Used Ford Bronco vs. Bronco Sport Comparison
They’re related by name, and visually similar in several important ways, but the Ford Bronco and Ford Bronco Sport are actually two rather diverse vehicles, and intended for different uses around Buffalo and Western New York. The Bronco is larger (its four-door configurations are 16 inches longer than the Bronco Sport) and heavier (by several hundred pounds), and packed with trail-ready equipment and features. Meanwhile the Bronco Sport, though also capable of handling a trail, is more suited for casual everyday driving, thanks to a smooth ride and ample comfort features.
Confused? That’s okay! Here’s a quick guide explaining the Bronco versus the Bronco Sport, courtesy of the team at Basil Family Dealerships.
Two Distinct Architectures
It might be surprising to learn that, despite being related vehicles, the Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport are actually built entirely differently from each other.
The flagship Bronco is built as a body-on-frame vehicle which, just as the name suggests, means that its body is attached to an underlying chassis (the frame). It’s the more traditional form of construction and, given that the frame is primarily made of two high-strength steel rails, superior for towing, hauling, and off-roading. In other words, the Ford Bronco’s body-on-frame architecture is the source of much of its ruggedness, including up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity (versus up to 2,200 on the Bronco Sport), and the ability to handle the twisting forces that harsh off-road terrain applies to any vehicle.
Conversely, the Ford Bronco Sport has a unibody architecture, meaning that the body and frame are considered one unit. The floor, roof, pillars, and body panels are all welded together as a single structural unit. Unibody vehicles have plenty of advantages as well, including the fact that they’re generally significantly lighter. This leads to the Bronco Sport being the superior vehicle for driving comfort, acceleration, and fuel economy.
At Home on the Trail
Even beyond its body-on-frame construction, the Ford Bronco is optimized for adventure in numerous other ways. Though specific features depend on the model year and trim level, one core piece of its capabilities is a part-time 4×4 system, which runs as a rear-wheel drive on clear and dry roads, but has all-wheel drive modes purpose-built for snow, mud, gravel, or steep inclines. The Bronco’s 4×4 is supported by a Terrain Management System with five or seven G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Modes, which adjust throttle response, transmission shift points, steering sensitivity, traction control, and 4×4 performance to match the driving surface. Naturally, exterior features like bash plates and tow hooks are available on the Bronco as well.
To take things to another level, consider finding a Bronco with the available Sasquatch® Package, as it includes larger tires, a higher ground clearance, and additional specialized off-road suspension components. Or experience the Baja-tested exhilaration that only the high-performance Bronco Raptor can deliver.
The Comfortable, Economical Choice
Many might be surprised to learn that the Ford Bronco Sport is, itself, a capable off-roader, with several of the same features that can also be found on the classic Bronco. After all, it wouldn’t be worthy of the name otherwise.
However, where the Bronco Sport truly shines is in its comfort and economy, and as an everyday vehicle. For starters, there’s the obvious: it typically has a lower sticker price than the Bronco, often by quite a bit. Its cost benefits don’t stop there, though, as — depending on the specific model — it can offer roughly six additional combined miles per gallon, a major contributor to an overall ownership price tag that can be upwards of $100 less than the Bronco per month.
That’s not to say that there’s anything “cheap” about it. With dual-zone climate control, a standard 13.2-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ capabilities, an available power moonroof, and available eight-way seat adjustment, the Ford Bronco Sport offers a premium driving experience on top of its legacy of grit.
Which Is Right for You?
Quite obviously, if your primary goal is to dominate trails, you should purchase a Ford Bronco. If you’re looking for a more economical, yet refined, and easy-to-drive experience in an everyday commuter, the Bronco Sport is ideal.
The good news is that, regardless of which direction you head, you’ll end up with an extremely capable vehicle with the ability to juggle both of those extremes to a large extent. Both the Bronco and Bronco Sport have the standard 4×4 and mechanical features to handle a Western New York winter, and each can also be equipped to head off-road, just as each is perfectly in its element running errands. The choice, then, largely comes down to priorities.
Still having trouble deciding? The professionals at Basil Family Dealerships are here to help, as we have the expertise to help you figure things out. On top of that, we have large selections of both the Ford Bronco and the Ford Bronco Sport on hand, allowing you to get a look at each model up close and develop a preference organically. Stop by or contact us today to get started!