What’s new for 2026?

The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport, a carryover from 2025, rolls in without fanfare. For 2026, you’re looking at light trim reshuffling, a couple of fresh color choices and some option packaging tweaks that make features easier to bundle without complicating the options process. The sticker starts at $40,115 and climbs to $46,520 with all options and delivery charge.

Looks

It’s boxy in a way that feels deliberate, not retro or corny. The upright stance, squared-off shoulders, and blunt nose give it a mini-expedition vibe. It’s one of the few small SUVs that doesn’t look like it was shaped by a committee. You’ll find it easily in parking lots.

Interior

It’s pleasantly comfortable, with enough space for the big and tall, all controls laid out well with enormous knobs you can find in a split second and a kick-ass sound system. The climate system was a sweet furnace, the sound system was adequate and Ford’s SYNC system gave me the typical difficult time syncing with my phone, but eventually we got it together, though it kept inexplicably disconnecting us throughout the test, as Ford’s SYNC system will do. It installs the app on your phone and then you get “Failed to sync” but then it works anyway.

You get a large central touchscreen running Ford’s SYNC system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a digital instrument cluster that’s clear and easy to read. There are off-road screens that show pitch, roll, and drivetrain status. Physical buttons still exist where they should.

Engine

The Bronco Sport’s 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine delivers strong, giddyap power with a broad torque curve that feels ready from a dead stop to highway speed. Paired with an eight-speed automatic, it provides smooth, decisive shifts and enough punch to make highway merges and uphill climbs feel easy rather than negotiated.

How is the drive?

It doesn’t leap forward like a sports car, but it moves with purpose, and that’s what matters here. Braking is confident and predictable, with a firm pedal that inspires trust.

Handling is better than expected for something this upright, with controlled body roll and a planted feel through corners. Visibility is ok – I got a couple of honks when changing lanes simply because I did not see the vehicle to my right rear. Big windows, a tall seating position, and clean sightlines make it easy to place the vehicle when maintaining lanes, or parking. It’s comfortable enough for long drives.

Room for improvement

Fuel economy (23 MPG combined highway/city) could be better, especially when you start leaning on that turbo engine. Some interior materials, while durable, can feel a bit utilitarian at higher trim levels where the price creeps up. The shift wheel, like any shift wheel, does not belong on an SUV where you need to find it in a split second but instead must look down. Give us a stalk, please.

Safety

You get forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist adaptive cruise control and so much more.

Conclusion: I really enjoyed the Bronco’s looks and driving characteristics, and you will, too.