Best & Worst Ford Bronco Sport Years

Are you considering getting a Ford Bronco Sport but you are not sure which model year you should buy? Here's the ultimate guide to help you pick!

Ready to conquer the wilderness in style? Let’s dive into the Ford Bronco Sport’s history and uncover which years shine and which ones might leave you stuck in the mud.

In this guide, we’ll break down every Ford Bronco Sport generation, revealing the top picks and the years to avoid.

We’ve done the arduous lifting, analyzing data from trusted sources like NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and Kelley Blue Book. You’ll get the inside information on reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety ratings.

But that’s not all. We’ll explore the Bronco Sport’s engine options, technological innovations, safety features, common issues, recalls, and resale values. By the end, you’ll know exactly which Bronco Sport years are worth your hard-earned cash.

Buckle up, thrill seekers. It’s time to hit the trail!

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Table of ContentsShow

Ford Bronco Sport Generations

The Ford Bronco Sport burst onto the scene in 2021, bringing back the iconic Bronco name with a compact twist. This isn’t your grandpa’s Bronco – it’s a modern, adventure-ready SUV that’s equally at home on urban streets and rugged trails.

What makes the Bronco Sport remarkable? Here’s the swift rundown:

  1. Rugged styling that turns heads
  2. Impressive off-road chops (hello, standard 4WD!)
  3. Turbocharged engines for that extra oomph
  4. Clever interior design with plenty of cargo space
  5. G.O.A.T. modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) for tackling any surface

In short, it’s the adaptable Army knife of SUVs, designed for those who work hard and play harder.

Let’s explore the Bronco Sport’s evolution:

GenerationYears
1st Generation (CX430)2021-Present

Generational shifts in performance, technology, and design might be the vital factor for potential buyers or enthusiasts looking to understand the evolution of the Ford Bronco Sport.

Ford Bronco Sport Best, Neutral, and Worst Years

Picking the right Bronco Sport year isn’t just about aesthetics. We’ve crunched the numbers from multiple sources to give you the comprehensive picture. Our analysis includes:

  • Owner-reported reliability (real-world experiences)
  • Annual maintenance costs (your wallet will thank us)
  • Safety ratings (because adventure shouldn’t mean danger)
  • Consumer Reports reliability and satisfaction scores
  • NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints
  • Ratings from Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley Blue Book, VehicleHistory, and Cars.com

Why so many sources? Because one viewpoint isn’t enough when you’re making a substantial purchase.

Coming up: a visual feast of data in graph form, showing how each model year stacks up.

Ford Bronco Sport Car Smite Score Combined Overall Score

But first, let’s cut to the chase. Here’s a quick-reference table of the best, impartial, and poorest Bronco Sport years:

GenerationBest YearsWorst Years
1st Generation (CX430)2022
2023
2024
2021

Remember, more recalls and complaints usually mean less dependability. It’s simple math, folks.

Now, let’s delve into the specifics of the best and worst years.

Best & Worst Years for Ford Bronco Sport 1st Generation (2021-Present)

Ford Bronco Sport 1st generation 2021 model
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The Ford Bronco Sport hit the trails running in 2021, bringing a fresh face to the compact SUV market. But as with any new model, some years shine brighter than others. Let’s pop the hood on this first generation and see which years are trail-ready champions and which ones might leave you stuck in the mud.

The first-generation Ford Bronco Sport’s greatest years are 2022, 2023, and 2024, while the year to approach with wariness is 2021.

Ready to uncover why? Let’s dive in!

The Best Years: 2022, 2023, 2024

The 2022-2024 Bronco Sports are the pinnacle of the crop. Why? Let’s dissect it down:

  1. Refined powertrains:
    • 1.5L EcoBoost: 181 hp of efficient fun
    • 2.0L EcoBoost: 250 hp for those who crave more power
    • Both paired with a slick 8-speed automatic
  2. Improved fuel economy: The 1.5L engine sips fuel at 25 city/28 highway MPG
  3. More choices: From the base model to the trail-ready Badlands, there’s a Bronco Sport for every adventure
  4. Tech upgrades:
    • Standard 8-inch touchscreen
    • Ford Co-Pilot360 for safer journeys
    • Enhanced infotainment options
  5. Reliability: These years have dodged major issues, making them solid bets for the long haul

In short, the 2022-2024 Bronco Sports offer the ideal blend of capability, comfort, and reliability. If you’re in the market, these are the years to target.

The Worst Year: 2021

Ah, 2021 – the year the Bronco Sport galloped back into our lives. But like many initial-year models, it stumbled out of the gate. Here’s why you might want to think twice about the 2021 model:

  1. Power problems: Some owners reported complete loss of motive power and start-up issues. Not ideal when you’re miles from nowhere.
  2. Transmission troubles: Grinding noises? Check. Not what you want to hear from a new vehicle.
  3. Brake woes: Loud squealing while braking. Great for alerting wildlife, not so great for your peace of mind.
  4. Recall madness: The 2021 Bronco Sport faced multiple recalls for serious issues:
    • Engine oil leaks
    • Fuel injector and delivery module leaks
    • Reduced braking performance
    • Missing or loose rear suspension bolts

These early production hiccups substantially impacted the 2021 model’s reliability. While it’s not a complete write-off, you’re better off with a later year if you want peace of mind.

Want the exact details? Check out the NHTSA 2021 Ford Bronco Sport recalls and complaints.

Ford Bronco Sport Resale Values

Inquisitive about how well the Bronco Sport holds its value? Take a look at this graph showing average resale values from 2021 to now:

Ford Bronco Sport Average List Price

Conclusion

So, what’s the judgment?

The best years for a Ford Bronco Sport are 2022, 2023, and 2024. These models offer the perfect blend of refined features and ironed-out kinks. On the flip side, the 2021 model is the one to approach with caution – those early production issues make it a riskier bet.

What makes the later models so attractive? Is it the improved reliability? The tech upgrades? Or maybe it’s just the confidence that comes with a more seasoned design?

We’ve blazed the trail, but now it’s your turn. Share your thoughts in the comments! Are you Team Bronco Sport, or are you eyeing a different tough contender?

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Jonathan Eckert

Jonathan is an ASE-certified mechanic with over 22 years of hands-on experience in the automotive industry. His expertise spans a wide range of vehicles, but he specializes in diagnosing and repairing Japanese cars. His previous workplace highly commended his meticulous attention to detail, and that's exaclty what he uses at Car Smite to craft the best guides for each purpose.