Noteworthy Standard Features

So much goes into making the ’22 Bronco Sport an adventure-ready vehicle with today’s most sought-after amenities; it even has a bottle opener in the tailgate hatch! The Base has LED headlights, rooftop rails, an extended cargo-accommodating safari-style roof, a rear liftgate with a flip-up window, a terrain management system with five G.O.A.T. (goes over any terrain) modes, cloth seating, two 12-volt power outlets, and four smart-charging USB ports. The Big Bend gains rear flood lights, heated side mirrors, rear passenger and liftgate privacy glass, single-zone automatic climate control, easy-clean fabric seats and rubberized floor, and a MOLLE strap system on the front seatbacks. Several options can be added: LED fog lights, intelligent access with push-button start, a wireless phone charger, a universal garage door opener, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and front seatback zipper pockets.

The Outer Banks comes with the fog lights, keyless entry, push-button ignition, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power driver’s seat, and heated front seats (the other available features mentioned for the Big Bend remain optional). The Outer Banks also gets black exterior elements, rain-sensing wipers, a windshield wiper de-icer, remote start, ambient interior lighting, leather seats, a power front passenger’s seat, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 110-volt power outlet, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The trail-bred Badlands loses some of the Outer Banks’ standard amenities, but it is augmented with a medley of rugged features, such as an off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, underbody bash plates, front tow hooks, two additional G.O.A.T. modes, Trail Control (off-road cruise control), rubberized floors, and a rear under-seat storage compartment. Most of the omitted features from the Outer Banks can be added back as options.

Advanced Safety Technology

Every Explorer comes with the Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system, which provides automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beam. The Assist+ upgrade is available on the XLT (and standard on higher trims); it includes adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The King Ranch and Platinum come with rear automatic braking.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Ford CoPilot360 bundle of advanced driver aids is standard in each ‘22 Bronco Sport trim. This package contains pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot collision warning with cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beams, and a rearview camera. The ’22 Bronco Sport also has an SOS post-crash alert system and an advanced airbag setup. The Outer Banks comes with rear parking sensors, while the Badlands gets a front 180-degree camera with split view and a washer. The Ford CoPilot360 Assist+ suite (adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering, speed sign recognition, evasive steering, and navigation) is available for all trims but the Base.

Each Bronco Sport trim has Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, which can be controlled via its 8-inch touchscreen or enhanced voice recognition. Its other components are Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, FordPass Connect, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a six-speaker sound system. The Big Bend provides SiriusXM satellite radio, while the Outer Banks and Badlands qualify for a top-shelf 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system with a subwoofer.