Dealers report positive consumer interest.
It may seem like Ford is trying to copy the larger Bronco’s style onto a smaller footprint with less off-road capability, but this is not true. It rides on the same version of Ford’s C2 platform as the Escape. However, Ford took great care to improve the crossover’s off-road capability and prowess. Ford claims that consumers are starting to notice.
Jovina Young, Sport’s marketing manager, stated in a new Ford Authority interview, that the automaker is happy with the feedback it has received from dealers, as people inquire about the new offering. Young revealed that both orders and reservations had been received by the automaker for the model. However, no official numbers were provided. The Dearborn-based automaker stated that it had received more than 165,000 reservations for its larger Bronco.
Ford won’t let the Escape’s underpinnings dampen the crossover’s offroad ability. Ford offered the Bronco Sports all-wheel drive, unlike its mainstream sibling. The powertrains of the two vehicles are identical. A turbocharged 1.5-liter three cylinder makes 171 horsepower (135 Kilowatts) as well as 190 lb-ft (259 Newton-meters). Turbocharged 2.0-liter engines produce 245 horsepower (183 kW) as well as 275 lb-ft (259Nm). With its choice of off-road driving modes and available trick rear locking differential, the Bronco Sport is a distinct competitor to the Escape.
The Escape and Bronco sport also have a price difference. The Bronco sport starts at $28,155, including the $1,495 destination fee. This is about $3,200 more than Escape. However, it can quickly rise to $39,995 for First Edition models. The Badlands trim starts at $34,155. Ford wants the Bronco to compete with the Jeep Cherokee or Compass. It appears Ford has the product.