The new Ford Bronco Sport delivers adventure-ready performance through two distinct EcoBoost turbocharged engines. Each powerplant is carefully matched to specific trims, ensuring you get the right balance of efficiency, capability, and performance for your driving needs.

Available Engine Options

Standard 1.5L EcoBoost Engine

The standard 1.5L EcoBoost turbocharged engine powers the Big Bend, Heritage, and Outer Banks trims. This efficient powerplant delivers 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, providing a perfect balance of everyday efficiency and capable performance.

Key specifications include:

• Displacement: 1.5 litres
• Power output: 181 horsepower
• Torque: 190 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Configuration: Turbocharged inline engine

This engine excels at daily driving tasks while maintaining enough capability for weekend adventures. The turbocharger delivers responsive acceleration when you need to merge onto highways or navigate city traffic, while its efficient design helps maximize time between fuel stops.

Available 2.0L EcoBoost Engine

The more powerful 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged engine comes standard on the Badlands trim. This robust powerplant delivers 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, enhancing performance for off-road adventures and towing.

Performance specifications include:

• Displacement: 2.0 litres
• Power output: 250 horsepower
• Torque: 277 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Configuration: Turbocharged inline engine

The substantial torque output makes this engine ideal for tackling challenging terrain and hauling adventure gear. Whether you’re climbing steep trails or towing equipment, the 2.0L EcoBoost provides the muscle you need with confidence.

Engine Assignment by Trim

Big Bend: Efficient Adventure Foundation

The Big Bend trim features the standard 1.5L EcoBoost engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This combination provides reliable performance for both urban commuting and weekend exploration without compromise.

The 181-horsepower output delivers smooth acceleration for highway merging and passing maneuvers, while the 190 lb-ft of torque ensures responsive throttle response in varied driving conditions. The turbocharged design maintains strong performance even when carrying passengers and cargo.

Heritage: Classic Style with Modern Power

The Heritage trim also utilizes the 1.5L EcoBoost engine with 8-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain choice perfectly complements the Heritage’s blend of nostalgic styling and contemporary capability.

The efficient engine design allows the Heritage to deliver both performance and practicality. Whether you’re exploring scenic routes or handling daily errands, the 1.5L EcoBoost provides consistent, reliable power delivery that matches the Heritage’s versatile character.

Outer Banks: Refined Performance

The Outer Banks trim continues with the standard 1.5L EcoBoost engine paired with the 8-speed automatic transmission. This combination supports the Outer Banks’ focus on comfortable, refined driving while maintaining adventure capability.

The smooth power delivery and efficient operation complement the Outer Banks’ premium interior appointments and enhanced comfort features. This engine choice ensures you enjoy both performance and efficiency on every journey.

Badlands: Maximum Performance

The Badlands trim is available only with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. This powerful combination is specifically designed to support the Badlands’ advanced off-road capabilities and demanding performance requirements.

The 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque work seamlessly with the Badlands’ specialized off-road hardware, including the twin-clutch rear drive capability and locking rear differential. This powertrain combination ensures maximum capability when you venture beyond paved roads.

8-Speed Automatic Transmission

All new Bronco Sport trims feature a refined 8-speed automatic transmission regardless of engine choice. This advanced transmission enhances both performance and efficiency across the lineup.

Transmission benefits include:

• Smooth, responsive gear changes
• Improved acceleration response
• Enhanced fuel efficiency through optimized gear ratios
• Intelligent shift programming for varied driving conditions
• Manual shift mode for driver control when desired

The 8-speed automatic works seamlessly with both EcoBoost engines, selecting the optimal gear for current driving conditions. Whether you’re navigating stop-and-go traffic or cruising at highway speeds, the transmission operates smoothly and efficiently.

EcoBoost Technology Advantages

Both engines in the Bronco Sport lineup utilize the proven Ford EcoBoost technology. This advanced engineering approach combines turbocharging with direct fuel injection to deliver impressive performance from smaller displacement engines.

Key EcoBoost benefits include:

• Turbocharged power delivery for strong acceleration
• Efficient operation for improved fuel economy
• Direct fuel injection for precise engine management
• Advanced engine software for optimized performance
• Responsive throttle response across the power band

The EcoBoost design philosophy enables both engines to deliver more power than their displacement suggests, while maintaining reasonable efficiency for daily driving.

Performance in Real-World Conditions

Daily Driving Performance

The standard 1.5L EcoBoost engine provides excellent performance for everyday driving scenarios. The 181-horsepower output ensures confident acceleration for merging, passing, and navigating urban traffic. The turbocharger spools quickly, delivering responsive power when you press the accelerator.

The 190 lb-ft of torque arrives low in the rev range, providing a strong pull from a standstill and making city driving effortless. Whether you’re carrying passengers or cargo, the engine maintains consistent performance without feeling strained.

Off-Road Capability

Both engines deliver the low-end torque essential for off-road driving. The turbocharged design ensures strong power delivery at lower engine speeds, which proves invaluable when navigating technical terrain.

The 2.0L EcoBoost engine in the Badlands trim provides additional grunt for more challenging obstacles. The 277 lb-ft of torque helps the Bronco Sport climb steep grades, power through deep sand, and maintain momentum over rocky terrain with confidence.

