All-new Bronco Sport Heritage Editions recall 1960s Ford Bronco



By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 30, 2023) When Ford resurrected the iconic Bronco brand for 2021 — first with the compact crossover Bronco Sport followed shortly thereafter by the real deal Ford Bronco 4X4 challenger to the Jeep Wrangler — it channeled the historic Bronco that dated back to 1966 when it first launched the rugged off-roader.


Fast forward two years to 2023, Ford continues its play and consumer appeal to all things nostalgic by offering new and special Heritage Editions for both the big Bronco and the Bronco Sport.

For the 2023 Bronco Sport there’s two special edition trims, the Heritage Edition and the Heritage Limited Edition tested here. Both editions feature vintage styling applications such as seven paint options including Robin’s Egg Blue, while Heritage Limited Edition is exclusively available in Robin’s Egg Blue, Yellowstone Metallic and Peak Blue.

The Heritage Edition is based on the mid-range Big Bend trim level while the Heritage Limited uses the loaded Badlands model as its basis. In a nod to its original launch year, Ford is only building 1,966 Heritage Edition Bronco Sport vehicles.

Bronco Sport Heritage models feature signature Oxford White accents including a uniquely painted roof to mimic the original Bronco style. A unique Oxford White heritage grille features Race Red “BRONCO” lettering, while Oxford White 17-inch aluminum heritage wheels and bodyside stripes heighten the throwback appearance.

Heritage Limited Edition models add metal “Bronco” script front fender badging and larger 29-inch all-terrain off-road tires with more aggressive, deeper treads that stretch on to the sidewalls for improved off-road traction. Heritage Limited Edition models also upgrade to leather-trimmed seats and include Oxford White door inserts and unique center console badging.

Both Heritage and Heritage Limited models include interior touches such as plaid cloth seats and a Navy Pier instrument panel with Oxford White accenting the bin and door ring. Cloth seats feature heathered Navy Pier with plaid inserts and Race Red and Robin’s Egg Blue accent stitching. A unique Navy Pier microsuede center console and armrests include Race Red stitching. The Navy Pier color was inspired by the cloth seats that were available in Bronco in the 1980’s. A retro-style plaque is affixed to the rear of the center console signifying its Heritage Edition.

Our Limited Edition is the most expensive Bronco Sport model with a base price of $46,250. It’s also the most capable Bronco Sport trim level for off-road driving. It’s powered by a 245-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. There’s an
enhanced all-wheel-drive system, the Badlands has a lifted suspension and upgraded dampers for tackling rugged terrain. The Limited also comes with a twin-clutch rear-drive unit with a differential lock, 17-inch wheels, a 1-inch lifted suspension and beefier shock absorbers.

During our weeklong testing of our Heritage Limited Edition, we couldn’t help but question that at a price of $46,250 would we get our tested Bronco Sport which is basically a crossover utility vehicle that competes with vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 Adventure or at virtually the same price, the larger Bronco Heritage edition with a starting price of $46,605, that competes with the Jeep Wrangler?

There are numerous reasons to choose one over the other but certainly one of the most dominant reasons might be how does each vehicle handle and tackle off-road driving? In the past we’ve taken both vehicles off-road and the Bronco is simply unstoppable under just about any condition. But we were also impressed with the Bronco Sport’s off-road chops.

For starters, the Bronco Sport has various off-road selection modes from a dial located on the center console next to the cupholders. The twist dial is emblazoned with G.O.A.T. modes that means “Goes Over Any Terrain.” Additionally, there are four push buttons next to the dial for Selections include rear locker, four-wheel lock, hill descent control and traction control off.

Turning the dial knob brings up a variety of both off-road and on-road driving modes. Mode choices include Normal, ECO, Sport, Slippery and Mud/Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl for off road driving.

The vehicle you choose might just come down to wanting vs. needing. Both the Bronco and the Bronco Sport are capable of going off-road and quite good at it especially the Bronco. While the Sport proved to be unexpectedly capable off-road during our testing at Butcher Jones off-road park with its steep inclines, deep gullies with embedded boulders and deep sand dry riverbeds, the aluminum skid plate underneath proved to shield the vehicle from rough terrain elements. Still, it can only go about 75% of the places the rugged and taller, more powerful full-size Bronco can go.

While the Bronco is superbly capable off-road being tall with impressive ground clearance and capable it’s for those same reasons it isn’t especially good on pavement with massive and noisy tires and certainly not sporty handling on curvy mountain roads.

The Bronco Sport is more commuter friendly because it isn’t as tall, handles twisty roads with ease, the ride isn’t as firm. For most people with their normal driving habits of commuting to work, running errands for kids and dogs the Sport might be the better choice to buy.

As with the Bronco Sport’s other trim levels like Big Bend, Outer Banks, or Badlands, Ford will grant current reservation holders the opportunity to change your trim level to a Heritage or Heritage Limited trim or a different Bronco Sport trim.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $46,250
Price as Tested: $46,400
Engine/Transmission: 245-hp 2.0-Liter Ecoboost four-cylinder engine paired with an 8=speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.
EPA Fuel Economy: 21/26/23 – MPG City/Highway/Combined
Seating: 5
Where Built: Hermosillo, Mexico

Crash Test Safety Ratings: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety highest possible 2023 Top Safety Pick+ and highest possible overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Competes With:
Ford Bronco
Jeep Cherokee
Subaru Outback Wilderness
Toyota RAV4 Adventure/TRD Off-Road

Likes:
Cool retro Bronco styling
Off-road capability
Solid daily driver choice

Dislikes:
Subpar fuel economy
Rough ride quality
Pricey