The Ford Bronco Sport remains a popular choice for adventure seekers seeking a compact SUV with genuine off-road capability. This year, this rugged compact SUV receives several updates and changes. While maintaining its core identity as a capable off-roader, the new Bronco Sport introduces modifications to trim levels, features, and packaging options. 

Trim Level Structure

2025 Bronco Sport Trim Lineup

This Bronco Sport offered five distinct trim levels, each with its own personality and focus:

• Big Bend: The value-oriented entry point with essential features and standard 4×4
• Heritage: Featuring vintage-inspired styling elements and unique design touches
• Free Wheeling: Offering distinctive retro styling with ombre graphics
• Outer Banks: Focused on premium features and comfort for daily driving
• Badlands: The off-road specialist with maximum capability and exclusive features

2026 Bronco Sport Trim Changes

This Bronco Sport maintains the same basic trim structure but introduces some notable changes:

• Trim Availability: All five trims continue (Big Bend, Heritage, Free Wheeling, Outer Banks, and Badlands)
• New Exterior Colour: Fury Orange joins the colour palette as a standout new option
• Bronze Accents: New bronze-tinted exterior accents available on select trims
• Package Restructuring: Several packages have been reorganized, with features moved between standard and optional equipment

This model continues the Ford strategy of offering distinct personalities across the trim range, from the value-oriented Big Bend to the premium Outer Banks and the trail-ready Badlands.

Exterior Design Updates

2025 Bronco Sport Exterior

This Bronco Sport featured the model’s distinctive boxy silhouette with:

• Safari-style roof with increased headroom
• Bold BRONCO lettering on the grille
• Round signature headlights
• Flip-up rear glass for easy cargo access
• Roof rails with 68 kg capacity

2026 Bronco Sport Exterior Changes

The Bronco Sport receives subtle exterior updates:

• Front Fascia: Slightly refreshed front-end design
• New Colour Option: Fury Orange added to the exterior colour palette
• Wheel Designs: Updated wheel options across various trims
• Front Fender Tie-Downs: New tie-down points rated for up to 68 kg on select trims (previously only available on Badlands Sasquatch)
• Badging: Revised badging and graphics on certain models

While not a complete redesign, these updates help keep the Bronco Sport looking fresh while adding functional elements like the expanded availability of tie-down points.

Interior and Technology Features

2025 Bronco Sport Interior

This model featured significant technology upgrades over previous years:

• 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen infotainment system
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless charging pad on higher trims
• Universal garage door opener on select models
• Rubberized flooring on off-road-oriented trims

2026 Bronco Sport Interior Changes

This model sees several changes to interior features and technology:

• Digital Instrument Cluster: Reduced to 8-inch size (down from 12.3-inch in 2025)
• Feature Repositioning: Several features moved from standard to optional:
  • Wireless charging pad no longer standard on higher trims
  • Universal garage door opener removed as standard equipment
  • Rain-sensing wipers now optional rather than standard
• Interior Grab Handle: Passenger-side grab handle on center console no longer standard on some trims
• Connectivity Package: One year of Ford Connectivity Package included (with option for 7-year extension)
• Interior Colours: New interior colour and material options

These changes represent a shift in the Ford packaging strategy, with some previously standard features now available as options or as part of packages.

Performance and Powertrain

2025 Bronco Sport Powertrain

This Bronco Sport offered two engine options:

• Standard 1.5L EcoBoost Three-Cylinder:
  • 181 horsepower and 257 Nm of torque
  • Standard on Big Bend, Heritage, Free Wheeling, and Outer Banks
  • 8.1 L/100 km combined fuel economy
• 2.0L EcoBoost Four-Cylinder:
  • 250 horsepower and 375 Nm of torque
  • Exclusive to Badlands trim
  • 10.2 L/100 km combined fuel economy

Both engines paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard 4×4 system.

2026 Bronco Sport Powertrain Updates

The new model maintains the same basic powertrain options with subtle refinements:

• Engine Lineup: Same 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines with similar power ratings
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic remains standard
• Calibration Updates: Revised engine and transmission tuning for improved throttle response
• 4×4 System: Enhanced calibration for faster engagement and better wheel slip management

While the headline specifications remain unchanged, these calibration improvements enhance both on-road refinement and off-road capability.

