Ford Bronco Sport Trim Levels Explained

What Are Trim Levels?

If you've ever shopped for a new car, you're likely aware of trim levels—or perhaps the various assortments of letters and numbers went right over your head.  

Trim levels are pre-selected option groups pieced together by a manufacturer. Rather than offering each feature individually, manufacturers like Ford pair options together based on presumed customer bases. These options vary in price, features, and amenities, with more expensive trim levels receiving more desirable, exclusive, and luxurious options.

Most manufacturers offer models with various trim levels. In the case of the Bronco Sport, Ford provides the compact SUV in five, including: 

• Big Bend

• Heritage

• Free Wheeling

• Outer Banks

• Badlands

If you're familiar with the full-size Bronco, you'll notice that Ford recycled several packages for the Sport. These trim levels vary significantly in price and features, ranging from the base-priced and optioned Big Bend ($29,795) to the fully optioned Badlands, starting at $38,390.

Ford Bronco Sport Trim Levels

With some basic information about trim levels covered, let's discuss the five options offered by Ford on the Bronco Sport.

Big Bend

Starting at $29,795. 

The Big Bend is Ford's entry-level Bronco Sport trim-level offering. Though the entry pricing is low, its feature count isn't. The Big Bend offers a respectable selection of standard equipment, making it an excellent value for most consumers. Standard features include: 

• 1.5L 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine

• G.O.A.T. system with five terrain modes 

• Four-wheel-drive system

• Carbonized gray grille with white Bronco emblem

• Automatic climate control

• Various safety systems, including Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Keeping System, and BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert

• 8-in. LCD capacitive touchscreen infotainment system with SYNC® 3 

• 4.2-in. digital instrument cluster

Heritage

Starting at $32,365. 

The Heritage offers slight convenience upgrades. However, it's essentially an aesthetic upgrade focusing on vintage-inspired styling. The Heritage includes all standard features of the Big Bend, as well as: 

• Oxford White roof, wheels, and grille

• Unique red Bronco lettering

• Plaid interior seating

• Trim-specific navy pier micro suede center console with race red stitching

Free Wheeling

Starting at $32,395.

The Free Wheeling takes 'vintage' to a new level, sporting groovy 70s-inspired ombre graphics harkening back to its full-size brethren. The Freewheeling package, offered initially from 1977–1981, was essentially a graphics package, and the Bronco Sport rendition follows suit. This trim level offers all the standard features of the Big Bend, as well as: 

• Unique Free Wheeling ombre graphics package

• Ombre stitching with unique Sunset Weave cloth seats

• Silver-painted grille with two-tone Bronco lettering and emblems

• 17-inch ebony wheels with race red accents

Outer Banks

Starting at $33,935.

The Outer Banks is the first significant step up from the Big Bend regarding optional equipment, tacking on several unique, luxurious features to significantly boost the driver experience. The Outer Banks includes all standard features of the Big Bend, as well as: 

• Power adjustable front seats

• Heated front seats with premium trim

• Dual-zone climate control

• Ambient interior lighting

• 6.5-in. LCD instrument panel

• Shadow Black roof

• Automatic rain-sensing front wipers

• Cargo area outlet (110V/150W AC)

Badlands

Starting at $38,390. 

The Badlands is Ford's top trim offering for the Bronco Sport. It boosts performance with upgraded suspension, an advanced four-wheel-drive system, and a larger 2.0L EcoBoost engine. 

The Badlands includes such standard features as:

• 2.0L 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine

• Terrain Management System with seven G.O.A.T. modes

• Ford Trail Control™

• Unique off-road suspension

• Advanced four-wheel-drive with twin-clutch rear drive unit

• Unique cloth upholstery with colored accents

• Passenger under-seat storage

• Integrated 110V/400W AC power inverter

Which Trim Level is Right for You?

Which Ford Bronco Sport is suitable for you? 

While most vehicles offer considerable variation between trim levels, the Bronco Sport simplifies things. The two aesthetic trim levels (Heritage and Free Wheeling) are nothing more than nostalgia adders. While the graphics and style may be retro throwbacks, they tack on an additional $2,500 for accents owners can add themselves for a fraction of the price. 

There are only three trim levels worth considering—the Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Badlands. If you're in the market for a well-optioned entry-level Bronco Sport, the Big Bend is a worthwhile option. With the sheer quantity of standard equipment included for under $30,000, it's tough to complain. 

For those craving a more luxurious experience, the Outer Banks is a no-brainer. You get tons of additional features and amenities for pennies more than the Heritage or Free Wheeling. 

However, if you're in the market for a new off-road toy, the Badlands is a significant step above others. Off-road enthusiasts will benefit significantly from the larger engine, superior suspension, and better tech. 

And remember, if you can't find the exact options you're looking for on dealer lots, you don't have to settle. You can always special order a new ride or upgrade your new Bronco Sport with products and accessories from RealTruck.