Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2021 Bronco Sport AWD, a vehicle that's been making waves in the compact SUV market. Whether you're an off-road enthusiast or just looking for a reliable and stylish daily driver, the Bronco Sport promises a blend of rugged capability and modern comfort. So, buckle up as we explore everything this amazing vehicle has to offer.

    Overview of the 2021 Bronco Sport AWD

    The 2021 Bronco Sport AWD is more than just a pretty face; it's a testament to Ford's commitment to building versatile and capable vehicles. Drawing inspiration from its bigger brother, the Bronco, the Sport version offers a more accessible and practical package for everyday adventures. It's designed to tackle various terrains while still providing a comfortable and connected driving experience. The Bronco Sport comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), making it a reliable companion in challenging weather conditions and off-the-beaten-path excursions.

    From its distinctive retro-inspired styling to its well-thought-out interior, the Bronco Sport stands out in a crowded segment. Its boxy silhouette and bold front grille pay homage to the classic Bronco, while modern touches like LED lighting and a sleek infotainment system bring it firmly into the 21st century. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, offering ample cargo space, durable materials, and user-friendly technology. Available features like the safari-style roof, which increases headroom and cargo capacity, and the various G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) further enhance its appeal.

    Under the hood, the Bronco Sport offers a choice of two engines: a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder. Both engines provide adequate power for city driving and highway cruising, with the 2.0-liter offering more grunt for off-road adventures and towing. The AWD system is always engaged, providing enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions. The Bronco Sport also boasts a surprisingly comfortable ride quality, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and responsive steering. Whether you're navigating city streets or exploring dirt trails, the Bronco Sport delivers a confident and enjoyable driving experience.

    Key Features and Specifications

    Let's break down some of the key features and specifications that make the 2021 Bronco Sport AWD a standout choice:

    • Engine Options: The base engine is a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder, producing 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, the available 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder delivers 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
    • Transmission: Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient gear changes.
    • All-Wheel Drive: Standard across all trims, the AWD system ensures optimal traction and stability in various driving conditions.
    • G.O.A.T. Modes: The Bronco Sport features multiple G.O.A.T. Modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand. The Badlands trim adds Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl modes for enhanced off-road capability.
    • Infotainment: An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Available features include navigation, a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, and wireless charging.
    • Safety Features: The Bronco Sport comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of driver-assist technologies including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Available features include adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and a rearview camera.
    • Cargo Space: The Bronco Sport offers ample cargo space, with up to 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 65.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The safari-style roof provides additional headroom and vertical cargo space.
    • Fuel Economy: The 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, while the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine achieves 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

    These features combine to create a vehicle that is both practical and fun to drive, making the 2021 Bronco Sport AWD a compelling choice for a wide range of drivers.

    Performance and Handling

    The performance and handling of the 2021 Bronco Sport AWD are where it truly shines, blending everyday usability with impressive off-road capability. The standard all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction in various conditions, ensuring confident handling on both paved and unpaved surfaces. The G.O.A.T. Modes allow drivers to tailor the vehicle's performance to specific terrains, optimizing traction, throttle response, and stability control settings.

    On the road, the Bronco Sport offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension effectively absorbs bumps and imperfections, providing a smooth and stable driving experience. The steering is responsive and well-weighted, offering good feedback and control. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip, the Bronco Sport delivers a refined and enjoyable driving experience. The available 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine provides ample power for confident acceleration and passing, making highway driving a breeze.

    Off-road, the Bronco Sport proves to be surprisingly capable. Its short wheelbase and high ground clearance allow it to navigate challenging terrain with ease. The Badlands trim, with its additional G.O.A.T. Modes and upgraded suspension, is particularly well-suited for off-road adventures. Features like Trail Control, which acts as a low-speed cruise control for off-roading, further enhance its capability. While it may not be as extreme as the full-size Bronco, the Bronco Sport is more than capable of handling most trails and backroads. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, while its rugged construction ensures durability and reliability.

    The combination of on-road comfort and off-road capability makes the 2021 Bronco Sport AWD a versatile and appealing choice for drivers who want a vehicle that can handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures. Whether you're navigating city streets or exploring dirt trails, the Bronco Sport delivers a confident and enjoyable driving experience.

    Interior Comfort and Technology

    Inside the 2021 Bronco Sport AWD, you'll find a blend of comfort, practicality, and modern technology. The cabin is designed with durable materials and thoughtful features, creating a space that is both functional and inviting. The seats are comfortable and supportive, providing ample cushioning for long drives. The safari-style roof, available on some trims, adds extra headroom and creates a more spacious feel. The interior is also designed with practicality in mind, offering plenty of storage compartments and cargo space.

    The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, offering seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system provides access to navigation, music, and other smartphone apps, making it easy to stay connected on the go. The available Bang & Olufsen sound system delivers impressive audio quality, enhancing the overall driving experience. The Bronco Sport also offers a range of other tech features, including a wireless charging pad, a 110-volt power outlet, and multiple USB ports.

    In terms of safety, the Bronco Sport comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of driver-assist technologies that help to prevent accidents and enhance safety. The system includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Available features include adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and a 180-degree rearview camera. These features provide added peace of mind and make the Bronco Sport a safe and reliable choice for families.

    The interior of the 2021 Bronco Sport AWD is designed to be both comfortable and functional, offering a range of features that enhance the overall driving experience. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip, the Bronco Sport provides a comfortable and connected environment.

    Pros and Cons

    To give you a balanced view, let's weigh the pros and cons of the 2021 Bronco Sport AWD:

    Pros:

    • Standard All-Wheel Drive: Provides enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions.
    • G.O.A.T. Modes: Allows drivers to tailor the vehicle's performance to specific terrains.
    • User-Friendly Technology: The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use and offers seamless smartphone integration.
    • Ample Cargo Space: Offers plenty of room for gear and luggage.
    • Comfortable Ride: The suspension effectively absorbs bumps and imperfections, providing a smooth and stable driving experience.

    Cons:

    • Base Engine Can Feel Underpowered: The 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine may not provide enough power for some drivers.
    • Fuel Economy Could Be Better: While not terrible, the fuel economy is not class-leading.
    • Some Features Only Available on Higher Trims: Certain desirable features, such as the Bang & Olufsen sound system and adaptive cruise control, are only available on higher trims.
    • Rear Seat Legroom Can Be Tight: Taller passengers may find the rear seat legroom to be a bit limited.
    • Not as Capable as the Full-Size Bronco: While capable, the Bronco Sport is not as extreme as the full-size Bronco in terms of off-road capability.

    Final Verdict

    The 2021 Bronco Sport AWD is a compelling choice for drivers seeking a versatile and capable compact SUV. It offers a unique blend of rugged styling, all-wheel-drive capability, and modern technology. While it may not be as extreme as the full-size Bronco, the Bronco Sport is more than capable of handling most daily driving and off-road adventures. With its comfortable ride, user-friendly technology, and ample cargo space, the Bronco Sport is well-suited for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a reliable and stylish vehicle. Despite a few minor drawbacks, the 2021 Bronco Sport AWD is a standout in its class and well worth considering.

    So, there you have it, folks! The 2021 Bronco Sport AWD in a nutshell. Whether you're hitting the trails or just cruising around town, this SUV is ready for anything. Happy driving!