Interesting article

[wireman]

https://www.motortrend.com/features/bestselling-new-cars-by-state?utm_campaign=MOTORTREND-Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=SES&utm_type=organic&utm_content=20260510_MOTORTREND-Newsletter&utm_term=&email_subject=Ford's Ranchero $30K Truck, BMW iX3's Price and Range, No More Gas Macan, and More&email_list_name=motortrend&n_em=cmVjb25uYW1AaG90bWFpbC5jb20=&element_parent=Featured Stories&element_name=The Bestselling Cars, Trucks, and SUVs in Each State&email_personalized=false

Sponsored

 

[Timon.Arg]

One interesting takeaway from that article is that the Bronco Sport is clearly not the “default answer” in the U.S. market. Models like the RAV4, CR-V, F-150, Silverado, Crosstrek, and Forester dominate the top-selling lists in many states.

I’m from Argentina, and I think something similar happens here. The Bronco Sport is not the most obvious or common choice, but honestly, that is part of what I like about it.

It is not trying to be just another anonymous compact SUV in a parking lot full of similar shapes. It has its own personality, a more adventurous image, and enough capability to make everyday driving a little more interesting.

So maybe the Bronco Sport is not the best-selling vehicle in every state — or every country — but that also means we are driving something a bit different. And let’s be honest: if everyone bought one, we would probably have to start waving at each other like Jeep owners — and I am not sure the world is ready for that yet.

 

[RSH]

When I first got my Badlands in 202I people would stop and ask if it was the "new Bronco" I had to say no, it's the Bronco Sport. Nowadays those interactions rarely happen. I kind of think Ford built the Sport as a place holder while the Full size Bronco was still being sorted and found people were interested in it. I bought it as a place holder as well.
In the socal area I see more full size Bronco's, F150's and even Defenders on the road than Sports and of course RAV4's and CRV's are everywhere. While the Sport does have decent sales there are a lot of other vehicles people are interested in.

 

[Warped9]

None of the familiar ”mommy wagons” or familiar mainstream SUVs and 4X4s were on my radar before I bought my Bronco Sport. The only three such vehicles I did look at were the fullsize Bronco, the Jeep Wrangler and the Mazda CX-30. Those three struck me as distinctly different from the mainstream akin to the Bronco Sport.

The 2dr. Wrangler I pretty quickly dismissed because no matter how cool it looked I think it’s a collection of bothersome compromises as a daily driver. And it’s gotten damned expensive for what it is. And while it’s evolved from its origins it’s way behind everything else. Additionally it’s a Jeep and built by Stellantis—if you value your sanity and your money don’t go there.

The fullsize 2dr. Bronco addresses most of the Wrangler’s shortcomings. It also looks cool in its own right. But, like the Wrangler, the Bronco is expensive. And even a base 2dr (which wasn’t available in 2024) isn’t cheap and lacks features readily available in the Bronco Sport for less money. But both the Bronco and the Wrangler, analogous to a sports car, are examples of what are you willing to compromise and what are willing to spend to look cool?

I really like the Mazda CX-30. I could see myself owning one. But in the end I simply prefer the Bronco Sport. It just resonates with me more and has an edge in regard to practicality. The CX-30 wins in terms of fit-and-finish, driving dynamics and price, but I like vibe of the Bronco Sport. And I think it’s an excellent all-round vehicle.

 

[dockiwi57]

After taking my CX-5s into a few off road locations where they didn't really belong, I started searching for a unicorn vehicle that would allow more adventurous off roading without being a chore to endure on the pavement (let's face it, 90+% of driving).

I read/watched a lot of reviews and owner experiences. I'd also driven scores of Subarus, and several RAV4s over the years so know what their performance is like. After 3 BS test drives, I ordered a 26 Badlands. In 4,000 miles, it has surprisingly checked all my boxes. It is proving so capable off road that my trust is growing (Utah west desert and Idaho Owyhees). The secret sauce is a combination of approach/departure angles, underbody protection, and GOAT modes. Cameras are a big plus.

Yet even with this capability, it is a proving to be a great road trip vehicle. Very handy, fast, and comfortable. Although not in the same league as the CX-5 Turbo when it comes to pure highway driving pleasure/engagement, the BSBL is pretty darn good. For me, it is head and shoulders above the competition for my use scenarios. Fingers are firmly crossed regarding reliability.

