Ford has given the new Bronco Sport more off-road smarts

The blue oval’s baby Bronco is done being compared to its larger sibling. Ford has just announced a swath of changes coming for the 2025 Bronco Sport, chief among them being an off-road 'Sasquatch' package that mirrors the one found on the full-fat Bronco.

As a refresher, the Bronco Sport is Ford’s rugged crossover SUV that fits a substantial amount of all-terrain capability in a tiny package. It might not have the same cool factor as the current full-on Bronco, but perhaps that changes with the new updates.

Bronco Sport trims Badlands and Outer Banks can now be fitted with the Sasquatch off-road pack that includes a twin-clutch rear-drive unit and a locking rear diff, features that were once exclusive to the Outer Banks model. Rear shocks by Bilstein join the package that replace the standard car's monotube off-road dampers, said to provide a wider range of capability at higher speeds. The hardware is rounded out by 29in all terrain tires designed by Goodyear specifically for the Bronco Sport.

We were given the chance to take the newly equipped crossover along a path located at one of Ford’s 'Off-Rodeo' locations, a trail-running experience open to owners of certain Ford vehicles that allows them to see what they’re actually capable of. From our brief time behind the wheel, it feels fairly robust, but we’ll wait for a proper drive of it before we say more than that.

As well as some of the big Bronco hardware, many of the changes also come in the form of tech found in the Raptor family of off-road runners. One-pedal trail driving allows for more finesse and ease of control when scrambling over a tricky obstacle, removing the need to be quick with the brake and gas pedal at the same time. We tried this out during our demo and while it’s not the same as the one-pedal driving you get in an EV, it’s not that far off. You wouldn’t use it throughout your journey, but in areas where you need to fine tune gas and brake inputs, it’s super handy.

There’s also multiple camera views around the car that allow for better awareness of the terrain ahead. This helped us surmount and descend hills safely as well as put our tires where we needed them to be. Don’t let the updates fool you into thinking this is some kind of mini-Raptor, though - the Bronco Sport retains its modest engine options, the 1.5-liter 4-cylinder that provides 181hp and the 2.0-liter that grants 250hp.

Ford’s 'GOAT' driving modes return as well, which dials in the traction and drivetrain behavior for all types of terrain, be it mud, sand, snow and everything in between.

A new 'Rally' mode replaces the Baja mode it was previously equipped with. “This car is like a sled in the sand,” a Ford spokesperson told Top Gear. New cooling to the hardware allows it to function quicker and handle deeper deposits of the grainy stuff. Will it behave similarly to the Mach-E Rally and its sand-bashing mode? We’ll have to wait and see.

Apart from the new package adding some beef to the Bronco’s looks, further appearance changes are minimal, but most stem from added functionality. To start, the new front and rear bumpers are modular and can accommodate a number of accessories such as a brush bar on the front. There are new D-rings and tow hooks, plus the more rugged trim packages throw in integrated tie-downs for roof accessories such as a tent or other mounts courtesy of a 'Black Diamond' pack.

Speaking of roofs, the Bronco Sport is now more accessory-ready than ever with auxiliary switches, something previously unheard of in this segment. All told, Ford looks to be emulating its strategy with the Maverick by providing the capabilities of its larger vehicles in a more "fun-sized” package.

For the times you’re still on the road daydreaming about wilderness excursions, the Bronco Sport is now set up with a new 13.2in touchscreen flanked by a 12.3in digital driver display similar to the one found in the F-150 Raptor.

If you’re looking to nab a baby Bigfoot for yourself, the books are open for the Bronco Sport as we speak. Deliveries are expected for the end of the year while Sasquatch-ready vehicles arrive early next.