Is the Bronco Sport a better buy than the Bronco??

RagnarKon
May 02, 2023

Burrito Connoisseur

May 02, 2023

Interesting video from TFL today that I tend to largely agree with.


To be perfectly honest, I wouldn't give up my Bronco.

BUT... if it made any amount of financial sense at this point I would absolutely trade my Escape AWD for a Bronco Sport. I love my mid-sized Bronco, but the fact of the matter is the Escape makes a lot more sense for the majority of family trips we take, and therefore the majority of the time the Escape is the vehicle I'm driving. However... the Escape is just a little too small for us (largely due to the stupid sloped rear hatch ๐Ÿ˜ค ), and the Bronco Sport would be nearly perfect.

No doubt the Bronco is the better off-roader. But the Bronco Sport just seems like an all-around better vehicle when you take into account everyday driving, weekend fun, family hauling, operating costs, etc.

(And if I'm being honest 85%+ of the time I'm off-roading, a Bronco Sport Badlands could easily complete the task.)
2022 4dr Badlands, 2.3L Manual, Mid pkg
YouTube: youtube.com/@ragnarkon
65pony, PSUTE

Rank V

May 22, 2023

#40
Yea I don't think they took the same inspiration for the sport that they did for the bronco. That is a sport ๐Ÿ‘‡. The current sport is to appease all those that want the typical suv that is oh so popular, but something that isn't a cookie cutter suv like so many of them out there. If I had to pick an suv from all the others out there it would be a sport, but i don't have to and love my 2 door bronco


Darrel, TheShark

Rank II

May 22, 2023

#41
That's what I liked about it. It's not like all the other suv's out there. And I also would prefer the 2 door if I were to go that route.
Darrel, Bluestreak57

Rank IV

May 22, 2023

#42
If you use a sawzall they come off really easy!๐Ÿ˜†
... once... ๐Ÿ˜‚
Darrel, PSUTE

Mud,Sweat and Gears

May 22, 2023

#43
Yea I don't think they took the same inspiration for the sport that they did for the bronco. That is a sport ๐Ÿ‘‡. The current sport is to appease all those that want the typical suv that is oh so popular, but something that isn't a cookie cutter suv like so many of them out there. If I had to pick an suv from all the others out there it would be a sport, but i don't have to and love my 2 door bronco


They used the Range Rover, Rover fan bois are pissed about it too.At least the sport doesn't look like a jelly bean with wheels.
Joined May 29, 2020 Member 546โ€‹
Bluestreak57, cmiller81

Rank V

May 22, 2023

#44
That's what I liked about it. It's not like all the other suv's out there. And I also would prefer the 2 door if I were to go that route.
The fault is when people compare it to the bronco. Ford did a great job with the design of the bronco, but dropped the ball with the sport. You can see where they took inspiration from the past with the bronco. You don't see that with the sport. They basically used the sport as a cash cow and used the bronco name to pull people to it. So the comparison between the bronco and the sport is crazy, but comparing it to other suv makes more sense. A 2 door will probably never happen. Hell, you can barely get a 2 door in the bronco and there are rumors you might not get one at all for 24 or at least only 10% of broncos being built will be 2 door
Bluestreak57, Darrel

Mud,Sweat and Gears

May 22, 2023

#45
Ford got backlash over the Bronco ll also.Although the Bronco ll was closer to the original than the 150 Bronco.๐Ÿคช
Ford is also getting heat over the Mach E.In the mid 60s with the 4 door Tbird they got some flack but the car sold well.The Capri badge was on 3 completely different cars,a Lincoln,a German sports coupe and an Aussie front drive convertible. It goes on and on with Ford and model names.
The cars aren't bad, just Ford not using their head when naming them.Like the Probe...now there's a name for a battery powered car.
Joined May 29, 2020 Member 546โ€‹

