The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport arrives with a refreshed design, enhanced off-road capabilities, and a promise of lower running costs thanks to improved fuel efficiency and robust reliability. However, its starting price has climbed over $2,000 compared to 2024, sparking debate about its value in the competitive compact SUV segment. In this 1500-word analysis, we’ll dive into the Bronco Sport’s trims, performance, running costs, and whether its higher price tag is justified for adventure-seekers or daily commuters.
Pricing: A Premium for Rugged Appeal
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport starts at $31,590, including a $1,995 destination fee, up from $29,595 (with a $1,595 destination fee) in 2024. The base model is gone, making the Big Bend the entry-level trim. Here’s the pricing breakdown:
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Big Bend: $31,590
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Free Wheeling: $34,730
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Heritage: $34,990
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Outer Banks: $36,890
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Badlands: $41,710
The new Sasquatch package, available on Outer Banks ($3,535) and Badlands ($2,990), pushes top trims toward $45,000. In Canada, prices range from $38,495 to $48,995 CAD, plus a $2,195 destination fee. Compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V ($31,000), Toyota RAV4 ($30,500), or Subaru Crosstrek ($26,000), the Bronco Sport’s base price is steeper, especially since all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard, unlike optional AWD on competitors. The question is whether its lower running costs and unique features make up for the upfront cost.
What’s New for 2025?
Ford has updated the Bronco Sport to stay competitive, focusing on off-road prowess and tech:
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Sasquatch Package: Now available on Outer Banks and Badlands, it includes 29-inch Goodyear Territory all-terrain tires, steel skid plates, recovery hooks, a front brush guard, and a lifted suspension (8.8-inch ground clearance). The Badlands Sasquatch adds Bilstein shocks and a twin-clutch rear differential, while Outer Banks gets the same differential for enhanced traction. Water fording capability reaches 23.6 inches.
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Black Diamond Package: A $2,570 option on Big Bend, offering skid plates, all-terrain tires, and recovery hooks for budget-conscious off-roaders.
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Tech Upgrades: A 13.2-inch touchscreen with Sync 4, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates is standard. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster displays drive mode data, like off-road roll angles.
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Safety: Co-Pilot360 Assist+ is standard, with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
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Styling: New bumpers, fender tie-downs (150-pound rating on select trims), and vibrant Free Wheeling graphics enhance its rugged look.
These updates aim to reduce maintenance needs and improve efficiency, but do they lower overall costs enough to justify the price hike?
Running Costs: Where the Bronco Sport Shines
Running costs encompass fuel, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation. The 2025 Bronco Sport makes strides in efficiency and reliability, potentially offsetting its higher MSRP.
Fuel Economy
The Bronco Sport offers two turbocharged engines, both with an 8-speed automatic and standard AWD:
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1.5-liter 3-cylinder (Big Bend, Free Wheeling, Heritage, Outer Banks): 180 hp, 200 lb-ft of torque, 25/30/27 mpg (city/highway/combined). A 2-mpg improvement over 2024 comes from engine tuning and low-rolling-resistance tires on non-Sasquatch trims.
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2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Badlands): 250 hp, 280 lb-ft of torque, 21/27/23 mpg. Efficiency is unchanged but competitive for its power.
Compared to rivals, the Bronco Sport’s fuel economy is average. The Honda CR-V (27/32/29 mpg) and Toyota RAV4 (27/35/30 mpg) edge it out, especially in hybrid form (up to 40 mpg). However, with gas at $3.50/gallon (national average, June 2025), the Big Bend’s 27 mpg combined saves about $100–$150 annually over the Badlands’ 23 mpg for 15,000 miles driven. Against non-hybrid rivals like the Subaru Crosstrek (27/34/29 mpg), savings are minimal but noticeable.
Maintenance and Reliability
J.D. Power predicts an 88/100 reliability score for the 2025 Bronco Sport, ranking it “Great” in its class. This is a step up from earlier models, thanks to refined AWD systems and fewer reported issues with electronics. Consumer Reports, however, estimates below-average reliability based on Ford’s history, though 2025 data is limited. Maintenance costs are projected at $600–$800 annually, slightly below the segment average ($900 for compact SUVs), per Edmunds. The Sasquatch package’s all-terrain tires may cost $200–$300 each to replace, but their durability suits off-road use.
Ford’s warranty (3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain) is standard, matching rivals. Free roadside assistance for five years adds value. Owners report low repair frequency, with minor issues like infotainment glitches covered under warranty.
