The Bronco Sport is well known as an adventure vehicle. It allows you access to the back country and dominates its class in off-road terrains, but it still functions as a great all-around daily driver and fuel economy is an added plus.
Now that Ford has introduced the 2025 Bronco Sport, there have been several upgrades and changes beyond just the introduction of the Sasquatch package. One of the most obvious noted differences you see, as soon as you look in the car, is the center touchscreen.
Screen Size: A Bigger Display
2021–2024 Models
The 2021–2024 Bronco Sport models are equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen as standard across most trims. This screen featured Ford’s SYNC 3 system, which offered a relatively simple interface for accessing navigation, audio, and climate controls.
While being somewhat intuitive, the size of the display limited its capabilities, and some owners complained that it was much smaller compared to other vehicles.
2025 Model
For 2025, Ford has significantly upgraded the Bronco Sport’s touchscreen, offering a larger 12.3-inch display in most trims, including the Badlands and Sasquatch editions. This new touchscreen runs Ford’s SYNC 4A software, which claims to bring a sleeker design with faster response times, and enhanced functionality.
The increased screen size allows for split-screen functionality, enabling drivers to view navigation and other settings simultaneously without constant toggling.
Repositioning of Controls Due for Larger Screen
The 2025 screen is much wider, so some redesign was necessary. The vents have now been moved from the side of the touchscreen to below it, eliminating a control cluster that was primarily used for the audio system but also included the auto start/stop, emergency flashers, and camera on/off buttons.
The small, recessed storage tray below the screen has also been removed and the engine ignition and stop has been relocated to the spot that was used to adjust the fan output. Since almost all the climate control has been moved to the touchscreen on the 2025, that cluster was maintained and now has the essential buttons that remain.
Buttons to Touchscreen
2021–2024 Models
In earlier models, the Sport relied more heavily on physical buttons and digital controls were reserved for more optional functions like the audio controls and navigation, which can be adjusted when the vehicle is at a stop. Essential functions like climate adjustments and audio controls were accessible via tactile knobs and buttons.
This design worked well for drivers who preferred the tactile feedback of physical controls, especially useful in off-road situations where gloves might be worn and to reduce visual distractions needed to confirm a touchscreen action has been activated.
2025 Model
The 2025 Bronco Sport has leaned heavily into a digital-first approach. Many of those physical, tactile controls have moved into the touchscreen menu, including:
- Climate Control: Other than the Max defrost button, all climate control functions, including fan direction and air distribution are now within the touchscreen interface.
- Sound Settings: The power and volume control remains a tactile dial but everything else related to the sound system including audio source, fast forward, rewind, and search are all on the screen.
- Seat and Steering Wheel Heating: These controls are now exclusively digital in most trims and a little tricky to adjust because they are a sliding function compared to the three lights and button.
While the move toward touchscreen-based controls streamlines the dashboard’s appearance, it does require a learning curve for drivers transitioning from older models. Figure out how to make the adjustments before operating the vehicle.
Menu Differences: SYNC 3 vs. SYNC 4A
2021–2024 Models
The SYNC 3 system provided a user-friendly interface with straightforward menus and minimal customization options. Features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available but required a wired connection. The home screen layout was static, showing three primary panes for navigation, audio, and phone.
2025 Model
The SYNC 4A system in the 2025 Bronco Sport introduces several enhancements:
- Wireless Connectivity: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now wireless, freeing up USB ports for other uses. The CarPlay seems to connect easier and more reliably in the 2025 compared to earlier models.
- Customizable Layouts: The new touchscreen allows users to customize the home screen, prioritizing frequently used apps and features.
- Voice Commands: An improved natural-language processing system allows drivers to control more functions via voice, minimizing the need to navigate menus manually.
User Experience
While the 2025 Bronco Sport’s larger touchscreen and advanced software represent a significant step forward, the migration of some physical controls to the digital interface may divide opinion. Off-road enthusiasts accustomed to physical knobs and buttons may find the touchscreen controls less practical in bumpy conditions.
However, the inclusion of a customizable home screen and dedicated off-road menus helps bridge the gap by offering quick access to critical functions.
Drivers of the 2025 model will also appreciate the larger screen’s improved readability and the SYNC 4A system’s quicker responses, making it easier to navigate menus on the go. That said, those upgrading from the 2021–2024 models will need some time to adjust to the absence of familiar buttons and knobs.
Conclusion
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport raises the bar for in-cabin technology, with its larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and the feature-rich SYNC 4A system. While some may miss the physical controls found in earlier models, the enhanced functionality and sleek design of the 2025 touchscreen as well as the enhanced camera views make the larger screen hard to resist.
For those considering an upgrade, the shift toward a more digital experience may be well worth the trade-offs.
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