When Ford revived the Bronco nameplate back in 2021, the automaker decided to split the lineup into two distinct models, the Bronco and the Bronco Sport. While the bigger Bronco is designed to be tough enough to handle serious off-roading, the Bronco Sport is a more refined option that can still handle off-roading, especially if you opt for the more rugged trim levels, but is a more entry-level option, with a comfortable interior and a smooth ride on paved roads.
The original Bronco was released in 1966, and plenty of Ford fans are nostalgic for its classic styling. It’s no wonder that Ford debuted the Heritage Edition and Heritage Limited Edition for the 2023 Bronco and Bronco Sport. These trims have plenty of useful features, as well as unique styling touches like pastel exterior paint colors, white accents, and plaid seating. The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport is also available with a Heritage trim, but a new trim with a whole different aesthetic has also been added to the lineup.
The Bronco Sport Free Wheeling special edition is also inspired by the looks of the retro Bronco. But while the Heritage is based on the first generation that was introduced in the 60s, the Free Wheeling has moved on to the second generation and the groovy colors of the 70s. While the Heritage is available on the bigger Bronco as well, the Free Wheeling trim is exclusive to the Bronco Sport. If you’re interested in getting an SUV with a unique look, then buckle up and let’s take a look at what this new trim level has to offer.
Inspiration
The new trim takes its name from the Free Wheeling package, which was offered on several Ford vehicles in the late 1970s, including the F-100 and F-150, the Econoline van, and of course the Bronco. The package has a limited run, making it appealing to collectors and enthusiasts. It transformed the look of the vehicles it was available on inside and out, with red, orange, and yellow graphics plus painted steel wheels and black grilles, mirrors, and bumpers on the exterior and red and orange pinstriping on the seats and dashboard to give the interior a similar vibe. It’s clear that Ford has brought the spirit of the original Free Wheeling package into the modern age with the new Bronco Sport trim.
Exterior Style
Where the Heritage trim features white accents and muted pastel exterior paint colors, the Free Wheeling trim has black accents that pair with bold graphics in true 1970s style. Thick stripes use shades of red, orange, and yellow to invoke the look of a sunset in bold colors designed to be iconic and eye-catching. These reflective graphics appear on the sides of the body as well as on the hood, so they can be seen from multiple angles. Ebony wheels with Race Red accents tie in with the color scheme, giving the vehicle’s exterior a cohesive look.
The front face and liftgate both feature two-toned badging that gives the name “Bronco Sport” more complexity, reflecting the multi-colored graphics in a more subtle way. The silver-painted grille is bright enough to catch the light, which should blend especially nicely into the SUV’s look if it’s facing west while the sun is setting. The Shadow Black roof is the yin to the Heritage’s Oxford White roof, providing a dark background that helps make the bright graphics pop.
Interior Style
The look continues as you step inside the cabin. Most of the surfaces in the interior are Black Onyx or Dark Space Grey, creating a dark background that makes the splashes of bold color throughout stand out. The same pattern of stripes that gives the exterior its distinctive appearance is present on the seats, surrounded by black cloth that features ombre stitching in the same range of sunset colors. The ombre stitching is also used in other places throughout the cabin, like the lid of the center console storage and the door trim. The doors also have Race Red C-channels that are matched by red trim on the dashboard.
Standard Features
The Free Wheeling trim is slotted between the Heritage model and the rugged Outer Banks trim on the Bronco Sport’s lineup. It is essentially the quite capable Big Bend trim with an additional appearance package. Every 2024 Bronco Sport Free Wheeling comes standard with features like selectable G.O.A.T. (Go Over Any Terrain) modes, which let you change the vehicle’s settings from normal to Eco for optimal fuel economy, Sport for thrilling driving dynamics, Slippery for wet or icy surfaces, or Sand for desert terrain. Two adjustable floodlights and a bottle opener, both located in the rear liftgate, also come standard, giving the SUV extra utility at a campsite, since it can provide light and help you pop open any beverages you might have thrown in the cooler for your trip.
Inside, the model features a climate control system that has automatic temperature control and a separate duct for back seat passengers. Push-button start means you don’t have to dig your key fob out of your pocket in order to get going. The Bronco Sport uses Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, with an eight-inch LCD touchscreen in the dashboard that has swipe capability, as well as a voice recognition system for hands-free commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are both included for smartphone connectivity.
The Free Wheeling offers several standard driver assistance features. These include pre-collision assist, automatic emergency braking, blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, and a lane-keeping system. A rear view camera, automatic high-beam headlights, and a roll stability control system also come standard.
Available Packages
In addition to the standard array of features, there are several additional packages you can add. With the Class II Trailer Tow Package, the Bronco Sport Free Wheeling can tow up to 2,000 lbs. The Ford Co-Pilot 360 Assist+ Package adds more features to the driver assistance suite, like evasive steering assist, a voice-activated built-in navigation system with pinch-to-zoom capability, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering, and speed sign recognition. Rounding out the list, the Convenience Package upgrades the manually-adjustable driver’s seat to an eight-way power-adjustable version that includes power lumbar support and adds heated front seats, LED fog lamps, a wireless charging pad, rear parking sensors, and a universal garage door opener.
A Retro Look for a Modern SUV
In a market where there are so many SUVs that share similar shapes, styling features, and paint color options, the Bronco Sport is working hard to appeal to drivers who want a vehicle that has a unique personality. Its boxy shape already makes its silhouette stand out from the crowd, and the addition of the Heritage model for the 2023 model year gave Ford fans some nostalgic new colors and accents to play around with. Since the tribute was marketed as a special edition, it would have been easy for Ford to roll out a single round of funky Broncos and be done with it. The unique look was a hit, though, because Ford seems to be fully embracing the concept.
The 2024 model not only continues to offer the Heritage model, but also adds the distinct 70s styling of the new Free Wheeling edition. This gives drivers two different unique aesthetics to choose from, each with its own exclusive flavor with bold touches inside and out. If they both do well and the trend continues, we look forward to seeing an 80s-inspired Bronco Sport down the road.
