The Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend represents a compelling blend of everyday practicality and genuine off-road capability in the compact SUV segment. At the heart of this adventure-ready vehicle lies a powerplant engineered to deliver reliable performance across a wide range of driving scenarios. The latest model year brings subtle refinements to the proven engine architecture while maintaining the robust character that Bronco Sport enthusiasts have come to appreciate.

Engine Specifications

The Bronco Sport Big Bend comes equipped with the 1.5-litre Ford EcoBoost three-cylinder turbocharged engine. This compact powerplant generates 135 kW (181 horsepower) and 257 Nm of torque, delivering a responsive driving experience in both urban environments and off-road settings. The engine utilizes direct injection technology paired with turbocharging to maximize efficiency without sacrificing performance.

The three-cylinder configuration might seem modest on paper, but the engineering behind this powertrain demonstrates the Ford commitment to creating engines that punch above their weight class. With an aluminum block and head design, the engine achieves a favourable power-to-weight ratio, contributing to the Bronco Sport agile handling characteristics.

This powerplant features twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) that precisely controls valve operation based on driving conditions, optimizing both performance and fuel efficiency across the engine’s operating range. A high-pressure direct injection system delivers fuel precisely where needed within the combustion chamber, enhancing both power output and efficiency.

Transmission and Drivetrain Integration

The 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine pairs exclusively with the Ford 8-speed automatic transmission in the Big Bend trim. This transmission offers smooth, well-timed shifts that keep the engine operating in its optimal power band. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters provide drivers with manual control when desired, particularly useful during off-road maneuvers requiring specific gear selection.

Power flows to all four wheels through the standard 4×4 system, which includes selectable drive modes to optimize performance across various terrains. The system can distribute torque between the front and rear axles as needed, enhancing traction in slippery conditions. While not as advanced as the twin-clutch rear-drive unit found in higher Bronco Sport trims, the Big Bend 4×4 system provides capable performance for most adventure scenarios.

Performance Characteristics

The turbocharged nature of the EcoBoost engine delivers peak torque at a relatively low 3,000 RPM, providing responsive acceleration from a standstill and excellent mid-range passing power. The Big Bend can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 8.6 seconds – respectable performance for a compact SUV with genuine off-road capabilities.

While not designed for high-speed track performance, the engine’s character perfectly complements the Bronco Sport intended use case. The power delivery is linear and predictable, with minimal turbo lag thanks to careful tuning and the small displacement engine’s inherently quick-spooling turbocharger. This characteristic proves particularly valuable during technical off-road driving, where precise throttle control is essential.

The engine provides a maximum towing capacity of 907 kg when properly equipped, sufficient for hauling small trailers, boats, or recreational equipment to remote destinations. Ford has reinforced the cooling system to maintain optimal operating temperatures even when towing in challenging conditions.

Efficiency and Fuel Economy

Despite its adventure-focused design, the Bronco Sport Big Bend delivers reasonable fuel efficiency. The vehicle achieves approximately 9.8 L/100 km in combined driving conditions, with slightly better results during highway cruising at around 8.7 L/100 km.

The EcoBoost engine incorporates several technologies to enhance efficiency, including:

• Auto Start-Stop technology that temporarily shuts down the engine when the vehicle is stationary
• Active grille shutters that reduce aerodynamic drag at highway speeds
• Electronic throttle control that optimizes fuel delivery based on driver input
• Variable displacement oil pump that reduces parasitic losses

These systems work together to maximize efficiency without compromising the responsive performance expected from an adventure-oriented vehicle.

G.O.A.T. Modes Integration

The Big Bend engine and transmission are fully integrated with the Bronco Sport Terrain Management System, known as G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Modes. Five selectable drive modes – Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand – modify engine response, transmission shift points, and throttle sensitivity to optimize performance for specific conditions.

In Eco mode, the engine management system prioritizes efficiency by adjusting throttle response and optimizing transmission shift points. Conversely, Sport mode sharpens throttle response and holds gears longer to maximize performance. The off-road-focused modes adjust these parameters to provide appropriate power delivery for challenging terrain, demonstrating the versatility engineered into this compact powertrain.

