The Ford Bronco Sport enters the new year with subtle yet impactful updates across its trim lineup. While maintaining the rugged DNA that defines this compact SUV, the newest iteration brings refinements in technology, appearance, and capability. 

Ford Bronco Sport: What Carries Over

Powertrain Performance Remains Consistent

Under the hood, the new Bronco Sport maintains the same reliable powertrain options as the previous model. The lineup continues with the base 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine and the more powerful 2.0-litre EcoBoost option on higher trims like the Badlands. These engines deliver consistent performance figures across both model years, ensuring the trusted capability Bronco Sport owners expect.

The standard 4×4 system remains a cornerstone feature across all trim levels, providing the confidence-inspiring traction that makes the Bronco Sport a genuine off-road contender in the compact SUV segment. Whether navigating city streets or exploring backcountry trails, the drivetrain continues to balance everyday usability with adventure-ready performance.

Trim Structure Consistency

Ford maintains the core trim structure for the new Bronco Sport, offering the same familiar options:

• Big Bend
• Heritage
• Outer Banks
• Badlands

This consistency allows current Bronco Sport owners to easily understand the progression when considering an upgrade to the newer model, while maintaining the distinctive personality of each trim level.

Exterior Updates for 2026

New Colour Options

The new Bronco Sport refreshes its palette with two eye-catching new colours:

• Orange Fury Metallic Tri-Coat
• Space White Metallic

These additions provide fresh expression options while bidding farewell to Eruption Green Metallic and Desert Sand, which exit the colour lineup after their runs in the previous model year.

New Bronze Package Option

This year, Big Bend trim buyers can select the all-new Bronze Package, introducing distinctive bronze accents throughout the vehicle:

• Bronze badges and grille with Bronze “BRONCO” lettering
• Sinister Bronze-painted 17-inch aluminum wheels
• Premium wrapped steering wheel with bronze stitching
• All-weather floor liners with bronze accents
• Shadow Black painted roof for striking contrast
• Body-coloured door handles

This appearance package creates a sophisticated yet rugged aesthetic that distinguishes the new model from its predecessor, offering a fresh styling direction without compromising the adventurous Bronco Sport character.

Exterior Feature Changes

The new model introduces some notable revisions to standard and optional exterior features across trim levels:

• Front fender tie-down points (rated up to 68 kg) are now available on models with the Black Diamond package, Outer Banks Sasquatch, and Badlands trims
• Liftgate adjustable flood light becomes optional on Big Bend (with Convenience Package) rather than standard, while remaining standard on Heritage, Outer Banks, and Badlands

Interior and Technology Differences

Display Changes

One of the more noticeable changes for the new year involves the instrument cluster displays:

• The 12.3-inch digital cluster display is now limited to Badlands, Badlands with Sasquatch Package, and Outer Banks with Sasquatch Package
• Other trims (Big Bend, Heritage, standalone Outer Banks) receive the 8-inch cluster display
• A 13.2-inch touchscreen running the latest SYNC 4 software is expected to become standard

These changes represent a more strategic deployment of premium display technology across the trim lineup, creating clearer differentiation between trim levels.

Deleted Convenience Features

The new Bronco Sport loses several convenience features that were available on previous models:

• Front rain-sensing wipers
• Wireless charging pad
• Universal garage door opener

These deletions align with similar changes made to the larger Bronco model in recent years.

Interior Package Changes

The interior receives various updates, particularly in available packages:

• The Bronze Package adds sport contour bucket seats with premium trim
• Front driver/passenger seatback map pockets come with the Bronze Package
• The new Ford Connectivity Package includes a one-year complimentary subscription with options for extended service
• The package offers unlimited Wi-Fi hotspot, audio and video streaming, voice assistant, and entertainment features

Capability and Off-Road Features

Black Diamond Off-Road Package Updates

The popular Black Diamond Off-Road Package sees significant revisions:

Items Removed from Standard Package:

• Cargo mat
• Cargo management system
• Rubberized second row seatbacks
• Rear D-ring recovery hooks
• Interior grab handle

Items Retained in Package:

• Pro Power Onboard (400W outlets in both center console and cargo area)
• Aux switches and wiring
• Front brush guard with integrated recovery hooks
• Black molded-in-colour front bumper with steel plates
• Black molded-in-colour rear bumper
• Class II Trailer Tow Package with Trailer Sway Control
• Steel underbody protection (engine skid plate and canister shield)

While some features have been removed from the standard package, many remain available as options when the Black Diamond Off-Road Package is selected.

