The answer to the Ford Bronco vs. Ford Bronco Sport question is a matter of taste and driving style. Look into our stable, and you'll see plenty of wild and willing powertrains ready to take you and yours into the unknown and back.
Let's start with the Ford Bronco Sport. Out of the gate, all models come with a 4x4 system that hitches to an eight-speed automatic transmission with an intuitive off-road traction system. A 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine gets the wagon train moving with 181 horsepower. For the 4x4 historians in the group, that's more horsepower than the original Bronco, which offered only 105 horsepower (with three more cylinders). However, if you need more power, you've got it. There's a 245-horsepower engine available that introduces paddle shifters and heavy-duty cooling system components.
Now for the full-sized Ford Bronco. There are plenty of trim and adventure enhancements in this year's Bronco. Let's start the journey with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts 300 horses at the front of your train. If you plan on getting into it even deeper, then a 2.7-liter bi-turbo V-6 is available with 330 horsepower. Both engines can circle up with an efficient 10-speed automatic transmission, but only the 2.3-liter option gets to use the seven-speed manual transmission for off-road showdowns.
So how many people, how much gear, and what amount of extra stuff can you bring along on any adventure in these vehicles? Let's take a look at the kind of dimensions the Ford Bronco vs. Ford Bronco Sport competition offers you.
The Ford Bronco Sport stretches 172.7 inches from bumper to bumper. It's got a sturdy wheelbase of 105.1 inches and stands 71.4 inches at its tallest. She's good for a tight squeeze through some rocks with a max width of only 76.3 inches. Inside this sturdy frame, the Bronco sport offers a whopping 106 cubic feet of passenger volume with 29 cubic feet of cargo area space.
The full-size Bronco is where size can vary quite a bit depending on trim and equipment. Two-door models are 173.7 inches from end to end, while the four-door reaches up to 190.5 inches on the top-level trims equipped with recovery gear. You'll see a max width of 76.3 inches and a max standard height of 73.9 inches. If you get the new Hoss Package or upgrade your suspension and tires to 37s, your max height will increase depending on equipment, so ask a vehicle specialist about your build. You'll enjoy 36 cubes of cargo space and 104 cubic feet of passenger volume. Need more room? Take the roof off.