Bronco Sport Big Bend/Black Diamond | A Worthy Addition to Ford's Small SUV Legacy
It can be tough growing up as the little brother. You’re often living in your older brother’s shadow and you always try to live up to his athletic abilities. Unavoidable comparisons like these are often where many in the Ford community start when evaluating the Bronco Sport. However, I recently had the chance to review one of these small SUVs and I believe I have a more accurate benchmark to measure it against.
Growing up in the mountains of WV one of the most ubiquitous vehicles on the road was the 1st Generation Ford Escape. These tough little SUVs provided reliable and economic transportation for lots of friends throughout the years. When they were facelift’d in 2008 they got a good deal more muscular in styling, and in 2009 when the 3.0L Duratec V6 received DVVT its 240 HP and 223 lb⋅ft of torque gave it the performance to match. To me, the Bronco Sport is the spiritual successor to that rock solid AWD transportation for the masses. So how well does it stack up in the lineage? Check out the full review video:
Well, it looks the part. The Bronco Sport Big Bend model with the Black Diamond Off-Road & Graphic Packages we had as a tester had just enough off-roadie’esq styling to let you know it’s something more than just another uni-body bubble car. The steel plating, push bar, and tow hooks on the front look proper. You also get the upgraded steel plating on the rear bumper that is really only available with the optional Sasquatch package on the Badlands Bronco Sport. The BD O/R package also gets you a front skid plate, some GOAT modes, and some AUX switches. Unfortunately, you do not get a rear limited slip differential. You have to step up to a Badlands to get that.
I like the LED headlights and fogs. The steel bumper bash panel is great, but I think I'd prefer to have tow-loops in place of the bull-bar. Still, that bar could probably save the front end in a parking lot bumper-car scenarios I can imagine.
This particular Bronco Sport was outfitted just about as nicely as I have ever seen. The Azure Grey Metallic Tri-Coat is a great looking paint option.
However, the exterior’s understated rugged styling does carry over inside the cabin. This particular Bronco Sport does have some very seats are covered in my preferred cloth surfaces and are quite comfortable, even on extended trips. The dash pad is a soft touch material that has an interesting texture, the screens are bright and logically laid out, and most of the controls are where you’d expect them to be. Two negatives would be the inclusion of a shifter dial instead of a lever and the exclusion of most physical audio and HVAC buttons in favor of on-screen controls. The fully digital dash and the infotainment screen are well integrated. You’ll find yourself in no short supply of auxiliary power ports. The interior is festooned with a plethora of USB ports, 120V AC outlets, and 12V DC receptacles. Overall, I consider the Bronco Sport one of Ford’s better modern interiors from a day-to-day usability perspective.
The updated dash design looks really nice. It could use a few more physical buttons and a traditional shift lever, but it is still a good place to spend some time.
I wish Ford would make cloth seats like these more widely avaliable. They were the perfect choice for this vehicle.
The Bronco Sport has way more rear cargo area than you would expect, and Ford smartly covered it in durable easy-to-clean materials.
Under-hood you’ll find a 1.5L I-3 EcoBoost belting out 181 hp at 6,000 rpm, and 190 lb⋅ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. This is a particularly buzzy engine, but it does not feel underpowered. I’d call its on-road manners perfectly adequate. You’re not going to win many drag races, but you also don’t feel like you’re forced to take an on-ramp at a snail’s pace. The 8F35 transmission pairs well with it, and always seems to find the proper gear when needed. I do really like that this latest generation of EcoBoost engines are coming equipped with both port and direct fuel injection. That should help keep the intake valve, and potentially the piston rings clean. Unfortunately, you also get an internal belt driven oil pump and a cooled EGR system. Those being two systems found almost universally across the current EcoBoost line-up.
The 1.5L I-3 EcoBoost makes decent power and tucks under hood nicely. However, it still makes me miss the final 240HP version of the 3.0L Duratec V6.
Closer to the ground the Black Diamond package lands you a set of decent looking 17-inch wheels shod with Continental ATX tires. This particular rubber features a sort of a hybrid AT/AS tread design. While not a super aggressive looking, this seems to be a pretty good design for the intended use of this small SUV. While you probably aren’t going to take them mud bogging, I bet they would handle some winter road conditions pretty well. I found they perform very well on both wet and dry pavement, and they were solidly up to some light trail duty. Speaking of which, that brings us to the driving portion of the review feature in our video:
The Bronco Sport's Continental ATX tires are an excellent choice on Ford's part. I feel they'll please most buyers, but if you need something more aggressive you could always up-size just a hair and get some Nitto Ridge Grapplers.
I spent the better part of an afternoon wandering about some of my favorite mild off-roading trails in the area with the Bronco Sport. It felt sure footed in every situation I placed it in, I was supremely impressed by how well the suspension soaked of the heavily wash-boarded sections of road, even when exceeding sensible speeds. However, the most impressive feat of the Sport was that its interior did not produce a single squeak or rattle the entire time I was driving it off-road. It is very well put together.
On-road we averaged ~28-30MPG in mixed driving conditions. The ride is controlled and comfortable, and the handling is on-point. The SUV’s small size is an asset in its expected everyday uses. It is nimble without feeling petite. It has the ability to handle a commute as well as some light utility work. The rear cargo area has a surprising amount of space. It is also equipped with a 2-inch receiver hitch in case you need to do a little light towing. I could definitely see it handling a small boat with ease.
In the few days I got to spend with the Bronco Sport I came away with the impression that this a vehicle that is pretty dang good, and just a few tweeks away from being perfect. First, it would be nice to have the 2.0L EcoBoost, but once again you have to step up to the Badlands model to get that. Unfortunately, to get one equipped the way I’d want it (2.0 EB, LSD, and steel bumper plating) you’re looking at an MSRP well into the $40k range (versus this one’s MSRP of $37,160). That puts you in the pricing territory of the Full Size Bronco, which is far more capable, tougher, and I’d argue potentially more reliable in the long term than the Sport. If Ford would make the 2.0L EcoBoost (with its 45 hp at 6,000 rpm and 275 lb⋅ft of torque at 3,000 rpm) and the LSD à la carte options I believe they would ultimately add much more to their bottom line. Many more buyers would be willing to check the box for an engine upgrade rather than have to step up to the top-of-the-line model.
These recovery loops are far more stout than you would expect from a small SUV. The 2-inch receiver hitch is a welcomed addition.
This odd little tie-down point seems to have been added for those who would want to strap a canoe to the roof of thier Bronco Sport.
Ultimately, Ford has the foundations needed in the Bronco Sport to build on the legacy of the CD2 Platform Escape. Those things were absolutely everywhere, as well they should be since about 1.8 million of them were produced in its 10 year run. I see no reason why the Sport couldn’t be the new version of that. Safe, reliable, all-weather transportation that doesn’t sacrifice everyday utility or comfort – all at a reasonable price (and the rear fenders not rusting out). All the makings are there, Ford just needs to carry the ball across the goal line.
If you’re interested in seeing more real world experience and some modding of a Bronco Sport Badlands check out this thread by @TORQUERULES
We picked one up: 2025 Bronco Sport Badlands
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