The 2024 Bronco Sport comes in five trim levels with appealing names: Big Bend, Heritage, Free Wheeling, Outer Banks, and Badlands. The brand’s 1.5-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that’s found in most trims produces 181 hp and 190 lb.-ft. of torque. The Badlands gets the heartier 2.0-liter EcoBoost, which generates 250 hp and 277 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all trims come standard with four-wheel drive. As for towing, Bronco Sports with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost and Class II Trailer Tow Package can pull up to 2,000 pounds, whereas those with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost/Trailer Tow Package combo max out at 2,200 lb.
If you’re a budget-conscious buyer seeking exceptional value, the Big Bend is likely to be right up your alley. This well-stocked trim boasts a distinctive safari-style roof, LED headlights, proximity keyless entry, heated side mirrors, rear privacy glass, a manual liftgate with flip-up glass, and a bottle opener set into the rear hatch. Inside, it’s set up with push-button start, automatic climate control, a 4.2-inch gauge cluster, Ford’s Terrain Management System with five G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Terrain), and a 60/40-split fold-flat second row seatback.
Entertainment and connectivity are the realm of the SYNC 3 infotainment system. It uses an 8-inch touchscreen and voice recognition to manage smartphone integration (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a six-speaker audio system. Navigation is available. Ford’s Co-Pilot360 technology suite is also standard. It makes the vehicle safer with automatic high beams, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. An optional upgrade to the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ Package will add adaptive cruise control, lane centering, speed sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. Rear parking sensors are optional.
The nostalgic Heritage trim draws inspiration from the iconic Broncos of the 1960s. It’s differentiated by nostalgic Oxford White accents, red Bronco lettering, and plaid cloth upholstery. This trim’s standard equipment list resembles that of the Big Bend, but with the addition of LED fog lights, a full-sized spare tire, and a trailer tow package. The seat backs in the second row also have a rubberized surface for durability and easy cleaning. This trim is eligible for rear parking sensors.
The sensational Free Wheeling trim is brand-new for model year 2024. It makes a distinctive impression with reflective red, orange, and yellow exterior side graphics and a silver grille with two-color Bronco lettering. The interior is unique with sunset-colored cloth seats threaded with unique ombre stitching. Aside from those aesthetic differences, it gets a plaque on the center console plaque, unique interior accents, and 17-inch aluminum wheels that are unique to this trim. Rear parking sensors are available.
The Outer Banks piles on the upgrades with remote start, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 6.5-inch LCD gauge cluster, ambient interior lighting, position memory for the driver’s seat and side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a heated steering wheel, and a 110V power outlet. The seating situation is improved with leather upholstery and heated power-adjustable front seats.
For added safety, it gets standard rear parking sensors. In the infotainment department, it can be upgraded with a deluxe 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system for audiophiles eager to enjoy a superior listening experience.
While the Badlands may not come with all the luxurious features found in the Outer Banks, many of them are available as options. To compensate, this rugged trim is equipped with an array of rugged enhancements, such as metal bash plates, an off-road suspension, an advanced 4WD system featuring a twin-clutch rear drive unit, Trail Control (Ford’s signature off-road cruise control system), a 180-degree front-view camera, front tow hooks, and two additional G.O.A.T. modes. A 10-speaker B&O sound system is offered as an optional upgrade.