Test: 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Review – Off-Road Capability

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport continues to solidify its reputation as one of the most capable compact SUVs on the market, especially when it comes to off-road prowess. With rugged styling, advanced terrain management systems, and a refined suspension setup, the Bronco Sport is engineered to go beyond paved roads and conquer trails with confidence. In this comprehensive review, we dive deep into the off-road capability of the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport, examining its hardware, software, real-world performance, and how it stacks up against competitors in its segment.

Design and Exterior Features Built for Adventure

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport carries forward the iconic retro-modern design cues that made the original Bronco legendary, while integrating modern aerodynamics and utility. Its squared-off fenders, bold grille, and round headlights give it a distinctive look that immediately signals its off-road intent. But beyond aesthetics, the Bronco Sport’s design is functional: increased ground clearance, short overhangs, and skid plates protect vital underbody components.

The base model starts with 8.8 inches of ground clearance, while the Badlands trim—the most off-road-focused version—boasts up to 9.1 inches. This extra lift, combined with a 30.8-degree approach angle and 33.4-degree departure angle, allows the Bronco Sport to tackle steep inclines and rocky descents without scraping the front or rear bumpers. The approach and departure angles are optimized for trail climbing and descending, making this SUV a true trail contender even in its compact form.

Powertrain and Driving Dynamics

Under the hood, the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that delivers 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. While some may question the use of a three-cylinder engine in an off-road SUV, Ford has tuned this powertrain for responsiveness and efficiency. It pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and holds gears effectively during off-road maneuvers.

For those seeking more power, especially in the Badlands trim, Ford offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 8-speed automatic transmission and provides significantly more grunt for towing, climbing, or maintaining momentum over challenging terrain. The added power enhances both on-road confidence and off-road aggression, making it the preferred choice for serious trail enthusiasts.

One standout feature is the engine’s low-end torque delivery. Whether navigating through mud, sand, or rocky paths, the Bronco Sport maintains consistent power without the need for high RPMs. This characteristic is essential for off-road crawling, where precise throttle control is key to avoiding wheel spin and maintaining traction.

Four-Wheel Drive System and G.O.A.T. Modes

The cornerstone of the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport’s off-road capability is its advanced four-wheel drive system, known as Intelligent 4WD. This system continuously monitors wheel slip and adjusts torque distribution between the front and rear axles in real time. Unlike part-time systems found in some SUVs, the Bronco Sport’s 4WD is designed for all-weather and all-terrain use, offering seamless transitions between surfaces.

Complementing the 4WD system is Ford’s G.O.A.T. Modes—short for “Goes Over Any Type of Terrain.” This feature allows drivers to select from multiple drive modes optimized for different off-road conditions:

• Normal: Balanced performance for everyday driving.
• Eco: Prioritizes fuel efficiency with softer throttle response.
• Sport: Sharpens throttle and steering response for dynamic on-road handling.
• Slippery: Optimizes traction on ice, snow, or wet surfaces.
• Trail: The default off-road mode, adjusting throttle, transmission, traction control, and stability control for maximum grip on loose surfaces.
• Mud/Ruts (Badlands trim only): Increases wheel slip for better momentum in deep mud.
• Sand (Badlands trim only): Allows controlled wheel spin for soft sand conditions.

The Trail mode is particularly effective, activating hill descent control, softening throttle response, and enabling the traction control system to allow slight wheel slip before intervening. This gives drivers more control when crawling over rocks or navigating uneven terrain.

Badlands Trim: The Ultimate Off-Road Package

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands trim is where the SUV truly shines off-road. It includes several upgrades designed to enhance off-road performance:

• Heavy-duty steel front skid plate
• Twin-clutch rear drive unit for true 50/50 torque split
• 30.8-degree approach angle and 33.4-degree departure angle
• Off-road-tuned suspension with enhanced articulation
• Aggressive all-terrain tires (30.4 inches in diameter)
• Unique front and rear bumper designs with improved breakover angles

The Badlands trim’s twin-clutch rear drive unit is a game-changer. Unlike conventional open differentials, this system can actively distribute torque between the left and right rear wheels, mimicking the behavior of a locking differential. This allows the Bronco Sport to maintain traction even when one rear wheel is lifted off the ground—a common scenario on rocky trails or during sidehill climbs.

During our off-road testing in Moab, Utah, the Badlands model handled the Rubicon Trail equivalent sections with surprising composure. The articulation allowed each wheel to maintain contact with uneven surfaces, and the G.O.A.T. Modes made it easy to adapt to changing terrain. The all-terrain tires provided excellent grip in sand and gravel, while the skid plates protected the oil pan and fuel tank from sharp rock impacts.

Suspension and Ride Height

Suspension tuning is critical for off-road vehicles, and the 2025 Bronco Sport does not disappoint. The standard suspension offers a balanced ride for both city streets and backcountry roads. However, the Badlands trim features a specially tuned suspension with longer-travel dampers and stiffer springs to handle more aggressive terrain.

