2026 Ford Bronco Sport: What to Know
The Ford Bronco Sport is a compact four-door SUV with room for five people. While it shares its name with the larger two- or four-door Bronco, the Bronco Sport is much less rugged; it rides on the same platform as the Ford Escape SUV. For 2026, the Bronco Sport is available in four main trims: Big Bend, Heritage, Outer Banks and Badlands. All except the range-topping Badlands are motivated by a 181-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Badlands is equipped with a more powerful 250-hp, turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder and the same eight-speed gearbox. No matter which trim you choose, all-wheel drive is standard across the lineup.
The Bronco Sport impresses with excellent outward visibility and a generous amount of headroom and shoulder room in the backseat, along with a comfortable ride and easygoing driving manners. Inside, all major controls are within easy reach, and the 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen is easy to navigate while driving. Less impressive is the Bronco Sport’s mediocre fuel economy and the degree of road noise that permeates the cabin. Also worth noting is the fact that the turbo three-cylinder engine can quickly run out of steam when too much is asked of it.
What’s New for 2026
- A new Bronze Package adds 17-inch bronze-painted wheels and bronze exterior and interior accents.
- The retro-themed Free Wheeling trim has been discontinued.
- The standard instrument cluster display shrinks from 12.3 inches to 8 inches.
Engines
- Standard: 181-hp, turbo 1.5-liter three-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD
- Available: 250-hp, turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD
Standard Features
- 12.3-inch digital instrument panel
- 13.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Six-speaker stereo
- Six USB ports
- Wireless device charging
- Satellite radio
- Voice-command recognition
- Keyless entry and start
- Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection
- Automatic emergency braking
- Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure steering assist
- Driver-attention monitor
- Automatic high beams
- Rear parking sensors
What’s Special About the Heritage Edition Trim?
- Oxford White roof and wheels
- Oxford White front grille with red Bronco lettering
- Unique interior trim, including cloth upholstery with plaid inserts
- All-terrain tires
- Oxford White bodyside decals
What Features Does the Top Badlands trim Offer?
- 250-hp, turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder
- Lifted suspension
- Two additional drive modes
- All-terrain tires
- Front tow hooks
- Underbody skid plates
- LED foglights
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Front lower bash plate
