Which year to buy
Best betNo standoutNo year is clearly better than the rest
Newest we'd buy2025The latest year rated a good buy
Avoid2021Far more serious problems than usual
Be careful2022More problems; check the recalls were done
Too new to judge: 2026. Give a new year a year or two of owner reports.
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
What changed for 2027
- Engine: 1.5L EcoBoost with Auto Start-Stop Technology → 1.5L EcoBoost (Heritage, Outer Banks, Big Bend)
- Apple CarPlay: Wireless → Not listed (Outer Banks, Badlands)
- Android Auto: Wireless → Not listed (Outer Banks, Badlands)
- Blind-spot monitoring: Blind Spot Intervention → Blind Spot Alert (Big Bend)
- Engine: 2.0L EcoBoost with Auto Start-Stop Technology → 2.0L EcoBoost (Badlands)
- Parking sensors: Front, Rear → Front (Badlands)
2027 Bronco Sport trims
| Badlands | Big Bend | Heritage | Outer Banks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | ||||
| Engine | 2.0L EcoBoost | 1.5L EcoBoost | 1.5L EcoBoost | 1.5L EcoBoost |
| Gears | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Drivetrain | 4wd | 4wd | 4wd | 4wd |
| Tech | ||||
| Touchscreen | — | 13.2 in | — | — |
| Apple CarPlay | Optional | Wireless | Optional | Optional |
| Android Auto | Optional | Wireless | Optional | Optional |
| Digital gauge cluster | 12.3 in | 8 in | — | Optional |
| Audio | Optional | — | Optional | Optional |
| Speakers | Optional | 6 | Optional | Optional |
| Driver assistance | ||||
| Adaptive cruise control | — | Adaptive Cruise with Stop & Go | — | — |
| Lane keeping | — | Lane Centering | — | — |
| Blind-spot monitoring | — | Blind Spot Alert | — | — |
| Automatic emergency braking | — | AEB with Pedestrian Detection | — | — |
| Rear cross-traffic | — | Rear Cross-Traffic with Automatic Braking | — | — |
| 360-degree camera | Surround View Camera | — | — | Optional |
| Parking sensors | Front | Rear | — | Optional |
| Comfort | ||||
| Seats | Optional | Cloth | Cloth | — |
| Heated seats | Front | Optional | Optional | Front |
| Driver seat memory | Optional | — | — | Driver Seat |
| Climate zones | Optional | — | — | 2 |
| Remote start | Optional | App-Based Remote Start | — | Key Fob Remote Start |
| Exterior | ||||
| Power liftgate | — | Manual | — | — |
| Wheels | 17 in | 17 in + option | 17 in | 18 in + option |
Packages and options (70)
| Badlands | Big Bend | Heritage | Outer Banks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Off-Road Assistance Kit $210 | Optional | Optional | Optional | — |
| Badlands Premium Package $2,800 | Optional | — | — | — |
| Black Appearance Package | — | Optional | — | Optional |
| Black Diamond Off-Road Package $1,855 | — | Optional | — | — |
| Bronze + Black Diamond Off-Road Package $1,855 | — | Optional | — | — |
| Bronze Package | Optional | Optional | — | — |
| Camping Package $595 | Optional | — | — | Optional |
| Cargo Management System (Shelf/Divider/Table) with Adjustable Liftgate Flood Lights $195 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Class II Trailer Tow Package with Trailer Sway Control $690 | Standard | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Convenience Package | — | Optional | Optional | — |
| Heritage Tech Package $995 | — | — | Optional | — |
| Interior Protection Package $395 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Outer Banks Tech Package $2,775 | — | — | — | Optional |
| Rear Recovery Kit $350 | — | Optional | — | — |
| Sasquatch Badlands Package $2,395 | Optional | — | — | — |
| Sasquatch Outer Banks Package $2,975 | — | — | — | Optional |
| Tool Kit $370 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| 50-State Emissions | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| 50-State Emissions System Exemption for Public Service/Emergency Vehicles | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Federal / Non-California Emissions | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Black Diamond Graphic Package $425 | — | Optional | — | — |
| Elevation Graphic Package $395 | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| Engine Block Heater | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Fender Flare Kit | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Fender Tie Downs $495 | Optional | — | — | Optional |
| Front Brush Guard with Integrated Recovery Hooks $395 | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| Front License Plate Bracket | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Mudflaps Kit Front and Rear | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Non-Configurable Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Power Moonroof $995 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Roof-Rail Crossbars | — | Optional | Optional | — |
| Roof-Rail Crossbars II $425 | Optional | — | — | Optional |
| Sasquatch Graphic Package $525 | Optional | — | — | Optional |
| SecuriCode Keyless Entry Keypad $250 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Front and Rear Splash Guards $115 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Topo Graphic Package $395 | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| Underbody Courtesy Light Kit $450 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Vented Wheel Arch Moldings $750 | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| Wheel Locks $90 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Aux Switches and Wiring $115 | — | Optional | — | — |
