While it shares DNA with the more urban-focused Ford Escape, the Bronco Sport carves out its own path as a capable, compact off-roader with some serious tech upgrades and a new appearance package for the new model year. See how it compares with the previous year.
Key Takeaways:
- Ford built the Bronco Sport on the same unibody platform as the Ford Escape.
- For 2026, the Big Bend and Badlands trims gain an optional Bronze package.
- Ford introduced the Sasquatch package for the Outer Banks and Badlands in 2025.
The big news for 2026 is the addition of the Bronze package to Big Bend and Badlands trims. This upgrade adds 17-inch Sinister Bronze-finished wheels, bronze exterior accents, and matching interior stitching. Ford even throws in heavy-duty floor liners to protect the cabin during muddy excursions.
Speaking of those updates, 2025 was an even bigger year for changes. Ford introduced the Sasquatch package to the Outer Banks and Badlands models. On the Outer Banks, the Sasquatch added a twin-clutch rear differential, while both trims got steel bumpers (with a front bull bar and rear recovery hooks), steel skid plates, increased ground clearance, and 29-inch all-terrain tires. The Badlands benefits from specialized Bilstein rear dampers.
On top of those changes, the cabin saw a total tech refresh in 2025 that carries into 2026. Ford ditched the previous 8.0-inch screen and added Sync 4 software. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster became standard across all trims.
Model Year Changes
| 2026 Ford Bronco Sport |
2025 Ford Bronco Sport |
| Bronze Package added to Big Bend and Badlands with bronze wheels, accents, and interior stitching |
Sasquatch Package added to Outer Banks and Badlands, with twin-clutch rear differential and off-road hardware upgrades |
| Heavy-duty floor liners included |
Increased ground clearance and 29-inch all-terrain tires |
| Trims otherwise unchanged |
12.3-inch digital cluster and Sync 4 system introduced |
What is the Standard Engine Found Under the Hood of the 2026 Ford Bronco?
The Bronco Sport's base engine is a 180-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder mated to an eight-speed automatic. There's also a 250-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual control. Regardless of the engine, every Bronco Sport comes standard with all-wheel drive.
Off-road prowess is the Bronco Sport's calling card. If you opt for the Badlands with the Sasquatch package, you're getting the most capable version of the vehicle, with a torque-vectoring rear differential, a one-pedal off-road driving mode, and a 360-degree camera system. While you can add the Sasquatch package to the Outer Banks, it does skip a few of the Badlands-exclusive mechanical bits. You can even beef up the entry-level Big Bend with the Black Diamond package, which adds a brush guard, essential skid plates, and all-terrain tires.
What is the Towing Capacity of the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport?
The Bronco Sport's 2.0-liter four-cylinder powertrain has a max towing capacity of 2,700 pounds, while the 1.5-liter three-cylinder can tow 2,200 pounds.
Official EPA fuel economy ratings for 2026 are not currently available. Since the powertrains are the same as last year's, you can expect the three-cylinder to get 25 mpg city/30 mpg highway/27 combined. The four-cylinder brings those numbers to 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway/23 combined.
What are the Interior Features of the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport?
The Bronco Sport's interior now features a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Its Sync 4 system adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, integrated nav, and SiriusXM with 360L. The base audio setup features six speakers, but there's a 10-speaker B&O sound system available with the Outer Banks and Badlands trims.
Should I Buy a 2026 or 2025 Ford Bronco Sport?
No matter the year, when you're looking for a tech-heavy crossover or a compact SUV that can actually handle a rock crawl, the Bronco Sport remains one of the most versatile options in our showroom. Care to try it on for size? Contact us today at Karl Flammer Ford!