2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Beadle Ford — Bowdle, SD
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The 2026 Bronco Sport arrives with a focused set of updates — a new Bronze Package for Big Bend, the 8-inch cluster display now standard across three trims, Ford Connectivity and Security packages included for all buyers, and two new exterior colors. Four trims, all with 4x4 standard, all with a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen, and all with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+.
Looking for the full model overview across all years? See the Ford Bronco Sport hub page.
What's New on the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport?
The 2026 Bronco Sport is a content-update year. The platform, suspension, and powertrain carry over from 2025. The changes focus on new packages, new standard technology, new color options, and a leaner trim lineup.
| Category | Change |
|---|---|
| New Package | Bronze Package (60F) on Big Bend — Sinister Bronze wheels, Shadow Black roof, sport contour seats with bronze stitching, body-color door handles, all-weather floor liners with bronze accents, A/S tires. Bronze + Black Diamond Off-Road Package (60H) variant available with A/T tires. |
| New Standard Tech | 8" Cluster Display now standard on Big Bend, Heritage, and Outer Banks. Ford Connectivity Package (1-year) included on all trims. Ford Security Package (1-year) added standard across lineup. |
| New Colors | Orange Fury Metallic Tri-Coat and Space White Metallic added to the palette. |
| Deleted Colors | Eruption Green Metallic and Desert Sand discontinued for 2026. |
| Deleted Trim | Free Wheeling trim discontinued. The 2026 lineup is Big Bend, Heritage, Outer Banks, and Badlands. |
| Deleted Features | Wireless Charging Pad, Universal Garage Door Opener, and Rain-Sensing Wipers removed from the lineup. |
| New DIO Options | Console Safe, Tool Kit, GB-40 Battery Jump Starter & Carrying Case, Wheel Locks, Windshield Sunscreen, Underbody Courtesy Light Kit, Vented Wheel Arch Moldings. |
| Heritage Update | Heritage trim is now available for Fleet orders. |
2026 Bronco Sport Trim Lineup
Four trims make up the 2026 lineup. Every one includes 4x4 as standard equipment, HOSS off-road-tuned suspension, 13.2" SYNC 4, and Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+. Trim upgrades add comfort, capability, and package availability on top of that foundation.
Big Bend
Entry Trim · 1.5L EcoBoost · 4x4
Order Code: 200A
The entry point — and a genuinely capable one. Big Bend comes with HOSS 1.0 off-road-tuned suspension, MOLLE straps, roof-rack side rails, cargo carabiner hooks, 17" Carbonized Gray wheels, all-season tires, an 8" cluster display (new standard for 2026), 13.2" SYNC 4 with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, Ford Connectivity Package (1-year), and Ford Security Package (1-year).
Key available packages: Bronze Package (60F) — Sinister Bronze wheels, Shadow Black roof, sport contour seats. Bronze + Black Diamond Off-Road Package (60H) — same as above with A/T tires. Black Diamond Off-Road Package (67C) — A/T tires, tow package, adds Class II towing up to 2,200 lbs. Black Appearance Package (67G) — matte black 17" wheels.
Heritage
Retro Style · 1.5L EcoBoost · 4x4
Order Code: 250A
The Heritage trim brings a distinctive retro-inspired look: Oxford White roof, Oxford White 17" wheels, plaid cloth bucket seats, Navy Pier micro suede armrest with Race Red stitching, Oxford White door ring, and Heritage Bronco script side decals. All-terrain tires (225/65R17) are standard, making it the only non-package trim in the lineup that ships with A/T rubber from the factory.
Heritage carries all the foundational Big Bend features — HOSS 1.0 suspension, 8" cluster display, 13.2" SYNC 4, Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, MOLLE straps — while adding an adjustable liftgate floodlight standard and flood light adjustable standard. Now available for Fleet orders for 2026.
Outer Banks
Premium Mid · 1.5L EcoBoost · 4x4
Order Code: 300A
Outer Banks adds meaningful comfort upgrades over Big Bend: dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, 8-way power driver seat with 6-way power passenger, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, memory driver seat and mirror settings, remote start, Shadow Black painted roof, 18" Machined-Face Ebony Black wheels, LED fog lamps, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Key available package: Sasquatch Package (67A) — transforms Outer Banks into a near-Badlands off-road machine with Advanced 4x4, HOSS 2.0 suspension, Trail Control, Trail One-Pedal Drive, Pro Power Onboard 400W, 12.3" cluster display, high-clearance fender flares, black MIC bumpers, underbody protection, rubberized flooring, and Class II towing up to 2,200 lbs. Requires Outer Banks Tech Package (96T).
