2022 Ford Bronco Sport Review: Is It Worth It?

by Alex Braham 47 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. This compact SUV has been making waves, and we’re here to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know. Is it a true Bronco? Is it just a beefed-up Escape? Let's find out!

Overview of the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2022 Ford Bronco Sport is designed to blend the rugged appeal of the classic Bronco with the practicality of a modern compact SUV. It's smaller and more fuel-efficient than its big brother, the Bronco, but it still aims to offer decent off-road capabilities and a distinctive style. Ford positions the Bronco Sport as an adventurous vehicle for daily commutes and weekend getaways. Think of it as the perfect companion for exploring trails or hauling gear. For the 2022 model year, the Bronco Sport carries over largely unchanged from its debut year, focusing on refining existing features and maintaining its market position. It comes in several trims, each offering a different level of features and capabilities, ensuring there’s a Bronco Sport for various needs and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a base model for efficient commuting or a fully-loaded version for serious off-road adventures, the Bronco Sport aims to deliver. Overall, the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport continues to carve out its niche by offering a blend of rugged design, practical features, and adventurous spirit. It caters to those who want a vehicle that stands out from the crowd and can handle more than just the typical urban environment. So, if you're in the market for a compact SUV with a bit of attitude, the Bronco Sport is definitely worth considering.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance and handling, the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport offers two engine options. The base engine is a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder, producing 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. While this might sound small, it's surprisingly peppy for daily driving. It provides adequate acceleration and is well-suited for navigating city streets and highways. For those looking for more power, there's an available 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, which cranks out 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine significantly enhances the Bronco Sport’s performance, providing quicker acceleration and more confident passing power. It's especially beneficial if you plan to do a lot of highway driving or venture off-road. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which delivers smooth and responsive shifts. The transmission is well-tuned to the engines, ensuring optimal performance and fuel efficiency. One of the standout features of the Bronco Sport is its standard four-wheel-drive system. This gives it enhanced traction and stability, making it capable in various driving conditions. Whether you're dealing with snow, mud, or gravel, the Bronco Sport's four-wheel-drive system provides added confidence. The Bronco Sport also features Ford's G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain), which allows you to select different driving modes to optimize performance for specific conditions. These modes adjust the vehicle's settings, such as throttle response, transmission shift points, and traction control, to provide the best possible performance in various environments. In terms of handling, the Bronco Sport offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and stable driving experience. The steering is responsive and well-weighted, giving you good control and feedback. While it's not as sporty as some other compact SUVs, the Bronco Sport strikes a good balance between comfort and agility.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Let's step inside and talk about the interior comfort and technology of the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. Ford has done a solid job of creating a functional and comfortable cabin that aligns with the vehicle's adventurous spirit. The design is practical and straightforward, with durable materials that can withstand the rigors of outdoor activities. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making them suitable for long drives. The front seats offer ample headroom and legroom, even for taller passengers. In the rear, the legroom is decent for adults, though it might feel a bit tight for taller individuals on longer journeys. The rear seats also offer a good amount of headroom, thanks to the Bronco Sport's boxy shape. One of the standout features of the interior is the abundance of storage space. There are plenty of cubbies, pockets, and bins throughout the cabin, providing ample room for stashing your gear. The cargo area is also spacious, with a decent amount of room for luggage, groceries, or outdoor equipment. The rear seats can be folded down to create even more cargo space, making it easy to haul larger items. In terms of technology, the Bronco Sport comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system is user-friendly and responsive, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the vehicle. Higher trims offer additional features, such as a premium sound system, navigation, and a wireless charging pad. The Bronco Sport also comes with a range of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. These features help to enhance safety and provide added peace of mind while driving. Overall, the interior of the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport is well-designed and functional, with comfortable seating, ample storage space, and a good selection of technology features. It's a practical and comfortable cabin that's well-suited for both daily commutes and weekend adventures.

Off-Road Capability

One of the biggest draws of the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport is its off-road capability. While it's not as hardcore as the full-sized Bronco, the Bronco Sport is surprisingly capable when the pavement ends. All Bronco Sport models come standard with four-wheel drive, which provides enhanced traction and stability on loose surfaces. The four-wheel-drive system is designed to automatically distribute power to the wheels with the most grip, helping you to maintain control in challenging conditions. The Bronco Sport also features Ford's G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain), which allows you to select different driving modes to optimize performance for specific off-road conditions. These modes adjust the vehicle's settings, such as throttle response, transmission shift points, and traction control, to provide the best possible performance in various environments. Some of the available G.O.A.T. Modes include Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand. The Badlands trim takes the off-road capability even further with additional features such as a more advanced four-wheel-drive system with a twin-clutch rear differential. This system can send nearly all of the rear axle's torque to either rear wheel, providing maximum traction in extreme conditions. The Badlands trim also includes a Rock Crawl mode, which optimizes the vehicle's settings for navigating rocky terrain. In terms of ground clearance, the Bronco Sport offers up to 8.8 inches, which is decent for a compact SUV. This allows it to clear obstacles such as rocks and logs without scraping the undercarriage. The Bronco Sport also has relatively short overhangs, which improves its approach and departure angles, making it easier to navigate steep inclines and declines. While the Bronco Sport is not a dedicated off-road vehicle, it's more than capable of handling moderate trails and unpaved roads. It's a great choice for those who want a vehicle that can handle daily commutes and weekend adventures off the beaten path.

