Posted on by

Caraganza First Drive Review 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Heritage Limited: Say Hello to my (even littler) Friend

Late last year Ford sent me a Bronco, finally, for a week. Being one of the most iconic vehicles from my faraway youth I was really eager to glimpse what I thought would be something from my childhood.

Ford reintroduced the Bronco in 2021 after pulling it from the market in 1996 after a 30-year run. Growing up in the 1970s the Bronco was the official vehicle of high school shop teachers and farmers, and I was hoping for fond remembrances; especially the years I spent riding around in one with a friend whose dad let him borrow his on occasion.

I was a wee bit surprised when I got delivered that Bronco. The big beast was the Everglades model. It resembled nothing like the Bronco I remember, but I absolutely loved it. This was a mighty 300 horsepower off-road animal ready to jump in the mud at any time.

Still, while I thought very highly of it, it wasn’t the Bronco I remembered.

Fast forward a few months and I got a nice surprise. Ford delivered me a 2023 Bronco, only this one was the Bronco Sport, and it was Heritage Limited edition.

Caraganza First Drive Review 2022 Ford Bronco Everglades: Say hello to my little friend

To understand the differences between a “Bronco Sport” and a “Bronco” you must study the history of the brand. Okay, never mind I can tell you: In 1984 Ford introduced the Bronco II, a smaller version of the Bronco, which is what the Sport is; a smaller version of the new Bronco. There, caught up? Good.

The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport can be had in four trim levels: Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Badlands.

The first three levels have a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower, and 190 lb.-ft of torque, while the Badlands gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 250 hp, and 277 lb.-ft.

Both engines are matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system. Two-wheel drive isn’t available.

 

For 2023 Ford introduced the Heritage Edition and Heritage Limited Edition models for both the Bronco and the Sport. The models use visual cues that harken back to the 1960s, even though the smaller Bronco wasn’t around. The standard throwback styling includes a white grille with Race Red FORD script, a white roof, and a set of white wheels; the Limited versions can get high-gloss black painted wheels with “dog dish” centers, and metal Bronco-script fender badging, leather-trimmed plaid seats, and Heritage Limited badges on the console. Another cool styling feature are “1960s-era-inspired” squared fenders with fender flares to accommodate a track that is nearly two inches wider, according to Ford.

The Heritage editions are available in 5 paint choices, while Bronco Heritage Limited Edition is solely available at launch in Robin’s Egg Blue, which is a throwback color established on Arcadian Blue, available on the first Bronco in 1966. And only 1966 units of each Heritage limited-edition model will be built.

And I had one of those Heritage Limited models clad in Robin’s Egg Blue, offset by an Oxford white roof and front grill complete with a bodyside stripe. Inside, the Heritage Edition gets those plaid cloth seats and carries over the Oxford White to instrument panel. There’s also center console badging and limited rear and front floor liners.

The Heritage Edition is based on the Big Bend trim while the Heritage Limited uses the top of the line and loaded Badlands model as its base. The Badlands comes with more off-roading gear than the Big Bend, including 29-inch all-terrain tires and a more robust all-wheel drive system. Ford calls the H.O.S.S. system with increased ride height, uniquely tuned front struts with hydraulic rebound stops. There’s also 46-millimeter-diameter monotube rear shocks, antiroll bars and uniquely tuned springs help provide off-road comfort.

But wait there’s more. Ford adds the Terrain Management System offers five G.O.A.T. Modes because (according to Ford) Bronco “Goes Over Any Type of Terrain” and in various conditions. Standard modes include Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Sand.

Finally, since it’s based on the Badlands, the Heritage Limited gets the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 250 hp, and 277 lb.-ft under the hood.

In short, just about everything I could have wanted in the Everglades model I had last year was found in the Sport. And I loved it even more. There was plenty of room, a great ride, and plenty of heads turning wherever I went. It had been a while since I had a vehicle that had people coming up and asking about it, but that happened a couple of times with the Sport.

Ford says only 1966 units of each Heritage limited-edition model will be built, and I can understand why. The reasonable price (MSRP: $46,400), the great looks and the overall look, the unique look, and versatility of what is at its heart a small SUV, probably means if you want a Heritage limited-edition model you need to put in an order now. But if you don’t snag one, don’t fret too much. There will still be plenty to choose from.

The 2023 Ford Bronco Heritage Limited
MSRP: $44,655
MSRP (as tested): $46,400
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder 250 horsepower @5,500 rpm, 277 lb.-ft torque @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed shiftable automatic
Fuel Mileage (EPA): 21 city, 26 highway, 23 combined
Fuel Mileage (as tested, mixed conditions): 25 mpg
Curb weight 3,707 lbs.

Exterior Dimensions
Length: 172.7 in.
Overall width with mirrors: 82.2 in.
Overall width without mirrors: 74.3 in.
Height: 71.4 in.
Wheelbase: 105.1 in.
Ground clearance: 8.6 in.

Interior Dimensions
Front head room: 41.5 in.
Front leg room: 42.4 in.
Front shoulder room: 57.3 in.
Front hip room: 55.2 in.
Rear head room : 41.7 in.
Rear leg room: 36.9 in.
Rear shoulder room: 55.6 in.
Rear hip room: 53.4 in.
Cargo capacity, all seats in place 29.4 cu.ft.
Maximum cargo capacity 60.6 cu.ft.
Max Towing Capacity 2,200 lbs.
Max Payload Capacity 1,010 lbs.

Warranty
Bumper-to-bumper: Three years/36,000 miles
Powertrain: Five years/60,000 miles
Corrosion: Five years/unlimited miles
Roadside assistance: 24-hour/day (3 years/36 miles)

Greg Engle
Latest posts by Greg Engle (see all)

Comments

comments