If you’ve been shopping around for a new Ford SUV in Texas, chances are you’ve found yourself asking the big question: Bronco Sport versus Bronco, which one is the right fit for me?
Both the new Ford Bronco and the Ford Bronco Sport are built to handle the rugged trails, wide-open highways, and everyday commutes Texans face. But they’re not quite the same. Doesn’t matter if you’re eyeing the Bronco Sport Big Bend for city driving, the Bronco Sport Badlands for weekend camping, or the full-size Bronco Wildtrak for serious off-road adventures, choosing between them comes down to lifestyle, capability, and budget.
Let’s dive in and compare everything from engine options to towing capacity, so you’ll be ready for a test drive at your local Tomball Ford dealership.
Key Differences Between Bronco Sport and Bronco
The Bronco Sport and the Bronco may share a name, but under the hood (and under the body), they’re very different.
- Bronco Sport: Built on a unibody platform (like the Ford Explorer), it feels more car-like in daily driving. It’s compact, easy to park, and still offers rugged style and off-road capability.
- Bronco: Built on a body-on-frame design with heavy-duty construction, the Bronco is designed for serious trail domination. Think removable hard top, available Sasquatch package, and locking differentials.
So, the key difference? The Bronco Sport is your everyday adventure SUV, while the Bronco is a trail-tackling beast.
Engine Options and Performance
Texans love powerful engines, and both SUVs deliver, in different ways.
- Ford Bronco Sport comes standard with a 1.5L EcoBoost turbocharged engine (181 horsepower, 190 lb-ft of torque). If you want more pep, step up to the 2.0L EcoBoost in trims like the Bronco Sport Badlands, which bumps you to 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft.
- Ford Bronco gives you multiple choices. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost churns out 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft, while the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 kicks it up to 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft. For those chasing adrenaline, the Raptor model takes performance to the extreme.
Both models offer turbocharged power, but the Bronco simply has more muscle for towing and climbing.
Fuel Economy (MPG & EPA Ratings)
If you’re looking at long commutes or care about fuel economy, the Bronco Sport has the edge.
- Bronco Sport: Around 25–28 mpg depending on trim (according to EPA estimates).
- Bronco: With its larger size and heavy-duty drivetrain, you’re looking at closer to 17–20 mpg.
So if saving at the pump matters, the Bronco Sport is the winner here.
Off-Road Capability
Both vehicles are born for dirt roads and trails, but they approach it differently.
- Bronco Sport: Comes standard with G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Terrain). Higher trims like the Bronco Sport Badlands get advanced terrain management systems, Trail Control, and upgraded drivetrains. It’s perfect for Texas hunting leases, sandy riverbeds, or muddy pastures.
- Bronco: This is where it shines. With HOSS suspension, locking differentials, Sasquatch package, and Trail Control, the Bronco is practically unstoppable. Trims like Black Diamond and Wildtrak are built for extreme off-road adventures.
In short: if you’re headed to Big Bend or Palo Duro Canyon, the Bronco will blow you away. If you’re sticking closer to Houston trails and occasional weekends away, the Bronco Sport is more than capable.
Interior Comfort and Tech
Both SUVs deliver modern features Texans want in a new vehicle:
- Infotainment system: Both include touchscreen interfaces, available LCD displays, and user-friendly Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Sound system: Optional premium sound systems give road trips a concert-like feel.
- Comfort: The Bronco Sport has roomy front row comfort and flexible rear seats, while the Bronco provides more headroom, bigger seating capacity options, and available four-door layouts.
- Upgrades: From infotainment system tech to safety features like blind spot monitoring, you’ll find plenty of choices on both.
If tech and comfort matter, both SUVs deliver, but the Bronco edges ahead with more trim levels and luxury options like the Outer Banks edition.
Towing Capacity and Utility
Let’s talk about hard work. Texans often need their SUV to do more than haul groceries.
- Bronco Sport: Up to 2,200 pounds of towing capacity with the 2.0L EcoBoost. Perfect for small trailers, jet skis, or dirt bikes.
- Bronco: Depending on the engine option, you’ll get up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity. With the right setup, it handles boats, campers, or bigger loads with ease.
If towing is in your lifestyle, the Bronco is the more practical choice.
Trim Levels and Pricing (MSRP)
There’s a Bronco for every budget, but pricing reflects capability:
- Bronco Sport: Starts around the mid-$30,000s MSRP. Trims like the Bronco Sport Big Bend and Bronco Sport Badlands give you plenty of choices without breaking the bank.
- Bronco: Starts closer to the mid-$40,000s, but higher trims (like the Wildtrak or Raptor) climb significantly higher.
If affordability is key, the Bronco Sport delivers great value while still looking rugged and trail-ready.
Everyday Driving in Texas
Here’s where lifestyle plays a big role.
- Bronco Sport: Easier to maneuver in Houston traffic, friendlier on fuel, and still ready for off-road side trips. Great for families or students who want style plus practicality.
- Bronco: Larger, tougher, and louder. It’s a head-turner with unmatched off-road muscle. If you want your SUV to make a statement and tackle anything, this is your pick.
Warranty and Peace of Mind
Both the Bronco and Bronco Sport come with Ford’s strong warranty coverage. Combine that with Tomball Ford’s service team, and you’ll have confidence if you’re on the road or off the beaten path.
Which One Should You Test Drive?
- Pick the Ford Bronco Sport if: You want an affordable, stylish SUV with good fuel economy, family-friendly space, and light-to-moderate off-road capability.
- Pick the Ford Bronco if: You crave adventure, need higher towing capacity, want more horsepower, or dream of customizing your SUV with hard top options, Sasquatch packages, and more.
The Final Verdict
So when it comes to Bronco Sport versus Bronco, the real question is: what kind of Texan are you?
If your weekends are spent hitting trails near Lake Livingston or camping in Sam Houston National Forest, the Bronco Sport is the practical choice. But if you’re aiming for serious off-road adventures in Big Bend or want the baddest SUV on the block, nothing beats the new Ford Bronco.
Either way, Tomball Ford has both waiting for you. Come by for a test drive, explore the trims, check out the infotainment systems, and see which SUV feels like home.
Ready to find your next adventure? Visit Tomball Ford today and let us help you drive off in the new vehicle that fits your lifestyle.
