When the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend rolled into my driveway in August 2024, I was excited to take this rugged-looking SUV on the road. With a price tag of just over $26k, we will see how well this SUV holds up on the daily grind. With over 10,700 miles on the odometer now, I’ve had plenty of time to get familiar with its strengths and shortcomings. Here’s my real-world review to help potential buyers get a clearer picture of what to expect. My goal for this car is to give 10,000 mile reviews and push it over 100k.
🚙 The Good: What I Like About the Bronco Sport Big Bend
1️⃣ Roomy Interior
One of the first things that stood out to me was the interior space. For a compact SUV, the Bronco Sport offers impressive room for both passengers and cargo. Whether you’re loading up for a weekend trip or just commuting, there’s ample space to stretch out.
Key Takeaway: If you value interior space and practicality, the Bronco Sport delivers.
2️⃣ Tech Features for a Base Model
Even though this is a base model, Ford didn’t skimp on tech features. The infotainment system is intuitive, and I appreciate the inclusion of features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto without needing to upgrade to a higher trim.
Key Takeaway: You get a lot of tech for your money, even at the base level.
3️⃣ Fuel Efficiency (MPG)
For a vehicle with rugged styling, the MPG is surprisingly good. I’ve been able to manage fuel costs pretty well, which is important for someone who racks up miles quickly.
Key Takeaway: The Bronco Sport balances rugged looks with reasonable fuel economy.
4️⃣ Transmission
I’ve found the 8-speed automatic transmission to be generally smooth under normal driving conditions. It makes for a comfortable ride, especially during long highway stretches.
Key Takeaway: The transmission is well-tuned for casual driving.
🛑 The Not-So-Good: What I Don’t Like About the Bronco Sport Big Bend
1️⃣ Underpowered Engine
The 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine is the biggest letdown. With only 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, it feels slow and underpowered, especially when merging onto highways or overtaking other vehicles.
In my opinion, Ford should have equipped the base model with more power. A 2.0-liter engine with around 200 horsepower would make a world of difference in improving performance without breaking the bank.
Key Takeaway: The base engine simply doesn’t offer enough power for an SUV that carries the Bronco name.
2️⃣ Seating Position
The seating position could be better. I’ve found it less than ideal for longer drives, especially compared to some of the Bronco Sport’s competitors. Adjustments are available, but they don’t seem to solve the underlying issue of comfort.
Key Takeaway: If you’re planning long trips, you may want to test the seating position thoroughly before buying.
3️⃣ Laggy Tech When Used Quickly
While the tech is good overall, I’ve noticed that it can be laggy when trying to perform tasks quickly. Whether it’s changing settings or switching between apps, there’s often a noticeable delay.
Key Takeaway: The tech is capable, but it’s not the snappiest system on the market.
4️⃣ Transmission Hunting
While the transmission is generally smooth, it does have a tendency to hunt for the right gears, especially when driving at lower speeds or on inclines. This can make the driving experience feel less refined than I’d like.
Key Takeaway: The transmission could benefit from better tuning to avoid constant gear searching.
💡 Suggestions for Improvement
If I were to offer Ford some feedback, here’s what I’d suggest to make the Bronco Sport Big Bend a more appealing option:
- Offer the 2.0-liter engine as standard on the base model with around 200 horsepower. This would make a significant difference in overall performance.
- For higher trims, provide an engine with at least 250 horsepower to match what competitors are offering.
- Refine the transmission tuning to minimize gear hunting.
- Address the lag in the infotainment system to make it more responsive.
⚖️ Final Verdict
The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend offers a lot of practicality, tech features, and fuel efficiency for a compact SUV. Ford engines in my opinion are the smoothest suppliers of power.x However, it falls short in performance due to the underpowered (1.5L) engine and gear-hunting transmission. It’s a solid daily driver, but if you’re looking for more power and refinement, you may want to explore higher trims or competitors.
Would I recommend it? Yes, but with some caveats. If you prioritize space, tech, and fuel efficiency, this SUV is worth considering. But if performance is high on your list, you might want to look at other options or opt for a trim with the 2.0-liter engine.
What do you think about the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And stay tuned to SmokinBrakes for more real-world reviews and comparisons. 🚙💨