While the branding leans heavily on its legendary big brother, the Bronco Sport is a distinct machine built on the unibody bones of the Ford Escape. This makes it a perfect middle ground for drivers who want a daily commuter compact SUV that doesn't mind getting its boots dirty on the weekend. We're breaking down the major equipment shifts from 2025 and 2026 to help you find the right fit.
Key Takeaways:
- Ford markets the Bronco Sport as the "little brother" in the Bronco family, but its platform is actually more closely related to the Ford Escape.
- For the 2026 Bronco Sport, Ford added a Bronze package for the Big Bend.
- In 2025, Ford added the Sasquatch package to the Outer Banks and Badlands trim and changed some interior tech.
What Changes Have Been Made to the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport?
For the 2026 Bronco Sport, Ford adds a Bronze package for the Big Bend and Badlands trims with 17-inch bronze-finished wheels, matching exterior accents, interior stitching, and heavy-duty floor liners. Other than that, the lineup stays pretty much the same as last year.
Ford decided to bring the Sasquatch package to the Bronco Sport for 2025, and it's a total game-changer for the Outer Banks and Badlands trims. If you go with the Outer Banks, you're now getting that twin-clutch rear diff, and the Sasquatch look adds beefy steel bumpers, a front bull bar, and dual recovery hooks in the back. You also get more ground clearance, steel skid plates, and a set of 29-inch all-terrain tires that look like they actually mean business. Plus, the Badlands trim gets an extra boost with Bilstein rear dampers.
Inside, Ford ditched the old 8.0-inch screen for a much bigger 13.2-inch display and traded the dated Sync 3 software for the faster Sync 4 interface. Every model now comes standard with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, too. The automaker even threw in more standard safety tech, including adaptive cruise control.
Model Year Changes
| 2026 Bronco Sport |
2025 Bronco Sport |
| Bronze Package added for Big Bend and Badlands |
Sasquatch Package introduced for Outer Banks and Badlands |
| Lineup otherwise largely unchanged from the previous year |
13.2-inch touchscreen replaces the old 8.0-inch display; Sync 4 infotainment replaces Sync 3; 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster becomes standard; Adaptive cruise control added as standard safety tech |
What is the Top Technology Features From the 2026 Ford Bronco?
As you already know, every Bronco Sport now features a 13.2-inch touchscreen; you also get a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster as standard. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus built-in navigation and SiriusXM. For audio, the base setup has six speakers, but you can upgrade to a 10-speaker B&O system on the Outer Banks and Badlands trims.
What is the Base Engine Found in a 2026 Ford Bronco Sport?
The base engine is a 180-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic. There's also an available 250-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that adds paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Every model comes with all-wheel drive and sits on the Escape platform.
Should I Buy a 2026 Ford Bronco Sport?
If you're after the latest style, the 2026 Big Bend with the Bronze package offers a sophisticated look you won't find on older models. However, if your goal is to find a high-tech, trail-capable daily driver at a great value, a 2025 model with the Sasquatch hardware is a formidable choice. Come by the Brighton Ford showroom, and we can get you behind the wheel of both model years to see the difference for yourself!