Review: I got the chance to sit in one!

[Jake10080Guy]

I went to a ford dealership, they're rated 4.4 out of 5 stars (Deservingly!)

So this is my very first time sitting in a Ford Bronco Sport, (Big Bend Edition) 2023.
It's maybe a little cramped, considering i'm 6,2 but it doesn't bother me.

The design is great, i love how it looks.
The 1.5L Engine actually runs smooth for a three-cylinder, it didn't shake as bad as others stated in test drive reviews, It ran just as smooth (if not smoother) than our Escape with the 1.5L (FOUR-banger) EcoBoost. Vibration is there but it's faint, it wont bother you.
It didn't even rumble on shut down or start up,
(I also got to rev it up, nice turbo flutter lol)
The engine also gets to normal idle pretty quickly,
Like i say, that 3-cylinder doesn't "shake horribly" like others reviewers have said, then again, it was in park, with the AC off.

while i didn't get a test drive, We eventually plan on switching to a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend )

Did anything i mentioned seemed relatable to you guys? What were your first impressions when you got inside a Bronco Sport? Thanks, I actually prefer these over the regular big bronco ^^ I'm very happy today.

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[Jmuns]

I thought the BS was pretty roomy the first time I got in one. Test drove a BB, but I knew I was going to order a BL so I didn't think anything about the engine.

I would say that you can't really assess how the 1.5L BS runs in comparison to your Escape by just revving the engine in the parking lot.

 

[wessermgm]

I own a 2023 BB. For what I need out of the Sport, the 1.5L is a fine engine. It runs smooth enough. There is plenty of power generated by the engine (181 HP) considering the size of the vehicle. I've had it about 6 months now, and I am pleased with it. I like the 28 mpg I get from it as well. My other vehicle is a F-150 Platinum 3.5L Ecoboost that gets about 17 mpg, so the BB is a nice change of pace.

The 3 cylinder in the Sport should make slightly more power than your 4 cylinder Escape based on numbers (181 HP & 190 lb/ft torque) vs (179 HP & 177 lb/ft torque).

 

[Jake10080Guy]

I thought the BS was pretty roomy the first time I got in one. Test drove a BB, but I knew I was going to order a BL so I didn't think anything about the engine.

I would say that you can't really assess how the 1.5L BS runs in comparison to your Escape by just revving the engine in the parking lot.

Sorry, i meant more of, I kind of paid attention to the vibrations at idle of both engines, i've watched about 2-3 videos of the bronco sport, the reviewer mentioned that the I3 Engine would shake horribly at idle as if it were a 70s vehicle or something.

I got curious myself and after personally experiencing one, it's not exactly as how they said it was.
Our Escape with the 1.5L Eco4, has a noticable vibration/rumble at idle

With the 1.5L Eco3 in the Bronco Sport, it's also noticeable, but it's less noticeable. In summary again, the EcoBoost 3cyl was more refined than i expected (based off other people's words)

 

[Dude]

1.5L engines do seem to have a few issues, you can look at Technical Service Information using one of the VINs you test drove but of course it’s just a sample of overall issues not that you would experience these (a VIN isn’t necessary to enter and when you filter on bronco sport it’s probably a summary across all models).

https://www.ford.com/support/service-information/

If you can spring the extra amount, the 2.0L model is a good choice too.

 

[RSH]

If I were to buy again, I would still choose the Badlands. Even if you do not need it's added offroad capabilities, the 2.0 liter engine is much more robust in performance, and currenty shows to be less troublesome than the Dragon 1.5 liter 3 cylinder.
While the Badlands isn't available with some of the available creature comforts as the Outerbanks, I think the Badlands drivetrain is worth more than faux luxury.

 

[Sldavid]

I went to a ford dealership, they're rated 4.4 out of 5 stars (Deservingly!)

