2025 Ford Bronco Sport: Engine Options Across All Trim Levels


The Ford Bronco Sport continues to strengthen its position in the compact SUV segment with a refreshed lineup that strikes a balance between off-road capability and everyday practicality. This year's model receives notable updates across its powertrain options, offering improved performance and efficiency. This article explores the engine options available across the Bronco Sport trim levels, highlighting their specifications and unique characteristics.

2025 Grey Ford Bronco Sport
2025 Grey Ford Bronco Sport


Trim Level Overview


The Ford Bronco Sport is available in five distinct trim levels, each designed to cater to different driving preferences and needs:


  • Big Bend 4x4

  • Heritage 4x4

  • Free Wheeling 4x4

  • Outer Banks 4x4

  • Badlands 4x4


Each trim comes standard with all-wheel drive capability, reinforcing the Bronco Sport adventure-ready character regardless of which model you choose.


Engine Options


The Bronco Sport offers two engine choices across its lineup, with specific trims matched to particular powertrains to optimize their intended use cases.


1.5-Liter EcoBoost Three-Cylinder Engine


The base powerplant for the Bronco Sport is a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine, which has what Ford calls "Modular Power Cylinder" specification. This compact but capable engine produces:


  • 180 horsepower

  • 271 Nm of torque (200 lb-ft)

  • Combined fuel consumption of approximately 8.7 L/100 km


The updated engine now features both port and direct fuel injection systems, an improvement that enhances both performance and efficiency. This dual-injection technology enables the engine to optimize fuel delivery according to driving conditions, enhancing response while reducing fuel consumption.

The 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine comes standard on the Big Bend, Heritage, Free Wheeling, and Outer Banks trim levels. It provides sufficient power for everyday driving while maintaining reasonable fuel efficiency for its class.


2.0-Liter EcoBoost Four-Cylinder Engine


For those seeking additional power, the Bronco Sport Badlands trim comes equipped with a more potent 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. This powerplant delivers:


  • 250 horsepower (an increase of 5 hp from the previous model year)

  • 380 Nm of torque (280 lb-ft)

  • Combined fuel consumption of approximately 9.4 L/100 km


The increased output makes the Badlands trim particularly well-suited for more demanding off-road adventures and provides enhanced towing capability compared to the 1.5-liter models.


Transmission and Drivetrain


Both engine options in the Bronco Sport come paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth shifts and responsive performance. The transmission includes specific programming for off-road scenarios, enhancing the vehicle's capability in challenging terrain.

All Bronco Sport models feature a standard 4x4 system, but there are differences in the sophistication of these systems based on trim level:


  • The Big Bend, Heritage, Free Wheeling, and Outer Banks trims utilize a standard 4x4 system, providing all-weather confidence and moderate off-road capability.

  • The Badlands trim features an advanced 4x4 system with a twin-clutch rear drive unit that can direct torque to individual rear wheels, enhancing traction in difficult conditions.


New Sasquatch Package


Ford has introduced the Sasquatch package for the Bronco Sport, available on select trims. When equipped with this package, vehicles receive significant off-road enhancement, including:


  • Twin-clutch rear differential

  • Reinforced steel bumpers and skid plates

  • HOSS 2.0 off-road suspension

  • 235/65R17 all-terrain tires


It's worth noting that these modifications do impact fuel economy, with the 1.5-liter engine seeing consumption increase to approximately 9.8 L/100 km combined when equipped with the Sasquatch package.


5 Facts About the 2025 Bronco Sport Engines


1. Despite having only three cylinders, the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine in the Bronco Sport produces more torque than many naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines with larger displacements.

2. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine in the Badlands trim has a higher power-to-weight ratio than some V6 engines found in competing midsize SUVs.

3. The Modular Power Cylinder design in the 1.5-liter engine allows for cylinder deactivation in certain driving conditions, effectively turning it into a two-cylinder engine temporarily to improve fuel efficiency.

4. Both engine options in the Bronco Sport utilize an integrated exhaust manifold design that helps reduce warm-up time and improves overall thermal efficiency.

5. The cooling system for the 2.0-liter engine in the Badlands trim is specifically engineered to handle extended low-speed off-road driving, preventing overheating in challenging conditions.


Questions and Answers About the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Engines


Which engine comes standard on the Bronco Sport?


  • The 1.5-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine comes standard on the Big Bend, Heritage, Free Wheeling, and Outer Banks trims.


How much horsepower does the Badlands trim engine produce?


  • The 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine produces 250 horsepower, a 5-horsepower increase from the previous model year.


Do all Bronco Sport trims have the same transmission?

  • Yes, all trims come equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, though there are differences in programming based on engine type and intended use.


What is the Modular Power Cylinder specification in the 1.5-liter engine?


  • This specification refers to the updated design that incorporates both port and direct fuel injection systems, improved thermal management, and the capability for cylinder deactivation.


Can the 1.5-liter engine handle off-road driving?


  • Yes, the 1.5-liter engine provides sufficient power for moderate off-road adventures, especially when paired with the G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) driving modes included on all Bronco Sport models.


Does the Bronco Sport offer a hybrid or electric powertrain option?


  • No, it does not currently offer hybrid or electric powertrain options. The lineup is limited to the 1.5-liter three-cylinder and 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engines.


How does the Sasquatch package affect engine performance?


  • While this package doesn't directly modify the engines, it does add weight and larger all-terrain tires that affect performance characteristics. Acceleration may be slightly reduced, but off-road capability is significantly enhanced.


What is the fuel tank capacity of the Bronco Sport?


  • This SUV features a 60-liter fuel tank across all trim levels, providing a driving range of approximately 650-700 kilometers with the 1.5-liter engine under normal driving conditions.


Do both engines require premium fuel?


  • Both the 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter EcoBoost engines run on regular 87-octane fuel, though premium fuel may provide slight performance benefits, particularly in the 2.0-liter engine.


How do the Bronco Sport engines compare to the larger Bronco?


  • These engines are smaller and more fuel-efficient than those in the larger model. The full-size SUV offers larger displacement engines, including a 2.3-liter EcoBoost and a 2.7-liter V6, providing greater power but with higher fuel consumption.