Sasquatch Package Modifications

The Sasquatch Package, available on Outer Banks and Badlands trims, also receives updates:

• Fender tie downs and interior grab handle no longer included as standard
• Brush guard and front recovery hooks removed as standard from Badlands Sasquatch, but available as options
• Outer Banks with Sasquatch Package gains the 12.3-inch cluster display

These changes refine the package offerings while maintaining the core off-road capability that defines the Sasquatch Package.

Dealer-Installed Options

New Accessories for 2026

The Bronco Sport introduces several new dealer-installed accessories:

• Console safe
• Tool kit
• Vented wheel arch moldings
• Wheel locks
• Windshield sunscreen
• Base lighting package
• GB-40 battery jump starter with carrying case

These additions enhance the customization options for new buyers looking to personalize their Bronco Sport.

Discontinued Accessories

A few dealer-installed options available for previous models will not carry forward:

• Center console vault with coded lock (replaced by the new console safe)
• Front and rear mudflap kits

Unique Package Combinations

Bronze + Black Diamond Combination

The new model introduces an interesting new package combination for the Big Bend trim: Bronze + Black Diamond Off-Road Package. This combination merges aesthetic upgrades with enhanced capability, including:

• All Bronze Package elements (bronze accents, special wheels, premium seats)
• 225/65R17 all-terrain tires instead of the Bronze Package’s all-season set
• All functional Black Diamond Off-Road equipment (recovery hooks, skid plates, etc.)

This combination package offers a distinctive look paired with genuine off-road capability, creating a unique offering not available in the previous lineup.

Connectivity and Technology Features

Ford Connectivity Package

New this year, the Ford Connectivity Package represents a significant technological upgrade:

• One year included with vehicle purchase
• Optional one-time purchase for 7 years of connection
• Includes unlimited Wi-Fi hotspot capability
• Supports audio and video streaming
• Provides voice assistant functionality
• Delivers enhanced entertainment options

This package responds to increasing consumer demand for connected vehicle experiences, offering a more integrated digital ecosystem than the previous model.

Practical Implications for Owners

Enhanced Customization Options

The new Bronco Sport offers greater personalization through new package combinations and appearance options. The Bronze Package, when combined with Black Diamond, offers fresh styling directions unavailable last year, allowing buyers to more precisely tailor their vehicle to personal preferences.

Strategic Feature Deployment

Ford has strategically redistributed features across trims and packages, creating clearer differentiation between models. Premium features like the 12.3-inch digital cluster are now exclusive to higher trims, while the removal of some convenience features may influence buying decisions for those who prioritize them.

Focused Off-Road Capability

While some previously standard items have been moved to the options list, the core off-road capability remains intact for this year. The strategic packaging changes allow buyers to select precisely the capability features they need without paying for those they might not use.

The Verdict: Evolution Rather Than Revolution

The differences between the new Bronco Sport and the previous model represent thoughtful refinement rather than dramatic reinvention. Ford has maintained the established Bronco Sport strengths while introducing fresh styling options, strategic technology upgrades, and more focused package configurations.

Whether navigating urban streets or exploring woodland trails, the new Bronco Sport builds upon its predecessor’s foundation with targeted improvements that enhance its appeal to both adventure seekers and everyday drivers. The distinctive Bronco character remains firmly intact, now with additional ways to make it your own.

Take the next step in finding your perfect SUV by experiencing the refined new Bronco Sport firsthand with a test drive at your local Ford dealer.

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.