2021 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend - POV First Impressions

MSRP: From $28,160
MPG: 25 city / 28 highway
Engine: 1.5 L 3-cylinder
Towing capacity: 2,000 lbs
Tire size: P225/65R17
Dimensions: 173″ L x 74″ W x 70-74″ H
Horsepower: 181 hp

0:00 Interior & exterior walkaround, features, specs
5:05 POV Driving Impressions
9:51 Sound System Test
13:04 Final Thoughts

The audio in this video was recorded with in-ear binaural microphones, headphones are highly recommended! Here's the equipment I use (with amazon affiliate links):

I'm also the producer for the Winding Road YouTube Channel:

Thanks for watching!

[Helpsmallbusinesses]

I like how you drive around like a normal person and just recorded the experience. It helped with enjoying the actual experience most people are going to use it for.

[nicholasona]

The irony of all the police sirens in the background while talking about a bronco

[kennethgrutter]

This is one of the best car reviews I have seen, hands down. Thank you for actually telling us about the vehicle, how it drives, how it feels on the road, showing the interior, and engine. As opposed to spending 10 to 15 minutes on what the touch screen can do. I buy a vehicle to drive, not to play on the touch screen, while I'm driving. It looks like Ford did a great job on developing this vehicle. It would be a nice little daily driver for me. The only negative I saw, was what you observed, it looks like it has a stiff, bouncy ride. I'm not sure at 60 years of age, if I want that. People complaining about a three cylinder, have to realize, that's the way the industry is going, small engines with lots of power. Think small block V-8's from back in the day, and you have a pretty good comparison. If the powertrains hold up, Ford will definitely have a winner on their hands.

[pascutia]

Just had the opportunity to drive the Badland edition, and I really liked it. I immediately dismissed it previously as a rebadged Escape, but I was surprised. Firstly, very good driving experience. The engine has good power, the steering has good feedback and great on-center feel, and it's refined. It felt really solid, and I was not expecting that at all. On the highway, I caught myself going over the speed limit many times due to its refinement. Comfortable interior, and really powerful heating/heated seats. I just really loved how solid it felt going down the road. The AWD system is really good! Turning off the stability control, it was really easy to get rotation in the snow. I had to drive it to the airport during a snow storm, and it felt so stable on the highway!!! The headlights are really good! Really, I wasn't expecting to like it so much since I drove a new Escape and it felt really different. I liked the stiff ride, as it imparted a solid feel to the vehicle. The driving position is great, and it looks great in person. Like a mini LR Defender. The sculpted hood is really cool to look at when driving. Lastly, I loved the size of it. Truly maneuverable and agile. In terms of downsides, the 2.0T seemed to really eat gas. Probably because of the aerodynamics and the good performance. Also, the speakers were truly mediocre. There was a very obvious rattle under heavy bass. Overall, I'd really recommend it. It's priced higher than other subcompact SUVs, but it truly feels more expensive due to its solidity, good performance, and solid driving dynamics. I'm a fan!

Edit: The transmission calibration was significantly better than in the Escape. That was one of my biggest qualms I had with the Escape. In the Bronco Sport, it felt pretty well tuned.

[candlercando]

This is how Ford should have continued the styling of the Escape in the 3rd generation before they changed it to an egg.

[shmser]

I really like that you express your opinions. Many reviewers come off as too objective but knowing how you feel about it is informative. Thanks for the reviews. Keep it up!

[stephensfriends]

Super stoked that you're one of the first people to review one of these!

[jacobpartin]

Out of all the crossovers out there, this ones one of the best looking that isnt higher end

[bdub]

I like how you did the sound system test, not many vehicle reviews mention the sound system AT ALL, I know it's through a video and not hearing it first hand but it's nice to get a glimpse of what it's like, I'm on a budget and constantly listen to music while driving so it's nice to get an idea of what the money would get me!

[jeffreynowak]

A Big Bend Package is offered which addresses many of the Reviewer's concerns. This package includes six items; 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats, power moonroof, Reverse Sensing System, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and wireless charging pad.

[JStryker]

Winter beater car of the future. I look forward to picking up a 2-3yo one in the low 20s.

[WoZIMoo]

Drove a Renault Clio 3 cylinder 900cc turbo 5-speed in Portugal last year. Cruised at 95+ mph with 3 people and luggage on board and got 47mpg even when driving like a maniac. Americans should try smaller cars once in a while, they might realise that they don't need a 6000lbs V8 pickup that gets 11 mpg to go to church and Walmart. Small cars with small displacement engines have been around for a while in the rest of the world and they work.

[basithph]

I have to say the Bronco Sport is a compelling car
Sure I would rather get the Bronco but the Sport seems like a good crossover

[ak]

The entire design, especially the interior, is so much better and more cohesive than the terrible new Escape. That said... I did have a laugh at a towing package on a 1.5 liter.

[NeoNoggie]

I hate the whole "cant choose a playlist while moving" thing because that's just going to make people want to pick up their phones and change it rather than using a much safer touch screen. It's pretty dumb tbh.

[benhaze]

The video sound quality is go good we can hear clearly a lot of road noise at 45+ mph

[weedmastersr]

Coolest small SUV on the market right now. Love the utilitarian interior and beefy tires. Wish more manufacturers would do rugged SUVs. Most look like you can bend their stupid large wheels climbing a curb. 3 cylinders sound amazing.

[DoctorSkillz]

That’s a really nice looking SUV. Ford did a nice job with the design.

[BrandonMeyer]

I would get this over the current escape any day. Much better looking, more off road cred, and more practical.

[scupking]

We just pick up a 2023 Big Bend. Love the sound of the 3 cylinder. Sounds like my old 4.0 Jeep Cherokee XJ.