Hello, fellow Bronco fans! I’m thinking about getting the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport, but I’ve noticed some features that seem to be absent in the current version. After some digging, I’m curious if the 2024 model will solve these issues. Here are my thoughts:
Hybrid Version - With more people interested in hybrid cars, it’s surprising that the 2023 Bronco Sport doesn’t have a hybrid model. Are there any talks or hints that the 2024 Bronco Sport might come with a hybrid option?
Roomier Backseat - Even though the 2023 Bronco Sport is made for adventure, some folks have mentioned that the backseat feels a bit tight. Could Ford work on this for the 2024 version to make it roomier and more comfy for those in the back?
Wireless CarPlay - It’s super handy to use features like Apple CarPlay without wires these days. Unfortunately, the 2023 Bronco Sport only has wired CarPlay. Is there any chance that Ford will add wireless CarPlay in the 2024 model for a tidier setup?
Panoramic Sunroof - A lot of SUV lovers are after the panoramic sunroof. It gives a nice open feel and boosts the driving experience. Will Ford think about including a panoramic sunroof in the 2024 Bronco Sport, so we can enjoy the outdoors while driving?
I’m really excited about the Bronco Sport and what it can do, but these upgrades could make it an even better choice. If anyone has any info, rumors, or tips about the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport, please drop your thoughts! Let’s chat about if waiting for the 2024 version is a good idea.
Hybrid could be a chance - it’s available in the Maverick, and since they’re similar, it might be possible for the Bronco Sport.
More room in the backseat - I don’t think so - making it roomier would require changing the overall design of the vehicle, and the Bronco Sport is too new for such major changes.
Wireless CarPlay - possibly - I think Sync 3 holds it back (Sync 4 has wireless CarPlay). I’m unsure if Sync 4 requires a specific screen size that might not fit in the current Bronco Sport, but if that’s a limit, it could be something a minor design update could handle; however, I don’t see that happening soon since the Bronco Sport is selling well.
Panoramic sunroof - I doubt it - this would need a big redesign because of the structure needed in the roof, and I just don’t see a redesign happening soon for the Bronco Sport.
So, three things, and I’ll sound a bit negative but that’s alright. The backseat room, the non-panoramic sunroof, and wired CarPlay are pretty much set for this car.
If you want those features, you might want to consider other brands and models.
@Zora
The backseat has plenty of room if the people in the front seat aren’t pushing their seats all the way back.
I keep gear in the MOLLE straps on the back of the front seats, and I haven’t heard any complaints from my passengers about the backseat space; in fact, I’ve received compliments.
Edit: and I don’t really get the hype for wireless CarPlay. Sure, it would be nice for bragging, but the data port is super close to where I put my phone when I drive, and I plug in for power anyway. Although I suppose if I had the upgrade package with wireless charging, I wouldn’t need to do that… But I didn’t feel the need for wireless charging because the port is right there. It’s a real back-and-forth.
I’m easy to please in that regard because my trade-in was a 2000 Cherokee.
@Zora
I have a 2021 Bronco Sport, and CarPlay is wireless. The backseat room is good; my 6ft 4in nephew fits comfortably. But for the panoramic sunroof, it’s just for the driver and passenger, so I’m a bit confused… 2 out of 3? Did Ford take away features?
Zora said: @Joss
If you have wireless Apple CarPlay, please share a video here.
Totally not true. I’m an Android user, and my wife and daughter use Apple. Yup, I was wrong. My daughter’s phone connects wirelessly, but not CarPlay. Oops, my bad. I guess I didn’t get to use the Bronco Sport enough since my 16-year-old claimed it for herself sorry for the confusion.
@Joss
It doesn’t support wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Your daughter’s phone probably connected wirelessly through Bluetooth, but that’s not the same as CarPlay or Android Auto. That’s due to the data limits of Bluetooth technology.
Maybe they’ll do a mid-cycle refresh in 2024. It would probably be just cosmetic changes and maybe some new features. I doubt they’ll change the back seat space until they completely redesign it. Even then, changes may not be much since it’s a compact SUV. Though the rear seats are pretty comfy, I find that with the front power seats, I can raise the seat higher to make the back more comfortable.
I would love to see a hybrid added to the Bronco Sport. I have a Maverick with the hybrid system, and I’m averaging 55 mpg, which is awesome. Ford can’t even keep up with the orders for hybrid Mavericks in 2023, so I’m doubtful they will add that system to any new vehicle until demand drops.
I don’t see a panoramic sunroof happening due to the roofline and roof racks.
The hybrid powertrain might be added but not sure if it’ll be 2024 or 2025. With the success of the Maverick hybrid, it seems likely.
For wireless CarPlay, it’s not likely. The current screen can’t support Sync 4, so the dashboard would need an upgrade to accommodate it, which seems less probable. However, you can get wireless CarPlay for under $100 with a device called Carlink. It works well and installs in seconds.
The backseat space won’t change either. Even during a redesign, they probably won’t increase the vehicle size since Ford has many larger SUVs in the lineup.
A panoramic roof doesn’t seem likely since the roof isn’t flat – it slants up towards the back for rear passenger room. Adding a panoramic roof would need a flat roof. Maybe during a redesign, but the roof is a key design element for the Bronco Sport, so it seems unlikely.
It could likely get the hybrid option from the Escape at some point. I believe it will get Sync 4 eventually, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Though you can get an adapter now for that! It won’t get a panoramic sunroof because of the current safari-style roof. The backseat space probably won’t change until a complete redesign around 2028. I do wish it was four inches wider and matched the Escape in length. I’m 6’1 and 225 lbs, so I could use more legroom in width.
I work at a Ford dealer, and here’s what Ford is saying:
Hybrid isn’t happening yet, maybe years down the line but not now. They can’t even deliver the Bronco, Mach-E, Lightnings, Super Duties, and Transits to customers who ordered them. Adding a hybrid engine would add to their current delays.
I’d like wireless CarPlay too but haven’t heard anything concrete from Ford. Any info is just hearsay, but I hope they work on this.
The Bronco Sport already has a sunroof. If you hadn’t noticed, you can’t get a panoramic sunroof because of the safari roof design. The glass can’t bend around the roof’s height changes.
The interior space won’t change at all. That’s why they have different cars. If they increase space in the Bronco Sport, it may take away customers from another product. If someone wants more space, I’d suggest looking at the Ford Edge, as the Escape, Bronco Sport, and Maverick are built on the same platform and are basically the same vehicle. Hope this helps.
Seems clear that you’ll need to wait for the Sport to come with the options you want. The rest of us will enjoy the less-than-perfect, but still fun to drive vehicle. Sorry for you, really.