Going off-road is all about experiencing the thrill of new adventures—going where others can’t or won’t—and having an SUV that can accomplish this is a grand feat in and of itself. But sometimes, finding that perfect choice for what you’re looking for can be hard.
But the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is the kind of SUV that seems to do it all: it’s efficient, powerful, rugged, and affordable, all in one. What exactly makes it an incredible off-road vehicle? Let’s find out…
Power & Capabilities
The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport draws its strength from one of two engines. The 1.5L EcoBoost Turbo I-3 engine creates 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. It’s a serviceable engine that will get the job done—whatever that job may be—but if you really want to take off-roading to the next level, the 2.0L EcoBoost Turbo I-4 engine is your best bet.
With 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, it’s nearly twice as strong as the 1.5L engine and perfect for dominating the streets, the wilderness, and everything between. This engine comes standard on the Badlands and Heritage Limited trims of the 2023 Bronco Sport, both of which are guaranteed to excite off-road enthusiasts. It’ll get you 2,200 lbs of towing capacity—just a touch above the 2,000 lbs you’ll have with the 1.5L Turbo.
But beyond the engine, there’s so much more at work that makes the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport an excellent SUV for anyone who wants to take their vehicle into the unknown. It all starts with standard 4×4 capability for added control and traction, even when the ground becomes uneven or slippery.
Badlands and Heritage Limited trims of the Bronco Sport can get even more traction and advanced control with the available GOAT modes—short for “Going Over Any Terrain.” These selectable drive modes make it easy to optimize your driving experience in normally hazardous conditions, adapting to the path with Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand modes. This one-of-a-kind terrain management system is key to the Bronco Sport’s all-terrain proficiency.
But it’s not just ground that the Bronco Sport can cover—it can even swim! Well, sort of. Due to a well-built and high-clearance suspension (the High-Performance, Off-Road, Stability Suspension—or HOSS), the Bronco can ford through shallow waters and take you through even the most challenging of areas. For those of us that love hitting the water often, certain versions of the 2023 Bronco Sport have equipment that helps you rig kayaks, boats, and more to the top of your SUV.
Whether you’re a frequent camper or an all-around road warrior, the Bronco Sport is designed to go the distance—even if that distance is through the thick of it.
Hardware & Tech
It’s not just a powerful engine and terrain-specific optimization that makes the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport a quality off-road SUV. This vehicle is equipped with hardware and technology that make going off the beaten path easier and more enjoyable.
We’ll do a quick tour of the exterior of the 2023 Bronco Sport to show off just how much is at work here in giving you the ultimate off-road SUV. The strong front fender of the Bronco Sport isn’t just a pretty face: available front tow hooks give you versatility and the ability to get out of even the most unlikely of sticky situations. Is the HOSS suspension not enough for you and your ground-pounding needs?
Available all-terrain tires are designed specifically to withstand the perils and pitfalls of a wild road. To top it all off, metal bash plates and tough fenders are available to armor up your Bronco Sport to ensure it doesn’t take a beating even when it hits the ground hard. All in all, it’s a superbly built body for an SUV that needs it, as it wants to encourage drivers to explore, adventure, and enjoy the outside world as much as possible.
Inside, we move from the aptly-named hardware of the Bronco Sport to the intelligently crafted software that makes this SUV as smart as it is strong. Travel Smart is the available upgrade over traditional navigation systems; it’s a guide that’s adept at helping you navigate trails, rough roads, and more so that you can always get the most out of your journeys. It even includes “breadcrumb navigation,” tracing your trail in the event you need to backtrack or remember the route you’ve come from.
A standard rearview camera makes backing up a breeze, and an available frontal 180-degree camera gives you added awareness of your surroundings and any obstacles you might run into. Available voice-activated controls and SYNC 3 technology will give you the integration of a high-tech luxury car without sacrificing any time operating the beast of an SUV you’ve chosen. Connect and operate smartphone features or use the 8.0-inch touchscreen—all with just a few words—so you can keep both hands gripped on the steering wheel as you challenge the untamed road.
Flexible Interior
Stepping away from the driver’s seat, the interior of the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport exudes versatility. All five occupants will enjoy plenty of room for their heads and legs inside this spacious cabin. There is also 65 cu.ft. of cargo volume distributed creatively throughout the Bronco Sport for easy-to-use and out-of-the-way storage. Available packages give you even more tools and toys to customize this space, like an attached camping table or a full-on interior bike rack! Whatever it is you like to do off-road, the inside of the 2023 Bronco Sport can be fitted to excel at it.
While different trims and models of the Bronco Sport will have different seat stylings and accents, all versions of the 2023 Bronco Sport have comfortable bucket seats that make long journeys easier and more relaxing on the body. The Bronco Sport Badlands and Heritage Limited editions also offer additional storage space under their seats, so each passenger can have their own personal travel packs included in their space.
It’s perfect for family vacations or road trips with friends, as everyone can keep their belongings within reach without bothering anyone else or taking up each other’s space. But the seats of the Bronco Sport are even more flexible, as they can be folded down to fit additional cargo along with you, whether that means bikes, fishing equipment, or some furniture that just needs relocating!
The name of the game inside the 2023 Bronco Sport is versatility, as it can be used equally well for weekend getaways, extended cross-country trips, or everyday neighborhood drives.
Outfitted for the Outback
There’s no other way to say it: the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is an essential vehicle for anyone who takes off-roading seriously. It’s been designed from the ground up to be the ultimate travel SUV.
From its exterior built to conquer all kinds of terrain, to its spacious and comfortable interior, to all the exciting and interesting features, it’s no surprise that Ford continues to build its off-road reputation.
We specifically recommend the Badlands and Heritage Limited trims of the Bronco Sport, as they come pre-equipped with most of the best available or optional off-road features we’ve discussed—but it’s honestly hard to go wrong with any version of this incredible SUV.
