OCOTILLO WELLS, Calif. – I’m very familiar with the Baby Bronco. I’ve driven it on road, off road, and I’ve seen it compete in the Rebelle Rally XCross class– and win – for the past few years. It’s a capable little vehicle, and the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport got more off-road chops with the addition of the Sasquatch package.
I didn’t think the tweaks for this package would make that much of a difference, but seeing is believing. And when my drive partner and I came up to a walk of rocks, something you’d typically see a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon climb, I laughed, thinking, there’s no way we’re driving up that. But we did. Handily. Or as my partner aptly said at the top: “F*cking nailed it.”
As we moved through the day and various exercises, we used the new Sasquatch backed-tech including Rally mode, Trail Control, 360-degree camera and Off-Road mode, and all I can say is: Damn.
What exactly is in the Sasquatch package?
First off, we should point out the Sasquatch package is only available on Badlands with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost and the Outer Banks with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost – and some of the package features vary depending on the model. For example, the Badlands Sasquatch gets the Rally mode, whereas the Outer Banks Sasquatch does not.
Some of the additional features included with the Sasquatch package are ultra-rugged twin-clutch rear-drive unit, locking rear differential, larger 29-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires, Bilstein rear shocks (Badlands), an upgraded suspension, standard brush guard, steel skid plates, modular front and rear bumper and four recovery points.
Outside of the Sasquatch package, every Bronco Sport gets more capable with a standard new Off-Road G.O.A.T. (go over all terrain) mode. Another helpful available off-road feature includes a 360-degree camera with Trail View, which automatically engages when in Off-Road or Rally modes and operates at high speeds. Then there’s the Trail One-Pedal Drive, which operates similar to an EV with one pedal, and you can control both braking and acceleration just by how much pressure you place on the gas pedal.
What else is new on the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport
Outside of the Sasquatch package and off-road upgrades, there are several updates for the 2025 model year, and the most obvious will be the addition of the standard 13.2-inch center touchscreen display. Sync 4 is now standard as well, which means you get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 2025 Bronco Sport also adds Ford Co-Pilot360+ as standard fare on every trim. This will include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, evasive steer assist and automatic high beams. Available on Outer Banks and standard on Badlands trims, Co-Pilot Assist 2.0 features include a 360-camera, automatic reverse braking and speed sign recognition.
On the exterior, you’ve got a blockier design inspired by the Big Bronco as well as new accessory ready Bronco Bolts to help owners customize their vehicles.
Driving impressions
During the media drive, we spent a solid 10 hours with the vehicle in on- and off-road situations. Overall, I found it to be quiet and comfortable for road trips. We had a 2-hour drive from our hotel to Ocotillo Wells, so we had 4 hours of highway driving in addition to the time spent off road.
While the size of the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport doesn’t change, my drive partner and I both remarked that it felt somehow bigger. When we asked about it after the drive, we were told a lot of the magic has to do with materials and color choices. Those are also vastly improved as is the overall fit and finish of the interior.
We drove models with both the 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter EcoBoosts, which deliver 180 and 250 horsepower, respectively. For the size of the vehicle, both engines are well powered, but for my tastes, I preferred the 2.0-liter. Both are equipped with auto stop/start, and that was one of my least favorite features because when the engine shuts off at a stop, it also disengages the HVAC system, which is no good when you’re in the middle of the hot desert. Yes, there’s a button to disengage, but you have to press it every time you turn the vehicle on.
I had someone comment on TikTok that the Bronco Sport was a vehicle for “women who work in an office from 9 to 5 and want to give the illusion of being rugged.” Well, Lance, I’m calling bullshit. There is no illusion here.
In fact, taking the Bronco Sport off road was pure joy. We drove the 1.5-liter Outer Banks Sasquatch model in the morning, hitting some uneven terrain and putting some wheels in the air. Even without the extra horsepower and Rally mode, this Baby Bronco can do a lot more than you think. We switched to the 2.0-liter Badlands Sasquatch in the afternoon, and that multiplied the fun factor by 10. In addition to the rock climb referenced in the beginning, we played around with Rally mode in a short, sandy autocross that rucked up a lot of dust and had some fun drifts.
The end result: The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport doesn’t compromise much on road or off, and it has a better price point for vehicle that can do tough things and be most things for most people.
So, what’ll it cost yah?
If you’re looking at the base Big Bend 2025 Ford Bronco Sport, it starts at $31,590, including destination. That’s without options. But if you want to spec out the models we were driving, you’ll add $11k to $14k to the bottom line.
Specifically, the Outer Banks model with the Sasquatch package ($3,535) in addition to the Tech and Graphics packages as well as some nominal options, you’re looking at $43,275. Upgrading to the Badlands with the Sasquatch package ($2,990) plus Tech package, cargo management, floor liners and cargo mats will cost you $46,225.
Considering the Big Bronco starts at $41k for the Big Bend trim, you get a lot of capability for $10k less.
Our take on the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport
While the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport technically competes with the likes of the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Crosstrek in on-road situations, I’m going to say it beats the pants off all these off-road. I couldn’t see any of these doing what the Baby Bronco did during our drive. And, TBH, I’m not looking forward to competing against the Bronco Sport in Rebelle this year as it’s a shoe-in for first. Again.
Editor’s note: Driving impressions in this “First Drive” review are from an invitation-only automaker launch event that allowed special access to the vehicle and executives. Ford Motor Co. covered our accommodations, meals and transportation costs.
Editor’s note: All photos on this page are by Jill Ciminillo.
