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The 2025 Bronco Sport Steps Up Its Off-Road Game​

The 2025 Bronco Sport Steps Up Its Off-Road Game Blue Ford Bronco Sport SUV parked on asphalt in daylight with a bright concrete wall

The Bronco Sport has always played a quieter role in Ford’s off-road lineup. It shares a name with the big Bronco but has mostly stayed in the compact, commuter-friendly lane. Until now.

For 2025, Ford has finally given the Bronco Sport some real trail credibility. The new Sasquatch package brings hardware that off-roaders actually care about, things like all-terrain tires, skid plates, and revised suspension tuning. It’s available on both Outer Banks and Badlands trims, but the Badlands version, in particular, feels more purpose-built this time around.

Ford isn’t pretending this is a rock-crawler. What they’re doing is giving drivers who live in places like Colorado or Montana, or just folks who want to take a gravel road without flinching, something more capable, without stepping up to the full-size Bronco or abandoning everyday drivability.

It’s not just a style play anymore. The Bronco Sport Sasquatch wants to earn its spot among legit off-roaders. And it might have done just that.

What’s Underneath Actually Matters

The Sasquatch package isn’t just a badge or styling upgrade. Ford made changes that affect how the Bronco Sport moves, especially off pavement.

Start with the tires. Both trims, Outer Banks and Badlands, get 29-inch Goodyear Territory all-terrains. These aren’t oversized showpieces; they’re a sensible size for a compact SUV, and they help add ground clearance without pushing the suspension geometry too far out of line.

The Outer Banks model keeps its 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which puts out 180 horsepower. It’s the same setup as before, paired with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. But where things get more interesting is in the Badlands trim.

The Badlands version keeps its more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, good for 250 horsepower and noticeably more torque. You also get a twin-clutch rear drive unit with torque vectoring, which helps in low-traction situations like sand, snow, or when climbing uneven terrain. That hardware has already proven itself in earlier Badlands models, but paired with the Sasquatch upgrades, it starts to make more sense for real off-road driving.

Ford didn’t stop at tires and torque. The Badlands trim also gets upgraded Bilstein rear dampers with remote reservoirs. That’s the kind of component normally found on mid-level trail trucks or desert rigs, not compact crossovers. The extra travel and cooling capacity matter when you’re bouncing down washboard trails at speed, and it gives the Bronco Sport a more composed ride when pushed beyond gravel paths.

Steel skid plates and front/rear tow hooks are part of the deal, too. No plastic fender flares, no fake vent trim. Ford clearly wanted this version to survive more than mall parking lots.

Where You Sit and What You See Inside

Where You Sit and What You See Inside

The outside of the Sasquatch Bronco Sport tells one story. Inside, it’s still very much a daily driver. And that’s a good thing. For 2025, the cabin hasn’t been completely redesigned, but Ford has made a few key updates that bring it in line with other newer models in its lineup.

Key Tech + Interior Updates:

  • A new 13.2-inch touchscreen now anchors the dash, running Ford’s updated Sync 4 interface
  • A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster replaces the older analog-digital hybrid setup in higher trims
  • Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Physical climate knobs and buttons remain — something most drivers will appreciate
  • Materials and finishes still feel more rugged than premium, but they match the Bronco Sport’s vibe

The seats remain supportive, especially up front, and there’s plenty of visibility through the upright windshield and tall side glass. Rear seat legroom is fair for the segment, not class-leading, but enough for adults on short trips.

Everyday Usability: Still a Compact SUV

Here’s a quick breakdown of what daily life looks like with this updated Bronco Sport:

FeatureDetails
Cargo Space32.5 cu ft behind second row (65.2 cu ft with seats folded)
Towing Capacity (Badlands)Up to 2,200 lbs with the 2.0L EcoBoost
Ride Quality (On-Road)Slightly firmer with Sasquatch, but not punishing
Turning RadiusTight enough for city parking — still compact by SUV standards
Noise LevelsTires add some hum, especially at highway speeds

For most buyers, that balance between trail-ready upgrades and commuter comfort is exactly the point. You can take this Bronco Sport camping, up a dirt road, or through snow and still use it for groceries, school runs, or a drive to work without feeling like you’re driving a lifted truck.

Pricing and Trim Breakdown

Pricing and Trim Breakdown

The Sasquatch package is available on two Bronco Sport trims for 2025: Outer Banks and Badlands. Each offers a different mix of power, features, and off-road capability.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what each version includes:

TrimBase PriceSasquatch PackageTotal PriceEngineKey Differences
Outer Banks$36,580+$5,230$41,8101.5L EcoBoostMore style-focused, less trail capability
Badlands$41,590+$2,990$44,5802.0L EcoBoostMore torque, better suspension, more rugged

The Badlands trim is where the Sasquatch package makes the most sense. You’re getting the stronger motor, twin-clutch rear differential, and those Bilstein shocks, all of which give you actual off-road benefits, not just a more aggressive stance.

The Outer Banks version is more about looks. You still get the tires and styling upgrades, but without the powertrain and suspension changes, it’s better suited for light trail use or snowy roads than serious off-roading.

Should You Buy the Bronco Sport Sasquatch?

That depends on what you’re trying to do with it.

If you want a compact SUV that feels more adventurous than a RAV4 or CR-V, has solid tech, and doesn’t fall apart when the pavement ends, the Sasquatch-equipped Bronco Sport is a smart option. Especially if you go with the Badlands version, which finally makes good on the Bronco name.

But if you’re mostly driving in-town or already own something like a Subaru Outback Wilderness, this may feel like a lateral move unless you’re tied to the Ford brand or want the styling.

Buy it if:

  • You do occasional off-road travel but don’t need a full-size Bronco
  • You want something easy to park, fun to drive, and trail-capable on weekends
  • You appreciate old-school physical controls mixed with new tech

Skip it if:

  • You expect Wrangler-level articulation or body-on-frame ruggedness
  • You don’t plan on ever using the off-road hardware
  • You’re just here for the looks — the base trims already give you that

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