Top 5 Best Features of the 2025 Bronco Sport Big Bend Engine

1. Turbocharged Power Delivery – The 1.5-litre EcoBoost provides impressive low-end torque (257 Nm) available at just 3,000 RPM, delivering responsive acceleration and excellent off-road capability despite the compact displacement.
2. Advanced Fuel Injection System – High-pressure direct injection technology precisely controls fuel delivery to each cylinder, optimizing combustion for improved power output and efficiency across all driving conditions.
3. Intelligent 4×4 Integration – The engine and transmission are seamlessly integrated with the standard 4×4 system and G.O.A.T. Modes, providing mode-specific performance tuning for diverse terrain types.
4. Robust Cooling System – Enhanced thermal management allows sustained performance in challenging conditions, including off-road driving in high ambient temperatures or while towing at maximum capacity.
5. Balance of Power and Efficiency – The powertrain delivers a thoughtful compromise between performance (135 kW) and fuel economy (approximately 9.8 L/100 km combined), appropriate for a vehicle designed for both daily driving and weekend adventures.

5 Facts About the 2025 Bronco Sport Big Bend Engine

1. The 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine utilizes an integrated exhaust manifold design that reduces warm-up times by up to 20%, improving cold-weather performance and reducing emissions during the critical warm-up phase.
2. Ford engineers implemented a cylinder deactivation system that can temporarily shut down one cylinder during light load conditions, effectively turning the three-cylinder engine into a two-cylinder engine for improved efficiency during highway cruising.
3. The engine block incorporates a unique “split cooling” system that can maintain different temperatures for the cylinder head and block, optimizing combustion efficiency while reducing mechanical wear.
4. Despite having just three cylinders, the engine incorporates a counter-rotating balance shaft to minimize vibrations, delivering refinement comparable to larger four-cylinder powerplants.
5. The turbocharger features an electronically actuated wastegate that provides more precise boost control than traditional mechanical systems, improving responsiveness and reducing turbo lag by up to 40% compared to previous-generation EcoBoost engines.

Questions and Answers About the 2025 Bronco Sport Big Bend Engine

How does the 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine in the Big Bend compare to engines in higher Bronco Sport trims?

• The 1.5-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost produces 135 kW and 257 Nm of torque, while higher trims like the Badlands feature a 2.0-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost generating 186 kW and 373 Nm of torque. The larger engine provides quicker acceleration and higher towing capacity, but consumes more fuel in daily driving.

Is the 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine reliable for off-road use?

• Yes, Ford has specifically engineered this engine for the rigours of off-road use in the Bronco Sport. It features enhanced cooling systems, a high-mounted air intake to improve water fording capability, and protective underbody shielding to guard against trail damage.

What type of fuel does the Bronco Sport Big Bend engine require?

• The 1.5-litre EcoBoost runs optimally on regular 87-octane unleaded fuel, though it can accept higher octane fuels without issue. This helps keep operating costs reasonable compared to some competitors that recommend premium fuel.

How does the auto start-stop system work on the Big Bend engine?

• The system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and the brake is applied. It instantly restarts when the brake is released or the accelerator is pressed. The system is calibrated to maintain climate control and other essential functions while stopped and can be disabled with a button if desired.

What is the service interval for the 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine?

• Ford recommends oil changes every 12,000 kilometers or 12 months under normal driving conditions. However, the onboard intelligent Oil-Life Monitor analyzes actual operating conditions and may suggest earlier service if the vehicle is used in severe conditions such as frequent off-roading or extreme temperatures.

Does the Big Bend engine include special protection for off-road driving?

• Yes, the engine features additional shielding to protect vital components from rocks and debris. The air intake system maintains clean airflow during dusty trail conditions, and the cooling system can handle the additional heat generated during low-speed off-road driving.

How does the turbocharger affect high-altitude performance?

• The turbocharged design provides a significant advantage at higher elevations compared to naturally aspirated engines. While all engines lose power at altitude due to thinner air, the turbocharger can compensate by compressing the available air more aggressively, helping the Bronco Sport maintain much of its sea-level performance even at elevations of 2,500 meters or higher.

Can the engine be modified for increased performance?

• The 1.5-litre EcoBoost does have aftermarket support for performance enhancements. However, the Ford warranty typically doesn’t cover modifications, and significant changes may affect reliability. Many owners find that authorized Ford Performance parts offer a good balance of enhanced capability while maintaining factory warranty coverage.

How does the cylinder deactivation system improve fuel economy?

• When cruising at steady speeds under light load, the engine can temporarily deactivate one cylinder by closing both intake and exhaust valves while stopping fuel injection to that cylinder. This reduces pumping losses and fuel consumption. The system can reactivate the cylinder in milliseconds when additional power is needed, making the transition virtually imperceptible to the driver.

What measures has Ford taken to reduce emissions from the 1.5-litre EcoBoost?

• The engine incorporates several emissions-reducing technologies, including a close-coupled catalytic converter that reaches operating temperature quickly, advanced engine control algorithms that optimize combustion, and a high-pressure direct injection system that precisely meters fuel. These systems work together to meet stringent emissions standards while maintaining performance and efficiency.