Is the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Worth Buying? Our Honest Review

When I first laid eyes on the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport at the Detroit Auto Show, I immediately understood why Ford was banking so heavily on this vehicle's familiar nameplate. The company's approach reminds me of what Valdez mentioned about leveraging familiarity in competitive environments - "It's very important to us, to the whole management, because we're always banking on that familiarity to be in this PVL conference and other conferences." Ford is clearly employing the same strategy, counting on the Bronco's legendary status to capture market attention in the crowded compact SUV segment.

Now, having driven the Bronco Sport for nearly six months and put about 8,500 miles on it across various terrains, I can confidently say this isn't just another pretty face in the SUV crowd. The base model starts at $28,155, which positions it competitively against rivals like the Jeep Cherokee and Toyota RAV4. What surprised me most was how capable this little SUV feels off-road, especially considering its unibody construction rather than body-on-frame like its bigger Bronco sibling. The optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine delivers 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque - numbers that genuinely translate to real-world performance when you need to merge onto highways or tackle steep inclines.

I've taken my test unit through mud, sand, and even some light rock crawling in the Arizona desert, and the Bronco Sport's Terrain Management System with G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes proved remarkably effective. The system offers seven different drive modes including Sand, Mud/Ruts, and even a dedicated Rock Crawl mode that I found particularly impressive for a vehicle in this class. During my testing, the approach angle of 30.4 degrees, departure angle of 33.1 degrees, and breakover angle of 20.4 degrees allowed me to navigate obstacles that would have stopped most compact SUVs in their tracks.

Inside, the cabin feels both rugged and modern, though I did notice some cheaper plastic surfaces that might not age well. The 8-inch touchscreen runs Ford's SYNC 3 system, which isn't the latest iteration but remains intuitive and responsive. What really won me over was the thoughtful storage solutions throughout the cabin - from the washable rubber floor mats to the clever cargo area system with multiple tie-down points and an available liftgate floodlight. These might seem like small details, but they make a huge difference when you're actually using the vehicle for adventure purposes rather than just commuting.

Fuel economy is respectable but not class-leading. During my mixed driving, I averaged about 25 MPG combined, with highway driving reaching up to 28 MPG when I was careful with my right foot. The 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine in lower trims returns slightly better numbers, but I'd personally recommend springing for the Badlands trim with the more powerful 2.0-liter engine despite the fuel economy trade-off. The extra power is worth it, especially if you plan to do any serious off-roading or frequently carry passengers and gear.

Where the Bronco Sport truly shines is in its unique positioning within the market. While competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 focus primarily on comfort and efficiency, the Bronco Sport embraces its adventurous spirit without completely sacrificing daily drivability. I've found it perfectly capable for grocery runs and commuting, yet ready for spontaneous weekend adventures without needing extensive modifications. The available Trail Turn Assist feature, which brakes the inside rear wheel to tighten turning radius off-road, is one of those clever innovations that demonstrates Ford's commitment to making this more than just another pavement princess.

That said, it's not perfect. The ride quality can feel somewhat firm on rough city streets, and wind noise becomes noticeable at highway speeds above 70 MPH. Some of my colleagues have complained about the three-cylinder engine's refinement in lower trims, though I didn't find it particularly objectionable during my testing. The infotainment system, while functional, lacks the polish of systems found in newer competitors like the Hyundai Tucson or Mazda CX-5.

From a value perspective, the Bronco Sport makes a compelling case for itself, particularly if you prioritize capability over luxury. The Badlands trim I tested came in at $36,785 with options, which includes features like the more powerful engine, all-terrain tires, upgraded suspension, and additional drive modes. While that's not cheap, it's significantly less than you'd pay for a similarly equipped Jeep Wrangler while offering better daily comfort and similar off-road prowess for most situations the average buyer will encounter.

After my extensive time with the vehicle, I believe Ford's bet on the Bronco name's familiarity is paying off handsomely. The Bronco Sport manages to capture the essence of what made the original Bronco iconic while adapting it for modern consumers who need practicality alongside adventure capability. It's not the right choice for everyone - if you prioritize fuel economy above all else or want a plush ride quality, there are better options. But for buyers seeking character, capability, and daily usability in a compact package, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport stands out as one of the most compelling options in its class. It successfully bridges the gap between conventional compact SUVs and dedicated off-road vehicles in a way that few competitors have managed.