2026 Ford Bronco Sport: NHTSA Safety Rating & Pricing
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
In its segment, the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport scores well across safety and fuel cost. NHTSA has 2 recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
- Starting MSRP
- $31,845 - $40,265
- EPA Combined MPG
- 23 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,600 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 5 / 10
- Recalls on File
- 2 recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $250 more over 5 yrs
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,073 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.69
- Brand Origin
- United States
Priced from $31,845 to $40,265, the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is one of 95 value SUVs. Safety ratings, recall history, and ownership costs are all covered below.
- Fuel cost $708 per year above value SUVs average
- Avg repair cost $85 per year above SUV average
2026 Ford Bronco Sport at a Glance
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
Strengths in the data
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA. Safest SUVs 2026 →
- Fuel: Below-average fuel cost among gas SUVs. Best-case annual fuel cost is $2,600. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 →
Cautions in the data
- Reliability is not a standout here: RepairPal 3.5/5.
- There are 2 recalls on file already, even if that still lands near the current class average. Zero-recall cars 2026 →
Similar vehicles to compare
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%
Crash testing is only as useful as the scenarios it covers. NHTSA and IIHS test overlapping but different crash types, giving the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport a more thorough evaluation than either program provides alone.
How Did the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS tested the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport across multiple crash configurations. It did not earn an overall Top Safety Pick, but some individual test ratings may still be strong. See the breakdown below. 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
NHTSA and IIHS evaluate the design. Recalls evaluate the execution. A look at both tells you whether the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport performs as intended under real-world conditions.
Does the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has 2 recall campaigns on file for the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport, affecting AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. This is typical for SUVs, which average 1.7 recall campaigns. Recall repairs are provided free at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
2 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA.
Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Most recent: March 2026
Units affected: 688,827
What Do 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Owners Report to NHTSA?
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 2026-04-16.
Families drive more miles and make more trips. That makes fuel economy one of the biggest factors in the real cost of owning the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport.
What Is the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport achieves up to 23 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600. That is $708 more per year than the $1,892 average for value SUVs. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bend | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $2,600 per year |
| Heritage | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $2,600 per year |
| Outer Banks | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $2,600 per year |
| Badlands | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $2,600 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel cost is $13,000 based on EPA data.
The most efficient trim ranks in the top 12% for fuel cost within its EPA vehicle class.
A family vehicle racks up miles fast. That means the hidden costs, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, matter as much as what you pay at the pump. AAA estimates them below.
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 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,726 per year |
| Depreciation | $3,554 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $641 per year |
| Financing | $898 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $10,279 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.69 per mile |
Families often prioritize safety features and cargo space over horsepower. The trim table below shows how those factors vary across the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport lineup.
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 | 23 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,600 per year |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 181 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $74,975 |
Heritage
| Base MSRP | $34,145 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,600 per year |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 181 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $77,275 |
Outer Banks
| Base MSRP | $36,945 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,600 per year |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 181 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $80,075 |
Badlands
| Base MSRP | $40,265 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,600 per year |
| 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
last available 2025
- Free Wheeling
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 23 MPG | $31,845 23 MPG |
| Heritage | $32,365 26 MPG | $33,995 23 MPG | $34,145 23 MPG |
| Free Wheeling | $32,395 26 MPG | $33,135 23 MPG | — |
| Outer Banks | $33,935 26 MPG | $36,795 23 MPG | $36,945 23 MPG |
| Badlands | $38,390 26 MPG | $40,115 23 MPG | $40,265 23 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
Price and fuel economy are knowable before purchase. Reliability is the variable that matters most after. The RepairPal score below gives you a data point on what to expect.
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.
A warranty does not make a vehicle more reliable, but it does limit your financial exposure if something fails. Here is what Ford includes.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Come With?
The warranty terms below reflect Ford's published coverage for the 2026 Bronco Sport. All trims share the same warranty. Coverage begins on the date of first retail sale.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
What Are the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Specs?
The specifications below cover engine output, dimensions, and drivetrain for the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport. These are manufacturer-reported figures and may vary by trim configuration.
EPA vehicle class: Compact crossover SUV
| Engine | 1.5L I3, 2L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 181 - 250 hp |
| Price per HP | $161 - $204 |
| 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 |
| Est. Range per Tank | 368 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| 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
All data shown for the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. The safety and reliability data above is especially relevant for a vehicle your family depends on. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2026 Ford Bronco Sport FAQ
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.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport?
In the suv segment, the closest alternatives to the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport are 2026 Kia Sorento (starting at $32,390, 5-star NHTSA, 23 MPG); and 2026 Honda CR-V (starting at $30,920, 5-star NHTSA, 29-40 MPG); and 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan (starting at $30,805, 5-star NHTSA, 25-28 MPG). Each page on this site covers the same data sources 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 $217 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,074 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Ford based?
Ford is a United States-based automaker. The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport may be assembled in a different country than where Ford is headquartered. Check the window sticker or VIN decoder for the specific assembly location of any individual vehicle. See our United States-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Ford models are available for 2026?
Each 2026 Ford model on this site has its own fact sheet covering available safety, fuel, reliability, cost, and recall data. Visit our Ford models page for the full lineup.
What is the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport safety rating?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and has 2 recall campaigns on file. See the safety and recall sections above for the full breakdown, including IIHS results and specific recall details.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
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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.