Rank II

May 22, 2023

#46
Ford got backlash over the Bronco ll also.Although the Bronco ll was closer to the original than the 150 Bronco.๐Ÿคช
Ford is also getting heat over the Mach E.In the mid 60s with the 4 door Tbird they got some flack but the car sold well.The Capri badge was on 3 completely different cars,a Lincoln,a German sports coupe and an Aussie front drive convertible. It goes on and on with Ford and model names.
The cars aren't bad, just Ford not using their head when naming them.Like the Probe...now there's a name for a battery powered car.
Weather using the name Bronco 2 was a good idea or not it made sense to just continue it this time around. Ford should have advertised them together to make sure the massmasses knew there were 2 different versions coming. Bronco 2 was closer to its name sake. In today's market the Bronco Sport is in the necessary segment. And in that segment it is excellent. I wish it was a little bigger in the storage department. Between a Passport, Renegade/Compass and Subaru for off road overlanding it will shine. My roof will only come off once but I'll also never get caught topless in the rain.
Darrel, jparker

๐ŸŽJust a girl & her Bronco๐ŸŽ

May 22, 2023

#47
When I retire, I might look into the full size Bronco. The sport suits my commute right now. I made sure that I got the badlands and that it was more off road capable if I need it. Plus, the girls have their own cars and want nothing to do with us anymore. So, the backseat is just more cargo space!๐Ÿ˜†
I like this! The Sport suits your needs right now. Ford made a Bronco for you! When I retire from wheeling, I hope the Sport is still being made. And I want the Badlands trim on it too.
And there are a ton of sports out here!
Hi y'all, Lauri here and I am the proud owner of a MY21 Badlands, SAS, 2.7 auto, 4 door, soft top, Cactus Gray, no reservation, ordered 9/11/21, Took delivery 1/8/22!
Deano Bronc, Roughstock11

๐ŸŽJust a girl & her Bronco๐ŸŽ

May 22, 2023

#48
The fault is when people compare it to the bronco. Ford did a great job with the design of the bronco, but dropped the ball with the sport. You can see where they took inspiration from the past with the bronco. You don't see that with the sport. They basically used the sport as a cash cow and used the bronco name to pull people to it. So the comparison between the bronco and the sport is crazy, but comparing it to other suv makes more sense. A 2 door will probably never happen. Hell, you can barely get a 2 door in the bronco and there are rumors you might not get one at all for 24 or at least only 10% of broncos being built will be 2 door
The sport is pretty flat on all sides, just like the full size. I don't think Ford did horrible on the design.
Hi y'all, Lauri here and I am the proud owner of a MY21 Badlands, SAS, 2.7 auto, 4 door, soft top, Cactus Gray, no reservation, ordered 9/11/21, Took delivery 1/8/22!
Deano Bronc, Roughstock11

Home again, Home again

May 22, 2023

#49
Interesting video from TFL today that I tend to largely agree with.

To be perfectly honest, I wouldn't give up my Bronco.

BUT... if it made any amount of financial sense at this point I would absolutely trade my Escape AWD for a Bronco Sport. I love my mid-sized Bronco, but the fact of the matter is the Escape makes a lot more sense for the majority of family trips we take, and therefore the majority of the time the Escape is the vehicle I'm driving. However... the Escape is just a little too small for us (largely due to the stupid sloped rear hatch ๐Ÿ˜ค ), and the Bronco Sport would be nearly perfect.

No doubt the Bronco is the better off-roader. But the Bronco Sport just seems like an all-around better vehicle when you take into account everyday driving, weekend fun, family hauling, operating costs, etc.

