August 27, 2024 | Volume 20 Issue 32 |
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[Credit: All images courtesy of Ford]
Ford Bronco Sport, the little bro of the Bronco full-size SUV, is getting some more grown-up all-terrain capabilities, including an available high-performance Sasquatch off-road package for 1.5L Bronco Sport Outer Banks and 2.0L Badlands models. Sasquatch capability starts with an ultra-rugged twin-clutch rear-drive unit and locking rear differential included.
For the Big Bend, Heritage, Bronco Sport Free Wheeling, and Outer Banks models, the 1.5L EcoBoost engine boasts 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. The Badlands model is equipped with a standard 2.0L EcoBoost engine that produces 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
"There's a Sasquatch for every Bronco Sport customer who needs that next level of capability and confidence," said Matt Simpson, Ford Enthusiast Vehicles general manager.
Like Bronco Sasquatch, Sasquatch for Bronco Sport also includes larger tires. Bronco Sport Sasquatch rides on 29-in. 235/65/R17 Goodyear Territory All Terrain tires that are the largest in the class. Developed specifically for Bronco Sport Sasquatch, the tire was adapted from the Bronco with an open-tread design and reinforced sidewalls to provide traction across a variety of surfaces.
The Bronco Sport Badlands and Badlands Sasquatch are especially capable, thanks to a new Rally G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Mode. Rally Mode delivers more confidence at higher speeds in sand by holding gears longer for increased power on demand, sharpening the throttle response, and increased feedback through the steering. Rally Mode is standard on Bronco Sport Badlands and Badlands Sasquatch, while every Bronco Sport model comes standard with a new Off-Road G.O.A.T. Mode.
In addition to G.O.A.T Modes, Bronco Sport adds class-exclusive off-road technologies that have been proven out in Bronco and the Raptor family of high-performance off-road vehicles. Trail One-Pedal Drive joins Trail Control and provides more precise and confident behavior while rock crawling. When Trail One-Pedal is engaged, the driver only has to use the accelerator pedal to control the speed of the vehicle. Easing off the accelerator engages the brakes to automatically slow the vehicle, and releasing the accelerator completely will bring Bronco Sport to a controlled stop.
The 2025 Bronco Sport SUV also has an available 360-degree camera with class-exclusive Trail View, which activates automatically in Off-Road and Rally G.O.A.T. Modes, functions at high speeds, and shows width-accurate tire overlays. Bronco Sport Badlands model and Sasquatch Badlands package offer an available 360-degree camera with class-exclusive Split View that shows the front tires using the cameras under the side-view mirrors.
Sasquatch includes new class-exclusive Bilstein rear shocks with position-sensitive damping. The Bilstein shocks provide a wider range of compression and rebound damping capabilities to absorb extreme events at higher speeds. There are also new front and rear springs that increase ride height four-tenths of an inch over the current Bronco Sport Badlands, while Bronco Sport Badlands Sasquatch has up to up to 8.3 in. of front suspension travel and 8.7 in. of rear suspension travel. That's six-tenths of an inch of additional suspension travel compared to the Bronco Sport Badlands.
Bronco Sport Sasquatch matches its upgraded suspension equipment and off-road tech with a standard front brush guard, steel skid plates, and modular, accessory-ready front and rear bumpers with steel bash plates as the first point of contact. Four recovery points (two cast accessory-ready tow hooks in front and a pair of cast D-rings on the rear bumper) are designed to meet Ford's off-road recovery requirements.
Bronco Sport Big Bend customers who don't need the full capability of Sasquatch's rear drive unit have an off-road option, as well, with the new Black Diamond Off-Road package. Like Sasquatch, it adds four recovery points, up to 2,200 lb of towing capacity when properly equipped (2.0L Bronco Sports can tow up to 2,700 lb standard), and additional steel underbody protection.
Other changes for the 2025 Bronco Sport bring it even closer to its larger Bronco sibling while integrating the modular and accessory-ready elements, via the iconic Bronco Bolts, that are a core pillar of Bronco's DNA. Marked "Accessory Ready" and featuring the bucking Bronco logo, Bronco Bolts signify parts that owners can replace to suit different purposes.
Both front and rear bumpers are new, adding modular points that owners can fit a range of accessories to, such as brush bars and driving lights or mounts for dune flags. These functional elements extend to the front fenders. On Outer Banks Sasquatch, Badlands, and Badlands Sasquatch models, new segment-exclusive integrated tie-downs give customers another point for securing a rooftop load and gear. Rated to up to 150 lb, they stow in the fenders.
The 2025 Bronco Sport's cabin introduces familiar touches from the larger Bronco, including Bronco Bolts. There are two bolts in the Bring Your Own Device tray, for example, and the new available passenger grab handle on the center console can also be replaced. All versions of Bronco Sport Sasquatch add auxiliary switches, a class-exclusive feature that enables simpler accessorizing and personalization.
Inside, capability and technology come together on the largest center screen in the class. The Bronco Sport's standard 13.2-in. center display features the SYNC 4 system with over-the-air software updates. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, so customers no longer need a cord to connect compatible mobile devices to the vehicle.
The center display is paired to a reconfigurable 12.3-in. digital instrument display that puts the most important information in front of drivers so they can keep their eyes on the pavement or off-road. The display includes unique animations inspired by Bronco Raptor that appear when the G.O.A.T. Mode changes.
The 2025 Bronco Sport includes Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, which is standard on every trim and includes: Auto High Beam Headlamps, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear View Camera w/ Rear Parking Sensors, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, and Evasive Steering Assist.
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 is optional on the Bronco Sport Outer Banks and standard on the Bronco Sport Badlands. It adds: 360-degree Camera (w/ Split View), Reverse Brake Assist, and Speed Sign Recognition.
Bronco Sport with Sasquatch will be available during the first quarter of 2025. 2025 model starting prices are: Big Bend $29,995, Heritage $33,135, Bronco Sport Free Wheeling $33,135, Outer Banks $34,985, and Badlands $39,995. Sasquatch is a $3,535 option on Outer Banks and $2,990 on Badlands.
Learn more at ford.com/suvs/bronco-sport/2025/.
Source: Ford
Published August 2024