2021 Ford Bronco Sport Buyer's Guide: Trail-Ready Compact SUV

The Bronco Sport: Compact Adventure

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport fills a unique niche: a compact SUV with genuine off-road capability and rugged styling. While it shares its platform with the Ford Escape, the Bronco Sport is engineered for adventures that go beyond pavement, particularly in Badlands trim.

For buyers wanting more trail capability than a typical crossover without the commitment of a full-size off-roader, the Bronco Sport delivers a compelling package.

Trim Level Breakdown

Ford offers five distinct Bronco Sport trims for 2021. The difference between lower and upper trims extends beyond features to fundamental mechanical capability:

Engine Options

1.5L EcoBoost Three-Cylinder

Standard on Base through Outer Banks, the 1.5L turbo produces 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic, it provides adequate acceleration for daily driving and delivers 25 city / 28 highway MPG.

The three-cylinder note is noticeable under hard acceleration but remains refined at cruising speeds. For urban driving and highway trips, this engine serves well.

2.0L EcoBoost Four-Cylinder

Standard on Badlands and First Edition, the 2.0L turbo outputs 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. This engine transforms the Bronco Sport's character, providing confident passing power and the grunt needed for serious trail use.

Fuel economy drops to 21/26 MPG, but the capability increase is substantial. If you plan to use the Bronco Sport's off-road potential, the 2.0L is worth the investment.

G.O.A.T. Modes Explained

Every Bronco Sport includes Ford's G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) drive mode system. Available modes include:

• Normal: Balanced daily driving
• Eco: Maximizes fuel efficiency
• Sport: Sharper throttle response
• Slippery: Optimized for wet or icy surfaces
• Sand: Calibrated for soft surfaces (Base-Outer Banks)

Badlands adds additional modes:

• Mud/Ruts: Aggressive traction control for sloppy trails
• Rock Crawl: Precise throttle control for technical terrain

Common Issues to Watch

Transmission Calibration

Early 2021 Bronco Sport models experienced complaints about rough shifting and hesitation. Ford released software updates addressing these concerns. Verify the vehicle has received TSB 21-2395 or later calibration updates.

Cargo Area Water Intrusion

Some owners reported water leaking into the cargo area through tailgate seals. Inspect the seal condition and look for water staining in the cargo compartment, particularly behind wheel wells.

Infotainment Glitches

The SYNC 3 system occasionally freezes or reboots. Ford has issued software updates to improve stability. Test the system thoroughly during inspection, including navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and climate controls.

What to Pay for a 2021 Bronco Sport

Current fair market values for 2021 Bronco Sport models with 30,000-50,000 miles:

• Base: $22,000-$25,000
• Big Bend: $24,500-$28,000
• Outer Banks: $28,000-$32,000
• Badlands: $31,000-$36,000
• First Edition: $35,000-$42,000

The Badlands package on Outer Banks adds $2,500-$3,500 to value. Low-mileage examples under 20K miles command significant premiums due to strong demand.