What trims and configurations the 2024 Bronco Sport offers
The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport comes in four main trim levels — Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Badlands — each with a different set of standard features and price point. Ford also offers two engine choices across these trims: a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder or a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder. The base model starts with essential features like an 8-inch touchscreen and rear-view camera, while higher trims add all-wheel drive, leather seating, panoramic sunroofs, and advanced driver information systems. You can further customize any trim with optional packages that bundle features like upgraded audio systems, terrain management modes, or towing packages.
The configuration you choose affects not just price but also capability — the Badlands trim, for example, comes standard with all-wheel drive and terrain management, making it the off-road focused option, while the Outer Banks emphasizes comfort and luxury features. Understanding what each trim includes as standard versus what you'd need to add as an option helps you avoid paying twice for the same feature or missing something important to how you'll use the vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- The 2024 Bronco Sport offers four trims (Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands), each with different standard features and price ranges.
- You can choose between a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine or a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine across all trims.
- All-wheel drive is standard on Badlands and Outer Banks trims but optional on Base and Big Bend models.
- Optional packages bundle features like panoramic sunroofs, leather seats, and terrain management modes rather than forcing you to buy them individually.
- The Badlands trim includes terrain management and skid plates as standard, while other trims require these as add-ons if you want them.
Base and Big Bend trims: entry-level configurations
The Base trim is the starting point and comes with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, front-wheel drive, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, and basic safety features like automatic emergency braking. It does not include all-wheel drive, leather seating, or advanced terrain management. The Big Bend trim steps up with the same engine options but adds all-wheel drive as standard, a power liftgate, a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen, and cloth seating with more comfort features.
Both trims let you add the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine if you want more power and towing capacity. The Base trim appeals to buyers who want a compact SUV for daily driving and don't need off-road capability, while Big Bend targets those who want all-wheel drive and a bit more interior refinement without paying for the luxury features of higher trims. Neither trim comes with terrain management or skid plates, so if you plan to drive on unpaved roads regularly, you'd need to add those options or move up to Outer Banks or Badlands.
Outer Banks and Badlands: premium and off-road focused options
The Outer Banks trim emphasizes comfort and style, with all-wheel drive standard, leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation, and upgraded interior trim. It includes the Co-Pilot360 suite of driver information features and comes with either engine option. This trim appeals to buyers who want a more upscale interior and don't prioritize off-road performance.
The Badlands is the off-road focused configuration, with all-wheel drive standard, terrain management modes (including Rock Crawl and Slippery modes), skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a higher ground clearance setup. It also includes the same comfort features as Outer Banks — leather seating, panoramic sunroof, and advanced safety systems — but adds the mechanical upgrades that make it capable on rough terrain. If you plan to use the Bronco Sport for trails, camping, or unpaved roads, Badlands is the trim that includes these features as standard rather than as expensive add-ons.
Engine choices and what they affect
The 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder is the standard engine across all trims and delivers adequate power for daily driving and highway use. It produces 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine is more fuel-efficient than the larger option and costs less, making it the choice for buyers prioritizing economy.
The 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder is available on all trims as an upgrade and produces 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. It enables a higher towing capacity — up to 3,500 pounds compared to 2,600 pounds with the smaller engine — and provides noticeably stronger acceleration. The 2.0-liter also pairs with the same eight-speed automatic. If you plan to tow a trailer, carry heavy loads regularly, or want more responsive performance, the 2.0-liter is worth the additional cost. The difference in fuel economy between the two is modest enough that the choice often comes down to how you'll use the vehicle rather than a dramatic gap in efficiency.
Optional packages and add-on features
Ford bundles many features into optional packages rather than selling them individually. The Panoramic Sunroof Package adds a large glass roof and is available on Base and Big Bend trims (it comes standard on Outer Banks and Badlands). The Terrain Management Package, available on Base and Big Bend, adds the terrain modes and skid plates that come standard on Badlands. The Technology Package upgrades the infotainment system with a larger screen, wireless charging, and enhanced navigation on lower trims.
You can also add features like a roof rack, towing package (which includes a hitch and wiring harness), all-terrain tires, and upgraded audio systems. The key is checking what comes standard on each trim before adding options — for example, if you want leather seating and a panoramic sunroof, moving from Big Bend to Outer Banks might cost less than buying both as options on Big Bend. Dealers can show you the total cost of different configuration paths so you can see which trim plus options combination gives you what you want at the best value.
Comparing configurations for different uses
If you drive mostly on paved roads and want the lowest price, the Base trim with the 1.5-liter engine meets those needs. If you want all-wheel drive for winter weather or light snow but don't need off-road features, Big Bend with the 1.5-liter is a practical middle ground. For buyers who want comfort, style, and all-wheel drive without off-road capability, Outer Banks delivers that without the cost of Badlands terrain management features you won't use.
For off-road use, camping, or unpaved terrain, Badlands is the configuration that makes sense because terrain management, skid plates, and all-terrain tires come standard — you're not paying extra for features that define the trim's purpose. If you tow regularly or want stronger performance, the 2.0-liter engine is worth the upgrade cost across any trim. The configuration that makes sense for you depends on where you'll drive, what you'll carry, and which features matter most to how you use the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2024 Bronco Sport come with all-wheel drive on every trim?
No. All-wheel drive is standard on Outer Banks and Badlands but optional on Base and Big Bend trims. If you want all-wheel drive on a Base or Big Bend model, you'll need to add it as an option, which increases the price. Choosing Big Bend with all-wheel drive as an option may cost less than moving up to Outer Banks if you don't want the luxury features that come with that trim.
What's the difference between the two engines in real-world driving?
The 1.5-liter feels adequate for highway driving and daily use but noticeably slower when accelerating from a stop or merging. The 2.0-liter feels more responsive and makes a real difference if you tow or carry heavy loads. Fuel economy is similar enough that the choice usually comes down to whether you need the extra power and towing capacity, not whether you'll save money on gas.
Can I get terrain management on a Base or Big Bend trim?
Yes, through the Terrain Management Package, which adds terrain modes and skid plates to Base and Big Bend trims. However, this package costs less on Badlands because those features come standard there. If off-road capability is important to you, Badlands may offer better value than adding the package to a lower trim.
Is the panoramic sunroof worth the cost as an option?
That depends on your preference for natural light and whether you're buying a trim that includes it as standard. On Base and Big Bend, the Panoramic Sunroof Package is optional. On Outer Banks and Badlands, it comes standard, so if you want it, those trims may offer better overall value than adding it to a lower trim.
What towing capacity does each configuration have?
The 1.5-liter engine enables up to 2,600 pounds of towing across all trims. The 2.0-liter increases that to 3,500 pounds. If you plan to tow a boat, trailer, or other equipment regularly, the 2.0-liter engine is necessary, and you should confirm the towing package is included or added to your configuration.