2023 Ford Bronco Sport Heritage Restricted 4X4
Class: Compact Crossover
Coloration: Yellowstone Metallic
Miles pushed: 168
CG Report CardRoom and ComfortB+Energy and PerformanceBFit and FinishA-Gasoline EconomyB-ValueB-Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not replicate Client Information’s impressions of your complete mannequin lineup.Large & Tall ComfortBig GuyATall GuyABig & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Large” score based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester.Drivetrain Engine Specs250-horsepower 2.0-literEngine TypeTurbocharged 4-cylinderTransmission8-speed automaticDrive WheelsAWD
Noticed gasoline financial system: 22.2 mpg
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gasoline financial system: 21/26/23 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)
Gasoline kind: Common gasoline
Snow Efficiency: N/A
Base worth: $44,655 (not together with $1595 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check automobile: Cargo administration system ($150)
Value as examined: $46,400
Fast Hits
The good: Spunky character, enjoyable retro look
The great: Roomy entrance seating row, rides and handles properly
The not so good: Restricted 2nd-row passenger house, dear trim stage
Tom Appel:
Why look forward to a milestone anniversary to embrace your heritage? Is it actually essential to permit 50, 75, or 100 years to roll by earlier than celebrating a storied previous? Clearly Ford doesn’t appear to suppose so, because the model’s new Heritage Version Bronco Sport trim ranges have arrived on the 57th anniversary of the primary Bronco SUV.
For these unfamiliar, the Bronco SUV arrived in dealerships for the 1966 mannequin yr. The small and rugged Bronco was a bare-bones 2-door affair, providing consumers little in the way in which of creature comforts. The Bronco grew in dimension for the 1978 mannequin yr, sharing mechanical bits with Ford’s F-150 giant pickup truck. Ford killed the Bronco after the 1996 mannequin yr, as shopper consideration turned away from its rugged design to the extremely well-liked—and extra household pleasant–Explorer.
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Responding to the rising reputation—and profitability—of the Jeep Wrangler, Ford resurrected the Bronco for 2021, this time in 2- and 4-door guise. The brand new off-road prepared SUV attracts liberally on the Bronco model’s trail-ready heritage, and has confirmed well-liked with shoppers.
Whereas the brand new Bronco gave the impression to be the off-road equal of Ford’s authentic trail-dusting enjoyable machine, additionally it is a lot bigger, and costlier. Enter the Bronco Sport:
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Although not a real SUV—it’s constructed on unibody structure shared with Ford’s Escape small crossover—the Bronco Sport is more true to the unique Bronco when it comes to dimension and affordability. Certainly, the Bronco Sport remains to be enormous relative to the 1966 Bronco, coming in 22-inches longer, and driving on a 13-inch longer wheelbase. The Bronco Sport can be 6-inches wider and 1-inch taller than the ’66.
And, about that heritage…
For 2023 Ford has made out there Heritage variations of each the large Bronco, and the Bronco Sport. We’ll check out the Bronco variants at a later date. As for the Bronco Sport, the usual Heritage is basically a specifically trimmed model of the midlevel Large Bend trim, whereas the Heritage Restricted relies on the topline Badlands trim. And, per Ford, Heritage Restricted manufacturing will likely be capped at 1966 examples for 2023. No phrase as as to whether or not the trim stage will likely be reprised for 2024.
And, about that heritage…
Going Heritage means having fun with some throwback trim components. Particular objects embody an “Oxford White” grille with Race Pink “Bronco” lettering, an Oxford White roof, 17-inch white (shifting ahead, simply assume all white stuff is Oxford White) wheels, a white roof, particular facet stripes, and white inside trim on the door, heart console, and dashboard. Additionally, and this can be the best Heritage bit, is the retro Bronco fender badge.
Mechanically, the Heritage editions are not any completely different than non-Heritage Bronco Sports activities, which means the usual Heritage is powered by a 181-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine, whereas the Heritage Restricted comes with a 250-horsepower turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. Each engines mate to an 8-speed computerized transmission.
Client Information lately spent per week with a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Heritage Restricted in Yellowstone Metallic, a colour unique to the trim stage.
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We’ll start with a purely subjective analysis of the Heritage trim: we find it irresistible. Not solely did we obtain a number of unsolicited compliments on our check truck, we discover the throwback white grille and wheels to be stylish callbacks to the unique Bronco. We surprise, nonetheless, what number of current-generation new-car buyers recognize design references to a automobile launched in 1966. Moreover, we are able to’t assist however level out that the Heritage Version includes a small, turbocharged engine and Japanese-brand tires, neither of which feels very true to the unique Bronco idea. That mentioned, we doubt anybody will actually care.
We’ve pushed various Bronco Sports activities lately, and you may learn our evaluations of them right here. However allow us to reaffirm that we discover the smaller of Ford’s Bronco choices to be sensible, sporty, and usually enjoyable to drive.
Our complaints are few: We want there was slightly extra rear-seat passenger house, and, for this cash—our check truck listed for greater than $46,000—an influence tailgate isn’t a part of the deal. That mentioned, we do recognize the separate-opening rear-hatch glass, a useful characteristic that proves helpful in tight parking areas.
Listed here are a couple of impressions of the Bronco Sport Heritage restricted from our log:
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The touchscreen graphics are giant and simple to readThe audio system sounds fairly goodThere is a big quantity of front-seat adjustabilityGreat experience qualityGood dealing with and steering feelSurprisingly premium cabin amenitiesPlaid-look seat perforations stylish, mimic old-school plaid Bronco seats
Over 168 miles, Client Information averaged 22.2 mpg, not dangerous given the ability and efficiency of auto.
Stepping as much as the Heritage Restricted from the Badlands trim stage will se you again greater than $6000. That’s some huge cash for what quantities to simply upgraded trim components. That mentioned, the Heritage appears nice, and its attainable as a limited-edition providing could also be value extra at trade-in time. For a greater worth, contemplate the usual Bronco Sport Heritage.
The Bronco Sport is a sensible, fun-to-drive small crossover that drips character and is simple to identify in a car parking zone. For those who don’t must pack adults into the rear seats too typically, there’s little about Ford’s smallest crossover—the unloved EcoSport goes away—to complain about. And, when you’ve got the cash to spend, the Heritage Editions look nice.
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