2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Priced from $31,845 to $40,265 across 4 trims, the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is a SUV that we have evaluated using data from six independent sources: EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, RepairPal, AAA, and the manufacturer. What follows is every verifiable data point we could find.
5-star safety. B fuel cost. 3.5/5 reliability. That is the snapshot for the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport among value SUVs. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file, fewer than the 1.8 average for SUVs.
What the published data indicates
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport are high published crash-test results and lower estimated fuel cost. The main caution is that reliability is middle-of-pack.
- safety
- fuel cost
Strongest published signals
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA. Safest SUVs 2026 →
- Fuel: Below-average fuel cost among gas SUVs. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,600. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 →
Limits and cautions
- Reliability is not a standout here: RepairPal 3.5/5.
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $31,845 - $40,265
- EPA Combined MPG
- 24-27 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,600 - $1,800/yr
- Recalls on File
- 1 recall on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $250 more over 5 yrs
- Brand Origin
- United States
How Safe Is the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport?
In NHTSA crash testing, the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport received 5 out of 5 stars overall. 82% of tested SUVs share this top rating. Tests cover frontal impact, side impact, and rollover resistance. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
82% of SUVs share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 17.4%
While NHTSA uses a star rating system, IIHS rates individual crash types. The two together offer a fuller view of how this vehicle performs in different crash scenarios.
How Did the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS has tested the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport but did not award a Top Safety Pick designation. Individual test ratings are shown below. IIHS tests complement NHTSA ratings by evaluating different crash scenarios. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | M Marginal |
| Side | A Acceptable |
| Headlights | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle) | A Acceptable |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | G Good |
| Seat Belt Reminders | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | A Acceptable |
IIHS vehicle class: Small SUVs
Test scores tell part of the safety story. The recall record adds another dimension: real-world defects identified after production.
Does the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Have Any Recalls?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport has 1 recall campaign on record with NHTSA, involving ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. That is below the 1.8 average for SUVs. Recall repairs are performed at no cost at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Most recent: November 2025
Units affected: 688,827
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA complaint data is not available for the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport. This does not mean there are no complaints. The model may not yet be tracked in the NHTSA database.
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-03-07.
From safety to cost. How much fuel this vehicle uses directly affects what you pay month to month.
What Is the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport achieves up to 27 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,600. That is $204 more per year than the $1,396 average for value SUVs. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
Ranges from 24 to 27 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bend | 27 MPG | 25 | 30 | $1,600/yr |
| Heritage | 27 MPG | 25 | 30 | $1,600/yr |
| Outer Banks | 27 MPG | 25 | 30 | $1,600/yr |
| Badlands | 24 MPG | 21 | 28 | $1,800/yr |
Beyond fuel, the full ownership picture includes insurance, routine maintenance, depreciation, and financing. AAA publishes annual estimates for each vehicle class.
What Does the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport ranges from $74,975 to $84,395 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Compact SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,746/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,726/yr |
| Depreciation | $3,554/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $641/yr |
| Financing | $898/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $10,279/yr |
| Cost per mile | $0.69/mi |
Which trim offers the best balance of cost and equipment? The breakdown below compares all 4 options side by side.
How Do the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Trims Compare?
4 trims are available for the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport, spanning $31,845 to $40,265. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.
Big Bend
| Base MSRP | $31,845 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,600/yr |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 181 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $74,975 |
Heritage
| Base MSRP | $34,145 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,600/yr |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 181 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $77,275 |
Outer Banks
| Base MSRP | $36,945 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,600/yr |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 181 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $80,075 |
Badlands
| Base MSRP | $40,265 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,800/yr |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 250 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $84,395 |
The Ford Bronco Sport lineup has contracted from 5 trims in 2024 to 4 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $2,050 since 2024.
Trims no longer available
- Free Wheeling (last available 2025)
Price changes since 2024
- Outer Banks $33,935 (2024) → $36,945 (2026) +$3,010
- Big Bend $29,795 (2024) → $31,845 (2026) +$2,050
- Badlands $38,390 (2024) → $40,265 (2026) +$1,875
- Heritage $32,365 (2024) → $34,145 (2026) +$1,780
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bend | $29,795 26 MPG | $31,695 27 MPG | $31,845 27 MPG |
| Heritage | $32,365 26 MPG | $33,995 27 MPG | $34,145 27 MPG |
| Free Wheeling | $32,395 26 MPG | $33,135 27 MPG | — |
| Outer Banks | $33,935 26 MPG | $36,795 27 MPG | $36,945 27 MPG |
| Badlands | $38,390 23 MPG | $40,115 23 MPG | $40,265 24 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
After narrowing down a trim, it helps to check the broader reliability picture. The section below summarizes the third-party reliability rating we have on file.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport?
RepairPal rates the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport at 3.5 out of 5.0 for reliability, which is about average for value SUVs. RepairPal ratings reflect repair frequency and cost data from a network of certified repair shops. Source: RepairPal.
Warranty coverage sets the floor for what the manufacturer will repair at no cost. Here are Ford's published terms.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Come With?
Ford provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 Bronco Sport. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
What Are the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 1.5L I3, 2L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 181 - 250 hp |
| Torque | 190 - 277 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded, premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Fuel Tank | 16.0 gal |
| Length | 172.7 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 74.3 in |
| Height | 70.2 - 71.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 in |
What Changed for the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport?
- Number of available trims changed
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- EPA fuel economy ratings changed
- Recall status changed
This page reflects the most recently published data from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references for the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport. When source agencies release updates, this page regenerates automatically. Our methodology page explains how data is collected, verified, and presented.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport FAQ
How does the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport compare to other suvs?
Based on published data, the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport has a safety grade of B, a fuel cost grade of B, a RepairPal reliability score of 3.5/5, and only 1 recall on file. These grades compare it against similar suvs in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page. See our Safest SUVs 2026 list.
Which 2026 Ford Bronco Sport trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 4 available trims, the Big Bend has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $74,975, starting at $31,845 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $84,395. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
How much does 2026 Ford Bronco Sport insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Compact SUV class at $1,726 per year, or about $144 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2026 Ford Bronco Sport maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Compact SUV class at $1,746 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($1,726/yr) and depreciation ($3,554/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $10,279 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2026 Ford Bronco Sport depreciate?
AAA estimates the Compact SUV class depreciates about $3,554 per year, or roughly $17,770 over five years. On a base MSRP of $31,845, that represents about 56% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much will I spend on gas with a 2026 Ford Bronco Sport?
The most efficient 2026 Ford Bronco Sport trim costs an estimated $1,600 per year in fuel, or about $133 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. That is about $204 more than the average for similar suvs. See our Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport include 2026 Kia Sorento, 2026 Honda CR-V, and 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
What changed on the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 1 trim was dropped and the entry price increased by $2,050 for the Ford Bronco Sport lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Ford Bronco Sport cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport include about $857 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $133 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $990 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport safe for families?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport earned NHTSA's highest 5-star overall safety rating, which evaluates frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance. A 5-star rating does not guarantee safety in every situation but indicates strong performance in standardized crash tests. See our Safest SUVs 2026 list.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.