 

[kchusa]

I see Tesla is still selling well even though there was to be big stink cause they do not like Musk for his opinions. Guess they got over it.

I will stick with my Bronco Sport.

We have an 25 Escape Hybrid and like it also.

I bought a 1997 first year Honda CR-V back in the old days and did like it.

 

[Arcee]

I looked at the RAV4 and the CR-V when I was shopping. The RAV4 was incredibly uncomfortable and the CR-V just seemed a bit boring. I loved my Bronco Sport as soon as I test drove it. It may not be in the Top 5 in my state, but there are certainly more and more of them showing up on the roads!

 

[kchusa]

I looked at the RAV4 and the CR-V when I was shopping. The RAV4 was incredibly uncomfortable and the CR-V just seemed a bit boring. I loved my Bronco Sport as soon as I test drove it. It may not be in the Top 5 in my state, but there are certainly more and more of them showing up on the roads!

 

[RSH]

Did Ford make a change to the front seats in the 2026 Sports? I have a 2021 Badlands and while the seats are acceptable for most situations they certainly are not great road trip seats when driving for long distances.
I agree the 2.0 has plenty of power, it's quick and can hold high speeds over distance which helps to get places quicker.
The Badlands is capable off road, depending on the terrain, you need to be mindful of the ground clearance.
I rarely see Sports off road, it's mainly Jeeps or various Toyota models, or someone with a Bronco Raptor that thinks they are speacial and embarreses themselve.

 

[wireman]

Did Ford make a change to the front seats in the 2026 Sports? I have a 2021 Badlands and while the seats are acceptable for most situations they certainly are not great road trip seats when driving for long distances.
I agree the 2.0 has plenty of power, it's quick and can hold high speeds over distance which helps to get places quicker.
The Badlands is capable off road, depending on the terrain, you need to be mindful of the ground clearance.
I rarely see Sports off road, it's mainly Jeeps or various Toyota models, or someone with a Bronco Raptor that thinks they are speacial and embarreses themselve.

I had a 2021 BL and now a 2025 BL. No difference in seats that I can tell. I doubt the 2026 seats are any better. I agree not the best that I have sat in.

They need more bolster support. Try a German car for good seats. They may be harder but are a lot more comfortable and supportive.

My 2018 Escape Titanium seats were much better with more adjustments. JMO.

 

[dockiwi57]

I had a 2021 BL and now a 2025 BL. No difference in seats that I can tell. I doubt the 2026 seats are any better. I agree not the best that I have sat in.

They need more bolster support. Try a German car for good seats. They may be harder but are a lot more comfortable and supportive.

My 2018 Escape Titanium seats were much better with more adjustments. JMO.

BS seats are something else that surprised me. When I first drove around town I thought that they didn't feel very comfortable and certainly not plush. But I've done several long trips, 500 and 1200+ miles, on interstates/state highways/off road and found things to be quite comfortable, including position/reach, etc. Longest time without stopping about 4+ hours. Probably few things more subjective than seat comfort.

On the other hand, the driver's sun visor just doesn't fit me well. Actually pretty annoying. But I think the forum has already covered this.

 

[RSH]

I have 2 German cars, and yes the seats are much better, now if they got mud or dirt all over them they wouldn't fair as well as the seats in the Sport, lol.

 

[wireman]

I have 2 German cars, and yes the seats are much better, now if they got mud or dirt all over them they wouldn't fair as well as the seats in the Sport, lol.

My wife's 2022 GLC 300 has the AMG Line package with the sport seats. Talk about great seats.

Like putting on a good pair of shoes.

 

[jkernitzki]

I had a 2021 BL and now a 2025 BL. No difference in seats that I can tell. I doubt the 2026 seats are any better. I agree not the best that I have sat in.

They need more bolster support. Try a German car for good seats. They may be harder but are a lot more comfortable and supportive.

My 2018 Escape Titanium seats were much better with more adjustments. JMO.

My 2020 Soul had some of the best bolstering I've ever experienced in a stock seat. That's the one thing I really miss. The BS seats are OK, but not great.

 

[jkernitzki]

On the other hand, the driver's sun visor just doesn't fit me well. Actually pretty annoying. But I think the forum has already covered this.

Probably the worst sun visors I've ever had. We had a 2006 PT Cruiser that had dual visors so you could cover front & side simultaneously. Actually, the PT's had a lot of features that were genius. Shame they were put into such a crap car overall.

Sponsored