So this is my very first time sitting in a Ford Bronco Sport, (Big Bend Edition) 2023.
It's maybe a little cramped, considering i'm 6,2 but it doesn't bother me.

The design is great, i love how it looks.
The 1.5L Engine actually runs smooth for a three-cylinder, it didn't shake as bad as others stated in test drive reviews, It ran just as smooth (if not smoother) than our Escape with the 1.5L (FOUR-banger) EcoBoost. Vibration is there but it's faint, it wont bother you.
It didn't even rumble on shut down or start up,
(I also got to rev it up, nice turbo flutter lol)
The engine also gets to normal idle pretty quickly,
Like i say, that 3-cylinder doesn't "shake horribly" like others reviewers have said, then again, it was in park, with the AC off.

while i didn't get a test drive, We eventually plan on switching to a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend )

Did anything i mentioned seemed relatable to you guys? What were your first impressions when you got inside a Bronco Sport? Thanks, I actually prefer these over the regular big bronco ^^ I'm very happy today.

If you can afford it, do go with Badlands. It gives you a little bit more power which lacks in BB.

 

[Captain Trips]

I went to a ford dealership, they're rated 4.4 out of 5 stars (Deservingly!)

So this is my very first time sitting in a Ford Bronco Sport, (Big Bend Edition) 2023.
It's maybe a little cramped, considering i'm 6,2 but it doesn't bother me.

The design is great, i love how it looks.
The 1.5L Engine actually runs smooth for a three-cylinder, it didn't shake as bad as others stated in test drive reviews, It ran just as smooth (if not smoother) than our Escape with the 1.5L (FOUR-banger) EcoBoost. Vibration is there but it's faint, it wont bother you.
It didn't even rumble on shut down or start up,
(I also got to rev it up, nice turbo flutter lol)
The engine also gets to normal idle pretty quickly,
Like i say, that 3-cylinder doesn't "shake horribly" like others reviewers have said, then again, it was in park, with the AC off.

while i didn't get a test drive, We eventually plan on switching to a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend )

Did anything i mentioned seemed relatable to you guys? What were your first impressions when you got inside a Bronco Sport? Thanks, I actually prefer these over the regular big bronco ^^ I'm very happy today.

Two years with a BB, absolutely love the Bronco, but wish I'd gotten a BL. The 1.5 seemed very impressive on the test drive. Living with it daily however, is at times lacking. It has moods. Some days it's smooth and a joy to drive. Others it feels rough and choppy.

 

[Elegance]

I traded my Big Bend in for a Badlands. I'd highly recommend you save yourself the trouble of doing so and just get a Badlands from the start. Yes, they are great vehicles, but the 1.5L left a lot to be desired with both off roading and daily driving. I simply did not trust it to function well nor last a long time.

 

[Bucko]

Currently, I'm not having any issues with the 1.5 in my OuterBanks model. When I bought it, it already had the recall(s) performed.

I only have about 2K on its odometer, but it is running strong, both in highway and city driving.

If I were to pay the additional price for the Badlands, I'd go for the bigger Bronco.

 

[Mark S.]

Make your decision based on need, not conjecture. There are literally MILLIONS of Ford's 1.5L engines operating around the world. If there were major issues as regards durability/longevity with this powerplant we would know about it by now. All engines have their idiosyncrasies, and all mass-produced mechanical devices have a few lemons. Don't let the relatively few lemons scare you away from a perfectly good engine option. If you need (or simply want) the higher power output of the 2.0L then get the Badlands. If you're satisfied with 190 hp and prefer better fuel economy, get any other trim level of Bronco Sport and drive it with confidence.

 

[Barry S.]

Make your decision based on need, not conjecture. There are literally MILLIONS of Ford's 1.5L engines operating around the world. If there were major issues as regards durability/longevity with this powerplant we would know about it by now. All engines have their idiosyncrasies, and all mass-produced mechanical devices have a few lemons. Don't let the relatively few lemons scare you away from a perfectly good engine option. If you need (or simply want) the higher power output of the 2.0L then get the Badlands. If you're satisfied with 190 hp and prefer better fuel economy, get any other trim level of Bronco Sport and drive it with confidence.