(And if I'm being honest 85%+ of the time I'm off-roading, a Bronco Sport Badlands could easily complete the task.)
Because the Bronco Sport is built on the same platform as the Escape, If and when Ford makes the Bronco Sport in a hybrid (or better yet, a Plug-in hybrid), I will strongly consider tradin my wifeโ€™s soon to arrive PHEV in for one.
Riding OB1, 23 4- door Outer Banks, SAS, MOD, MIC, Lux, Ordered 10/20/22, delivered 1/13/23
Mal, Darrel

Home again, Home again

May 23, 2023

#50
It's kind of funny reading these threads, having a foot in both camps I can understand where people are coming from. Most people in the BS forum will go on about how they made the better choice and why would I spend the $$ for a Bronco. In the Bronco forum many people are insulted that the BS has "Bronco" in its name, "it's NOT a Bronco". Ford made a smart marketing choice with the BS, cashing in on the Bronco name. Is it a "Bronco", I always correct people and say its a "Bronco Sport". In the end the BS is really a better looking and more capable (BL) version of the Escape. The Escape is more luxurious and comes in a Hybrid, but let's not fool anyone, the BS is still a SUV like the RAV4, CRV, etc. The Bronco is a truck whose bones are the Ranger. Speaking of the Ranger the new Ranger Raptor looks very tasty.

If you are really on the fence between the two you probably are going to buy a BS. The first time I drove a Bronco I knew that was for me, no vacillating. You don't buy a Bronco for MPG, ride quality or quietness, if those are important than you need to be looking at a BS. No amount of lift kits, fender flares or mud flaps are going to make your BS into a Bronco. I saw a BS with side steps recently, really, side steps, because you are having problems getting in, what are you 3' 9"? Looked really dumb.

It really is a matter of choice and what works best for you.
Well said!
Riding OB1, 23 4- door Outer Banks, SAS, MOD, MIC, Lux, Ordered 10/20/22, delivered 1/13/23
Roughstock11, Darrel

Home again, Home again

May 23, 2023

#51
Na but looks like once again to many people who can only make themselves look good by beating up on something or someone else. You 2 are fine examples why the bronco nation sucks. I'd rather drive my modified Escape that be apart of people like you.
Some folks believe sarcasm and name-calling are the only forms of humor, making a point by ripping something (or someone) downโ€ฆ. sad but true part of being online, I guessโ€ฆ. What I find interesting is that some using โ€œfunnyโ€ comments and name-calling and such on a bronco forum have not managed to either buy or even order a bronco yetโ€ฆ Lots of rock throwing but little or no actual experience with the vehicleโ€ฆ
Riding OB1, 23 4- door Outer Banks, SAS, MOD, MIC, Lux, Ordered 10/20/22, delivered 1/13/23
Darrel, Roughstock11

I trust the dirt

May 23, 2023

#52
I try not to hold on too tightly to things I buy or own. In the end they don't mean anything anyway. At least to me they don't. I do, however, like the image and drivability of the Bronco, that is why I bought it. I buy what I like and I don't really care what others buy and like. Just don't tell me I have to drive a Prius. It would be like draining my entire life force out onto the side of the road into a big puddle of slop. That being said I am sure someone bought one today and loves it. Good for them. To thine own self be true. If we were all the same the world would be pretty boring.

I think the Bronco Sport is great. It seems pretty popular. Ford is probably selling a lot of them. I am pleased for all the Sport owners who feel the way I do about the Bronco. In the end it is just a truck. It is nice though to feel a connection to a vehicle. I know it well and it generally has been with an on or off road motorcycle. Now the new adventure with a true off road truck has begun. We are some lucky people to live free and to be able to drive these awesome vehicles Ford has produced. Be it a Bronco Sport or the Bronco, if you have that warm feeling deep in your heart than you can't go wrong with either.
23 Bronco Raptor, code orange belts, keyless, lux, leather trim/suede seats, carbon fibre, shadow black
Darrel, Deano Bronc

Ultimate Cosmic Power!

May 23, 2023

#53
I like this! The Sport suits your needs right now. Ford made a Bronco for you! When I retire from wheeling, I hope the Sport is still being made. And I want the Badlands trim on it too.
And there are a ton of sports out here!
Sounds good, Darrel. When the wife tells me that it's time to put the bike on the back burner, (but I won't sell it), then it will be time to get the C- 8, or C-9, or C-10, whatever it takes!๐Ÿ˜†
Darrel, Roughstock11

Ultimate Cosmic Power!

