We put the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands Heritage Limited Edition the test.
The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport has a twin clutch rear differential setup, which is built to work both as a rear locker, and a torque distributer. On top of that, the Sport has an aggressive ABS/traction control system that will grab the spinning wheel and send power to the wheel that needs it. What makes this system so good is the interaction to its G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) control.
Why is all this important, especially if we’re talking about a car? That’s right, unlike the regular Ford Bronco, which is frame based and has a solid rear axle, the Bronco Sport is based on the Ford Escape’s platform. The Ford C2 platform also underpins the Ford Focus. So, yes – it’s a lifted car, and that’s okay.
In fact, Tommy and the rest of the staff at TFL Studios agrees, this Bronco Sport will handle about 99-percent of what most drivers want out of an SUV. It is truly capable, and its utility is impressive too. Still, if you want to tow, or need serious articulation for boulder bashing, you may want to look at the bigger Bronco.
You have a few different options if you’re shopping a Bronco Sport
The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport comes with two different powertrains. If you opt for the base models, you get a turbocharged, 181-horsepower three-cylinder engine. That small displacement 1.5-liter makes 190 lb-ft of torque. There is no front-drive base model offered, all Bronco Sports get all-wheel drive (AWD). The base-level AWD system is fairly simple, and sends the torque to the rear wheels when slippage is detected.
If you get the higher level Bronco Sports, like our tester, you get a 250-horsepower turbocharged four cylinder. It makes 277 lb-ft of torque. Both setups use an eight speed automatic transmission. With the off-road package (available on Badlands, and above) you get underside armor, beefier suspension, off-road tires and that twin clutch rear end.
As you’ll see in this video, with the right setup, this little crossover is mighty impressive!
