It usually takes years for a model to build a legacy. Think of all the most famous models like the Ford Mustang, F-150, and Thunderbird. Each of these was sold over decades and generations, so it may seem odd that the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport offers two new Heritage models considering this is only the third model year for this subcompact SUV. The Heritage editions are models that feature special throwback looks, echoing the popular Bronco models of the 1980s. They also include a more fanciful, retro appearance that the original Bronco could only aspire to. The good news for drivers who love the looks of the old Bronco is that the 2023 Bronco Sport gives you the looks without compromising on the modern features and performance you desire in your vehicles. So, while the Bronco Sport Heritage and Heritage Limited have the old-fashioned looks many drivers love, they still deliver the safety, comfort, and performance you need in a modern subcompact SUV.
Ford introduced the Bronco Sport for the 2021 model year. It debuted alongside the larger Ford Bronco, a revival of the name in an SUV package with the ruggedness modern drivers desire, including standard four-wheel drive. As a result, the Bronco Sport stands out in its subcompact SUV vehicle class.
Two Heritage Models to Choose From
The big news for the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is the introduction of the two Heritage models. The Heritage is built on the Big Bend trim level of the Bronco Sport, while the Heritage Limited is offered on the top-of-the-line Badlands model. This means that when you buy a Bronco Sport Heritage model, you get all of the standard features for the Big Bend or Badlands, as well as the special items that are exclusive to the Heritage and Heritage Limited.
The Big Bend Standard Equipment
The Big Bend is the middle-range model of the 2023 Bronco Sport. It comes equipped with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost I-3 gas engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine features auto stop-start technology, improving fuel economy. It can deliver up to 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque by utilizing a combination of port and direct fuel injection. As a result, the Bronco Sport Big Bend can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 8.2 seconds. It also provides a solid fuel economy of 26 miles per gallon combined, which is very impressive for an SUV with four-wheel drive.
Ford has given a MOLLE Straps system on the bank of the front seats in the Bronco Sport Big Bend. This is designed to hold a water bottle or flashlight, as well as other items you will need if you take your Bronco Sport out on a camping trip. It is little features like this that truly set the Bronco Sport apart from other subcompact SUV models.
The Badlands Standard Equipment
The Bronco Sport Badlands is the top trim, and it has a larger engine than other 2023 Bronco Sport models. This is a 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 gas engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It also features the auto stop-start technology but relies solely on direct fuel injection. This larger engine provides up to 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. As a result, the Bronco Sport Badlands can accelerate to 60 miles per hour in a very impressive 5.9 seconds. It is slightly less fuel-efficient than the Bronco Sport models with the smaller engine, providing an estimated 23 miles per gallon combined. However, it has greater towing capability, up to 2,200 pounds, compared to a maximum trailering rating of 2,000 pounds on other models of the Bronco Sport.
G.O.A.T. Could Mean “Greatest of All Time”
One of the most popular features of the Bronco Sport model is the Terrain Management System with five different G.O.A.T. modes. G.O.A.T. stands for “goes over any type of terrain,” and this system has settings for sand, slippery, sport, eco, and normal. Drivers who choose the Badlands and Heritage Limited models get two additional modes––mud/ruts and rock crawl. These will come in handy when you decide to take your 2023 Bronco Sport Heritage Limited out on the trails for some serious off-road adventures. This is why so many drivers may think that G.O.A.T. stands for “greatest of all time.”
Retro Features in a Modern Package
The Bronco Sport Heritage harkens back to the two-tone look of the ’80s. It starts with Oxford White accents, which are prominent throughout the exterior paint job of the two models. This includes an Oxford White roof that will look hot no matter which exterior paint color you choose. The front grille is even painted Oxford White, with the name Bronco spelled out in Race Red block letters. Finishing the look is a set of 17-inch aluminum heritage wheels, also in Oxford White. There is so much Oxford White paint used in the exterior of the Heritage and Heritage Limited that the package should include a Rhodes Scholarship.
Ford offers the Heritage model in six different exterior paint selections, including Robin’s Egg Blue. If you choose the Heritage Limited, there are three different colors to choose from, including Robin’s Egg Blue, Yellowstone Metallic, and Peak Blue. Each has been chosen to complete the retro looks of these new Bronco Sport models.
The Bronco Sport Heritage and Heritage Limited models take the exterior looks and carry them inside the passenger compartment. The seats on the Heritage model are made of comfortable cloth. These feature a Navy Pier color in plaid, with Race Red and Robin’s Egg accent stitching. The choice of Navy Pier color was inspired by the look of the 1980s Bronco models. This was a popular color choice 40 years ago. The Heritage Limited upgrades these seats to leather with Oxford White door inserts. The front instrument panel is also in Navy Pier, with more Oxford White accents. Finally, the MOLLE strap storage system has Navy Pier straps and Race Red zipper grips. Clearly, Ford has put a great deal of thought into the design of the Heritage and Heritage Limited models of the 2023 Bronco Sport.
Heritage Performances That Look to the Future
While much of the Bronco Sport Heritage and Heritage Limited models are a throwback to the old days, there are a number of special features that enhance performance and passenger enjoyment. The Heritage Limited Edition model comes fitted with a set of 29-inch all-terrain off-road tires on its 17-inch aluminum wheels. These have a deeper tread than the tires on the standard Bronco Sport models. These stretch up to the sidewalls to provide better overall traction when driving your Bronco Sport Heritage Limited edition in off-road conditions.
The Heritage and Heritage Limited Edition models also have second-row rubberized back seats. These will come in handy when you take your Bronco Sport on a camping trip. If your passengers get a little muddy out there, you don’t have to worry about ruining your SUV’s interior. These back seats can be easily wiped down to remove dirt, mud, and other debris.
Ford has also equipped the Bronco Sport Heritage and Heritage Limited models with LED fog lamps. These reduce glare and reflective light that can distract you when driving through fog, snow, and other inclement weather. They feature a cornering lamp that automatically illuminates the inside of your turns so you can track the area around you when driving at night. These two models also have a trailer sway control that reduces the movement of your trailer when you are using your Bronco Sport for towing.
One problem that confronts many drivers when out off-roading is getting their vehicle stuck in a rut. This situation often requires towing assistance. Fortunately, Ford has given the 2023 Bronco Sport Heritage Limited a set of front tow hooks. These provide a perfect place to anchor towing cables so you can get your vehicle out of a rut without doing any damage to the bumpers or undercarriage.
Bronco Sport Is Establishing an Off-Road Heritage
Building a legacy is a goal of most automakers. Each year, manufacturers premiere new vehicles and update existing models. For each model, the automaker hopes that it is building the next Mustang or F-150, a name that stands out among its vehicle class. With the 2023 Bronco Sport, Ford is creating a legend in just three short years that merits coming out with the Heritage and Heritage Limited models. In providing the Heritage editions, Ford is demonstrating how to pay tribute to the past while looking forward to the future.
