Verified vehicle record
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Car and Driver says after receiving several new features last year, the big news for 2026 is the Bronze package, available on the base Big Bend and top Badlands models, adding 17-inch bronze-finished wheels and specific exterior trim, plus interior bronze accents, special stitching, heavy-duty floor mats, and a cargo-area floor liner. MSRP runs $33,840-$39,260. MotorTrend measured the base 180-hp turbo-three's 0-60 time at 8.6-9.3 seconds and calls it a charming SUV in a sea of sameness -- not perfect, but its combination of everyday utility and rugged appeal may be just right for some; MotorTrend lists top-ranked competitors as the Subaru Crosstrek, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester.
Current archiveChecked Aug. 28, 2026United States specification
Powertrain1.5L turbo three-cylinder or 2.0L turbo four-cylinder (Badlands)
Output181 / 250 hp
DrivetrainStandard AWD
Seating5
Maximum towing2,200 lb
Decision answers24Trim, ownership and verification
What changed for 2026
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says after receiving several new features last year, the big news for 2026 is the Bronze package. Available on the base Big Bend and the top Badlands models, the package includes 17-inch bronze-finished wheels and specific exterior trim. Inside, there are more bronze accents, special stitching, along with heavy-duty floor mats and a cargo-area floor liner.
Pricing and powertrain for 2026
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) lists MSRP at $33,840-$39,260.
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says most 2026 Bronco Sports are powered by a 180-hp turbo-three good for 200 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from 0-60 mph in 8.6-9.3 seconds in testing.
How it compares to its closest rivals
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) calls the Bronco Sport a charming SUV in a sea of sameness, not perfect, but its combination of everyday utility and rugged appeal may be just right for some, listing top-ranked competitors as the Subaru Crosstrek, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester.
Questions buyers ask
What's new for the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says a new Bronze appearance package on the Big Bend and Badlands trims.
How much does the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport cost?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) lists MSRP at $33,840 to $39,260.
Research paths
Move from the vehicle to the decision.
Compare like with like: the closest configuration, not an unrelated advertised maximum.
Record summary
What to know first
Every trim but Badlands shares the 181-horsepower turbo three-cylinder; Badlands is the only trim with the 250-horsepower turbo four-cylinder and the most off-road-capable AWD tune.
Model-year note
The Badlands' engine, suspension and off-road hardware are exclusive to that trim and do not extend to the Outer Banks or Big Bend.
Trim map
How the lineup separates.
Trim descriptions identify the meaningful change from one trim to the next; individual options can still vary.
| Trim | Place in the lineup | Notable equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Big Bend | Entry trim | 1.5L turbo three-cylinder standard, 181 hp, standard AWD, Terrain Management System with five G.O.A.T. Modes standard, Intelligent Access with push-button start standard |
| Heritage | Trim 2 of 5 | Big Bend-level 181-hp powertrain and equipment carry over, Retro-styled exterior graphics and badging |
| Free Wheeling | Trim 3 of 5 | Big Bend-level 181-hp powertrain and equipment carry over, Unique appearance package over Big Bend |
| Outer Banks | Trim 4 of 5 | 360-degree camera system and rear automatic braking standard, Leather upholstery and 10-speaker B&O Sound System standard, Dual-zone climate control and remote start standard |
| Badlands | Top trim | 2.0L turbo four-cylinder standard, 250 hp, upgraded AWD system, Off-road-optimized suspension, skid plates and all-terrain tires standard, Only Bronco Sport trim with the four-cylinder engine |
01
Entry trim
Big Bend
- 1.5L turbo three-cylinder standard, 181 hp, standard AWD
- Terrain Management System with five G.O.A.T. Modes standard
- Intelligent Access with push-button start standard
02
Trim 2 of 5
Heritage
- Big Bend-level 181-hp powertrain and equipment carry over
- Retro-styled exterior graphics and badging
03
Trim 3 of 5
Free Wheeling
- Big Bend-level 181-hp powertrain and equipment carry over
- Unique appearance package over Big Bend
04
Trim 4 of 5
Outer Banks
- 360-degree camera system and rear automatic braking standard
- Leather upholstery and 10-speaker B&O Sound System standard
- Dual-zone climate control and remote start standard
05
Top trim
Badlands
- 2.0L turbo four-cylinder standard, 250 hp, upgraded AWD system
- Off-road-optimized suspension, skid plates and all-terrain tires standard
- Only Bronco Sport trim with the four-cylinder engine
