In 1996, drivers experienced a bit of disappointment when Ford decided to discontinue its popular Bronco SUV. Fans of this greatly missed vehicle will be happy to know that the automaker is bringing it back for the 2021 model year. Not only that, but Ford is also introducing the Bronco Sport. Let’s explore the similarities and differences between the Bronco and Bronco Sport. 
Platform
Ford plans to build the Bronco Sport around a platform separate from the one it will use for the original Bronco. While the truck-based Bronco will sit on a body-on-frame platform, the smaller Bronco Sport will ride on a unibody chassis similar to the one found in Ford’s Focus and Escape models. The Bronco Sport will also share components with both of those vehicles.
Engines
Under the hood of the 2021 Bronco, you’ll find an EcoBoost 2.3-liter inline-four engine or a 2.7-liter V-6, depending on which trim level you choose. The inline-four engine can produce 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. With the V-6, you get 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. In the Bronco Sport, a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine will come standard. A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four will be available in upper trim levels. While the three-cylinder engine produces 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque, the four-cylinder can put out 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.
Transmission
As for transmission systems, the Bronco will feature a 10-speed automatic transmission in models with the inline-four engine. The V-6 teams up with a seven-speed manual transmission. An eight-speed automatic transmission will come standard on all Bronco Sport models.
Exterior
You can expect the Bronco and Bronco Sport to have a sophisticated and modern exterior design while paying tribute to the Broncos of the past. Both lineups will feature familiar accents like a rectangular grille and round headlights. No matter which version you choose, everyone will know you’re driving a Bronco, thanks to the bold Bronco lettering that features across the grille. While the Bronco Sport is based on the Escape, it will have more ground clearance.
The Bronco and Bronco Sport will both sport retro-inspired details, but the Bronco gives you a little something extra. With the standard-size Bronco, you can choose between two-door and four-door models. Not only can you decide how many doors you want, but you can also remove those doors. Because the Bronco’s side-view mirrors are on the vehicle’s A-pillars, you can take the doors off and still have a street-legal SUV. You can also remove the roof and store it in the Bronco’s cargo compartment along with the doors.
Hybrid Models
If you’re looking for a more fuel-efficient ride, you can look forward to hybrid versions of both the Bronco and Bronco Sport. Ford plans to power these hybrid models with a combination of a naturally-aspirated gas engine and electric motor. Like other hybrid vehicles in the Ford lineup, you’ll be able to choose between hybrid and all-electric driving modes.
As you can see, both the Bronco and Bronco Sport are fantastic additions to the Ford family of vehicles. Both SUVs will soon be available to test drive, so you can see which one is right for you.