Fuel Efficiency

Now, let's talk about something important: fuel efficiency. The 2022 Ford Bronco Sport offers reasonable fuel economy for a compact SUV with standard four-wheel drive. The EPA estimates for the base 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine are 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. These numbers are respectable for a vehicle in this class and should provide decent fuel savings for daily driving. The more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine has slightly lower fuel economy ratings, with an EPA estimate of 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. While this engine offers more performance, it does come at the cost of slightly reduced fuel efficiency. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving habits and conditions. Factors such as speed, acceleration, and terrain can all affect your fuel consumption. To maximize fuel efficiency, it's recommended to drive conservatively, avoid excessive idling, and keep your tires properly inflated. The Bronco Sport also features an Eco mode, which can help to improve fuel economy by optimizing the vehicle's settings for efficiency. This mode adjusts the throttle response and transmission shift points to reduce fuel consumption. Overall, the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport offers reasonable fuel efficiency for a compact SUV with standard four-wheel drive. While it's not the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class, it strikes a good balance between performance and economy. If fuel efficiency is a top priority, the base 1.5-liter engine is the better choice. However, if you're willing to sacrifice a bit of fuel economy for more power, the 2.0-liter engine is a good option.

Pricing and Trims

Let's break down the pricing and trims for the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. Ford offers the Bronco Sport in several different trims, each with its own set of features and capabilities. The base trim is the Bronco Sport Base, which starts at around $28,000. It comes standard with features such as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a suite of advanced safety features. Moving up the trim ladder, we have the Bronco Sport Big Bend, which adds features such as alloy wheels, fog lights, and a more comfortable interior. The Big Bend trim starts at around $30,000. Next is the Bronco Sport Outer Banks, which offers a more luxurious experience with features such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power moonroof. The Outer Banks trim starts at around $33,000. For those looking for maximum off-road capability, there's the Bronco Sport Badlands. This trim includes features such as a more advanced four-wheel-drive system, a twin-clutch rear differential, and a Rock Crawl mode. The Badlands trim starts at around $36,000. Finally, there's the Bronco Sport Heritage Limited Edition, which is a limited-edition trim that combines retro styling with modern features. This trim starts at around $45,000. Keep in mind that these are just starting prices, and the actual price may vary depending on the options and packages you choose. Ford also offers a variety of optional features and accessories that can be added to each trim, allowing you to customize your Bronco Sport to your specific needs and preferences. Overall, the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport offers a range of trims and pricing options to suit different budgets and needs. Whether you're looking for a basic and affordable compact SUV or a fully-loaded off-road machine, there's a Bronco Sport for you.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's sum it all up with the pros and cons of the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport.

Pros:

  • Stylish and Rugged Design: The Bronco Sport has a distinctive and appealing design that sets it apart from other compact SUVs.
  • Standard Four-Wheel Drive: All Bronco Sport models come standard with four-wheel drive, providing enhanced traction and stability.
  • Off-Road Capability: The Bronco Sport is surprisingly capable off-road, especially in the Badlands trim.
  • Comfortable Interior: The interior is well-designed and comfortable, with ample storage space.
  • User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system is easy to use and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Cons:

  • Base Engine Can Feel Underpowered: The base 1.5-liter engine may feel a bit underpowered for some drivers.
  • Rear Legroom Can Be Tight: Rear legroom is decent but may be tight for taller passengers on longer journeys.
  • Fuel Economy Could Be Better: While not bad, the fuel economy is not class-leading.
  • Higher Trims Can Be Expensive: The higher trims, especially the Badlands, can be quite pricey.

Final Verdict: Is the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport Worth It?

So, is the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport worth it? Absolutely! If you’re looking for a compact SUV that blends rugged styling with everyday practicality, the Bronco Sport is a fantastic choice. It stands out from the crowd with its unique design and offers genuine off-road capabilities, especially in the Badlands trim. While the base engine might feel a bit underpowered for some, the available 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine provides plenty of punch. The interior is comfortable and well-equipped, with user-friendly technology and ample storage space. Sure, it has a few drawbacks, like rear legroom and fuel economy, but overall, the Bronco Sport delivers a compelling package. Whether you're commuting to work, exploring trails, or just running errands around town, the Bronco Sport is a versatile and capable companion. So, if you're in the market for a compact SUV with a bit of attitude, definitely give the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport a look. You might just fall in love with its rugged charm and adventurous spirit!