Highly anticipated, the recent return of the Ford Bronco nameplate saw enthusiasts able to get behind the wheel of two new Bronco models. Offering similar style, albeit with either two doors or four, the Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport became instant favourites for the off-road set. The only real question is, which of these two Bronco models is right for you? Read on to learn more about the 2023 Ford Bronco and 2023 Ford Bronco Sport, as well as which one might be right for you, with your source for all things automotive in the heart of Alberta: Heartland Ford!
Bronco vs. Bronco Sport Overview
| Model | 2023 Ford Bronco | 2023 Ford Bronco Sport |
| Base trim MSRP | Starting at $46,210 (Base 4-Door) | Starting at $35,999 (Base) |
| Top trim MSRP | Starting at $86,830 (Heritage Limited™) | Starting at $56,649 (Heritage Limited™) |
| Body style | 2-door or 4-door | 4-door |
At first glance, we can see that the smaller Bronco Sport starts at a lower price than the Bronco, though we’ll dive into the differences between the two models in greater detail below.
Design Differences
In terms of design aesthetic, the Bronco and Bronco Sport offer a similar look albeit with some key differences. While the Bronco Sport offers a few more rounded edges, in a body style that’s as at home in the city as it is off the beaten path, the Bronco offers a more rugged look with sharper edges. Other details include substantially larger, off-road wheels found on the Bronco, as well as the choice between either two- or four-doors and a hard top or a soft top.
Exterior Dimensions Compared
| Model | Ford Bronco Base (4-door, Hard Top) | Ford Bronco Sport Base |
| Wheelbase | 2,950 mm | 2,670 mm |
| Length | 4,810 mm | 4,386 mm |
| Height | 1,854 mm | 1,785 mm |
| Width (w/ mirrors) | 2,189 mm | 2,087 mm |
Unsurprisingly, the larger Bronco model beats out the Bronco Sport in terms of exterior dimensions—though when it comes to interior dimensions the Bronco Sport offers more headroom, comparable front legroom, and more rear legroom. However, when it comes to cargo capacity, the Bronco has the Bronco Sport beaten handily.
Interior Dimensions Compared
| Model | Ford Bronco Base (4-door, Hard Top) | Ford Bronco Sport Base |
| Front Headroom | 1,041 mm | 1,055 mm |
| Rear Headroom | 1,011 mm | 1,059 mm |
| Front Legroom | 1,095 mm | 1,077 mm |
| Rear Legroom | 907 mm | 936 mm |
| Max Cargo Capacity | 2,350.3 L | 1,846.3 L |
| Passenger Volume | 3,063.8 L | 2,993.1 L |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Performance Differences
It’s clear that the Bronco offers the most power out of the two options, whether equipped with the base 2.3-litre EcoBoost® engine or the 2.7-litre V6 EcoBoost® found in the Ford Raptor or across the Ford ST lineup.
However, the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre EcoBoost® options found in the Bronco Sport are no slouch either, offering more than enough power along with excellent fuel economy.
| Model | Engine | Transmission | Horsepower | Torque | Drivetrain |
| 2023 Ford Bronco | 2.3L EcoBoost® 4-cylinder (base) | 7-speed manual or 10-speed automatic | 270 hp | 310 lb-ft | 4×4 |
| 2023 Ford Bronco | 2.7L EcoBoost® V6 (optional) | 7-speed manual or 10-speed automatic | 310 hp | 400 lb-ft | 4×4 |
| 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | 1.5L EcoBoost® (base) | 8-speed automatic | 181 hp | 190 lb-ft | 4×4 |
| 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | 2.0L EcoBoost® (optional) | 8-speed automatic | 250 hp | 277 lb-ft | 4×4 |
Of course, there are several more performance details we could go into, but we’ll leave it at this: the Ford Bronco is designed, primarily, for off-road adventures and is equipped as such. That doesn’t mean the Ford Bronco Sport isn’t exceptionally capable—because with a standard 4×4 drivetrain, and Terrain Management System with up to seven G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) Modes, the Bronco Sport is more than capable enough to tackle the toughest Alberta terrain no matter the season.
If you’re looking for an SUV capable of handling rugged terrain on the weekend, and your work commute during the week, the Bronco Sport is probably the model for you. But if you plan on really exploring the rockiest and roughest terrain Alberta has to offer, you’ll want to opt for the Bronco. Regardless of which choice you plan to make, visit Fort Saskatchewan’s Heartland Ford for the best selection and top notch customer service. After all, we’re the heart of all things Ford in Alberta!