Brett Foote
As Ford Authority reported recently, production of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport began at the Ford Hermosillo Assembly Plant back in October. Now, the very first Bronco Sport deliveries have begun. In fact, Ford delivered 22 units of the Bronco Sport in the month of November, and more are beginning to roll into dealerships as we speak.
While Bronco Sport deliveries have started, it’s worth noting that deliveries of its big brother – the Ford Bronco – won’t begin until the spring of 2021. Like the Bronco, the Bronco Sport is designed to offer excellent off-road capability, but in a small, easy-to-live-with, and more affordable package.
Bronco Sport buyers have a variety of trim levels to choose from, including the Base ($26,660 starting MSRP), Big Bend ($28,160), Outer Banks ($32,160), Badlands ($32,660), and First Edition ($38,500), which sold out shortly after reservations became available.
Badlands and First Edition models come equipped with a host of off-road-focused goodies including “steelie” style aluminum wheels and 29-inch Falken Wildpeak A/T tires, along with an advanced 4×4 system, seven G.O.A.T. driving modes, a specially tuned suspension, and four bash plates.
The new Bronco Sport is offered with one of two engines, depending on which model buyers opt for. Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks models come equipped with Ford’s 1.5L EcoBoost engine that produces 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque.
Badlands and First Edition models are powered by Ford’s 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that produces a best-in-class 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque.
Both engines are backed up by an 8-speed automatic transmission. On Badlands and First Edition models, the transmission also comes with SelectShift technology and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. In addition, 2.0L models come equipped with additional transmission and rear-drive coolers.
We’ll have more on the new Bronco Sport very soon, so be sure to subscribe to Ford Authority for more Bronco Sport news, Ford Bronco news, and continuous Ford news coverage.
I’m not an off road person but I like the look of the Bronco Sport. Anybody know what to expect in terms of ride quality for a daily driver. I’d like have a quiet, smooth ride for the commute.
I was hoping to get one, but since it’s assembled in Mexico, I’ll get something assembled in Louisville instead.
I’m really interested in the Badlands trim level. I’m guessing they’ll end up commanding a price premium initially. I’m curious, is that “Badlands” badge on the front side of the vehicle and actual badge or a sticker? It kind of looks like a cheap sticker based off of the photos and videos I’ve seen.
In reply to Me, I can’t knock your thought process, as mine is the same, I just can’t get behind a made in mexico bronco, even if it isn’t a real bronco, but a Bronco Sport ( I guess they are just calling it BS). The manual trans in the bronco is going to be made in China! What makes it worse, it will only be available on the 4 banger!! My guess, in a year or so, ford will drop the 7speed manual Chinese made trans, and give the following reason, “Not enough people bought them……”. Ford, will not come out and say, because we didn’t offer it as an option on the V6, we didn’t sell enough manual transmissions to keep them in stock. When asked, “Why didn’t you offer them with the V6”. Ford will answer, “Are you kidding? that thing is made in china, enough of them snapped gears when a few guys took them off roading, with the V6 we’d be facing another huge class action, just like the one were facing now over the chinese made manual we put in the mustang.”
Or, at least they’ll that is what they’ll be thinking…
This article has made some errors-the first edition Broncos have NOT BEEN SOLD OUT, they have been reserved ($100 reservation fee). Sold-is far different from, reserving the right to purchase. The number (7500) is often quoted-no sales have taken place, zero. The number of those putting down a $100 to get a place in line (refundable) versus the number of actual buyers is yet to be seen, as zero production broncos has been built. The number of those already requesting their $100 be returned would also be interesting. I doubt Ford will ever publish either of these numbers. This vehicle is/was suppose to take on, and destroy Jeep’s hold on this segment (Off Road, 4×4), yet Ford has done everything it can to appeal to the mall crawler class, you know, wash and wax it often, take off road never, guys. Chinese made manual, only with the tiny four banger, no diesel, no V8 (although Hennessey is offering to convert one for you), but you can order leather seats, sound proofing, full carpet, infotainment center(s) etc.. I predict-It will be easy to spot a bronco (once they are actually being produced) at the mall, or the local soccer game, but not so much out on the trails. The vast majority of these “buyers” will never take their new Bronco out on the trails, or off road, or in the mud, for a very long time 5 or 6 years minimum. Until that happens we will not really know if they Bronco is tough as nails off road or not.
