Yahoo Autos Baby Sasquatch: The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Gets the Off-Road Treatment
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport adds an off-road-focused Sasquatch package like the bigger Bronco.
The 'Squatch kit includes chunkier all-terrain tires, steel bumpers with hearty tow hooks, and better rear dampers on the Badlands model.
The Bronco Sport Sasquatch models will go on sale early next year, with the Outer Banks starting around $41K and the Badlands approaching $45K.
The Ford Bronco Sport is known as the baby Bronco, as it's the smaller unibody version of the larger body-on-frame Bronco. For 2025, Ford bequeaths the little one a Sasquatch off-road package inspired by its big brother's kit. So we're just going to go ahead and call the new Bronco Sport Sasquatch the baby 'Squatch. Ain't that cute?
Honey, I Shrunk the Sasquatch
Since it debuted a few years back, the Bronco Sport has existed as the more rugged alternative to the Ford Escape. Both play in the compact-SUV segment, with the Bronco Sport featuring standard all-wheel drive and an appearance that apes the big Bronco's retro look. Most models have a 180-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic. The Badlands has the same transmission, albeit with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, but it alone has the 2.0-liter turbo four that now makes 238 horsepower (down from last year's 245 ponies). Its towing capacity also rises from 2200 to 2700 pounds, with the three-pot engine now capable of tugging 2200 pounds (up 200).
Bronco Sport shoppers who want the best chance of making it through (relatively) tough terrain will gravitate toward the top-of-the-line Badlands. Its standard equipment includes a 1.0-inch lift, all-terrain tires, a torque-vectoring twin-clutch rear differential, underbody skid plates, and upgraded suspension bits. Adding the new Sasquatch package takes its toughness up a notch, and that upgraded setup is available on the Outer Banks too.
Every baby Squatch rolls on a set of Goodyear Territory all-terrain tires. Measuring 265/35R-17, they stand 29 inches tall and have a reinforced sidewall and a knobby tread pattern. These new tires replace the similarly sized Falken Wildpeaks that previously came on the Badlands; it now comes standard with 28.5-inch-tall Continental all-terrains. Also, its monotube rear dampers are swapped for a beefier pair of position-sensitive Bilstein units with remote reservoirs that provide better cushioning at high speeds. Only the Badlands Sasquatch has those shocks, not the Outer Banks version. The top 'Squatch also has a higher approach angle (31.2 vs 24.1 degrees) and a slightly higher breakover angle of 21.7 degrees; its 8.7 inches of ground clearance is virtually identical.
The Bronco Sport with the 'Squatch setup gets new steel front and rear bumpers with sturdy recovery points. The front tow hooks are higher up than before, and that's where the new bull bar is mounted. Previously, the Bronco Sport didn't have dedicated recovery points in the back, relying on a screw-in hook or the receiver hitch. Now there's a pair of cast D-rings on the back bumper. The Black Diamond package, available on the entry-level Big Bend trim, adds the four tow hooks and extra underbody protection.
Unlike the Outer Banks, the Badlands has a steel bash plate protecting its chin, but each has other steel plates underneath. Another Badlands exclusive is the new Rally drive mode (one of several G.O.A.T. modes) that holds gears longer and sharpens the steering response. All '25 Bronco Sport models get the new Off-Road mode and Trail One-Pedal Drive that lets drivers stop and go using only the gas pedal. Perhaps our favorite new feature is the set of available tie-downs that pop out of the front fenders, providing an easier way to secure roof-mounted cargo.
More 2025 Bronco Sport Updates
The new Sasquatch models are getting all the attention, but the 2025 Bronco Sport sees improvements across the board. Its dashboard has been redesigned to incorporate two large displays, both of which are standard. There's the new 12.3-inch gauge cluster that replaces the old analog instruments and the huge 13.2-inch center touchscreen. Gone is the comparatively puny 8.0-inch unit with its Ford Sync 3 software, replaced by the bigger screen and its new Sync 4 interface that allows over-the-air updates and the introduction of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The new dashboard layout also has updated HVAC controls, and the useful cubby has been relocated atop the dash and has two USB-C ports. The cabin can also be fitted with a grab handle on the passenger's side of the center console as on the bigger Bronco. Likewise, a row of toggle switches for auxiliary components like exterior lights is available on the overhead console. The 2025 model year also brings more standard driver-assistance tech, such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. There are more options too, including a 360-degree camera system with "Trail" and "Split" views as well as rear automated emergency braking.
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport lineup is now available to order. The Sasquatch models won't be available until early next year, with the Outer Banks starting at around $41K and the Badlands closer to $45K.
You Might Also Like
