Between the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and Bronco, the odds are good that one of these SUVs is much more your style than the other! But if you’re unclear on how these trail-friendly models differ, we’re here to help. By the end of our companion guide, you’ll know which is right for you — Ford’s sporty compact crossover or its extra-rugged midsize SUV.
Key Takeaways
- Looking for the best deal on a sporty SUV? Check out the compact Bronco Sport!
- The Bronco Sport comes standard with more tech features, but only the full-size Bronco features a removable roof and doors.
- The bigger Bronco enhances performance with stronger engine options and rugged four-wheel drive. The compact Bronco Sport takes on the trail with turbocharged power and all-wheel drive!
- Both models are up for adventure, but the truck-like Bronco can handle wilder terrain than the unibody Bronco Sport.
Starting Price
The compact Bronco Sport starts at a very budget-friendly price: $30,995*. Meanwhile, the midsize Bronco delivers an increasingly rugged performance, starting at $38,995*. Each model’s price is competitive in its own segment, giving you a great deal on either a small but sporty performance (with the Bronco Sport) or a muscular, four-wheel-drive adventure (with the bigger, truck-based Bronco).
*Price as of 6/5/25.
Modern Features
When it comes to features, what's the difference between Bronco and Bronco Sport? Since both SUVs are produced by the same automaker, they have a lot of features in common. However, they differ when it comes to availability.
While the Bronco Sport starts at the best price, it also comes standard with the longest list of convenience features. Around town, items from the standard Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package — including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning — help you stay out of trouble. Automatic climate control helps beat the summer heat, and the rear liftgate’s flip-up rear window makes it easy to reach the contents of your cooler.
While the entry-level Bronco is a bit more basic, it does include some trail-friendly driving aids. Plus, the extra-rugged Bronco is also the only one of the pair that features a removable roof (soft or hardtop) and doors. The standard Trail Turn Assist system is basically a low-speed cruise control system, helping you focus on steering through troublesome terrain. Around town, the automatic emergency braking system helps you avoid an accident.
Then again, these SUVs have quite a few tech features in common, including a digital instrument panel, SYNC 4 infotainment, and a user-friendly touchscreen (13.2 inches in the Bronco Sport and 12 inches in the Bronco). And as you move up each SUV’s list of trim models, you’ll find similar upgrades available, such as a premium B&O audio system and heated front seats!
Powertrain Options
Most Bronco Sport trim models come standard with a punchy EcoBoost engine, helping you enjoy both a sporty ride and reasonable fuel economy (up to 27 mpg combined (25 city/30 highway)). The Badlands trim model, which is a little more rugged than the rest, comes with an extra-powerful turbocharged engine. Every Bronco Sport includes all-wheel drive, performance gear that comes in handy on both off-road trails and icy Michigan highways! If you do a lot of commuting into Detroit or Lansing, you’ll appreciate how well this SUV balances rugged capabilities with a comfortable highway performance.
2025 Ford Bronco Sport Powertrain Specs
- Big Bend, Heritage, Free Wheeling, Outer Banks: Turbocharged 1.5L three-cylinder engine (181 hp, 190 lb-ft of torque)
- Badlands: Turbo 2.0L four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 277 lb-ft) (Badlands only)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive
The Bronco is both bigger and stronger, offering your choice of three engine options (depending on trim model). Because this SUV is tuned for a very rugged performance, it doesn’t feel quite as smooth the Bronco Sport. But that’s not to say it doesn’t do a good job balancing rugged performance with everyday comfort! An independent front suspension helps the Bronco deliver a comfier ride than competitors like the Jeep Wrangler.
2025 Ford Bronco Powertrain Specs
- Standard 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 325 lb-ft of torque)
- Optional 2.7L turbo V6 (330 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- Raptor-specific 3.0L turbo V6 (418 horsepower, 440 lb-ft of torque)
- Seven-speed manual transmission
- Optional 10-speed automatic transmission
- Four-wheel drive
Off-Road Performance
As we mentioned, every Bronco Sport comes standard with all-wheel drive, traction-boosting gear that helps you maintain control on sandy off-road trails and icy pavement alike. The Bronco Sport Badlands trim model takes rugged performance to the next level, featuring upgrades like all-terrain tires and enhanced four-wheel drive. Plus, adventurous drivers can now add the Sasquatch package (available for the Badlands and Outer Banks) for an extra-impressive trail performance!
For those who want to venture deep into Michigan’s off-road terrain, the rugged, body-on-frame Bronco is the ultimate choice! Depending on which trim model you select, there are three muscular engine options available, all of which produce more power than the smaller Bronco Sport can manage. The Bronco also comes loaded with more performance features, including true four-wheel drive and a terrain management system with six G.O.A.T. Modes. Better still, the Bronco is available with a variety of suspension upgrades, including a few (HOSS 3.0 and HOSS 4.0) that let you hit the trail at high speeds!
Your New SUV
Which Ford SUV makes the most sense for you? For Michigan drivers who hit the highway more often than the trail, the smaller Bronco Sport is an excellent choice. But if you’d rather venture deep into the wild, the stronger, more capable Bronco offers the performance upgrades you need to get there. Ready for your next adventure? Visit us at Lunghamer Ford in Owosso, Michigan to test-drive either SUV!