Ditto that.

 

[o0260o]

I didn't bother test driving a Bronco Sport before buying it. There was no point because the experience would be so different from what I was used to. I sat in one and it felt huge, inside and out. It was my first SUV, my first automatic, my first new car. It just happen to tick all the boxes on paper and my wife liked the aesthetics as well. I came close to ordering a Hyundai Veloster (but being an adult sucks) We also cross shopped it against Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-3, Kia Seltos and Kia Soul.

 

[rms34208]

If I were to buy again, I would still choose the Badlands. Even if you do not need it's added offroad capabilities, the 2.0 liter engine is much more robust in performance, and currenty shows to be less troublesome than the Dragon 1.5 liter 3 cylinder.
While the Badlands isn't available with some of the available creature comforts as the Outerbanks, I think the Badlands drivetrain is worth more than faux luxury.

I currently have the BSBB 1.5 and have only had it for 40 days. It is fun, plenty of power and I only use Ethanol free Fuel at 89 Octane and get
up to 32 mpg. In traffic s/s it drops by 2 mpg to 30. I previously owned an Escape 1.6 2013 and got 25 mpg in town . Everything depends on your method of vehicle operations. Open road will always achieve max mpg.
The manual does state that premium fuel is recommended but 87 octane is acceptable( on fuel door). I believe the 2.0 Badlands recommended Premium for all operations.
I would like to know if those of you that have switched to full synthetic oil have seen any noticeable improvement in mpg or operations, same with a k and n filter any improvements in performance? Thanks and Happy Holidays.

 

[sparkerk]

I went to a ford dealership, they're rated 4.4 out of 5 stars (Deservingly!)

So this is my very first time sitting in a Ford Bronco Sport, (Big Bend Edition) 2023.
It's maybe a little cramped, considering i'm 6,2 but it doesn't bother me.

The design is great, i love how it looks.
The 1.5L Engine actually runs smooth for a three-cylinder, it didn't shake as bad as others stated in test drive reviews, It ran just as smooth (if not smoother) than our Escape with the 1.5L (FOUR-banger) EcoBoost. Vibration is there but it's faint, it wont bother you.
It didn't even rumble on shut down or start up,
(I also got to rev it up, nice turbo flutter lol)
The engine also gets to normal idle pretty quickly,
Like i say, that 3-cylinder doesn't "shake horribly" like others reviewers have said, then again, it was in park, with the AC off.

while i didn't get a test drive, We eventually plan on switching to a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend )

Did anything i mentioned seemed relatable to you guys? What were your first impressions when you got inside a Bronco Sport? Thanks, I actually prefer these over the regular big bronco ^^ I'm very happy today.

I felt exactly the same way. I was hooked when I did my test drive, I was mostly concerned with what the power in the 1.5 3 cylinder would be like driving, especially since I was used to my 3.0 6 cylinder Duratec in my 2010 Escape. Was it as quick as my Escape? No. Was the power delivery underwhelming? No, I was quite pleased. And I'm also really pleased that on road trips I can quite easily average over 30mpg. Not bad for a little brick. After my test drive, I put in my order for my own Big Bend. It may not have ALL the bells and whistles of the Badlands or Outer Banks, but I actually liked the cloth seats better in the BB, and it meant I could get most of the other luxuries without having to get the leather seats. It is well equipped, comfortable, and looks awesome in Alto Blue. Since I custom ordered mine, it is exactly what I wanted and it has been great to me. The only other thing I would have wanted was the Badlands capability (but not the 2.0 engine or leather seats since I wanted everything that came with the Premium package except the seats) No problems so far - 2022 BB, delivered to and picked up from the dealer in June 2022, coming up on 13,000 miles soon.