Say hello to the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

Ford has just introduced the 2021 Ford Bronco which is set to compete directly with the Jeep Wrangler. It seems they also want to compete with other more comfort-oriented models such as the Jeep Cherokee and Compass with the smaller but equally as capable Bronco Sport.

The smaller model slots between the Ford EcoSport and Escape in the company’s crossover lineup. Thanks to its all-wheel drive system, powerful EcoBoost powertrains, and rugged styling, it is more capable of going to places not usually meant for vehicles of its size.

It’s not surprising to see the Bronco Sport have retro-inspired looks just like the 2- and 4-door Broncos, but with a more modern look. Instead of round headlights it gets round LED daytime running lights, with the headlight cluster being more of a rounded rectangle. Other than that, it still gets a sleek and rugged front grille with the Bronco name spelled-out as well as rugged front and rear bumpers. 

Inside, the Bronco Sport gets a more traditional interior which is still rugged in terms of styling in some way. In the center of the dashboard is an 8-inch Ford SYNC3 touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Ford+Alexa. It also gets leather-wrapped heated and ventilated power adjustable seats and a 10-speaker Bang&Olufsen audio system. 

Under the hood, the Bronco Sport gets smaller powertrain options compared to the larger Bronco. There are choices of either a 1.5-liter EcoBoost which produces 181 hp and 257 Nm of torque or a 2.0-liter EcoBoost which makes a best in class 245 hp and 373 Nm of torque. Both are turbocharged and paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Just like the Bronco, the Bronco Sport’s all-wheel drive system is equipped with Terrain Management System. This gives the Bronco Sport seven different driving modes: Normal, Eco Sport, Slippery and Sand, Mud, Ruts, and Rock Crawl. All Bronco Sports also come with a fully-independent front and rear suspension, and Trail Control is cruise control for off-roading. Water wading capacity is rated at an excellent 600 mm. 

For safety, the Bronco Sport is equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of advanced driver-assist technologies as standard. This includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking featuring Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning and Dynamic Brake Support, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, Auto High Beam Headlamps and a rearview camera. Available Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ technology includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane-Centering, Evasive Steering Assist and voice-activated touch screen navigation. Available Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 technology adds Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane-Centering and Speed Sign Recognition.

For now, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is only available in the United States and dealers there can now begin accepting orders for the new model. As for the Philippines, we don’t know but it is a possibility considering the rising popularity of off-road vehicles and adventures in the country. If demand is high in our market then Ford Philippines could definitely try as they always say that they do listen to what their customers want.