Even though it shares the Bronco name and that same outdoorsy attitude, the Ford Bronco Sport is very much its own thing. It's smaller, more practical, and built for a different kind of buyer. To figure out which version makes more sense, we're looking at what changed between 2025 and 2026 and how those updates affect the way you'd use it day to day.
Key Takeaways:
- The Bronco Sport is the more rugged alternative to the Escape.
- The Big Bend trim gets a visual glow-up thanks to the new Bronze package.
- 2025 introduced the Sasquatch off-road hardware and a full tech upgrade.
Ford adds a new Bronze package for the Big Bend and Badlands trims in 2026. This brings in 17-inch bronze-finished wheels and carries that look through to the exterior accents. Inside, the theme continues, with bronze contrast stitching along, and durable floor liners built to handle dirt, mud, and gear. The lineup otherwise stays the same.
The bigger shift happened the year before. In 2025, Ford introduced the Sasquatch package to the Bronco Sport lineup, which is where things got more serious off-road. Available on the Outer Banks and Badlands trims, it adds a twin-clutch rear differential, steel bumpers, and a front bull bar. You also get more ground clearance, 29-inch all-terrain tires, and steel skid plates underneath. On the Badlands Sasquatch, Ford takes it a step further by adding upgraded Bilstein rear dampers, which make a noticeable difference once the terrain gets rough.
That same year, Ford also overhauled the tech. It replaced the old 8.0-inch screen with a much larger 13.2-inch touchscreen running Sync 4, and every trim picked up a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, also became more widely available across the lineup.
Model Year Changes
| 2026 Bronco Sport |
2025 Bronco Sport |
| Big Bend and Badlands trims add the Bronze package |
Outer Banks and Badlands add Sasquatch Package |
| Lineup otherwise mostly unchanged from 2025 |
13.2-inch touchscreen replaces 8.0-inch screen Sync 4 infotainment replaces Sync 3New 12.3-inch digital gauge clusterAdaptive cruise control added |
What is the Interior of the Ford Bronco Sport Like?
Inside, the Bronco Sport's larger screens take over the dashboard, and everything feels more connected than ever before. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is built-in nav, depending on the trim. A standard six-speaker stereo system gets the job done, but there's an available 10-speaker B&O system on higher trims, should you want more out of your audio.
How Much Horsepower Does the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Make?
The Sport's standard engine is a 1.5-liter three-cylinder making 180 horsepower. It's great for city driving and general use without feeling underpowered. However, if you take to the trail, there's the available 2.0-liter four-cylinder that puts out 250 horsepower and adds paddle shifters for a bit more control. Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic, and every trim comes standard with all-wheel drive, which helps when conditions get less predictable.
Is the Bronco Sport the Right Fit for Your Needs?
Choosing between the 2025 and 2026 models mostly comes down to what matters more to you. The 2025 Bronco Sport introduced the big changes, larger screens, more advanced tech, and the Sasquatch package for better off-roading. For 2026, the updates are more about appearance, with the Bronze package adding a new look rather than new capability.
If you're deciding between the two, it's worth seeing them side by side to get a feel for what you're actually getting at each price point. Be sure to come to Jarrett Ford in Dade City to find the best model for you!