3 Reasons to Consider the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport as the SUV to Buy According to MotorTrend
Ford recently revived the Bronco name by introducing two SUVs, the Bronco and the Bronco Sport. Although the two share the same name, they’re very different SUVs. But just like the regular Bronco, the Bronco Sport can be a compelling option for many car shoppers. Here’s a look at three reasons car shoppers should consider buying the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport.
The basic specs of the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport
MotorTrend wrote that the Bronco Sport is a good subcompact SUV with a “cute” exterior design. It has an overall score of 9 out of 10, making it the third-best SUV in the segment. It starts with a 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder with 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic, and Ford offers all-wheel drive as a standard feature.
The Bronco Sport’s standard engine can go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds. Despite the SUV’s subcompact size, the standard engine only gets 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on highways, for 27 mpg combined. Ford also offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which reaches 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
That engine boosts its 0 to 60 mph time to 6.5 seconds, but its fuel economy drops to 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on highways, for 24 mpg combined. The Bronco Sport has a max cargo capacity of 65 cu-ft, which is suitable for the segment. This subcompact Ford SUV currently starts at about $29,000, and that’s pricey compared to its rivals. There are many good reasons car shoppers should consider the Bronco Sport anyway.
1. The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport performs well off-road
Just like with the regular Bronco, Ford designed the Bronco Sport with off-roading in mind. This is although the Bronco Sport has a crossover design, which is different than the traditional Bronco’s body-on-frame design. Another design difference is in its suspension, as the Bronco Sport has an independent rear suspension instead of the live rear axle that the regular Bronco has.
Despite that design difference, the Bronco Sport can go off-road, though it won’t out-perform SUVs like the regular Bronco. The standard version of the Bronco Sport has 7.8 inches of ground clearance, which is decent. Owners can upgrade their Bronco Sport to off-roading trims like the Badlands trims, and it’ll upgrade the SUV to get 8.8 inches of ground clearance, as well as equip it with features like tow hooks and bash plates.
2. Drivers will have a comfortable time driving the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport on roads
In addition to being a capable off-roader, the Bronco Sport also provides a solid on-road performance. Its worst performance issue is its fuel economy, as its 27 mpg combined is “middling” for the segment. Besides that, the Bronco Sport provides drivers and their passengers with a quiet and comfortable ride. Combined with its solid horsepower output, the Bronco Sport can also be a good daily driver.
3. Ford gave the 2023 Bronco Sport some useful storage options
Since the Bronco Sport is a subcompact SUV, its interior is a weak spot. MotorTrend wrote that Ford used some “industrial-grade plastic” in the cabin, and the rear seats can also feel cramped. However, Ford also gave the subcompact SUV a lot of useful in-cabin storage options, and they helped turn the Bronco Sport into a more practical SUV.