Terrain Management Integration

The Bronco Sport engine software integrates seamlessly with the Terrain Management System and G.O.A.T. Modes. This intelligent system adjusts throttle response, shift strategy, and traction settings based on selected driving mode.

Available G.O.A.T. Modes include:

• Normal: Balanced performance for everyday driving
• Eco: Optimized for efficiency
• Sport: Enhanced throttle response and transmission programming
• Slippery: Adjusted for wet or icy conditions
• Sand: Calibrated for loose surfaces
• Mud/Ruts: Designed for deep traction scenarios (Badlands)
• Rock Crawl: Low-speed precision control (Badlands)

Each mode optimizes engine output and transmission behaviour to match terrain conditions, ensuring you get maximum capability from your chosen engine.

Towing and Hauling Capability

Both engines provide useful towing capability for adventure equipment and recreational gear. The standard 1.5L EcoBoost engine handles moderate towing duties with confidence, while the available 2.0L EcoBoost in the Badlands trim delivers enhanced capacity for heavier loads.

The turbocharged design of both engines ensures strong torque delivery when towing, maintaining performance even with a trailer attached. The 8-speed automatic transmission intelligently selects appropriate gears to manage trailer weight and maintain control on varied terrain.

Engine Efficiency Features

Both EcoBoost engines incorporate advanced features designed to optimize efficiency without sacrificing performance:

Auto Start-Stop Technology

The refined Auto Start-Stop system automatically shuts down the engine when stopped in traffic, then seamlessly restarts when you’re ready to move. This feature helps reduce fuel consumption during urban driving while operating smoothly enough that you barely notice the transitions.

Engine Software Optimization

Advanced engine management software continuously monitors driving conditions and adjusts fuel delivery, ignition timing, and turbocharger boost to optimize performance and efficiency. These behind-the-scenes adjustments ensure you get the best possible balance for current conditions.

Aerodynamic Enhancements

Subtle refinements to the body help both engines achieve greater efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag. These improvements allow the engines to operate more efficiently at highway speeds, improving fuel economy on longer journeys.

Performance with Four-Wheel Drive

Every Bronco Sport comes standard with four-wheel drive across all trims and both engine options. This capability ensures reliable traction in challenging conditions regardless of which engine powers your vehicle.

The four-wheel drive system works seamlessly with both engines, distributing power to all four wheels as needed for maximum grip. Whether you’re navigating wet pavement, packed snow, or loose gravel, the combination of turbocharged power and intelligent four-wheel drive provides confident performance.

Badlands-Specific Performance Hardware

The Badlands trim pairs its exclusive 2.0L EcoBoost engine with advanced off-road hardware designed to maximize capability in challenging terrain.

Enhanced systems include:

• Twin-clutch rear drive capability for precise power distribution
• Locking the rear differential for maximum traction in low-grip situations
• Advanced four-wheel drive system with improved torque management
• Trail Control with Trail One-Pedal Drive for steady pace control

These systems work together with the powerful 2.0L EcoBoost engine to deliver exceptional off-road performance. The combination ensures you can tackle technical trails with confidence while maintaining control in demanding situations.

Choose Your Perfect Engine Configuration

The new Ford Bronco Sport two-engine strategy ensures every trim delivers performance matched to its intended purpose. Whether you choose the efficient 1.5L EcoBoost in the Big Bend, Heritage, or Outer Banks trims, or opt for the powerful 2.0L EcoBoost in the Badlands, you’ll enjoy turbocharged performance, smooth shifting, and confident capability.

The standard 1.5L EcoBoost delivers an excellent balance of efficiency and performance for drivers who prioritize daily practicality while also enjoying weekend adventure capability. The available 2.0L EcoBoost delivers enhanced power for serious off-road enthusiasts who demand maximum capability from their vehicle.

Visit your local Ford dealer today to experience both engine options and discover which Bronco Sport configuration best matches your driving needs and adventure plans. Take the next step in finding your perfect compact adventure SUV!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What engine comes standard in the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport?

• The standard engine across Big Bend, Heritage, and Outer Banks trims is the 1.5L EcoBoost turbocharged engine, which delivers 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides an excellent balance of efficiency and performance for daily driving and weekend adventures.

Which trim gets the more powerful 2.0L EcoBoost engine?

• The 2.0L EcoBoost engine comes exclusively on the Badlands trim. This powerful engine delivers 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing enhanced capability for serious off-road driving and towing. The Badlands is the only trim that offers this engine option.

What transmission is paired with both engines?

• All new Bronco Sport trims feature an 8-speed automatic transmission, regardless of engine choice. This refined transmission provides smooth gear changes, responsive acceleration, and improved efficiency across the entire lineup, working seamlessly with both the 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines.

How does EcoBoost technology improve engine performance?

• This technology combines turbocharging with direct fuel injection to deliver more power from smaller displacement engines. This approach provides strong acceleration and responsive performance while maintaining reasonable efficiency for daily driving. The turbocharger boosts power output significantly compared to non-turbocharged engines of similar size.

Can the standard 1.5L EcoBoost engine handle off-road driving?

• Yes, the 1.5L EcoBoost engine provides capable performance for off-road driving. With 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, combined with standard four-wheel drive and available G.O.A.T. Modes, the engine delivers the low-end power needed for trail driving. While the 2.0L EcoBoost offers more capability for extreme terrain, the standard engine handles most off-road situations confidently.

Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.