This Ford Bronco Sport is slightly modified for better off-road capability – How will it handle Tumbleweed Ranch?
The Ford Bronco Sport doesn’t get the adulation and attention of its big brother, but it’s an extremely popular crossover. Ford built something much more practical and affordable, with a hint of the big Bronco’s spirit. Despite not having anything to do with the beefier Bronco mechanically, the Bronco Sport does have some off-road chops.
Mike from Arizona had traded his Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road for a Bronco Sport with no rear locker. Why? Well, the poor guys have an outrageous commute which requires a lot of fuel. His MPG improvements alone, proved compelling. When it came time to buy a commuter to replace the Tacoma, he went for the Bronco Sport.
Mike’s 1-and-1/2-inch Rough Country lift gave it space for better articulation, and 30-inch all-terrain tires. The cool part was that, not only did Mike get a good deal on the lift (he bought directly from the manufacturer), but he also got a good deal for installation. Home Freedom Ford allowed him to buy the lift, and they installed it. That’s rare for a dealership.
The 1.5-liter EcoBoost making 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque, on the other hand, is still stock. In fact, its eight-speed automatic transmission still provides power to a mostly unmolested undercarriage. It’s essentially a Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend, with a lift and bigger tires. Despite the lack of heavy modifications, the baby Bronco absolutely shined on our course.
Taking on “Andre’s Pit”
We deliberately made the course difficult for crossovers, pickups and standard SUVs. There are several different sections that test just about every off-road capable component on the vehicle. That includes a log section, small boulders (or large rocks), rutted paths and an uphill section that brutalizes articulation.
It’s a sight to behold, and Mike’s little Bronco Sport seems to be up for the task. Check it out below!
