How different are the 2024 Ford Bronco and the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport? Our comparison guide is here to help you figure out which one of these off-road-ready SUVs makes the most sense for your own personal adventures.
Key Takeaways
- The bigger, more powerful 2024 Ford Bronco (from $39,630) costs more than the sporty-yet-compact 2024 Ford Bronco Sport ($29,795).
- Both SUVs impress with their punchy performance, but the Bronco ultimately delivers much more power.
- For maximum off-roading capabilities, you need the 2024 Ford Bronco!
- Inside, the Bronco is slightly more spacious, but the Bronco Sport is our first choice for smooth, comfortable around-town cruising!
What is the Starting Price of the 2024 Ford Bronco?
The 2024 Ford Bronco (starting at $39,630) is an icon of the off-road. For most people, it’s the SUV that comes to mind when they hear the word “Bronco”: a midsize SUV with a removable roof that’s equipped for an extremely rugged ride.
For drivers who want a comfy around-town cruise with some light off-roading on the side, there’s the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport (starting at $29,795). Although the Bronco is the better choice for drivers who want to scale boulders or slosh through swamps, the Bronco Sport’s standard all-wheel drive helps you tackle the occasional trial.
How Many Engine Options are Featured in the 2024 Ford Bronco?
The rugged Bronco offers three engine options, though availability depends on trim model. You’ll find the most powerful option — the 418-horsepower, twin-turbo V6 — on the most capable trim, the Bronco Raptor. Every trim model can head straight into the wilderness, thanks to the Broncos standard four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing.
Here’s a quick look at the 2024 Ford Bronco’s powertrain specs:
- Standard turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine (300 hp, 325 lb-ft)
- Optional twin-turbo 2.7L V6 (330 hp, 415 lb-ft)
- Raptor twin-turbo 3.0L V6 (418 hp, 440 lb-ft)
- Seven-speed manual transmission (2.3L engine only)
- Optional 10-speed automatic transmission
- Four-wheel drive
By comparison, the Bronco Sport isn’t quite as powerful. However, it’s the more comfortable option, thanks to a suspension setup that’s tuned more for smooth cruising than boulder-hopping. However, the Bronco Sport can handle plenty of off-road scenarios, thanks to its all-wheel-drive system.
The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport is available with two engine options, depending on trim model:
- Standard turbocharged 1.5L three-cylinder engine (181 horsepower, 190 lb-ft of torque)
- Badlands/Heritage Limited: turbo 2.0L four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 277 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive
Is the 2024 Ford Bronco Good For Off-Roading?
For drivers who want to explore the trails less taken, the 2024 Ford Bronco is by far the best option. Not only does every trim model come standard with rugged four-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, and an off-road-tuned HOSS suspension setup, but it’s also a convertible! Remove the Broncos roof and doors to maximize your off-road adventures. Better still, the Bronco is available with a wide range of rugged upgrades. You can equip yours with advanced four-wheel drive with automatic engagement, Trail Control (a low-speed cruise control designed for off-roading), electronic front and rear axles, Fox shocks, and more!
Like the bigger Bronco, the Bronco Sport offers a variety of driving modes that alter your suspension settings for improved performance in different settings (like sand or slippery pavement). Although every trim model boosts traction with all-wheel drive, we recommend the Badlands for Bronco Sport drivers who want to maximize rugged performance. The Badlands travels further into the wild than other Bronco Sports, thanks to upgrades like underbody skid plates, off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and upgraded all-wheel drive. But even the most capable Bronco Sport can’t compete with the Broncos off-road performance.
Is the 2024 Ford Bronco Comfortable?
Considering its rugged body-on-frame chassis, the Bronco does a good job balancing sporty performance with everyday comfort. However, the Bronco doesn’t feel quite as refined as its crossover counterpart, the Bronco Sport, on the pavement. With its easy going unibody chassis and comfort-tuned suspension, the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport treats you and your loved ones to the smoother ride.
Inside, these Ford SUVs have more in common than not. For example, both come standard with touchscreen infotainment and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. And you can upgrade either model with luxury features such as leather upholstery and heated front seats!
As the midsize model, the Bronco can be the roomier option, depending on whether you choose its two-door or four-door body style. Compared to the Bronco Sport, the four-door Bronco offers a little extra passenger and cargo space. The two-door Bronco, on the other hand, offers a little less cargo and rear-seat space than the Bronco Sport.
Should You Choose the 2024 Ford BRonco or the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport?
In the end, drivers who want a truly rugged performance need the 2024 Ford Bronco! This off-road-ready midsize SUV is also the best choice for drivers who want to remove its convertible top and really let down their hair.
Although not as powerful, the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport feels right at home on light trails and campgrounds. Around town, this compact crossover impresses with its smooth, refined ride. The Bronco Sport is the best choice for drivers who want to balance a little weekend adventure with everyday comfort!