Off-Road Capability

2025 Bronco Sport Off-Road Features

This model established itself as a genuine off-roader with:

• Standard 4×4 across all trims
• Terrain Management System with G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain)
  • Five modes on standard trims
  • Seven modes on Badlands (adding Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl)
• 224 mm ground clearance on Badlands trim
• Advanced 4×4 with twin-clutch rear-drive unit on Badlands
• Trail Control for off-road “cruise control”
• Sasquatch Package available on Outer Banks and Badlands trims

2026 Bronco Sport Off-Road Changes

The Bronco Sport sees several changes to its off-road equipment:

• Sasquatch Package Restructuring: Previously standard items now optional:
  • Brush guard now optional rather than standard
  • Front fender tie-downs now optional
  • Rubberized cargo mat now optional
  • Cargo management system (shelf) now optional
  • Rubberized seat back mats now optional
  • Adjustable floodlights on tailgate now optional
  • Steel plate on rear bumper with recovery hooks now optional
• Black Diamond Package: Similar restructuring with previously standard items now optional
• Suspension Updates: Revised Bilstein shock tuning for improved trail performance and on-road comfort

These changes allow buyers more flexibility to choose exactly which off-road features they want rather than bundling them all together.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

2025 Bronco Sport Safety Features

This model came well-equipped with safety technology:

• Ford Co-Pilot360 standard on all trims:
  • Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
  • BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane-Keeping System
  • Auto High-Beam Headlamps
  • Rear View Camera
• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ available on higher trims:
  • Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
  • Lane Centering
  • Evasive Steering Assist
  • Voice-Activated Navigation

2026 Bronco Sport Safety Updates

This model maintains most safety features with some adjustments:

• Core Safety Features: All essential safety systems remain standard
• Lane-Keeping System: May be repositioned in some trim levels
• Camera Systems: Enhanced off-road camera views on equipped models
• Automatic Emergency Braking: Remains standard across all trims

The fundamental safety technology package remains comprehensive, maintaining the Ford commitment to driver and passenger protection.

Package and Option Changes

2025 Bronco Sport Packages

This model offered several key packages:

• Sasquatch Package (Outer Banks and Badlands):
  • HOSS suspension upgrade
  • Advanced 4×4 with twin-clutch rear differential (Outer Banks only)
  • Trail Control with one-pedal drive
  • Steel bumper plates
  • Brush guard
  • High-clearance fender flares
  • Recovery hooks
  • Steel underbody protection
  • Class II trailer tow package
• Tech Package (various trims):
  • B&O premium audio
  • Wireless charging
  • Additional driver assistance features

2026 Bronco Sport Package Restructuring

Ford has significantly restructured packages:

• Sasquatch Package: Now more customizable with previously standard items available as separate options
• Black Diamond Package: Similar restructuring with more à la carte options
• Tech Features: Several tech features moved from standard to optional:
  • Wireless charging pad
  • Universal garage door opener
  • Rain-sensing wipers

This approach gives buyers more flexibility to select only the features they want rather than paying for bundled items they may not need.

Which Bronco Spot Model Year Is Better?

Reasons to Choose the 2025 Bronco Sport

• More Standard Features: Many features come standard that are optional on the new model
• Larger Digital Cluster: 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (vs. 8-inch on new model)
• Comprehensive Packages: If you want all the features in packages like Sasquatch, the 2025 model includes more as standard
• Proven Platform: The 2025 represents a refined version of the current generation

Reasons to Consider the 2026 Bronco Sport

• More Customization: Greater flexibility to choose only the features you want
• New Colour Options: Fury Orange and other new exterior colours
• Refined Tuning: Subtle improvements to powertrain and suspension calibration
• Front Fender Tie-Downs: More widely available across trim levels

Bronco Sport: A Capable SUV

The Ford Bronco Sport represents an evolution rather than a revolution compared to the 2025 model. The most significant changes involve the restructuring of packages and features, with Ford moving toward a more à la carte approach that allows buyers to customize their vehicle more precisely to their needs and budget.

For buyers who want a comprehensive set of features included as standard, the 2025 model might represent better value. However, if you prefer to select only the specific features you need without paying for extras you won’t use, the new model’s more flexible packaging structure could be advantageous.

Both model years maintain the fundamental Bronco Sport character as a capable, compact off-road SUV with distinctive styling and genuine trail capability. Your choice between them will likely come down to which specific features matter most to you and whether you prefer an all-inclusive or more customizable approach to vehicle options.

Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.