Ford Bronco vs. Bronco Sport: A Comparison

• The Ford Bronco offers robust off-road capabilities with body-on-frame construction, higher towing capacity, and powerful engine options, suitable for adventure seekers.
• The Ford Bronco Sport, with its unibody construction, is more fuel-efficient and affordable, designed for city streets and light off-roading.
• While the Bronco is ideal for those seeking rugged performance and off-road adventures, the Bronco Sport caters to daily drivers looking for versatility and efficiency.

Park the Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport next to one another, and you can start to see the main differences between the two. Below is a table of the key differences summarized:  

Untangling how the Bronco and Bronco Sport differ requires a look into how the two perform in various areas. Read on to learn more about how the Ford Bronco Sport and Bronco compare.  

The 2024 Ford Bronco has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $39,130 for the Big Bend model. Additional trim levels and pricing include: 

• Black Diamond: $42,830
• Outer Banks: $47,940
• Badlands: $49,595
• Heritage Edition: $48,055
• Wildtrak: $60,225
• Everglades: $55,720
• Heritage Limited Edition: $69,685
• Raptor: $90,035

The 2024 Bronco Sport crossover starts at a much lower MSRP of $31,230 for the Big Bend trim. The Heritage model starts at $33,700, while the Free Wheeling model is $30 more. Choose the Outer Banks model for $35,915 or the Badlands variant for $38,390. Even at its highest price, the Bronco Sport comprises roughly a third to one-half the price of a Bronco Raptor. 

The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport features a 105.1-inch wheelbase and seats up to five passengers. This two-row SUV stands just over 70 inches tall from the factory and measures nearly 173 inches in length. At its widest, the Bronco Sport measures 82.2 inches. 

In contrast, the 2024 Ford Bronco can seat four or five people, depending on the configuration. Two-door models can seat four people, while four-door models make room for one more. Wheelbase measurements are 100.4 inches for the two-door and 116.1 inches for the four-door variant. At its widest, the Bronco measures 86.9 inches, with a maximum height of 78.7 inches and a maximum length of 198.9 inches. 

The Bronco Sport incorporates several desirable interior features for off-roaders, from a power moonroof to durable materials throughout the cabin. Select models incorporate storage beneath the second-row seats, and an optional camp table makes overlanding even more possible. The Bronco Sport offers up to 32.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, with over 50 inches of legroom behind the first row. 

The Bronco also features an off-road-ready interior with a drain plug beneath rubberized floormats. Tactical grab handles and an integrated MOLLE system also equip the Bronco with even more features adventurous customers are looking for. Two-door Bronco models feature up to 52.3 inches of cargo capacity with the second-row seats folded. Four-door variants extend that to 83 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded. 

Despite sharing the same nameplate, the Bronco and Bronco Sport almost resemble two different platforms. The Bronco Sport features a floating roofline, hard top, and a smaller footprint than the larger Bronco. Available in two-door and four-door versions with a hard or soft top, the Bronco resembles Ford’s take on the iconic Jeep styling of the Wrangler. If there were a Jeep equivalent of the Bronco Sport, the Renegade and Compass come to mind. 

Regarding towing capacity, the Bronco wins out by over 1,000 pounds. When properly equipped, the Ford Bronco can tow up to 4,500 pounds. Most trims on the Bronco Sport can handle up to 2,000 pounds, but installing the Class II Trailer Tow Package on the Bronco Sport Badlands model will earn you an extra 200 pounds of towing capability. Note that both models can be equipped with locking differentials, though the Bronco offers more ground clearance.  

Turbocharged EcoBoost engines power the Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport. The Bronco Sport calls upon a 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter Ecoboost to power it forward. The smaller engine achieves 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, while the larger displacement engine puts 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque to the wheels. 

Alternatively, the Ford Bronco uses a 2.3-liter, 2.7-liter, or 3.0-liter turbo EcoBoost powerplant. The smallest engine makes 275 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. In the middle of the pack, the 2.7-liter engine puts out 315 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.0-liter powerplant tops out at 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. 

Below are the fuel efficiency ratings for the 2023 Ford Bronco and 2024 Ford Bronco Sport:

*These figures represent the fuel-efficiency ratings for the base model. Higher trims decrease fuel efficiency based on chosen features.  

Four-wheel drive (4WD) makes the Bronco and Bronco Sport off-road capable but somewhat impacts fuel efficiency. Turbocharged engines can also increase efficiency if you keep your foot out of it. 

Comparing the Toyota Tundra versus the Ram 1500 mirrors the differences between the Ford Bronco Sport and Bronco regarding technology and safety features. Like the Tundra, the Bronco Sport SUVs offer their fair share of features. However, the wealth of trims and corresponding features on the Ram 1500 and Bronco offer seemingly endless customization. 

For instance, the Ford Bronco lets drivers choose from several off-road-oriented G.O.A.T. modes and upgrades. SYNC 4 capability incorporates SiriusXM capabilities, voice recognition, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Bronco Trail App and the available 360-degree camera also make trekking around with the Bronco a breeze. 

In contrast, the Bronco Sport remains on the SYNC 3 version of the infotainment system, albeit with an available wireless charging pad. The Bang & Olufsen sound system also brings a premium sound profile to the interior. Where the Bronco Sport—and Bronco—shine, however, is in the standard safety features. 

Available safety features on the Ford Bronco include Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, a Rear View Camera with Backup Assist, and Auto High-Beam Headlamps. Hill Descent Control also adds to the Bronco’s off-road capabilities. The Bronco Sport shares some of these standard safety features, including available Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Centering, Evasive Steering Assist, a Lane Keeping System, and a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert. 

The IIHS ranks the 2024 Bronco and Bronco Sport “Good” in all categories. Although the 2024 two-door and four-door Bronco versions have yet to be tested by the NHTSA, the 2024 Bronco Sport earns a five-out-of-five-star overall safety rating.

The Ford Bronco resonates with many off-road enthusiasts looking for a revision of the once-popular nameplate. The Bronco represents the Blue Oval’s take on trekking across the wilderness and brings a sense of innovation to the brand. Buyers looking for a larger SUV that can take it off the beaten path often choose the Bronco over the smaller, less-optioned Bronco Sport. 

Off-roading can be an expensive pastime, especially with a larger vehicle. The Bronco Sport offers a valuable middle-of-the-road option for those looking to up their off-road game without diving all-in. Those tired of the looks and features of the Ford Escape and Edge may also enjoy the fresh look the Bronco Sport brings to the Ford lineup.