Badlands
Top Capability · 2.0L EcoBoost · Advanced 4x4
Order Code: 400A
Badlands is in its own category. The 2.0L EcoBoost I4 with SelectShift and paddle shifters, Advanced 4x4 with twin-clutch rear drive unit, HOSS 2.0 suspension, and 7 G.O.A.T. Modes (adds Rock Crawl and Rally) form the foundation. Trail Control with Trail One-Pedal Drive, Pro Power Onboard 400W, steel underbody protection (engine skid plate and fuel tank shields), and Class II Trailer Tow Package are all standard.
Inside: leather-trimmed heated front seats, 12.3" cluster display, rubberized cargo floor and cabin floor, under-seat storage cubby, and Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 with 360-degree camera with Trail View, front parking sensors, and reverse brake assist.
Sasquatch Package (67B) on Badlands adds HOSS 3.0 suspension with Bilstein position-sensitive dampers, high-clearance fender flares, rear bumper MIC with steel plates, rear D-Ring recovery hooks (x2), 850W engine cooling fan, and 17" Ebony Black wheels with P235/65R17 A/T tires.
For a full side-by-side trim comparison, see our in-depth guide: 2026 Bronco Sport Trim Guide: Big Bend vs Heritage vs Outer Banks vs Badlands.
Powertrain and Drivetrain
The 2026 Bronco Sport carries the same proven EcoBoost engine lineup as the 2025 model. Two engines are available depending on trim — the 1.5L EcoBoost for Big Bend, Heritage, and Outer Banks, and the 2.0L EcoBoost exclusively for Badlands. Both pair with an 8-speed automatic and 4x4 as standard.
| Engine | Available On | Transmission | Final Drive Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L EcoBoost I3 | Big Bend, Heritage, Outer Banks | 8-Speed Automatic | 3.80 |
| 2.0L EcoBoost I4 | Badlands only | 8-Speed Automatic with SelectShift & Paddle Shifters | 3.80 |
Note on 2026 Output Figures
Ford has not yet published confirmed 2026 horsepower and torque figures for the Bronco Sport. Both engines are the same proven units used in 2025. Confirm final specifications with Beadle Ford or on the window sticker at time of delivery.
Key Standard Features — All 2026 Bronco Sport Trims
These features are standard across all four trims. The Bronco Sport's base equipment level is notably high — buyers don't need to step up for safety tech, off-road hardware, or connectivity.
Off-Road & Drivetrain
- 4x4 standard — all trims
- HOSS 1.0 Off-Road Tuned Suspension (Big Bend, Heritage, Outer Banks)
- HOSS 2.0 (Outer Banks Sasquatch, Badlands standard)
- 5 G.O.A.T. Modes: Normal, ECO, Sport, Slippery, Off-Road
- Roof-rack side rails (black)
- MOLLE Straps System (Big Bend standard; other trims vary)
- Cargo tie-down carabiner hooks and loops
- Bottle opener in liftgate hatch
Technology & Connectivity
- 13.2" SYNC 4 center display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 8" Cluster Display (new standard for 2026 on Big Bend, Heritage, Outer Banks)
- Alexa Built-in
- Over-the-air software updates
- Ford Connectivity Package 1-year included (Wi-Fi hotspot, streaming, navigation)
- Ford Security Package 1-year included (new for 2026)
- 5G modem
- FordPass app remote features
Safety — Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
- Lane Centering
- BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Pedestrian Detection
- Rear Cross Traffic Braking
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Rear View Camera
- Auto High Beam Headlamps
2026 Bronco Sport Towing Capacity
Towing capacity on the Bronco Sport depends on trim and package. The Badlands delivers the highest rating at 2,700 lbs with the Class II Trailer Tow Package included standard. Big Bend and Outer Banks can reach 2,200 lbs with specific package combinations. All figures are SAE J2807 rated. For buyers around Bowdle hauling boats to Lake Oahe or running livestock trailers on Highway 12, the tow package configuration is worth confirming before you order.
| Configuration | Max Tow (lbs) | Tongue Weight (lbs) | GCWR (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bend — Black Diamond Off-Road Package (67C) | 2,200 | 220 | 6,100 |
| Outer Banks — Sasquatch Package (67A) | 2,200 | 220 | 6,320 |
| Badlands (standard — tow package included) | 2,700 | 270 | 6,990 |
Class II Tow Package Required
For trailers over 1,500 lbs, the Class II Trailer Tow Package is required. Towing without it when exceeding 1,500 lbs may void your vehicle's warranty. The package is standard on Badlands and included with the Black Diamond Off-Road Package on Big Bend and the Sasquatch Package on Outer Banks.
For a detailed breakdown of what the Bronco Sport can and can't tow in South Dakota conditions, see our in-depth guide: What Can the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Tow? A South Dakota Guide.
