Jul 27, 2026
white ford bronco sport driving off road

When shopping for a compact SUV, drivers used to have to make a tough choice: pick a boxy, rugged vehicle capable of tackling dirt trails, or pick an fuel-efficient daily commuter. The Ford Bronco Sport completely changes that dynamic by blending iconic off-road heritage with modern engineering built for real-world efficiency.  Below, we take a closer look at the Ford Bronco Sport’s fuel economy, performance capabilities, and how it stacks up against the competition.  

1.5L EcoBoost Engine

Under the hood of popular trims like the Big Bend, Heritage, and Outer Banks lies the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. Don’t let its compact size fool you. This turbocharged 3-cylinder engine produces a spirited 180 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque, offering plenty of pep for merging onto highways and navigating city streets.

Fuel Efficiency Benefits

The primary advantage of the 1.5L EcoBoost engine is its impressive gas mileage. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, it earns an EPA-estimated 25 MPG city / 30 MPG highway (27 MPG combined).

  • Smart Turbocharging: Delivers instant torque when you need to pass, then scales back fuel consumption during steady highway cruising.
  • Regular Fuel Friendly: Unlike some turbocharged competitors that recommend premium gas, the 1.5L EcoBoost runs efficiently on standard 87-octane regular unleaded.
  • Long-Distance Highway Range: Independent real-world highway testing at 75 mph has shown the 1.5L EcoBoost reaching up to 33 MPG, giving you exceptional range for long road trips.

Off-Road Capability

Many fuel-efficient crossover SUVs trade capability for mileage by relying on light-duty front-wheel drive. The Bronco Sport takes a different approach by including standard 4×4 across every single trim level.  

Featuring Ford’s Terrain Management System with G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain), you can switch between modes like Sand, Slippery, and Eco to optimize power delivery and traction based on road conditions. For serious outdoor enthusiasts, the Badlands trim upgrades to a 2.0L EcoBoost engine with an advanced twin-clutch rear drive unit for extreme trail capability. 

Why the Bronco Sport Balances Efficiency & Adventure

The Bronco Sport stands out because it doesn’t force you to compromise. Its athletic stance, high ground clearance, and functional safari-style roof give you space for oversized gear without sacrificing daily practicality. Because the standard 4×4 system intelligently disconnects power to the rear wheels when maximum traction isn’t required, you get the fuel economy of a commuter car on asphalt and the surefooted grip of an off-roader the second you hit sand, gravel, or snow. 

Fuel Economy Compared to Other Models

How does the Bronco Sport’s 1.5L EcoBoost setup compare to other popular vehicles in its class? Here is a side-by-side look at base models with standard or available all-wheel drive:

ModelDrivetrainEPA City (MPG)EPA Highway (MPG)EPA Combined (MPG)Key Takeaway
Ford Bronco Sport 1.5LStandard 4×4253027Balanced performance with standard 4×4 capability
Jeep Compass 2.0LStandard 4×4233126Similar highway numbers, but lower city and combined fuel economy
Subaru Forester 2.5LStandard AWD253229Slower acceleration; lacks the Bronco Sport’s off-road hardware
Honda CR-V 1.5LAvailable AWD273229Great pavement efficiency, but lacks standard 4×4 and off-road utility

Ready to Get Inside the New Ford Bronco Sport? Visit Beach Ford Today!

Ready to see how the Ford Bronco Sport for sale perfectly balances efficient daily commuting with rugged weekend capability? Visit Beach Ford today to explore our extensive selection of Bronco Sport models and experience its versatile performance firsthand. Whether you are looking to test out the fuel-thrifty 1.5L EcoBoost or explore the trail-ready Badlands trim, our team is here to help you find the ideal match for your lifestyle. Schedule your test drive today and get behind the wheel of your next adventure!