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport: 4 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bend | 1.5-liter 3-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd | 4WD | 180 | 200 | 25 / 30 / 27 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Heritage | 1.5-liter 3-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd | 4WD | 180 | 200 | 25 / 30 / 27 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Outer Banks | 1.5-liter 3-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd | 4WD | 180 | 200 | 25 / 30 / 27 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Badlands | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (EcoBoost, Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/SelectShift | 4WD | 250 | 280 | 21 / 28 / 24 mpg | 5 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bend | 3,458 lb | 173.1 in | 70.4 in | 105.1 in | 16 gal | 41.5 in | 42.4 in | 2,200 lb | P225/65R17 |
| Heritage | 3,458 lb | 173.1 in | 70.4 in | 105.1 in | 16 gal | 41.5 in | 42.4 in | 2,200 lb | P225/65R17 |
| Outer Banks | 3,458 lb | 173.1 in | 70.4 in | 105.1 in | 16 gal | 41.5 in | 42.4 in | 2,200 lb | P225/60R18 |
| Badlands | 3,809 lb | 173.4 in | 71.4 in | 105.1 in | 16 gal | 41.5 in | 42.4 in | 2,700 lb | P225/65R17 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2026 Ford Bronco Sport trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | Big Bend | Heritage | Outer Banks | Badlands |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Driver-attention monitor | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection with automatic braking | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | – | – | Opt | Std |
| Front and rear parking sensors | – | – | Opt | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||||
| Built-in internet access | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | – | Opt | Opt |
| Premium audio system | – | – | Opt | Opt |
| Real-time traffic information | – | – | Opt | Opt |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||||
| Heated front seats | Opt | Opt | Std | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | – | – | Std | Opt |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | – | – | Std | Opt |
| Power driver's seat | Opt | Opt | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | – | Opt |
| Front and rear climate zones | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | Opt | Opt | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power-folding mirrors | – | – | Opt | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | – | – | Std | Opt |
| Proximity keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | – | – | Std | – |
Complete certification table
3 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50117Bronco Sport 4WD | 2L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 21 | 27 | 23 | N/A |
| 50118Bronco Sport 4WD | 1.5L 3-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | Part-time 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd | Regular | 25 | 30 | 27 | N/A |
| 50119Bronco Sport Sasquatch 4WD | 1.5L 3-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd | Regular | 23 | 26 | 24 | N/A |
Direct answers
24 questions tied to this model-year.
Each answer names its source.
Q01How many trims does the 2026 Bronco Sport come in?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport (compact SUV) comes in 5 trims: Big Bend, Heritage, Free Wheeling, Outer Banks, Badlands.
Source: Ford
Q02What are the 2026 Bronco Sport trims?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport trims are Big Bend, Heritage, Free Wheeling, Outer Banks, Badlands, listed from the entry Big Bend up to the top Badlands.
Source: Ford
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 Bronco Sport use?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is built around 1.5L turbo three-cylinder or 2.0L turbo four-cylinder (Badlands), rated at 181 / 250 horsepower across its compact SUV body style.
Source: Ford specifications
Q04Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 Bronco Sport?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is offered with Standard AWD.
Source: Ford specifications
Q05What changed for the 2026 Bronco Sport?
The Badlands' engine, suspension and off-road hardware are exclusive to that trim and do not extend to the Outer Banks or Big Bend.
Source: Ford model-year information
Q06How many recall campaigns does NHTSA list for the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport?
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation records 6 recall campaigns for the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport, covering electrical system, airbags, equipment, suspension.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall campaigns
Q07Which driver-assistance features are standard on a 2026 Ford Bronco Sport?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is documented with 360-degree camera system and rear automatic braking standard.
Source: Manufacturer equipment table and owner’s manual
Q08How did the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport do in NHTSA's side crash and rollover tests?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport earned 5 stars in the side crash test (5 stars driver side, 5 stars passenger side) and 4 stars for rollover resistance, a 17.4% chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
Q09Has any 2026 Ford Bronco Sport recall told owners to stop driving or park outside?
Yes. Campaign 26V-340 (May 2026, suspension (front)) carries a do-not-drive warning. A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Q10What is the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport's maximum cargo volume?
