The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was thoroughly impressed with the Ford Bronco Sport shortly after its debut for the 2021 model year, awarding its prestigious Top Safety Pick+ Award to the rugged crossover. However, since then, the Bronco Sport’s safety rating has declined. The model missed out on the Top Safety Pick list in 2024, and the most recent data shows that the refreshed Ford Bronco Sport failed to hit the mark, too.
While the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport managed to earn “Good” ratings in several tests – small overlap front, front pedestrian crash prevention, headlights, and seatbelt reminders – it failed to rake in enough Good marks to grant it a position on the Top Safety Pick recommendations.
Specifically, the Bronco Sport fell short in the moderate overlap test, which simulates an offset crash between two vehicles traveling in opposite directions at just under 40 mph. The study found that the rear dummy’s lap belt slid up onto its abdomen, deviating from the ideal position around the pelvis, increasing the chance of severe internal injuries. The rear dummy was also found to have an increased risk of injuries to the chest and head or neck. Overall, the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport earned a “Marginal” score in this area.
The Bronco Sport was also given an “Acceptable” rating in the updated side impact test. The study revealed a significant risk of pelvic injury to the driver in this type of crash. In short, the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport just doesn’t hold up as well as the IIHS would like to see in the event of side impacts.
It’s also worth noting that the 2025 Ford Bronco also failed to make the cut as a Top Safety Pick, too. The Bronco Sport’s big brother was dinged for subpar headlight performance, along with less-than-impressive results in the moderate overlap test and front pedestrian crash prevention.
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And THIS is the model that Farley expects Ford to carry the torch in the ultra-competitive compact CUV class? It’s too small to begin with, for that.