The 2025 Ford Bronco vs. 2025 Ford Bronco Sport: Which Off-Road SUV Should You Choose?

If you’re looking for a rugged, stylish SUV for off-road adventuring, the 2025 Ford Bronco and 2025 Ford Bronco Sport are great options. They both offer impressive power and an adventurous spirit, but depending on your preferences, one may stand out over the other. Learn more about how they compare to each other to help decide which one is the best fit for you.

Engine Power and Transmission Options

The regular midsize Bronco packs a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood for 300 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The smaller Bronco Sport borrows its platform from the Ford Escape crossover, including a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that makes 180 hp with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Both engines can be upgraded for extra power, but only the Bronco can be had with a V6.
Choosing the smaller engine gives you the option to swap the Bronco’s automatic transmission for a seven-speed manual, but upgrading the Bronco Sport’s engine to the available 238-hp four-cylinder unlocks steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Both models have plenty of power for your off-road adventures, so the choice comes down to your transmission preference and the level of power you need.

Four-Wheel Drive

Both the 2025 Bronco and 2025 Bronco Sport come with four-wheel drive, but only the Sport has a full-time system. The regular Bronco features part-time selectable four-wheel drive, which can only be engaged manually, but offers three different modes to tailor your vehicle’s performance. This might be suitable for some off-road adventurers, but the full-time system in the Bronco Sport offers more convenience and one less thing to focus on while you navigate through rough trails.

Towing Capacity

If you need your SUV to tow trailers or extra gear, the regular Bronco has the higher maximum capacity of 3,500 pounds with the base engine. The maximum capacity of the Bronco Sport is 2,200 lbs., which increases to 2,700 lbs. when you choose the more powerful engine. However, the Bronco Sport also has an available Black Diamond Off-Road package, which adds a Class II Trailer Tow package with Trailer Sway Control, which isn’t available for the regular model.

If you’re a hardcore off-roader and don’t mind its smaller stature, the 2025 Bronco Sport is the better choice. Those who primarily need their vehicle to perform well on pavement and require more interior space will be happier with the regular 2025 Bronco, which can be outfitted with additional off-road equipment. When you’re ready to compare in person and decide which one to drive home, contact or stop by Lundgren Ford in Eveleth, MN to set up a test drive.

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