2026 Ford Bronco Sport Buyer Guide
Editorial illustration.
Quick take
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is a ruggedly styled small SUV with standard 4x4, turbocharged gasoline power, and a range spanning everyday 1.5L trims to the trail-focused Badlands. It is aimed at buyers who want compact dimensions with practical cargo space and genuine outdoor capability.
Best for
Drivers wanting standard 4x4, outdoor-friendly utility, and available light-trailer or trail capability in a compact SUV; choose Badlands for the strongest off-road hardware and towing.
At a glance
- Starting price: $31,845 for Big Bend; excludes destination/delivery, options, tax, title, registration, and other applicable charges.
- Body style: Five-passenger compact SUV
- Powertrain: Big Bend, Heritage, and Outer Banks: turbocharged 1.5L EcoBoost inline-three, 8-speed automatic, 4x4. Badlands: turbocharged 2.0L EcoBoost inline-four, 8-speed automatic with SelectShift paddle shifters, advanced 4x4 with twin-clutch rear drive unit.
- Output: 1.5L: 180 hp and 200 lb-ft; 2.0L Badlands: 250 hp and 280 lb-ft. Ford says ratings are based on premium fuel per SAE J1349; results may vary.
- Fuel economy or range: EPA estimates: regular 1.5L 4WD 25 city/30 highway/27 combined mpg; 1.5L Sasquatch 23/26/24 mpg; 2.0L 4WD 21/27/23 mpg. Varies by configuration and driving conditions.
- Seating: 5 passengers.
- Cargo and towing: 29.1–32.5 cu ft behind the second row and 60.2–65.2 cu ft maximum, depending on engine/Sasquatch configuration. With available Class II Trailer Tow Package, 1.5L Big Bend, Heritage, and Outer Banks models tow up to 2,200 lb; 2.0L Badlands is rated up to 2,700 lb.
Trims
- Big Bend
- Heritage
- Outer Banks
- Badlands
Why it stands out
- Standard 4x4 across the range, with advanced twin-clutch 4x4 and trail hardware on Badlands.
- Badlands pairs a 250-hp turbo four with standard Class II towing, 2,700-lb capacity, all-terrain tires, underbody protection, and recovery hooks.
- Useful compact-SUV cargo capacity, up to 32.5 cu ft behind the rear seats and 65.2 cu ft with seats folded in regular 1.5L configurations.
- 13.2-inch SYNC 4 center display and Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ are listed on the mainstream trims.
What to consider
- EPA combined economy ranges from 27 mpg with the regular 1.5L to 24 mpg with 1.5L Sasquatch and 23 mpg with the 2.0L.
- Cargo space decreases with more off-road-oriented configurations.
- The 2.0L advanced-4x4 Badlands starts $5,420 above Big Bend before options and fees.
- NHTSA's published 2026 selected-testing list does not include Bronco Sport; consult the detailed IIHS record for applicable test results rather than assuming a 2026 NHTSA star score.
Closest alternatives
- Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
- Jeep Compass Trailhawk
- Mazda CX-50
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Sources
Prices, ratings, incentives, and specifications can change. Verify the exact vehicle, window sticker, equipment, and transaction terms before purchase.