Maximum cargo volume is 65.2 cu ft. Documented for the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport in Web search aggregate (dealer/research pages), read 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q11What does the 1.5L turbo three-cylinder (all but Badlands) engine in the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport deliver?
Horsepower: 181 hp. Torque: 200 lb-ft. These figures belong to the 1.5L turbo three-cylinder (all but Badlands) configuration of the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport, not to a trim name: one engine can appear on several trims and one trim can be offered with more than one engine, so match the engine on the window sticker before applying them. Documented 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q12What does the 2.0L turbo four-cylinder (Badlands) engine in the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport deliver?
Horsepower: 250 hp. Torque: 280 lb-ft. These figures belong to the 2.0L turbo four-cylinder (Badlands) configuration of the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport, not to a trim name: one engine can appear on several trims and one trim can be offered with more than one engine, so match the engine on the window sticker before applying them. Documented 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q13How much does a 2026 Ford Bronco Sport cost?
$32,814 to $34,390 across the 2 trims Ford prices: $32,814 for the Big Bend and $34,390 for the Heritage. Those are starting MSRPs read 2026-09-10, before destination, options, taxes and dealer charges.
Source: ford.com (opens in a new tab)
Q14What engine does the base 2026 Ford Bronco Sport have?
Big Bend, Heritage and Outer Banks use a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder making 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque.
Source: Dealer research pages
Q15What are the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport trim levels?
Four trims: Big Bend, Heritage, Outer Banks and Badlands.
Source: Dealer research pages
Q16How much does the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport cost?
Big Bend starts at $31,845 plus $1,995 destination; the Outer Banks trim runs $42,315 MSRP.
Source: Dealer research pages
Q17Is four-wheel drive standard on the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport?
Yes, every 2026 Bronco Sport comes standard with 4x4 capability.
Source: Dealer research pages
Q18How did the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport do in IIHS crash tests?
IIHS rated the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport: Good in the small overlap front test, Marginal in the updated moderate overlap front test, Acceptable in the updated side test. IIHS states the rating applies to 2021-26, 2024-26 and 2025-26 models, based on a test of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport XLT 4-door 4wd. Grades run Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor.
Source: iihs.org (opens in a new tab)
Q19What size wheels does the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport have?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport's wheel diameter is 17 inches on the Big Bend, Heritage and Badlands and 18 inches on the Outer Banks. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q20How much ground clearance does the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport AWD Big Bend 4dr SUV have?
CarDealerships.com lists 7.8 inches of ground clearance for the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport AWD Big Bend 4dr SUV.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q21What is the GVWR of the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport AWD Big Bend 4dr SUV?
CarDealerships.com lists a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,680 pounds for the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport AWD Big Bend 4dr SUV.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q22What is the payload capacity of the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport AWD Big Bend 4dr SUV?
CarDealerships.com lists a maximum payload of 1,222 pounds for the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport AWD Big Bend 4dr SUV.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q23How quickly does the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
The most recent instrumented 0 to 60 mph test of this model that 0-60Specs.com lists is of earlier model years than the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport: 7.3 seconds for the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Limited Heritage (Motor Trend).
Source: 0-60Specs.com model-year specification page
Q24How do the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport trims differ from one another?
The Outer Banks has power front seats for driver and passenger, fog lights, heated front seats and 4 more as standard equipment over the Heritage. The Badlands has 250 hp against 180 and front and rear parking sensors, power-folding mirrors and a surround-view camera as standard equipment over the Outer Banks.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2026 Ford Bronco Sport.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Move from the guide to the VIN record.
Trim research establishes the marketed lineup. These primary-source paths resolve recall applicability, manufacturer-submitted identity fields and exact EPA configuration data.
01 · NHTSARatings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck unresolved safety recalls by VINOfficial remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAResolve the exact fuel-economy configuration1984–current browser →
Other model years
Compare the Ford Bronco Sport across model years.
Source trail
Evidence behind the record
01
Ford Bronco Sport official model pageManufacturer lineup, equipment and specifications
↗ (opens in a new tab)02FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataEPA-certified configuration and fuel-economy records
↗ (opens in a new tab)03NHTSA vehicle data and recallsVIN attributes, safety campaigns and ratings
↗ (opens in a new tab)Specifications and pricing can change after publication. Critical purchasing decisions should be confirmed against the exact vehicle window sticker or manufacturer build record.