Thinking about getting a Bronco Sport - two questions for current owners

Hi everyone - I currently drive a Ford Explorer and have been a Ford driver for over 20 years. I plan to buy a new car this year, and the Bronco Sport is at the top of my list. I’m looking at the Badlands edition mainly because of the bigger engine. I’d love to hear from current owners about a couple of things…

  • I’ve seen mixed reviews about the back seat being cramped or comfortable. What do you all think about the leg room? We’ll have backseat passengers only about 10% of the time, but I want them to feel comfortable.
  • I’m also curious about the overall quality. I’ve seen a lot of posts complaining about quality issues… it’s tough to tell if those are just a few loud voices or if there are real problems. What do you think?

Thanks!

I think the smaller engine is just fine. I’ve never felt like it lacked power. If you want more power, just switch it to sport mode and it really takes off! I usually keep it in normal or eco mode to save gas. If you go for the Badlands, the fuel economy takes a big hit, which isn’t really needed unless you want more off-road capability.

@Lennon
A friend suggested the Badlands trim, so since I’m just exploring options… why not? Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the engines.

@Ming
Thanks. I’m 5’6”, and my spouse is 5’11”… so if we have people in the back, I guess I will end up driving.

Vance said:
@Lennon
A friend suggested the Badlands trim, so since I’m just exploring options… why not? Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the engines.

I have to disagree a bit - the 1.5L engine is good and often underrated, but the 2.0 is a big upgrade. If you plan to off-road at all, the 2.0 trim is worth it if you can afford it - the dual-clutch ‘locker’ is great.

@Ashton
Thanks for your input. I’m planning to test drive both. From a fuel efficiency standpoint, I’d prefer the smaller engine. But I’m not sure if I’d miss the excitement of a bigger engine.

I’d love to try off-roading at some point, but I can see how that might not sit well with my spouse… so probably not anytime soon LOL.

@Vance
Fuel efficiency is a great reason to go with the 1.5L… there’s a big difference.

Sounds like an OB trim might be just right for you.

Ashton said:
@Vance
Fuel efficiency is a great reason to go with the 1.5L… there’s a big difference.

Sounds like an OB trim might be just right for you.

I’m starting to think that might be the case.

@Lennon
I agree, the little 1.5 engine is great. I have it in my 2023 Escape, and it pairs really well with the 8-speed automatic. The engine was updated starting with the 2023 model year and now gives 199 pound-feet of torque.

I’ve been in one, and I’m used to riding in a Tahoe, Odyssey minivan, and a 3-row Buick Enclave. I didn’t find the Bronco Sport to be especially tight or uncomfortable. The back seat space seemed pretty average, which is a good thing, in my opinion, plus it even has air vents for the back row, which is better compared to the other new Bronco model.

@Hadley
Great, thanks!

As for the back seat, I have two teens over 5’4” and they fit in the back with a friend in the middle comfortably. My husband is about 5’10” and he has made an hours-long trip back there with two other adults without any complaints. I’ve got around 43k miles on my first edition. I really love it, but I do dream of getting the big Bronco.

I have the 2022 Badlands. The back seat is a little tight, but I wouldn’t say it’s uncomfortable. I’ve never felt a lack of power in the car, and the quality has been great so far. No issues with the engine or anything in the interior. Overall, I really love this car and am very happy with my purchase.

If I were you, I’d go to the dealership, adjust the driver and passenger seats to your liking, then hop in the back to get a feel for the space. I’m 6’1” and my buddy who is 6’0” sat behind me and was fine for a 90-minute drive. But your experience might be different.

Vance said:
@Ming
Thanks. I’m 5’6”, and my spouse is 5’11”… so if we have people in the back, I guess I will end up driving.

I’m 5’6”, just drove my daughter and her husband from Tucson to Sky Harbor in Phoenix, then continued on to San Francisco. They were comfortable. I find it a good car for long trips… my trip from Tucson took about 16 hours. It’s not super spacious, but like others have said, it works. I averaged 33-35 mpg with the 1.5L, both ways. I only have 3600 miles on it, but the power is good. Cheers.

@Taylor
Thank you for the insights!

I own the Badlands with the 2.0 engine, and it’s a solid vehicle. My wife has a heritage model with the 1.5, and it’s not a bad engine either; it does have noticeably better fuel economy.

The back seats are tight. I’m 6’4” and fit, but the seat in front of me has to be moved up.

I have 26k miles on a Badlands.

I’m 200 pounds and 5’9”, and the back seat can fit me easily behind my seat.

I think the 1.5 liters have had many more issues compared to the 2.0 liters. All cars sold after the pandemic seem to have more issues on average than those sold before. If you’re concerned about reliability, a 2.0 liter with a towing package is the way to go. I’ve had zero problems or unexpected maintenance and have off-roaded mine, towed with it, and even done two rally X races with it.

I have a 2021 Outer Banks with 25k miles, and we have loved it so far. The 1.5 works well for the driving we do, like road trips and errands. We don’t do any off-roading. I wanted an all-weather capable CUV, and honestly, there are plenty out there. The styling is what made us choose the Sport over other options. I haven’t had any trouble with it. Recalls were handled as soon as they were announced. Mileage has been consistent. I do wish it had more storage behind the back seats. We’ve comfortably taken our teen son (5’11”, 135 lbs) to travel baseball locations. There are a few things the Sport is missing, like a power liftgate, light in the glove compartment, and powered mirrors, but those are just small annoyances.

I have a Badlands and love it. It is not particularly spacious for adults, but I have two kids and a dog, and it works great for our family. I’ve had my car for a year and a half and have had zero issues with it.

We’ve taken ours on trips to Texas, and I also made an 11-hour trip to Colorado. The back seat fits two adults with no problem. We like to travel, and it works great for us.