The Ford Bronco Sport is offered with two engine choices, each providing a distinct driving experience. While the higher trims, particularly the Badlands, boast a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, many wonder about the capabilities of the “lesser” engine: the 1.5-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost. Is the Bronco Sport Engine 1.5L sufficient, or are you missing out by not opting for the larger displacement? This review dives into the reality of living with the 1.5L Bronco Sport engine, based on a week-long test drive in a Heritage Edition model.
Initial impressions might lead you to believe that a three-cylinder engine in an SUV like the Bronco Sport would be underwhelming. However, spending time behind the wheel of the 1.5L Heritage Edition reveals a surprisingly engaging powertrain. Driving through city streets, suburban areas, and even venturing onto light off-road trails with snow and ice, the 1.5L engine proved to be more than just adequate. It challenges the notion that you need the top-tier engine to truly enjoy the Bronco Sport experience. While features like a heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof, found in higher trims, were missed, the raw power of the 2.0-liter engine wasn’t necessarily longed for during everyday driving.
What stands out most about the 1.5L Bronco Sport engine is its character. It possesses a unique rumble and a somewhat unrefined nature that is surprisingly appealing. Among countless vehicles tested, this engine feels distinct, almost like a throwback to simpler, more visceral powertrains. The engine’s audible presence and noticeable vibrations, reminiscent of classic engines, add a layer of personality often missing in modern vehicles. In typical driving conditions, the engine operates at low RPMs, around 1,100, in its highest gear, exhibiting a chugging sensation. Demanding more power results in downshifts and a rise to around 1,400 RPM. This low-RPM behavior gives it a diesel-like feel, complete with a noticeable chatter at idle, which, rather than being a drawback, adds to its charm.
However, the 1.5L Bronco Sport engine truly shines when driven with purpose. In normal driving, it provides sufficient power for daily needs. Engaging Sport mode transforms the engine’s demeanor. The transmission holds gears longer, keeping the engine in a higher RPM range, which smooths out its operation and unlocks more immediate and responsive power delivery. The aggressive downshifting in Sport mode is even more pronounced than in the 2.0-liter Badlands, offering a more engaging and dynamic driving experience when desired. This responsiveness ensures that the 1.5L engine can deliver ample power when you need it most.
The Bronco Sport 1.5L Heritage Edition also demonstrated surprising capability in winter conditions. During the test week, frequent snowfall provided ample opportunity to assess its performance on icy and snow-covered roads. Even with standard Continental touring tires, the Bronco Sport exhibited impressive grip on steep, icy driveways. Off-pavement, traversing compressed snow and ice, the tires maintained traction without issue. Despite lacking a 4×4 Lock or a locking rear differential like the Badlands, the Heritage Edition, utilizing Slippery mode, performed admirably in snowy conditions. While Trail Control would have been beneficial on steep, icy downhills, the vehicle remained stable and controlled throughout the winter driving scenarios.
Beyond performance, the 1.5L Bronco Sport engine offers a significant advantage in fuel economy. Over hundreds of miles of mixed driving, an average of 29 MPG was observed. This is a notable improvement compared to the 25.5 MPG typically achieved in a 2.0-liter Badlands. The increased fuel efficiency translates to real savings at the pump, making the 1.5L engine an economically sound choice for daily driving.
It’s important to address a known concern with the 1.5L Bronco Sport engine: water pump issues. Reports of premature water pump failures, sometimes requiring multiple replacements, are a valid consideration. This issue appears to be less prevalent in the 2.0-liter engine. Furthermore, for the 2025 model year, Ford has removed the spare tire from 1.5-liter Bronco Sport models, a decision that may be a deal-breaker for some buyers. These points regarding reliability and features should be weighed when considering the 1.5L engine.
In conclusion, the 1.5-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine in the Ford Bronco Sport is far from a compromise. It offers a unique and engaging driving experience with sufficient power for everyday use, surprising capability in challenging conditions, and better fuel economy than its 2.0-liter counterpart. While potential water pump concerns and feature changes for future models exist, the 1.5L Bronco Sport engine presents a compelling option. If you’re considering a Bronco Sport, don’t immediately dismiss the 1.5L engine – it might just surprise you and prove to be the right choice for your needs.
