Can the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport Go Off-Road?
To many, the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport may seem like a baby Bronco, but it does actually offer legitimate capability. And that is impressive considering that the Bronco Sport rides on the same platform as the Ford Escape and Ford Maverick. While this Ford SUV may not be able to go everywhere that the Bronco can, it can handle most situations that potential owners might throw at it. Because of this, the Bronco Sport should not be counted out by those who wish to do some light off-roading.
Is the Bronco Sport a real Bronco?
The Bronco Sport is smaller than the full-size Bronco and rides on a unibody platform, but that does not mean it isn’t worthy of the Bronco name. Each 2022 Bronco Sport SUV comes standard with four-wheel drive. And that helps this model handle the road less traveled. Ford is even quick to note that the Bronco Sport has water-fording capability, which is a true mark of an off-road SUV.
Perhaps where some may feel the Bronco Sport falls short is the platform that it rides on. The baby Bronco shares its platform with the Ford Escape. And after all, isn’t the Ford Escape basically a larger Ford Focus? Well through something that Ford calls “G.O.A.T.” modes, the Bronco Sport will certainly be able to go more places than a Focus. There is even an available rock crawl mode that is featured on the Bronco Sport Badlands.
Is the Bronco Sport a V6?
According to Road and Track, the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport has two engine options, neither of which is a V6. But, not all is lost, as the Bronco Sport can still deliver ample power. The base engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder that makes 181 horsepower and 190 pound-foot of torque. For more power, buyers can opt for an available 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. This powertrain makes 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
When properly equipped, the Bronco Sport can tow up to 2,200 lbs. While that may not be a significant amount, it should be enough to tow your favorite toys to the lake or a campsite.
What’s the difference between the Bronco and Bronco Sport?
The 2022 Ford Bronco utilizes body-on-frame construction whereas the Bronco Sport is a unibody vehicle. This makes the Bronco Sport closer to a crossover than a truck. According to Edmunds, the Bronco Sport is cheaper than the Bronco. And that makes sense considering the Bronco Sport is smaller and less capable.
The powertrains of these Ford SUVs are also different. The 2022 Bronco has more power than the Bronco Sport, and it even offers a manual transmission. Sadly, buyers of the Bronco Sport will be stuck with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
All of that said, when outfitted properly, the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport is a vehicle that can handle some off-road situations. And if you are looking for an SUV that can handle your daily commute and a weekend adventure, it is likely a vehicle that you should consider.
