both cases this PTU can transfer anywhere
from zero to 50 percent of available torque
to the rear and can disengage for efficiency
during freeway cruising.
Naturally, there are selectable drive
modes, with all Bronco Sports getting
Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand
settings (select that last one for max drifty
fun in the dirt). Badlands models add
two more off-road settings: Rock Crawl
and Mud and Ruts—each with dedicated
brake calibrations to ensure the stability
nannies never prevent forward progress.
These are Ford’s newly trademarked
G.O.A.T. modes (as in, Go Over Any
Terrain). As in the big Bronco, engaging
these modes activates infotainment
screen displays showing differential
status, tire pressures, or camera views
that can help negotiate tricky trails (at
speeds under 15 mph). Trail Control
provides off-road “cruise control” (on
hill descents and ascents) at speeds up to
20 mph. The versions we inspected even
featured a full-size spare tire. Speaking of
tires, they all have sizable sidewalls. Base
vehicles get 17-inch alloy rims wrapped in
225/65R17s. Options include 235/65R17s
and, on 1.5-liter models, 225/60R18 with
the skinniest available sidewalls.All this supports a greater Bronco Sport
narrative of being “adventure ready.”
It’s a vehicle you can comfortably andaffordably commute in Monday through
Friday before hitting the mountains, bike
trails, and campsites on the weekend.
But it’s more than drivability; Ford
worked hard on packaging. Beefy standard
roof rails run nearly the length of the roof
and provide ample attachment points.
The liftgate glass can be opened sepa-
rately to allow room for longer items The
grocery bag hooks feature spring-loaded
retainers to keep items from slipping off.
The cargo area floor can be positioned
level with the bumper or at a higher level,
secreting items below while putting other
items within reach of the open rear glass.
It can also divide the cargo area vertically.
Also, the entire floor and rear seat back
surfaces can be covered with the same
hose-off rubber material that covers the
floor of all but the most basic Bronco
Sport (which get carpeting).
Available accessories will include
rooftop camping tents or a bar to which
you can secure the forks of two mountain
bikes at the back of the cargo area, with
their rear wheels aimed between the
seats. There’s a roll-out table surface
that emerges over the rear bumper and
can support 50 pounds. Two bright,
aimable spotlights on the liftgate serve to
illuminate this table or the area behind
the vehicle. The cargo area features both
a 12-volt socket and a 400-watt, 110-volt
plug for powering compressors, small TVs,
and the like. There’s even a bottle opener
inside the rear hatch.
And as with the big Bronco, there are
Molle system straps mounted to the2021 Ford Bronco Sport
PRICE $27,000-$35,000 (est)LAYOUT Front-engine, AW5-pass, 4-door SUVD,ENGINES 1.5L/180-hp/175-lb-ft
turbo DOHC 12-valve I-3;
2.0L/245-hp/270-lb-ft
turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4
TRANSMISSION 8-speed auto
CURB WEIGHT 3,500-3,650 lb (est)
WHEELBASE 105.1 in
L X W X H 172.7 x 74.3 x 67.9-69.1 in
0-60 MPH 7.0-8.5 sec (MT est)
EPA FUEL ECON Not yet rated
ON SALE December 2020