2024 Ford Bronco Sport Configurations: Trims, Engines, and Features Explained

The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport comes in five distinct trim levels, each built around a shared platform but targeting noticeably different buyers — from daily commuters who want light off-road capability to serious trail enthusiasts. Understanding how those configurations differ helps you evaluate what you're actually getting at each price point.

The Five 2024 Bronco Sport Trim Levels

Ford offers the Bronco Sport in the following configurations for the 2024 model year:

The Heritage Edition is a style-oriented trim drawing on retro Bronco design cues, rather than a performance upgrade. It sits between Big Bend and Outer Banks in terms of capability.

The Two Engine Options

1.5-Liter EcoBoost Three-Cylinder

This turbocharged three-cylinder engine produces approximately 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. It powers the Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Heritage Edition trims. Fuel economy estimates run around 25–28 MPG combined depending on configuration, though real-world results vary with driving habits, terrain, and load.

Despite having only three cylinders, the turbocharger gives this engine a responsive low-end pull that suits city and light off-road driving reasonably well.

2.0-Liter EcoBoost Four-Cylinder

The Badlands trim comes standard with the larger 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, rated at approximately 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic. This engine also comes with a more capable all-wheel-drive system designed for more demanding terrain.

The power difference between these two engines is substantial — roughly 70 horsepower and nearly 90 lb-ft of torque — which matters most if you're planning to tow, carry heavy loads, or tackle steep or loose terrain regularly.

AWD Systems: Not All Are Equal 🚙

This is one of the more important distinctions in the Bronco Sport lineup.

• The Base trim uses front-wheel drive as standard, with AWD available as an add-on.
• The Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Heritage Edition come with Ford's standard AWD system, which operates automatically.
• The Badlands uses a more advanced AWD system with a twin-clutch rear drive unit, offering Trail Control (a low-speed cruise control for off-roading), Rock Crawl mode, and greater rear axle torque distribution.

If off-road use is part of your plan, the difference between Bronco Sport AWD systems is worth studying carefully. The standard AWD on lower trims provides traction on slippery pavement and light trails, but it isn't designed for serious rock crawling or sustained wheel articulation.

Ground Clearance and Off-Road Hardware

Ground clearance varies across the lineup:

• Base, Big Bend, Heritage Edition: Approximately 7.9 inches of ground clearance
• Outer Banks: Approximately 8.0 inches
• Badlands: Approximately 8.8 inches, plus skid plates, a more aggressive suspension tune, and all-terrain tires as standard

The Badlands also includes front and rear steel bash plates to protect the undercarriage, which matters if you're driving over rocks or uneven terrain. Lower trims are not equipped with this hardware from the factory.

Interior and Feature Differences

Higher trims add driver comfort features, upgraded materials, and technology:

• SYNC 4 infotainment with an 8-inch touchscreen is standard across the lineup
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available across trims
• Heated front seats become available starting around the Big Bend level
• Leather-trimmed seating appears on the Outer Banks and above
• B&O audio system is available on upper trims

All Bronco Sport trims use the same basic interior layout with a removable drain plug floor designed for easy washing after off-road use — a practical detail that carries across the lineup.

Towing Capacity

• Trims with the 1.5-liter engine are rated to tow up to approximately 2,200 lbs
• The Badlands with the 2.0-liter is rated for up to approximately 2,200 lbs as well in standard configuration

Towing capacity is consistent across trims because the Bronco Sport's chassis — not its engine — is the limiting factor at this weight class. ⚠️ Always confirm actual tow ratings on the window sticker or Ford's spec sheet, as ratings can shift with option packages.

What Shapes the Right Configuration for Any Buyer

The trim that makes sense depends on variables specific to each buyer:

• How much off-road use is realistic versus aspirational
• Budget — MSRP spreads meaningfully across five trims, and dealer pricing, availability, and regional demand affect actual transaction prices
• Feature priorities — comfort versus capability isn't always aligned in the lineup
• Fuel economy expectations — the 2.0-liter trades efficiency for power
• Planned load or towing — neither engine is a heavy hauler, but the 2.0-liter delivers noticeably more confident acceleration under load

The 2024 Bronco Sport lineup is wider than it looks from the outside. The gap between a Base trim on FWD and a Badlands with the 2.0-liter isn't just a price difference — it's a fundamentally different vehicle under the skin. Where you land on that spectrum depends on how you actually plan to use the truck.