I just saw a discussion on this forum about changes coming to the 2025 Bronco Sport. The touchscreen and climate controls are all digital now, no physical buttons.
Link for more details: The New Bronco Sport Touchscreen: 2025 Sport vs. Older Bronco Sports - Bronco Nation
What do you all think about this?
Not having physical knobs or buttons is the worst.
Dex said:
Not having physical knobs or buttons is the worst.
Agreed. Ford really missed the mark with this change.
I can’t stand the new setup.
This is exactly why I won’t upgrade to the 2025 model.
Yeah, the engine and other features might be better, but having to use a screen for climate controls is a dealbreaker for me. Car companies need to stop forcing everything onto touchscreens.
@Dariel
Hyundai admitted they made a mistake going all touchscreen and are going back to physical buttons. So there’s some hope for the future.
The hand-warming vent placement in the ‘24 was so good… now it’s gone.
Honestly, I’m glad I went with a 2024. It cost less with all the discounts, I got a wireless dongle for Android Auto for $65, and I spent the money I saved on skid plates and a 1.5-inch lift.
@Parker
Do you have a link to those skid plates?
@Parker
What trim do you have? Also, where’d you get the dongle and the skid plates?
Abi said:
@Parker
What trim do you have? Also, where’d you get the dongle and the skid plates?
I’ve got a BadSport. Got the AA Wireless Two on Amazon and the skid plates from HRG Off-Road.
If you want to see what the new system feels like, check out a 2024 Ford Escape. It’s the exact same screen and software as the 2025 Bronco Sport.
I’m so glad I have a 2021. Putting climate controls on a screen makes no sense—it just adds distractions while driving. The 2025 version looks cheap too… no phone slot, the vents look worse, and the overall design feels rushed.
I have a 2023 and love it, so I’ll be keeping it for a long time. Removing physical buttons is already bad enough, but keeping the screen horizontal? Huge miss.
If you’re going to remove all controls, at least make the screen vertical so it’s easier to use for maps. Horizontal screens just don’t work well for navigation.
@Jamie
I don’t know, I’ve seen cars with vertical screens, and they look odd to me. It’s like slapping a giant tablet where the stereo should be.
Dev said:
@Jamie
I don’t know, I’ve seen cars with vertical screens, and they look odd to me. It’s like slapping a giant tablet where the stereo should be.
It might look odd because it’s not common yet, but vertical screens are so much better for maps. You can see farther ahead, which is what really matters when navigating.
Dev said:
@Jamie
I don’t know, I’ve seen cars with vertical screens, and they look odd to me. It’s like slapping a giant tablet where the stereo should be.
The Mach-E and Edge have vertical screens, and they’re not bad. I just wish they kept some physical buttons.
One thing I’m curious about is how CarPlay will look on the new screen. Right now, it takes over the whole display. Will the new version leave controls on the screen, or will you have to switch back and forth?
@Dev
I use CarPlay a lot too, so as long as the steering wheel controls stay the same, I’m good.
@Dev
I had a new Escape as a loaner, and the climate controls stayed visible even when CarPlay or Android Auto were running. I think the new setup is a big improvement.
I just want wireless CarPlay at this point. Tired of plugging in.