Insurance and Depreciation
Insurance costs average $1,400–$1,600 annually, per Kelley Blue Book, comparable to the CR-V and RAV4. The Bronco Sport’s strong safety ratings (5-star NHTSA, mostly “Good” IIHS scores) keep premiums competitive. Depreciation is a weak point, with a 5-year retained value of 45–50%, trailing the RAV4 (55%) but matching the Crosstrek. A $31,590 Big Bend could be worth $14,200–$15,800 after five years, a $15,790–$17,390 loss. Higher trims like the Badlands depreciate faster due to their price.
Overall, the Bronco Sport’s running costs are lower than average for off-road-focused SUVs, saving $200–$400 yearly compared to a Jeep Compass Trailhawk ($2,000–$2,200 total annual costs). But mainstream rivals like the CR-V offer slightly cheaper ownership.
Performance: Off-Road Prowess vs. On-Road Tradeoffs
The Bronco Sport’s engines deliver distinct experiences:
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1.5-liter: Adequate for commuting, hitting 60 mph in 8.6 seconds. It struggles when loaded or on steep inclines, and low-rev vibrations are noticeable.
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2.0-liter: Punchy, reaching 60 mph in 5.9–6.5 seconds. It shines off-road, powering through tough terrain with confidence.
The Sasquatch package elevates off-road capability. Testing in Moab, Utah, showed the Badlands Sasquatch conquering rocky trails and sand with its twin-clutch differential, Rock Crawl mode, and Trail Control. The 360-degree camera and one-pedal driving simplify navigation. Compared to the Jeep Compass Trailhawk or Subaru Forester Wilderness, the Bronco Sport offers superior articulation and water fording (23.6 inches vs. 19–21 inches).
On pavement, the ride is firm, and Sasquatch tires add road noise. Steering feels vague, but handling is decent for a boxy SUV. The CR-V and Mazda CX-5 are smoother and quieter for daily driving.
Interior and Practicality
The Bronco Sport’s cabin prioritizes utility over luxury:
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Space: Front seats are spacious, but rear legroom (36.9 inches) lags behind the CR-V (41 inches). Cargo space is solid (32.5 cubic feet behind rear seats, 65.2 folded; 29.4/60.6 in Badlands).
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Tech: The 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch gauge cluster are highlights, with intuitive Sync 4 and off-road displays. However, hard plastics and a dated dashboard trail the CX-5’s premium feel.
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Comfort: Short seat bottoms and limited adjustments cause discomfort on long drives. Leather in Outer Banks and plaid upholstery in Heritage add style, but rivals feel plusher.
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Utility: Rubberized floors, Molle straps, and modular storage (e.g., dashboard tray) cater to adventurers. A B&O audio system is optional.
The cabin is functional but not class-leading, especially at higher trims.
Value and Competition
The Bronco Sport’s strengths include:
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Pros:
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Best-in-class off-road capability with Sasquatch.
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Lower fuel and maintenance costs than rugged rivals.
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Modern tech and safety suite.
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Unique styling and customization.
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Cons:
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Higher starting price than competitors.
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Firm ride and noisy Sasquatch tires.
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Average fuel economy vs. hybrids.
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Subpar interior refinement.
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The CR-V and RAV4 offer better efficiency and comfort for less, especially with hybrid options. The Crosstrek is cheaper and smoother, while the CX-50 balances style and handling. The Compass Trailhawk matches some off-road ability but feels outdated. For off-road enthusiasts, the Bronco Sport’s Sasquatch or Black Diamond packages are unmatched, but daily drivers may prefer rivals.
Is the Higher Price Justified?
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport’s lower running costs—better fuel economy, solid reliability, and competitive insurance—help offset its $2,000 price increase. Annual ownership costs are $1,800–$2,200, undercutting rugged competitors like the Jeep Compass. However, its $31,590 starting price and $40,000+ top trims are hard to swallow when the CR-V or RAV4 offer more refinement and efficiency for less.
For off-road enthusiasts, the Sasquatch package and G.O.A.T. modes make the Bronco Sport a mini-Bronco, ideal for trails and camping. The Black Diamond package offers similar capability at a lower cost. But for urban commuters, the firm ride, noisy tires, and spartan cabin make rivals more appealing. Test drive it, prioritize your needs, and weigh the $200–$400 annual savings against the upfront premium.