| Cargo Mat $150 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Console Safe $440 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Floor Liners, Front and Rear (without Carpet Mats) $225 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| GB-40 Battery Jump Starter and Carrying Case $190 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Interior Bike Rack $240 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Liftgate Privacy Curtain $120 | Optional | Optional | Optional | — |
| Pro Power Onboard – 400 W (Behind Center Console and Cargo Area) $175 | — | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Second Row Seatback Carpeted with Rubberized Seatback Mat $95 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Windshield Sunscreen $130 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Assistance Kit, On-Road | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| First Aid Kit $70 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ford Connectivity Package (One-time purchase – 7 years) $745 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ford Security Package (One-time purchase – 7 years) $595 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| SiriusXM with 360L (3-year plan) $300 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| 17-inch Black Steel Wheel | — | Optional | — | — |
| 18" Mid-Gloss Dark Gravity Gray-painted Aluminum Wheel $1,295 | — | Optional | — | — |
| Mini Spare Wheel – Steel $395 | — | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| 17-inch Carbonized Gray-painted aluminum wheel $695 | — | Optional | — | — |
| 17" Carbonized Gray-painted High Gloss Aluminum Wheel | — | Optional | — | — |
| Glacier Gray Metallic Tri-Coat $995 | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| Gladwin Green Metallic $495 | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| Neptune Blue | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| Orange Fury Metallic Tri-Coat $995 | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| Oxford White | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| Robin's Egg Blue $995 | — | — | Optional | — |
| Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat $495 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Shadow Black | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Velocity Blue Metallic $495 | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| Ebony/Roast Premium Trimmed | — | — | — | Optional |
| Platinum Blue Premium Trimmed | — | — | — | Optional |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem order guide, Nhtsa vin decode. Still partial for this year: model, trims, powertrain, chassis, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, options, option rules, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 23–27 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 7 | Unknown or other (5) | — |
| 2025 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 23–27 mpg | 5 of 5 | 7 | 38 | Power train (7) | Yes |
| 2024 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD, AWD | 23–26 mpg | 5 of 5 | 8 | 109 | Electrical system (27) | Yes |
| 2023 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD, AWD | 23–26 mpg | 5 of 5 | 14 | 158 | Electrical system (38) | Yes |
| 2022 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, 181 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 250 hp | 4WD, AWD | 23–26 mpg | 5 of 5 | 15 | 359 | Engine (80) | Yes |
| 2021 | 1.5L 3-cyl turbo, 181 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 245 hp | 4WD, AWD | 23–26 mpg | 5 of 5 | 16 | 699 | Electrical system (211) | Yes |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Wireless Apple CarPlayWireless Android AutoApple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Wireless phone chargingAWD or 4WDAdaptive cruise with stop and goLane centeringBlind-spot monitoring360-degree cameraHeated front seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote startSunroof or moonroof
Apple lists CarPlay for: Bronco Sport 2021–2025 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | FORD BRONCO SPORT SUV N/A 4WD | 5 | No | No | 6 | 7 |
| 2025 | Ford Bronco Sport Early Release SUV 4WD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 7 | 38 |
| 2025 | Ford Bronco Sport Later Release SUV 4WD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 7 | 38 |
| 2024 | Ford Bronco Sport SUV 4WD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 8 | 109 |
| 2023 | Ford Bronco Sport SUV 4WD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 14 | 158 |
| 2022 | Ford Bronco Sport SUV 4WD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 15 | 359 |
| 2021 | Ford Bronco Sport SUV 4WD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 16 | 699 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Bronco Sport 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
23–27 |
| 2026 | Bronco Sport Sasquatch 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2025 | Bronco Sport 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
23–27 |
| 2025 | Bronco Sport Sasquatch 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2024 | Bronco Sport 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
23–26 |
| 2023 | Bronco Sport 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
23–26 |
| 2022 | Bronco Sport 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
23–26 |
| 2021 | Bronco Sport 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 3 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
23–26 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.