The increased suspension travel allows for better wheel articulation, meaning the wheels can move up and down independently to stay in contact with the ground over bumps and dips. This is essential for maintaining traction and stability on uneven trails. Additionally, the suspension is designed to resist bottoming out, even when carrying heavy loads or navigating deep ruts.

One area where the Bronco Sport differs from full-size SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner is in body roll during aggressive cornering. While it’s not a sports car, the Bronco Sport manages body motion well thanks to its wide track and low center of gravity. Electronic stability control works in tandem with the 4WD system to keep the vehicle planted during slippery off-camber situations.

Approach, Departure, and Breakover Angles

Off-road geometry plays a crucial role in a vehicle’s ability to traverse obstacles without damage. The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport excels in this area with the following specs:

• Approach Angle: 30.8° (Badlands)
• Departure Angle: 33.4° (Badlands)
• Breakover Angle: 22.4° (Badlands)

These angles are competitive within the compact SUV segment and allow the Bronco Sport to climb steep inclines, descend rocky drops, and cross crests without high-centering. The breakover angle, in particular, is impressive for a non-body-on-frame SUV, indicating strong undercarriage clearance at the midpoint of the vehicle.

During real-world testing, we found the Bronco Sport capable of navigating steep grades up to 30 degrees without issue. The combination of short overhangs and optimized angles made it easy to approach obstacles head-on without fear of bumper damage. Drivers can use the available front and rear cameras to monitor ground clearance in challenging situations.

Technology and Driver Aids

The 2025 Bronco Sport is equipped with a suite of driver assistance and off-road technologies that enhance safety and capability. The SYNC 4 infotainment system includes a 12-inch touchscreen with off-road navigation features, trail maps, and turn-by-turn directions for popular off-road destinations.

Available features include:

• 360-degree camera system with off-road view
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Hill Descent Control (HDC)
• Trail Turn Assist (Badlands)
• Digital rearview mirror
• Available navigation with off-road trail overlays

Trail Turn Assist is a standout feature. It locks the inside rear wheel and applies brake torque to the outside wheel, allowing the Bronco Sport to pivot in a much smaller radius. This is incredibly useful on narrow trails where a U-turn is impossible. The system effectively reduces the turning circle, making tight switchbacks and trail reversals far easier.

The 360-degree camera system includes an off-road view that overlays dynamic guidelines and shows tire positions in real time. This is especially helpful when navigating tight rock crawls or backing down steep declines. The system can be activated manually or automatically when off-road modes are engaged.

Towing and Payload Capacity

While not designed as a heavy-duty tow vehicle, the 2025 Bronco Sport can handle light towing duties with a maximum capacity of 2,200 pounds when properly equipped. This is sufficient for small trailers, ATVs, or camping gear. The towing capacity is consistent across trims, though the 2.0L engine in the Badlands provides better performance when pulling loads.

The SUV also features a class II trailer hitch and integrated trailer sway control. Ford recommends using a weight-distributing hitch for loads over 1,500 pounds to maintain stability. Payload capacity ranges from 1,000 to 1,100 pounds depending on trim and engine choice, allowing for a full complement of gear and passengers.

Interior Comfort and Utility

Off-road capability isn’t just about hardware—it’s also about comfort during long adventures. The 2025 Bronco Sport features a durable, water-resistant interior with available marine-grade vinyl seats and rubberized flooring. These materials are easy to clean after a muddy trail run or beach excursion.

The cabin offers ample space for five passengers, with 41.4 inches of rear legroom and 39.5 inches of headroom. The rear seats fold flat to increase cargo volume from 25.8 cubic feet to 59.6 cubic feet. Additional storage solutions include underfloor bins, door pocket organizers, and available overhead gear hooks.

Available features include:

• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• Wireless charging pad
• USB-C ports in front and rear
• Available 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system
• Available panoramic sunroof

While the interior is rugged, it doesn’t sacrifice comfort. The seats provide excellent lumbar support, and noise insulation has been improved for the 2025 model year, reducing wind and road noise at highway speeds.

Fuel Efficiency and Real-World Driving

The 2025 Bronco Sport balances off-road capability with reasonable fuel economy. The 1.5L engine achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The more powerful 2.0L engine sees slightly reduced efficiency at 22 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. These numbers are competitive with other compact SUVs in the segment, especially when considering the Bronco Sport’s off-road hardware.

Real-world driving shows that aggressive off-road use can reduce efficiency to around 18–20 mpg, depending on terrain and driving style. However, the fuel tank capacity of 13.7 gallons provides a good range between refills, important for remote trail locations.

Comparison with Competitors

When evaluating the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport’s off-road capability, it’s important to compare it to key competitors:

• Jeep Compass Trailhawk: Offers similar off-road features like all-terrain tires and skid plates, but lacks the Bronco Sport’s advanced torque vectoring and G.O.A.T. Modes. The Trailhawk has a lower ground clearance (8.7 inches) and less powerful engine options.
• Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: Features improved suspension and all-terrain