3 Potential 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Drawbacks to Consider
Don’t forget about the Ford Bronco Sport! It seems to be fading in the background as other compact SUV options steal the show. While the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is a spacious and capable vehicle to consider, a few things could be improved.
Is the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport worth buying?
Yes, the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is an excellent compact SUV for daily commuting and tackling the trails. It’s durable with above-average off-roading capabilities and sufficient comfort, a respectable fuel economy, and tons of cargo space.
There are a few minor updates to consider for 2023, such as the Heritage Edition, which adds retro styling cues with a white grille, roof, and wheels. The new Black Diamond off-road package adds all-terrain tires, extra bash plates, and decals.
Plus, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine got a slight power bump to crank out 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. This is an additional five ponies and two lb of twisting power. Now let’s see the potential drawbacks.
1. How much does the 2023 Bronco Sport cost?
The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport starts at $29,215, and the range-topping Heritage Limited trim takes the cost up to $44,655. These are the MSRP’s and don’t include the $1,595 destination fee.
Autoblog shared that the Bronco Sport is expensive, and the base model is pretty spartan. The interior is filled with more cheap plastics than expected. But it also features durable rubberized flooring and soft-touch-covered items.
The 8.0-inch infotainment system uses Ford Sync 3 software, which is a little dated and slow. A standard 4.0-digital gauge cluster provides crucial driver information, and the 6.5-inch unit is reserved for higher trim levels.
Also, the only way to access the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque is to upgrade to the Bronco Sport Badlands trim. All other models feature the less exciting turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque.
2. The Bronco Sport could have a better ride quality
The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport has a bit of a rough and stiff ride quality. It’s noticeably bouncier than rivals in the class. But that’s the trade-off for an enhanced off-roading setup and larger, all-terrain tires.
Also, there is noticeable wind and road noise at highway speeds, and the Bronco Sport isn’t exactly sporty. It doesn’t corner well, the transmission is jerky, and the brakes are a bit soft. With the 2.0-liter engine, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, which is admirable.
But the 2023 Bronco Sport is amazing in the dirt and on the trails. The off-roading modes provide precise control and confidence for tackling obstacles. It has plenty of power for tackling mud and ruts.
3. The Bronco Sport is a little tight
The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport might not be the best option for families because the second row is tight. Taller passengers will want more legroom and rear-seat adjustability. Fitting three average-sized adults in the rear could be a challenge.
Also, the rear doors have narrow openings with a high entry point. This makes entering and exiting the vehicle a bit difficult. Installing rear-facing child seats might be a hassle. Also, the Ford Bronco Sport can only tow up to 2,200 lbs, while rivals can tow up to 3,500 lbs.
However, the rear cargo hold is massive. There’s plenty of cargo space that’s protected by optional rubberized flooring. The seats fold flat, and the rear hatch opens wide.
While the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is an off-roading beast with tons of personality, it’s not as refined or sporty as the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. It also lacks comfort and passenger space with a premium price tag.
