We might expect a modern motor vehicle packing a three-cylinder, 1.5-litre gas engine to be an underpowered and dreary bottom-feeder. (Many a motorcycle has a bigger engine.) But not so. Yes, the mini-motor is standard on the entry-level Bronco Sport Big Bend, but our next-step-up Free Wheeling version has the same engine, and it cruised easily at 75 MPH. Not only that, it also averaged nearly 31 miles per gallon overall. This is good fuel-efficiency for a non-hybrid four-wheel-drive, even a compact one. 

The Triple is the smallest of Ford’s family of turbocharged EcoBoost gas engines, but it’s rated for a healthy 180 horsepower. If there’s any knock against it, it’s the momentary thrum when re-starting after the automatic idle-stop; however, that’s due to sound-deadening, the lack thereof, rather than any inherent imbalance. Underway, the motor runs smoothly and responds well. 

More expensive trim packages offer an upgrade engine, a 4-cylinder EcoBoost that’s rated for 250 horsepower. The gas mileage drops to the mid-20s, but the towing capacity increases by 23%, to 2,700 pounds, and the acceleration becomes sprightlier. Both engines share an 8-speed automatic transmission, but the Four gets shift paddles on the steering wheel. A manual gearbox is not available in any Bronco anywhere, anytime, nohow.

Ford dusted off the hallowed Bronco badge for the 2021 model year and put it on two distinct vehicles: a rugged mid-size off-roader meant to compete with the Jeep Wrangler and built on the Ranger body-on-frame pickup chassis; and this rugged-looking but more civilized compact Bronco that utilizes the unibody chassis of the now-discontinued Escape sport-ute. Ironically, it’s the urban/suburban Bronco, not the off-roader, that’s dubbed the Sport. 

Since December 2021, this is the fourth Bronco Sport we’ve reviewed here. (We’ve also covered two of the larger, gnarlier Broncos, most recently in May 2022.) We called the initial Sport ‘a well-sorted, well-equipped and reasonably priced compact crossover SUV’ and this remains true. Since ’21, changes have been incremental and only for the better. 

For 2025, Ford is capitalizing on the Bronco Sport’s adventurous looks by adding more off-roady features and options to go with its standard all-wheel drive, GOAT (Goes Over Any Terrain) drive mode selector and extra ground clearance. Four years ago, Ford offered the first Bronco Sport in five trim packages at starting prices from $27,215 to $38,160. For 2025, there are still five trim levels, but they are now priced at $31,590 to $41,710—plus any extra options, of course. 

Next week: Ford Explorer ST