Hey all! I’m looking at getting a new Bronco Sport Big Bend as my main ride. I do a lot of camping and outdoor stuff, so it seems like a good fit. Most of my trips are about 2-3 hours from home, but I’ve got a camping trip coming up next summer that’s 7-8 hours away. Do you think the Bronco Sport would be comfortable for that long of a drive for four guys around 30?
I use my BS Big Bend as my daily and have done a few 8-hour road trips with it. It’s pretty comfy in the front for me and my partner.
I’m shorter than most guys, so the people in the back get a little more legroom when I’m driving. If you’ve got taller folks in the back, it might get a little cramped.
@Avery
Good to know it was comfortable for 8 hours! I’m about 6 feet (if I round up), and the other three guys are between 5’7" and 5’10".
Van said:
@Avery
Good to know it was comfortable for 8 hours! I’m about 6 feet (if I round up), and the other three guys are between 5’7" and 5’10".
It might be a little snug in the back, but I’ve been in tighter spots before! The headroom does help a bit with that ‘crowded’ feeling, so hopefully, it’s bearable for the trip.
@Avery
I’m actually moving on from an old Saturn Vue, so I know what you mean. Love that car, but parts are just too hard to find now.
Just moved across the country—2,000 miles with a fully loaded car, inside and out. Super comfortable for us up front. Our dog took one of the back seats with his bed and slept most of the way, so we didn’t have much experience with the back seats for people.
Can’t say about four guys, but my partner and I (we’re in our 60s) did a 7-hour drive in our Big Bend two weeks after buying it, and it was fine. Not quite as cushy as the Hyundai Sonata I traded in, but we didn’t have any complaints.
@Corey
I drive a 2015 Sonata too, and it’s super comfy. I’m thinking of trading it in for a Bronco Sport, but I’ve read mixed things about the BS, which makes me hesitate.
Zenith said:
@Corey
I drive a 2015 Sonata too, and it’s super comfy. I’m thinking of trading it in for a Bronco Sport, but I’ve read mixed things about the BS, which makes me hesitate.
I have both a 2023 Sonata and a 2024 Bronco Sport. My wife loves the Sonata, but I’m all about the Bronco! The Sonata is definitely roomier and has a softer ride, but I just enjoy the Bronco more.
Picking a Bronco Sport can be tricky since there are so many models and options, but whichever way you go, they’re both solid cars.
Honestly, though, I prefer the older model Sonata. The newer ones have more tech, but not all of it is as helpful as you’d think.
If you can, get the Pilot360 Assist+ with adaptive cruise control. I’ve done a few long trips, and that feature really helps.
As for the 3-cylinder, I haven’t had any issues with it maintaining highway speeds.
Not the most comfortable for me… I’m 6’2" and 230lbs, and my Outer Banks feels cramped after about 15-20 minutes. Also, the suspension feels bouncy in the stock setup, which can be rough if you’re sensitive to that kind of motion.
I’d be more concerned about fitting all the camping gear for four people! I camp with just one other person, and space gets tight.
Hollis said:
I’d be more concerned about fitting all the camping gear for four people! I camp with just one other person, and space gets tight.
Yeah, with four people, you might want to look into a cargo box. My partner and I have two dogs, and we max out the space when we camp. With more people, we’d definitely need the rooftop box.
@Jules
Do you have any cargo box suggestions? We’re used to backpacking and going light, but I don’t want us to be too cramped.
Van said:
@Jules
Do you have any cargo box suggestions? We’re used to backpacking and going light, but I don’t want us to be too cramped.
I have a Yakima SkyBox 21 Carbonite. Got it used for $300, and it’s been great. I also have a hitch rack with a weather-resistant box for extra storage.
Van said:
@Jules
Do you have any cargo box suggestions? We’re used to backpacking and going light, but I don’t want us to be too cramped.
You could check out hitch racks too. They’re great for extra space.
@Jin
Hitch racks don’t mess with your fuel economy as much as a roof box does, which is a nice plus.
Hollis said:
I’d be more concerned about fitting all the camping gear for four people! I camp with just one other person, and space gets tight.
Thanks for pointing that out—definitely something I need to keep in mind.
Went on a 6-hour trip in my partner’s Big Bend. Comfortable, but I wish the seats were a little more bucket-shaped. They feel kind of flat for longer rides.