What’s the difference between the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Bronco, anyway? Although they share a name and a few iconic exterior styling elements, the Bronco and Bronco Sport are actually two horses of very different colors. Let’s take a closer look at the Bronco, a midsize, off-road-ready SUV, and the Bronco Sport, Ford’s latest compact crossover SUV.
Price
The smaller Bronco Sport is the more affordable model, starting at $28,165. Based on the Escape, the Bronco Sport is a small but very family-friendly crossover. Unlike the Escape, the Bronco Sport comes standard with all-wheel drive, which means it’s up for sporty jaunts down light trails, including well-worn camping sites and beach drives.
Meanwhile, the 2022 Ford Bronco starts at $30,800. That’s not too much more money, of course, and it gets you a more rugged off-road performance, with standard four-wheel drive. The Bronco is a midsize SUV, so it will take up a little more space in your garage.
Powertrain Options
Each of these Ford SUVs offer two engine options, allowing you to upgrade your ride for a little extra on-road speed and off-road prowess. However, you’ll notice that the midsize Bronco provides more power than the compact Bronco Sport.
2022 Ford Bronco Sport
- Turbocharged 1.5L three-cylinder engine (181 horsepower, 190 lb-ft of torque)
- Turbo 2.0L four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 277 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive
2022 Ford Bronco
- Turbo 2.3L four-cylinder engine (300 hp, 325 lb-ft) + seven-speed manual transmission or 10-speed automatic transmission
- Turbo 2.7L V7 (330 hp, 415 lb-ft) + 10-speed automatic transmission
- Four-wheel drive
Off-Road Capabilities
Both Broncos are built for trail cruising. However, the midsize Bronco will take you further away from the pavement, thanks to its more powerful engine options, sturdy four-wheel-drive system, and rugged performance upgrades. For example, you can add Fox shocks, rock rails, and a lifted suspension to help you move through boulder fields and muddy streams alike.
However, the Bronco Sport is still pretty trail-friendly. It might not scale as steep a mountain or ford as deep a river as the midsize Bronco, but this compact crossover has some pretty adventure friendly options, including skid plates and all-terrain tires.
2022 Ford Bronco Sport
- Roof rails
- Adjustable drive modes
- Optional LED fog lights
- Specific off-road suspension and all-terrain tires (Badlands model)
- Underbody skid plates (Badlands)
- Upgraded four-wheel-drive system with special rear differential (Badlands)
- Trail Control (Badlands)
2022 Ford Bronco
- LED headlights
- Front and rear tow hooks
- Hill start assist
- Hill descent control
- Trailer sway damping
- Trail Turn Assist
- Terrain Management System
- Optional upgraded Terrain Management System
- Optional rock rails
- Optional skid plates
- Optional stabilizer bar disconnect
- Optional all-terrain tires
- Optional Fox shock absorbers
- Optional lifted suspension
Comfort & Convenience Features
Inside, the compact Bronco Sport and midsize Bronco actually offer very similar seating accommodations. The Bronco might provide a little extra shoulder room, especially in the rear seats, but otherwise you’ll barely notice any other difference in passenger space.
Where you will notice a difference, however, is in the cargo hold. The Bronco Sport offers 32.4 cubic feet (with the 1.5L engine) or 29.4 cubes (2.0L engine). Behind the Bronco’s rear seats, 38.3 cubic feet are available for all of your adventure gear.
Unlike the Bronco Sport, the Bronco is a convertible, and it comes with your choice of a soft or hard top (or both!). You can also remove the doors for a little extra exposure to the cool breeze.
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- Cloth seating
- SYNC 3 with 8-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Frontal collision mitigation
- Lane-keeping assis
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Automatic high beams
- Optional leather upholstery
- Optional heated seats
- Optional heated steering wheel
- Optional wireless charging pad
- Optional Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ (adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping system, evasive steering assist, navigation)
2022 Ford Bronco
- Cloth seating
- SYNC 4 with 8-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Frontal collision mitigation
- Lane-keeping assist
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Automatic high beams
- Optional leather upholstery
- Optional heated seats
- Optional heated steering wheel
- Optional wireless charging pad
Choose Your Ford SUV
In the end, the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport is the best option for drivers who want a comfy ride on the pavement and some light-duty off-roading capabilities. On the other hand, the 2022 Ford Bronco is the better choice for drivers who want to explore the limits of Ford’s off-roading capabilities.