For has made a name for itself in the off-road community these past few years thanks to the success of the Bronco. This Jeep Wrangler competitor has coupled incredible looks with real off-road capability in a package that people just can’t get enough of, and for 2025 it wants to spread a little more of its winning formula to its little brother, the Bronco Sport. Next year, the gussied-up Ford Escape is receiving the Sasquatch off-road package in a bid to capture a few more off-road enthusiasts who weren’t interested before.
In doing so, Ford has created a bit of a problem for itself, as these new top-of-the-line Bronco Sport Sasquatches are now encroaching on the capability of the base Broncos while adding much more technology and comfort. For hardcore off-road enthusiasts, it’s still a no-brainer, but for the rest of us? That Bronco Sport Sasquatch is looking mighty fine. For the sake of argument, we’ve pitted the two models head to head in a comparison to see where their strengths lie, and give you a better idea of where each can fit into your lifestyle.
Data and specs pertaining to the Ford models have been sourced directly from the automaker.
Battle of the Bold: Exterior Design Showdown
The 2025 Bronco Sport and Bronco both have designs rooted in ruggedness, but given they have different goals, it’s not difficult to see their differences. The Bronco Sport is a compact SUV that is primarily an on-road vehicle that can hold its own off of the beaten path. Its design is a harmonious blend of ruggedness and modern flair, featuring classic Bronco cues in the lighting, logos, and overall silhouette, but it’s hard not to see it as an Escape in different clothes.
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For 2025, the model has added new bumpers, tie-down spots, and modular points where owners can add accessories. The new Sasquatch package on the Outer Banks and Badlands trims then adds larger, unique 235/65/R17 Goodyear Territory All-Terrain tires on new wheels, giving it greater off-road capability but also gives it a more aggressive stance. The added bull bar and revised bumpers also add to its character, certainly improving its looks, but it still doesn’t have the charm of it’s older sibling.
Specification
Bronco Sport Base
Bronco Base (2-door)
Bronco Base (4-Door)
Length
172.7 inches
173.7 inches
189.4 inches
Width
74.3 inches
75.9 inches
75.9 inches
Height
70.2 inches
71.9 inches
73 inches
Wheelbase
105.1 inches
100.4 inches
116.1 inches
Weight
3,467 lbs
4,319 lbs
4,499 lbs
The full-sized Bronco, even in its base trim, exudes a classic off-road vibe. It’s the bigger sibling that embraces a more utilitarian design, with boxy proportions, removable doors, and roof options that hark back to the original Bronco. The base model comes with 32-inch all-terrain tires and 17-inch alloy wheels, which provide a solid foundation for off-roading. Despite being the entry-level trim, it retains the signature Bronco look and capability, but we’ll still never get over Ford ditching its base steel wheels.
Off-Road Arsenal: Equipment and Capabilities
The Bronco Sport with the new Sasquatch package is packed with off-road features that make it a formidable contender in its class. It includes an advanced twin-clutch rear-drive unit and a locking rear differential, which will certainly help on a trail. The Sasquatch package also adds steel skid plates and increased ground clearance thanks to new rear Bilstein shocks and new springs all around. While it has fewer G.O.A.T modes than the larger Bronco, it adds one-pedal trail driving, and an available 360-degree camera will help navigate tight spots a breeze.
Specification
Bronco Sport Sasquatch
Bronco Base
4WD System
Advanced Twin-Clutch
Standard 4×4
Locking Differentials
Rear Only
None
Tires
235/65/R17 All-Terrain
32-Inch All-Terrain
Skid Plates
Standard
Optional
G.O.A.T Modes
6 Modes
7 Modes
Stabilizer Bar Disconnect
No
Optional
The base Bronco, even in its entry-level form, is no slouch when it comes to off-roading. It comes standard with 4WD and a robust suspension system designed to handle rough terrain. While it lacks the locking differentials found in higher trims or the Sasquatch package, it still offers a solid off-road foundation with 7 G.O.A.T modes, including Rock Crawl and Baja, which are essential for tackling different types of terrain. The optional stabilizer bar disconnect further enhances its capability by improving wheel articulation during extreme off-roading.
Off-Road Angles
Specification
Bronco Sport Badlands Sasquatch
Bronco Sport Outer Banks Sasquatch
Bronco Base (2-Door)
Bronco Base (4-Door)
Approach Angle
31.2 degrees
24.1 degrees
35.5 degrees
35.5 degrees
Departure Angle
27.9 degrees
27.3 degrees
29.8 degrees
29.7 degrees
Breakover Angle
21.7 degrees
21 degrees
21.1 degrees
20.0 degrees
Ground Clearance
8.8 inches
8.8 inches
8.4 inches
8.4 inches
The Bronco Sport Sasquatch is slightly more compact than the base bronco, making it more maneuverable in tight spaces, yet it still offers an impressive ground clearance of 8.7-inches. The base Bronco, with its slightly larger dimensions, provides a more traditional off-road stance but doesn’t significantly outsize the Sport. Both vehicles are designed to conquer trails, but the Bronco Sport’s more compact footprint might be more appealing for urban dwellers who need an SUV that can also navigate city streets.
