The Ford Bronco Sport, introduced in 2021, has quickly become a popular compact SUV known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. While the Bronco Sport itself didn’t exist before 2021, understanding its suspension system and how it compares to similar Ford models from 2016 onwards provides valuable context for its development and improvements.

Pre-2021: Technology Development

From 2016 to 2020, Ford’s compact SUV offerings included models like the Escape, which shared some similarities with the Bronco Sport. During this period, Ford developed the technology and design philosophy that would eventually be incorporated into the Bronco Sport suspension system.

The Ford Escape, particularly its 2020 model, featured a fully independent suspension system with MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link setup in the rear. This configuration balanced on-road comfort and light off-road capability, setting the foundation for the more robust system introduced with the Bronco Sport.

2021: Introduction of the Bronco Sport

The launch of the Ford Bronco Sport in 2021 marked a significant leap forward in suspension design for Ford’s compact SUV lineup. The Bronco Sport was built on the Ford C2 platform, shared with the fourth-generation Escape, but with significant modifications to enhance its off-road capabilities.

Key suspension features of the 2021 Bronco Sport included:

• Four-Wheel Independent Suspension: All Bronco Sport models featured a four-wheel independent suspension system, balancing on-road comfort and off-road articulation.

• G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Terrain): This system allows drivers to select different terrain modes, adjusting the vehicle’s 4×4 system, throttle response, and traction control to suit various driving conditions.

• Trim-Specific Enhancements: The Badlands trim, in particular, received special attention to its suspension system:
  • Twin-Clutch Rear Differential: This feature could act as a rear differential locker and provide torque vectoring capabilities.
  • Hydraulic Bump Stops: The Badlands model uses hydraulic bump stops instead of traditional front bump stops to improve off-road performance.

• Towing Capacity: Depending on the engine configuration, the suspension could handle towing capacities of 2,000-2,200 lbs (907-998 kg).

Shortly after its introduction, Ford recalled about 1,700 Bronco Sport models because the rear suspension modules might not have been fully secured to the subframe. This recall highlighted the importance of proper suspension installation and quality control in ensuring vehicle stability and safety.

2022-2023: Refinement and Improvement

In the years following its introduction, Ford focused on refining the Bronco Sport suspension system based on real-world performance and customer feedback. While there were no significant overhauls to the suspension design, Ford made incremental improvements to enhance reliability and performance.

Key developments during this period included:

• Enhanced Quality Control: Following the 2021 recall, Ford implemented stricter quality control measures to ensure proper installation of suspension components.

• Tuning Adjustments: Based on user feedback and real-world testing, Ford made minor adjustments to the suspension tuning to improve ride quality and off-road performance.

• Introduction of Special Editions: The Heritage Edition and Heritage Limited Edition trims were introduced in 2023. They feature unique styling cues but maintain the core suspension setup of their respective base trims (Big Bend and Badlands).

2024-2025: The Sasquatch Package and Beyond

The most significant development in the Bronco Sport suspension was the introduction of the Sasquatch Package for the 2025 model year. This package, previously available only on the larger Bronco, substantially upgraded the Bronco Sport off-road capabilities.

Key features of the 2025 Bronco Sport with the Sasquatch Package include:

• Upgraded Suspension: The package includes a high-clearance suspension system, improving ground clearance and off-road performance.

• Bilstein Dampers: The addition of Bilstein shocks provides superior damping performance, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability.

• Increased Tire Size: The package includes 29-inch Goodyear Territory all-terrain tires, up from the standard 28.5-inch tires on previous models.

• Additional Protection: Steel skid and bash plates on the front and rear bumpers provide extra protection for off-road adventures.

• Improved Towing Capacity: The 2025 model saw an increase in towing capacity, with 1.5-liter variants now capable of towing up to 2,200 lbs (998 kg) and 2.0-liter models up to 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg).

• New Rally G.O.A.T. Mode: Exclusive to the Badlands and Badlands Sasquatch trims, this mode is for high-speed sand driving. It features longer gear holding, sharpened throttle response, and enhanced steering feedback.

• Trail One-Pedal Drive: This new feature simplifies off-road driving by allowing acceleration and braking using only the throttle pedal.

Comparison Across Years

When comparing the Bronco Sport suspension from its introduction in 2021 to the 2025 model, several key improvements are evident:

• Increased Capability: The introduction of the Sasquatch Package in 2025 significantly enhanced the Bronco Sport off-road capabilities, bringing it closer to its larger Bronco sibling in terms of performance.

• Refined On-Road Performance: Continuous tuning and the addition of advanced dampers have improved the vehicle’s on-road manners without compromising off-road ability.

• Enhanced Durability: Following the initial recall in 2021, Ford has likely implemented more robust quality control measures, potentially improving the long-term durability of the suspension components.

• Increased Versatility: New driving modes and features, such as Trail One-Pedal Drive, have made the Bronco Sport more adaptable to various driving conditions.

• Improved Towing Capacity: The incremental increases in towing capacity from 2021 to 2025 reflect improvements in the overall chassis and suspension design.

Ford Bronco Sport: A Capable Compact SUV

The evolution of the Ford Bronco Sport suspension system from 2021 to 2025 demonstrates the Ford commitment to continuous improvement and off-road capability in the compact SUV segment. While the Bronco Sport didn’t exist before 2021, its suspension design built upon experience with models like the Escape, taking that foundation and significantly enhancing it for more robust off-road performance.

The introduction of the Sasquatch Package for the 2025 model year marks a significant milestone in the Bronco Sport development, bringing advanced off-road features previously reserved for larger, more expensive vehicles to the compact SUV market. This evolution has positioned the Bronco Sport as a highly capable off-road vehicle that doesn’t compromise on-road comfort and daily drivability.

As Ford continues refining and improving the Bronco Sport, future models will likely see further enhancements to the suspension system. These enhancements could incorporate more advanced materials, electronic controls, or adaptive systems to improve both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The Bronco Sport journey from 2021 to 2025 showcases the rapid pace of innovation in the automotive industry and its dedication to meeting the diverse needs of SUV enthusiasts.