Bronco, like Mustang, is a hallowed nameplate among Ford aficionados. After a quarter-century hiatus, Ford has reintroduced the Bronco and, additionally, Bronco Sport SUVs for model year 2021.
Despite having similar names, the two vehicles are unrelated. While the Bronco is a Michigan-made, body-on-frame, midsize vehicle, the Bronco Sport is a Mexico-built, unibody, compact SUV based on the Ford Escape platform. But both have rugged good looks that beckon the great outdoors.
Even the base model Sport, with a 3-cylinder engine, comes with AWD and a knob that lets the driver choose between modes such as Sand and Slippery. The Badlands trim level—with higher ground clearance, all-terrain tires, a more sophisticated AWD system, and a 4-cylinder engine—is a capable rock-crawler.
Though it favors premium fuel for best performance, the Sport’s 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is smooth and quiet while giving zippy acceleration. The Sport rides rather hard, and its steering is light but accurate. Every Sport comes with a generous suite of advanced safety features. A 2,200-pound tow capacity is chintzy, but the cargo area can hold a pair of mountain bikes upright.