G.O.A.T. Modes — What They Do and When to Use Them
G.O.A.T. stands for Goes Over Any Type of Terrain. The system adjusts throttle mapping, transmission shift points, AWD torque distribution, and stability control thresholds based on the selected mode. Big Bend, Heritage, and Outer Banks have five modes. The Badlands adds Rock Crawl and Rally for seven total.
| Mode | Best For | Available On |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Everyday driving, dry pavement, highway miles | All trims |
| ECO | Fuel efficiency, light daily use, long highway stretches | All trims |
| Sport | Sharper throttle response, passing on two-lane highways | All trims |
| Slippery | Snow, ice, packed gravel, wet roads — South Dakota winters | All trims |
| Off-Road | Trails, rutted two-tracks, loose dirt and gravel | All trims |
| Rock Crawl | Slow-speed technical terrain, maximum traction at low speed | Badlands only |
| Rally | High-speed dirt, gravel roads, spirited off-pavement driving | Badlands only |
For a full walkthrough of when and how to use each mode, see: G.O.A.T. Modes Explained: How to Use Every Drive Mode on the 2026 Bronco Sport.
In-Depth Guides — 2026 Bronco Sport
Each guide below covers one topic in depth — specs, packages, capability, and real-world use for South Dakota buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions — 2026 Ford Bronco Sport
What trims does the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport come in?
The 2026 Bronco Sport is available in four trims: Big Bend, Heritage, Outer Banks, and Badlands. The Free Wheeling trim has been discontinued for 2026. Every trim includes 4x4 as standard equipment.
What's new on the 2026 Bronco Sport compared to 2025?
Key 2026 updates include: the new Bronze Package (60F) on Big Bend with Sinister Bronze wheels and Shadow Black roof; the 8" Cluster Display is now standard on Big Bend, Heritage, and Outer Banks; Ford Connectivity Package (1-year) and Ford Security Package (1-year) are now included for all buyers; two new exterior colors (Orange Fury Metallic Tri-Coat and Space White Metallic); and the Wireless Charging Pad, Universal Garage Door Opener, and Rain-Sensing Wipers have been deleted from the lineup.
Does every Bronco Sport have 4x4?
Yes. 4x4 is standard on every 2026 Bronco Sport trim — Big Bend, Heritage, Outer Banks, and Badlands. There is no 2WD Bronco Sport. Big Bend, Heritage, and Outer Banks use a standard 4x4 system with HOSS 1.0 suspension. The Badlands uses Advanced 4x4 with a twin-clutch rear drive unit for more precise torque vectoring.
Which Bronco Sport trim has the most towing capacity?
The Badlands has the highest towing capacity at 2,700 lbs (270 lbs tongue weight), with the Class II Trailer Tow Package included as standard equipment. Big Bend with the Black Diamond Off-Road Package and Outer Banks with the Sasquatch Package are each rated for up to 2,200 lbs when equipped with the Class II Trailer Tow Package. For trailers over 1,500 lbs on any trim, the Class II Tow Package is required.
What is the difference between the Badlands and the Outer Banks Sasquatch Package?
Both use Advanced 4x4 with twin-clutch rear drive and HOSS 2.0 suspension, and both come with Trail Control, Trail One-Pedal Drive, Pro Power Onboard 400W, underbody protection, and Class II towing. The key Badlands advantages are the more powerful 2.0L EcoBoost engine, two additional G.O.A.T. Modes (Rock Crawl and Rally for 7 total), leather-trimmed heated seats, and rubberized flooring as standard. The Outer Banks Sasquatch gets those off-road hardware upgrades but retains the 1.5L engine and cloth seating. Adding the Sasquatch Package on Outer Banks requires the Outer Banks Tech Package (96T).
Does the 2026 Bronco Sport have wireless Apple CarPlay?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard on every 2026 Bronco Sport trim through the 13.2-inch SYNC 4 center display. No cable required — connect via Bluetooth and the phone mirrors directly to the screen.
Is the Bronco Sport good for gravel roads and rural South Dakota driving?
The Bronco Sport is well-suited to the driving conditions across this part of South Dakota. Standard 4x4, HOSS off-road-tuned suspension, and the Off-Road G.O.A.T. Mode handle gravel county roads, two-track access roads, and field approaches without issue. The Slippery G.O.A.T. Mode is genuinely useful on Highway 12 in winter. The Heritage trim includes standard all-terrain tires — a practical advantage for anyone running a mix of pavement and gravel regularly. For boat launches at Lake Oahe, longer hauls toward Aberdeen or Pierre, or trail access further west toward the Missouri River breaks, the Bronco Sport holds up across the full range of what north-central SD driving actually looks like.