May 23, 2023

#54
I try not to hold on too tightly to things I buy or own. In the end they don't mean anything anyway. At least to me they don't. I do, however, like the image and drivability of the Bronco, that is why I bought it. I buy what I like and I don't really care what others buy and like. Just don't tell me I have to drive a Prius. It would be like draining my entire life force out onto the side of the road into a big puddle of slop. That being said I am sure someone bought one today and loves it. Good for them. To thine own self be true. If we were all the same the world would be pretty boring.

I think the Bronco Sport is great. It seems pretty popular. Ford is probably selling a lot of them. I am pleased for all the Sport owners who feel the way I do about the Bronco. In the end it is just a truck. It is nice to feel a connection to a vehicle though. I know it well and it generally has been with an on or off road motorcycle. Now the new adventure with a true off road truck has begun. We are some lucky people to live free and drive these awesome vehicles Ford has produced. Be it a Bronco Sport or the Bronco, if you have that warm feeing deep in your heart than you can't go wrong with either.
I agree. As I said before. This is my first Ford. I was a GM, Toyota guy. When I saw the Broncos, I was sold on both. Love them. Not a Jeep guy. I flipped over in one when I was 16, and have the scar on my head to prove it. So, what do I do? Join the Army and drive Jeeps until they got the Hummers. Go figure! ๐Ÿ˜†
Sightseer 2.0, Deano Bronc
Moderator Staff member

Melissa Clark

May 23, 2023

#55
the bronco sport isn't bad, but it is basically that one person in a group of friends that is the least attractive of them all. It's ok that that they are in the group, but they know their place.
Or like that little sister that wants to do everything the bigger kids do and then annoyingly she usually does it.
cmiller81, Bluestreak57

Rank 0

May 23, 2023

#56
Since I own both a Bronco Basesquatch and an Escape Titanium AWD I thought I would chime in. Price aside, the Escape's ability in snow is nothing short of amazing. We went to Mammoth in deep snow and ice a few years ago and that thing was literally unstoppable. The traction control, AWD, and Anti lock brakes worked flawlessly. We felt almost like we weren't even driving on ice and snow. That said, if the Bronco Sport is as good as our Escape then it must be pretty damn good, aside obviously from ground clearance, small tires etc. We live at 3500' where snow occurs every year, not tons, but its the ice that is sketchy. I know we will get home in the Escape no problems, very confidence inspiring.
Also have an Escape Titanium AWD and it does NOT handle that well in Canada, with our winters especially. MAYBE coming into the season and coming out of it yeah, but no I have been in the ditch more with this vehicle than any other I have owned, and that says ALOT.
Hoping to land a BS soon, but finding the right trim for me is going to be the hard decision.
Bluestreak57, Darrel

Rank V

May 23, 2023

#57
Also have an Escape Titanium AWD and it does NOT handle that well in Canada, with our winters especially. MAYBE coming into the season and coming out of it yeah, but no I have been in the ditch more with this vehicle than any other I have owned, and that says ALOT.
Hoping to land a BS soon, but finding the right trim for me is going to be the hard decision.
I just use Google maps and type in ford and literally just look at all the dealers in a 6 hour radius. Took me a while to find a 2 door bronco for msrp. Something will pop up. Just bookmark the dealers that aren't ripping people off and check back with them every now and then or check on sites like carvana
Darrel, Melissa Clark

Rank 0

May 23, 2023

#58
Yeah miller, ive been doing the same thing, but no one seems to have what im looking for in my area, and I'm not sure that I want to travel to pick up if I do find one I want.

Rank IV

May 23, 2023

#59
If a Sport looked like this I would buy it in a heartbeat.
But it doesnโ€™t.

10K_Vet

You must log in or register to post here.