The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport lineup breaks into four main trims, each with different standard features and price points
The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport comes in four trim levels: Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Badlands. Each trim adds features, capability, or both as you move up the lineup. The Base model is the entry point with standard all-wheel drive and a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine. Big Bend adds comfort features like an 8-inch touchscreen and power windows. Outer Banks focuses on upscale interior materials and technology. Badlands is built for off-road driving with all-terrain tires, skid plates, and terrain management modes.
All 2024 Bronco Sport models use the same 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine produces 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. Ford does not offer a larger engine option for this model year. All trims come standard with all-wheel drive; two-wheel drive is not available on any 2024 Bronco Sport.
Key Takeaways
- The 2024 Bronco Sport uses one engine across all trims—a 1.5-liter EcoBoost with 181 horsepower—so your choice is about features and off-road readiness, not power.
- Badlands is the trim to choose if you plan serious off-road driving, because it includes all-terrain tires, skid plates, and terrain management modes that other trims do not have.
- Outer Banks prioritizes interior comfort and technology, while Big Bend offers a middle ground between Base features and Outer Banks luxury.
- All 2024 models come standard with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission; neither can be changed.
Base and Big Bend: Entry-Level Comfort and Capability
The Base trim is the lowest-priced Bronco Sport and includes the essentials: all-wheel drive, the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, an eight-speed automatic, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a backup camera. You get cloth seats, manual windows, and a standard suspension tuned for on-road driving. The Base model is suitable if you want a compact SUV for daily driving and light trail use without paying for features you won't use.
Big Bend sits one step up and adds an 8-inch touchscreen (larger and easier to read), power windows, power locks, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The interior materials are more durable than Base cloth. Big Bend also includes Ford's Co-Pilot360 safety suite, which adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping information. If you drive mostly on roads but want more convenience features, Big Bend is where most buyers land.
Outer Banks: Luxury Interior and Premium Technology
Outer Banks is positioned as the upscale choice and includes everything from Big Bend plus heated front seats, a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an upgraded interior with higher-quality materials. The 8-inch touchscreen now includes Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. You also get a power panoramic sunroof, which adds light and a sense of space to the cabin.
Outer Banks does not add off-road hardware—it is a comfort and technology upgrade, not a capability upgrade. Choose this trim if you want a well-appointed interior and the latest convenience features but do not plan to tackle rough terrain. The heated seats and dual-zone climate are particularly useful in cold climates where you spend significant time in the vehicle.
Badlands: Off-Road Tires, Skid Plates, and Terrain Management
Badlands is the off-road-focused trim and is the only one that changes the vehicle's actual capability, not just its comfort. It includes all Outer Banks features plus all-terrain tires (instead of the all-season tires on other trims), reinforced skid plates under the engine and fuel tank, a locking rear differential, and Ford's Terrain Management system. Terrain Management lets you select modes for different surfaces—Snow/Slippery, Sand, and Mud—which adjust throttle response, traction control, and transmission behavior to suit the terrain.
Badlands also gets a slightly raised suspension and a roof rack rated for cargo. The all-terrain tires are noticeably more aggressive than standard tires and provide better grip on rocks, dirt, and loose surfaces, but they are louder on pavement and wear faster on highways. If you plan to use your Bronco Sport for trail driving, camping, or off-road exploration, Badlands is the only trim that gives you the hardware to do it safely and effectively. If you stick to roads and light gravel, the all-season tires on lower trims are adequate and will last longer.
Engine and Transmission: One Choice for All Trims
Every 2024 Bronco Sport uses Ford's 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, a three-cylinder turbocharged unit that balances efficiency with adequate power for a compact SUV. It produces 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that handles both highway cruising and city driving smoothly. Ford rates fuel economy at approximately 21 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway for all-wheel-drive models, though real-world numbers vary based on driving habits and terrain.
There is no option to upgrade to a larger or more powerful engine, and there is no manual transmission available. The 1.5-liter is adequate for the Bronco Sport's weight and size, though it is not particularly quick. Acceleration from a stop is moderate, and passing on the highway requires planning. If you tow, Ford rates the Bronco Sport at 2,000 pounds maximum with a properly equipped trailer, which is suitable for small utility trailers but not for boat or large cargo trailers.
All-Wheel Drive Standard, Two-Wheel Drive Not Available
All 2024 Bronco Sport models come standard with all-wheel drive. Ford does not offer a two-wheel-drive version for this model year. The all-wheel-drive system is always active and automatically sends power to the wheels that need it most. In normal driving, most power goes to the front wheels, but the system engages the rear wheels when it detects slipping or loss of traction.
All-wheel drive adds weight and slightly reduces fuel economy compared to two-wheel drive, but it improves traction in rain, snow, and light off-road conditions. If you live in a warm, dry climate and want the best possible fuel economy, the lack of a two-wheel-drive option may be a drawback. However, all-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, so there is no way to avoid it or reduce its cost.
Comparing Trims: What You Gain at Each Step
| Trim Level | Key Additions vs. Previous Tier | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Starting point; 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, backup camera | Budget-conscious buyers; daily driving and light trails |
| Big Bend | 8-inch touchscreen, power windows/locks, Co-Pilot360 safety, leather steering wheel | Buyers who want convenience and safety features without luxury |
| Outer Banks | Heated seats, power liftgate, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate, SYNC 3 with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | Buyers who prioritize comfort and technology; road-focused driving |
| Badlands | All-terrain tires, skid plates, locking rear differential, Terrain Management, roof rack | Off-road enthusiasts; trail driving and rough terrain |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a 2024 Bronco Sport with two-wheel drive?
No. All 2024 Bronco Sport models come standard with all-wheel drive, and Ford does not offer a two-wheel-drive option. If two-wheel drive is important to you, you would need to look at other compact SUVs or consider a previous model year if inventory is available.
Is the 1.5-liter engine powerful enough for towing?
The 1.5-liter EcoBoost can tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is suitable for small utility trailers, jet skis, or motorcycles. It is not rated for boat trailers or large cargo trailers. If towing capacity is a priority, a larger SUV or truck would be a better choice.
What is the difference between Outer Banks and Badlands?
Outer Banks focuses on interior comfort and technology—heated seats, sunroof, and premium infotainment. Badlands adds off-road capability: all-terrain tires, skid plates, a locking rear differential, and Terrain Management modes. Choose Outer Banks for road-focused driving; choose Badlands if you plan to drive on trails or rough terrain.
Do I need Badlands if I only drive on gravel roads occasionally?
No. The all-season tires on Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks handle gravel and light off-road use adequately. Badlands all-terrain tires are designed for more aggressive terrain and rocky surfaces. If you stick to maintained gravel roads and light trails, a lower trim will work fine and will have better highway fuel economy.
What safety features come standard on all trims?
All 2024 Bronco Sport models include a backup camera and electronic stability control. Big Bend and higher add Co-Pilot360, which includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping information. Badlands and Outer Banks include all of these plus additional features depending on the trim.