Power Under the Hood: Engine and Performance
Given the Sasquatch package is available on the top two trims, you have the option of both the 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-3 in the Outer Banks and the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four in the Badlands. The base engine makes 181 horsepower, which isn’t much to think about, while the upgraded option packs a punch thanks to outputting 250 horses. This isn’t far behind the base engine in the Bronco, and given it weighs a lot less, acceleration numbers are in its favor.
Specification
Bronco Sport Sasquatch (1.5L)
Bronco Sport Sasquatch (2.0L)
Bronco Base
Engine
1.5-liter Turbo Inline-3
2.0L Turbo Inline-4
2.3L Turbo Inline-4
Horsepower
181 hp
250 hp
270 hp
Torque
190 lb-ft
277 lb-ft
310 lb-ft
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
7-Speed Manual
Drivetrain
4WD
4WD
4WD
0-60 mph
8.5 seconds (est.)
6.5 seconds (est.)
7.6 seconds
Towing Capacity
2,200 lbs
2,700 lbs
3,500 lbs
The base Bronco comes with a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, offering a robust 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 7-speed manual transmission as standard (a 10-speed automatic is available), provides the Bronco with substantial low-end torque, which is crucial for off-roading. The manual is a massive selling point of the vehicle, so if rowing your own is what you’re after, it’s hard to ignore. Of course, the body-on-frame Bronco can also tow quite a bit more too.
Fuel Efficiency off the Trails
Fuel efficiency is a key consideration for many SUV buyers, especially those who intend to use their vehicle as a daily driver as well as for weekend adventures. Here, due to its smaller engines, lower weight, and more aerodynamic profile, the Bronco Sport has an edge. It’s expected to deliver around 26 MPG combined in its most fuel efficient guise, which most owners will be thrilled to get given they’ll spend 90% of their time on pavement.
Specification
Bronco Sport (1.5-liter)
Bronco Sport (2.0-liter)
Bronco Base
Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined)
25/29/26 MPG (est.)
21/26/23 MPG
20/21/20 MPG
Fuel Tank Capacity
16 gallons
16 gallons
16.9 gallons (2-Door) / 20.8 gallons (4-Door)
Range (Combined)
~400 miles
~368 miles
~338 miles (2-Door) / ~416 miles (4-Door)
The base Bronco’s larger 2.3-liter engine, coupled with its more brick-like profile, means it isn’t particularly efficient. It offers around 20 MPG combined, which is certainly about what one would expect in a vehicle such as this, but that’s what you get when you go for looks over efficiency.
Inside the Cabin: Interior and Tech Features
The Bronco Sport is designed to offer a more refined interior experience, with a focus on technology and convenience with sporty touches. For 2025, it features a standard13.2-inch infotainment screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an optional 12.3-inch digital display. The interior materials are durable, with marine-grade vinyl seats that are easy to clean after a day on the trails, though leather options can be chosen on some trims. Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ is also standard on every trim, and it comes with things like auto high beams, pre-collision assist, and much more.
Specification
Bronco Sport
Bronco Base
Infotainment Screen
13.2 inches
12 inches
Wireless Smartphone Connectivity
Standard
Optional
Seating Capacity
5
4 (2-Door)
Upholstery
Marine-Grade Vinyl
Cloth
Digital Gauge Cluster
Optional
Optional
Climate Control
Manual
Manual
The base Bronco, while less tech-heavy than the Sport Sasquatch, still offers a well-thought-out interior designed for durability and ease of use. The 12-inch touchscreen is standard, providing access to essential controls and connectivity features. The base Bronco’s interior is more utilitarian, with cloth seats and manual climate control, but it offers everything necessary for an off-road adventure with enough technology to make most drivers content.
Price Showdown: Which Bronco Delivers More Bang for Your Buck?
Model
Estimated Starting Price
Bronco Sport Sasquatch Outer Banks
$41,000 (est.)
Bronco Sport Sasquatch Badlands
$45,000 (est.)
Bronco Base
$39,130
Choosing between the top-spec Bronco Sport Sasquatch and the entry-level Bronco comes down to your priorities. If you’re looking for a more compact, tech-savvy SUV that is going to spend most of its time on-road but excel on a trail when asked, the Bronco Sport Sasquatch is an excellent choice. Its drivetrain, modern interior, and better fuel efficiency make it a strong contender for those who want a versatile vehicle that can handle both city streets and rugged trails.
However, if power, towing capacity, and a traditional off-road experience are your top concerns, the entry-level Bronco remains the better bet. There’s also no denying it’s the better looking of the two. You just need to be honest with yourself about what you want, because you may find yourself happier in a top-of-the-line Bronco Sport if your priorities lie in a different place.