The 2022 Bronco Sport and Bronco may look similar, but these Ford SUVs were actually built for totally different kinds of drivers. Let’s take a closer look.
What’s the difference between the 2022 Bronco Sport and Bronco?
The first thing you’ll notice about these Ford SUVs is that they look very much alike. Both feature the Bronco’s iconic good looks, with chiseled lines, round LED headlamps, and an expansive grille. However, under this handsome styling, the Bronco Sport and Bronco are pretty different.
The Ford Bronco Sport is a compact crossover that’s actually based on the same chassis as the Ford Escape. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it a trail-friendly contender. However, it’s also a comfy daily driver, with a smooth-riding suspension, at least compared to the Bronco.
The Ford Bronco, on the other hand, is a midsize SUV designed specifically for off-road travel. Properly equipped, this SUV can go just about anywhere. There’s even a new model, known as the Bronco Everglades, designed specifically for off-roading through swamps. It comes standard with a snorkel and can ford up to three feet of water. And, unlike the Bronco Sport, the Bronco is a convertible, helping you get closer to nature with a removable roof and doors.
Which powertrains are available for the 2022 Bronco Sport vs Bronco?
The Bronco Sport isn’t quite as powerful as the extra-rugged Bronco. However, it’s much more efficient, giving you up to 26 mpg combined (25 city/28 highway).
Bronco Sport powertrain options:
- 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder engine with auto start-stop technology (181 hp, 190 lb-ft)
- 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 277 lb-ft) (Badlands models only)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- 4x4 all-wheel drive
The Bronco was built for powering through the wilderness, and its engine options help you achieve your off-road goals. It’s not quite as efficient as the Bronco Sport, however, earning 20 mpg combined (20/21 mpg) in its thriftiest form.
Bronco powertrain options:
- Standard 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 325 lb-ft of torque)
- Optional 2.7L EcoBoost V6 (330 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- Standard Seven-speed manual transmission
- Optional 10-speed automatic transmission
- 4x4 with part-time selectable engagement
Which off-road features are available for the Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Bronco?
Both the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport and Bronco were built for adventure. However, the midsize Bronco has more potential for adventure, with an increasingly rugged lineup to help you deal with tougher terrain. For example, you can equip your Bronco with electronic locking front and rear differentials, helping you maintain traction even if one wheel launches into the air. Available Bilstein shock absorbers help you sustain serious blows to your suspension.
Bronco:
- 4x4 with part-time selectable engagement
- Trail Control
- Trail Turn Assist
- Hill start assist
- Reverse Sensing System
- Terrain Management System with G.O.A.T. Modes
The Bronco Sport is built more for light trails. Every trim model comes standard with all-wheel drive, so you should be able to get around well-trod camping grounds and sandy beach paths without an issue. The Bronco Sport Badlands trim model comes standard with a few extra features to help you navigate through the elements, including off-road-tuned suspension and Ford’s Trail Control, a low-speed cruise control system that lets you focus on steering out of a tight spot.
Bronco Sport:
- 4x4 all-wheel drive
- Advanced 4x4 with twin-clutch rear drive unit (Badlands)
- Off-road suspension (Badlands)
- Ford Trail Control (Badlands)
Which comfort and convenience features are available for these SUVs?
When it comes to features, you’ll see a lot of overlap between the 2022 Bronco Sport and Bronco. For example, both SUVs come standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety aids, helping you avoid danger with frontal collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. And both models come standard with cloth seating and power accessories. Then, as you climb each SUV’s respective trim models, you’ll find more luxurious features, such as heated seats and leather upholstery.
There’s one big difference between these Ford models, and that’s their infotainment system. The Bronco comes with the new SYNC 4 system, with its wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features and available 12-inch touchscreen. The Bronco Sport has yet to upgrade to the new system, instead offering the SYNC 3 system. It includes an 8-inch touchscreen and the wired versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Choose Your Bronco
The 2022 Ford Bronco Sport is a great everyday driver, providing you and your loved ones with a smooth commute and a comfy cabin. It’s also a little less expensive than the midsize Bronco, potentially giving you a lower monthly payment. The Bronco Sport may not be as rugged as the Bronco, but it’s still up for a little off-road adventure. A great mix of both worlds.
With the 2022 Ford Bronco, you’re getting all-out off-road performance. It’s the right SUV for drivers who want to truly take on the wilderness, whether that means climbing a mountain or mucking through a swamp. It’s definitely the one for adventure seekers.
Sources:
https://www.edmunds.com/ford/bronco-sport/
https://www.edmunds.com/ford/bronco/