Call it what you want, but Ford will sell every one of these, whether it be to the original reservation holders or not. Also, it’s a little early to predict how many Bronco owners will actually take their vehicles off-road. One could argue that plenty of Jeep owners never do, and certainly fall into that “mall-crawler” class.
“Ford will sell every one of these”, will they sell every one of the first 7500? Hell yes, we know for a fact there are at least 100,000 professional followers! There are people in love with idea of a bronco, Zero production broncos exist, the hype machine is alive and well, the followers are just following. Once the followers are done buying their mall crawler, never to venture off road, those with a little bit more sense must be sold. This group likes to see, touch, drive a vehicle prior to purchase, BTW, their money spends just as well buying a ford, jeep or toyota. It was a safe bet that the first 7500 Yugos were going to sold, this isn’t the type of “future Prediction” that requires a California fortune teller. If you spend time on the off road trails, you see quite a few Jeeps, Toyota Tacomas, and rails, these guys go off road, and on the trails, we’ll see if the “I just have to have the extra sound proofing” crowd are going off road, all we need do, go out on the trails.
That’s the first time I heard “mall crawler” funny! Yes the majority of people who buy a Bronco Sport will be buying it for looks. It does look sharp. You’re not gonna see many people though setting up that ridiculous looking roof tent and ladder. Prediction: The Sport will sell well. The full size Bronco will not. Ford wants like 55K for the First Edition model. You’re going to beat the crap out of that off road?
The bronco sport isn’t pushed to soccer moms, or the elderly church lady, but rather, ford is actively pushing it for it’s four wheel drive/off road capabilities, I’m afraid you are correct, it will sell well to that segment of buyers desperately wanting to convey a “certain look”, if they ever go off road or not.
Regarding the 55k bronco, imagine, the guy that NEEDS the 35 in tires/winch/ push guard/off road lighting/ etc. with zero plans of ever using that equipment! If this isn’t the definition of a Fan Boy, buying a look, I don’t know what is! Reminds me of a guy buying 55k worth of custom pots/pans/stoves/ovens/mixers/etc. with zero intention of ever cooking! Fan Boys are a sad group. Once a few of the broncos finally get out on the trails, and are working with the Jeeps and Toyotas the entire community of off roaders will know what’s what-the hype doesn’t get you up the trails. I’ve owned broncos, I am also disappointed that ford isn’t offering a “stripped down” 2 door, V6 (V8 better), with a big, strong American made manual, and BTW a white top….a diesel would be the ticket, but these things don’t seem as though they will come to pass.
There are many like me who would buy a Bronco Sport with no desire to drive it in rugged “off road” conditions (besides a gravel road). I want a practical vehicle, with decent mileage, that has the ability to handle the snowy conditions we can get in the greater Front Range and Denver area. Not everything in an SUV is about mud and rocks.
If snow in the Denver area is your primary concern, along with good MPG, buy a Subaru, their performance in snow along with their MPG is time proven, lower CG, boxer mill, etc. I am also predicting, the cost of ownership will be considerably less with a Subaru. The Made in Mexico bronco sport may be your ticket, but not for MPG and snow driving capability. May I suggest you don’t buy the three cylinder…..
I’m disappointed in how ford is rolling these out…i made several reservations and am told i shouldn’t expect to see mine until march…meanwhile others are just being sent to dealerships for random purchases? it seems like the whole reservation system is no honest, but rather an exercise in hyping the product for ford. why wouldn’t ford want to reward those who have shown real support for them by delivering based on reservations and build orders? and with such real demand…followed up with build capacity, why is it taking so long to get any real production into delivery pipelines?
I’m watching the reviews for the Bronco Sport on YouTube and I just realized it looks in many ways like the first generation Escape!
Is this true? The Ford Bronco sport does not have a power iiftgate?
I took delivery of a Badlands Bronco Sport over a month ago, and yes, it has no power lift gate. I’ve never liked power lift gates or trunks; the job they do is done more efficiently manually. Regarding the question about the Badlands badge, it is a thick hard plastic badge that has some depth, but certainly not as thick as a metal badge. I think it looks great. As far as the ride is concerned, it is stiffer on rough roads than the 2019 Escape we had previously, but overall has a nice ride. The Bronco Sport is the only vehicle that has literally stopped traffic in front of my house. People wander up the driveway to look it over.
If having strangers wandering up your drive way is good thing, turn on a red light above your front door…..