2022 Ford Bronco Sport

Overview

The 2022 Ford Bronco Sport is one of the better compact crossovers for mixing urban living and outdoorsy weekend adventures, earning it a spot on our Editors' Choice list. Styled like a baby version of the full-size Ford Bronco—itself is a retro rendition of classic Broncos—the smaller Sport attracts attention. Its truck-like shape pays dividends inside where headroom and cargo space are generous. While the cabin is marred by some unattractive materials, and its back seat isn't very big, the incorporation of useful features such as hidden storage compartments and a slide-out workbench are unique touches. All-wheel drive is standard, but the potent turbo-four engine is reserved for the top-of-the-line Badlands trim—a legit off-road rival to the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. The standard three-cylinder engine is pokier but it's way more fuel-efficient, too. The big-brother Bronco has greater capabilities, but the 2022 Bronco Sport is more than just a superficial spin-off.

What's New for 2022?

One model year after its introduction, Ford isn't making any significant changes to the 2022 Bronco Sport lineup, and that’s okay by us.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Although the Badlands is the most expensive model, it's also the most capable off-road. Along with a 245-hp turbo-four engine—the more potent of the two available powerplants— and an enhanced all-wheel-drive system, the Badlands has a lifted suspension and upgraded dampers for tackling rugged terrain.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Bronco Sport rides on the same platform that underpins the compact Escape crossover, and every model has all-wheel drive. A 181-hp, turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder is the base engine, but a 245-hp turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder is also available. Both pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but the more powerful engine brings steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and upgraded cooling components. The Bronco Sport can also tow between 2000 and 2200 pounds. The top-tier Badlands trim level packs an assortment of exclusive equipment, including a twin-clutch rear-drive unit with a differential lock. It also has all-terrain tires mounted on 17-inch wheels, a 1.0-inch suspension lift for added ground clearance, and stouter shock absorbers. We've driven a Bronco Sport Badlands and noted its hefty steering and firm ride that made it feel truck-like, but not particularly smooth and steady on the highway. Its off-road abilities also exceeded expectations, but just remember that it still has limitations before you try to tackle the Rubicon Trail.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The three-cylinder Bronco Sport is rated at 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Stepping up to the more powerful four-cylinder version drops those figures to 21 mpg city and 26 highway. We ran one with the smaller engine on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and it returned an impressive 33 mpg highway. For more information about the Bronco Sport’s fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the Bronco Sport boasts an attractive design and a plethora of popular features. The little ute also has an impressive amount of space and several neat innovations. While its wheelbase is shorter than the Escape, the baby Bronco has an upright seating position and a decent amount of rear-seat legroom. Likewise, its roofline rises in the rear, providing additional headroom and enough cargo volume to fit two mountain bikes. The cargo hold can also be outfitted with a slide-out table that doubles as a workspace, a 400-watt power inverter, and LED lights built into the inside of the rear gate that provides overhead lighting. The rear gate features a glass hatch and a built-in bottle opener. The Badlands model comes with washable, rubberized flooring and upholstery that is easy to clean, but the floor material looks unsightly. Another neat trick is the storage bin that's located under their back seats.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Every Bronco Sport features an 8.0-inch touchscreen that supports Ford's Sync 3 software. It comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it can be upgraded with SiriusXM satellite radio and a B&O audio system. In addition to touch-sensitive controls and voice commands, the infotainment interface can be operated with hard buttons as well as a volume and tuning knob.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Bronco Sport comes with a host of driver-assistance technology that includes standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. For more information about the Bronco Sport’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Ford provides a competitive limited and powertrain warranty that aligns with most of its rivals. However, it lacks the complimentary maintenance that some competitors provide.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs