Jon Bon Jovi famously sang It’s My Life, a call to do things your own way. With vehicles, each driver has his or her own needs. However, the key is to get the vehicle that lets you live your own life. Some drivers want a vehicle for their commute, so they focus on fuel economy. Other drivers are looking for adventure, so they want a vehicle that pushes the limits, whether a high performance sports car for highway driving or a four-wheel drive SUV for off-roading. But what do you do if you want a little of both? What if you want a vehicle that delivers solid road performance and fuel economy for your daily commute, while also giving you the ability to hit the trail for some weekend fun in the sun?
Fortunately, Ford has the answer to this question. The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is a rare vehicle that can handle your regular day-to-day tasks while also giving you the capabilities for off-roading and weekend adventures. This is because it is one of the only subcompact SUV models that comes with a standard 4X4 drivetrain and other standard features that make it off-road capable.
Where Did the Bronco Sport Come From?
In 2021, Ford unveiled its new Bronco SUV. This model was a major departure from the former models available under this name, which had been fairly standard SUVs built for highway driving. After a hiatus that ran from 1996, Ford decided to do something completely different. It brought the Bronco back as an off-road warrior, filled with standard features that made even the entry-level model ideal for adventure right off the lot.
However, this was not enough for Ford. The company decided to give drivers an added option beyond the two-door and four-door models of the standard Bronco. It also unveiled another all-new model, the Ford Bronco Sport. Built with the same off-road capabilities in mind, the Bronco Sport is like a smaller version of the Bronco, rough, rugged, and ready to get rolling across trails across America. Nevertheless, it had a key difference. While the Bronco Sport also comes with standard four-wheel-drive, its smaller size allows for better fuel economy and ease of handling. This makes it an ideal vehicle for people who need to drive a daily commute to work or school, and have in mind the need to save money on gas and have a vehicle that is easy to park.
Ready For Your Daily Commute
Ford has given drivers a choice when it comes to an engine on the 2023 Bronco Sport. The smaller engine is a 1.5L EcoBoost Turbo I-3, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine features auto stop-start technology to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It also features a dual overhead camshaft configuration (DOHC), with 12 valves for its three cylinders. The powertrain utilizes a combination of direct and port fuel injection to deliver up to 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, making the Bronco Sport equipped with this engine capable of towing up to 2,000 pounds. Every model of the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport features this engine except for the Badlands and Heritage Limited trims.
This larger engine is a 2.0L EcoBoost Turbo I-4. This also comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and features auto stop-start technology. However, it is a larger engine, so its DOHC configuration provides 16 valves for its four cylinders. This engine uses direct fuel injection only, and is capable of producing up to 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine increases the Bronco Sport’s towing capacity to 2,200 pounds.
Other than pricing, as the larger engine is only offered on the two highest priced trims, the key differences between the two engines relate to speed and fuel economy. As you might expect, the Bronco Sport with the 2.0L engine can go from 0-60 miles per hour in just 5.9 seconds, which is significantly faster than the 8.2 seconds it takes for the Bronco Sport with the 1.5L engine to achieve the same speed. Nevertheless, both engines have a top speed of 125 miles per hour. Still, if you have a need for speed, then the larger engine is for you.
When it comes to fuel economy, the 2023 Bronco Sport with the 1.5L engine predictably outperforms the 2.0L engine. For example, if you choose a Bronco Sport with the smaller engine, you will get an estimated 26 miles per gallon in combined fuel economy. Going with the larger engine reduces this figure to an estimated 23 miles per gallon. For a commuter on a budget, it may make sense to opt for the smaller engine.
There is one other difference between the two engines that might be surprising. The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport with the smaller engine actually offers more cargo space. The trunk in all models except for the Badlands and Heritage Limited has 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space. This expands to 65.2 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The Bronco Sport Badlands and Heritage have a little less trunk space, 29.4 cubic feet that can be increased to 60.6 cubic feet.
Ready For Your Weekend Off-Road Adventures
Before you hit the trail, you want to know that you have a vehicle that can handle whatever may come your way. If you are new to off-roading, then the 2023 Bronco Sport is the model for you. It comes with a standard four-wheel drive system, which reduces wheel slippage by delivering the right amount of horsepower to each wheel when on rough terrain. Assisting this is the standard AdvanceTrac traction assistance system. This features Roll Stability Control, which identifies dangerous driving conditions that could lead to the Bronco Sport rolling over, then engages the Electronic Stability Control to correct the situation, allowing you to maintain control over your Bronco Sport in difficult conditions.
The 2023 Bronco Sport also features a standard Safari-style roof. This provides extra height in the trunk, making it easier to stow things you might take out on the weekend like mountain bikes and tents. In addition, this roof is made of reinforced steel, allowing you to carry up to 150 pounds of cargo strapped to it, increasing the capabilities of the Bronco Sport.
Ford has also given the 2023 Bronco Sport 8.8 inches of ground clearance, allowing you to pass over most obstacles on or off the road. In addition, the standard suspension lift gives you improved approach, departure, and breakover angles, improving the Bronco Sport’s off-road abilities.
Models of the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport that feature the 1.5L engine ride on a set of all-season tires, which are perfect for drivers who want to get the most out of on-road driving during the week while still being able to ease into off-roading on the weekend. The Bronco Sport Badlands and Heritage Limited ride on all-terrain tires. These tires improve the off-roading capabilities, but also reduce fuel economy in highway driving. The Badlands and Heritage Limited models also have additional features like tow hooks and metal bash plates, which more experienced off-roaders can put to good use.
The Ford Bronco Sport Is Your Seven-Day Vehicle
It is rare to find a vehicle that excels at more than one thing. There are great commuter cars that seem cramped when using them for the whole family. There are off-road models that are fun on the weekend, but not a pleasant or efficient way to get around during the week. Fortunately, the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is a rare vehicle that is truly versatile. It will work well for your daily tasks, giving you exceptional fuel economy so you won’t worry driving to work, school, or your favorite stores. However, unlike most other subcompact SUVs, the Bronco Sport is capable of taking you on amazing weekend adventures as well. It is one of the only vehicles in its class that can give you everything you want on or off the road. With the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport, you can live your life, and say you did it your way.
