 with tons of character
Say what you will about Ford over the years, but the EcoBoost line of turbocharged engines has been a consistent highlight over the last 15 years or so. The Bronco Sport carries this tradition with an offering of two EcoBoost motors, one 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque, or a two-liter four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
All come standard with AWD plus an eight-speed automatic, and fuel economy of 25 MPG in the city and 29 on the highway from the base engine is pretty solid for a non-hybrid. Of course, a lack of a hybrid drivetrain does hurt the Bronco Sport just a bit. Still, losing only three MPG on the highway and four in the city for all that extra power in the top trim is small enough that it’s not a massive detriment. Standard drive modes via Ford’s G.O.A.T. terrain management system can help navigate some on-road hassles or can give you a little more oomph with the Sport driving mode.
The Bronco Sport’s natural boxy shape lends to interior space. Dimensions of 173 inches long by 74 inches wide, and a 105.1-inch wheelbase give rear legroom figures of 36.9 inches. But given these figures, we really wish that number was closer to 40 inches for the back seat. The cramped rear seating is one of the most glaring problems with the Bronco Sport platform right now, something we hope is addressed in an upcoming redesign.
As for seat upholstery, the Bronco Sport has a couple of options. Soft-touch fabrics like cloth and suede are found at the bottom end of the range, while leather heated seats appear with the Outer Banks trim. Cargo space is decent given the size, giving 32.5 cubic feet with the rear seats extended and 65.2 when they’re stowed. Overall, it’s a pretty well laid-out interior, just one we wish was a touch more spacious.
Ford is continuing to refine the Bronco Sports tech features. Its all-new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and upgraded 13.2-inch center infotainment screen are proof-positive. All the mobile phone connectivity you could ever want comes standard. USB ports are integrated into the dashboard accessory tray and in the rear, plus a front wireless charging pad is present. With the option of a ten-speaker Bang & Olufson premium audio unit and a Wi-Fi hotspot that can handle up to ten devices, this is a nice interior for Ford smallest SUV.
On the safety side, Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 suite of driver assistants really does take the hassle out of driving. Outside of the standard fare that all driver assistance packages offer, active lane centering is the newest addition to this impressive set of features.
The Ford Bronco Sport received positive safety scores, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded the Bronco Sport mostly “Good” ratings (the highest possible) but rated its performance in the updated side-impact test and the child seat anchor usability as “Acceptable,” the second-highest rating.
All the updated tech and standard features of a mid-cycle refresh at a price point just under $30,000 to start. The available Black Diamond off-road package with all-terrain tires makes it a steal.
Everything you get in the Big Bend trim, plus trim-specific retro-themed wheels and Navier Pier plaid cloth seats with micro suede on the armrest. It’s a fantastic retro-themed Bronco Sport, but not the flashiest of the bunch.
That title goes to the Heritage trim, with what might legitimately be one of the best decal packages not just this year but in recent memory. Special 17-inch alloy wheels finished in Ebony with accents in Race Red make for a trim you’ll recognize right away on the streets.
Really cranking up the luxury now, the Outer Banks trim brings exclusive heated leather seats, plus a two-tone paint arrangement with a base color and a roof painted Shadow Black. It’s not as flashy as the Heritage or Free Wheeling trims, but it’s arguably more refined.
Forget luxury. The Badlands trim is all about being rugged. A larger engine, an advanced AWD system with seven total drive modes in its G.O.A.T. terrain management computer, plus a twin-clutch rear drive unit, makes for a very capable woodland trail warrior. The optional Sasquatch package, complete with Bilstein rear shocks, makes that doubly the case. It costs more than a base Bronco, but it’s arguably just as capable.
It’s tough to say whether Ford’s creature comfort improvements add more concrete value to the refreshed Bronco Sport than the year before. Certainly, it’s a touch more refined. However, glaring issues with a lack of a hybrid to boost fuel economy, plus rear-seat legroom that could be better, are things we hope will be addressed in the future.
2024 Ford Bronco Sport – ford.com | Shop 20225 Ford Bronco Sport on Carsforsale.com
Hat’s off to Ford for a consistent drive towards improvement late in the Gen-I Bronco Sport’s development cycle. The extra functionality in the new center screen and digital gauge cluster puts it right in line with its competition. It has some shortcomings, of course. But it’s hard not to call some of the flashier Bronco Sports some of the most desirable vehicles Ford makes right now. If that matters to you, you’ll love the 2025 example.
With the base engine, the Bronco Sport tows 2,200 lbs.
The Bronco Sport uses AWD.
The Big Bend is the Bronco Sport’s base trim, available at $29,995.