2023 Ford Bronco Sport Heritage
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, April 19, 2023
As baby boomers age, nostalgia and the “good ol’ days” become front and center. Trips down memory lane become more frequent.
Perhaps that’s what Ford is capitalizing on with the introduction of its 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Heritage Limited 4×4 compact SUV. The new model pays homage to the 1966 version that roamed trails and roads more than a half-century ago.
Classic design elements include a two-tone “Oxford White”-painted roof, grille and wheels contrast against a“Yellowstone Metallic” coat of enamel with Bronco script fender graphics. The combination prompted several rubber-neck moments during the course of my week-long test drive.
And if yellow doesn’t float your boat, perhaps “Robin’s Egg Blue” will.
Heritage Limited models adds gloss black-painted 17-inch heritage wheels with classic “dog dish” centers, plus an Oxford White-painted lip, for more retro flare. Bronco seats up to five adults and delivers 23 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving.
Cargo space is tight, so I reclined half of the rear seat to accommodate my golf clubs and cart. No fuss. No muss.
“Bronco captivated America in the mid-’60s with its rugged style and uncompromising off-road agility, a legacy that is still prevalent today,” said Mark Grueber, Bronco marketing manager. “With these new Heritage and Heritage Limited editions, we’re paying respect to Bronco’s roots with nods to some of the signature design cues from the first-generation vehicle, while continuing to build the Bronco Brand with more special editions that our customers want.”
Ford will build only 1,966 units of each, all by special order.
Like the full-size Bronco SUVs, the 2023 Bronco Sport Heritage Edition is built on the Big Bend series, with the proven 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine that puts out 181 horsepower and 190 lb.-ft. of torque.
If more power is required, Heritage Limited Edition models offer the increased capability of Badlands series equipment and features, including a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with up to 330 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. torque mated to a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.
Vehicles feature a H.O.S.S. system with increased ride height, uniquely tuned front struts with hydraulic rebound stops designed to provide a quiet, less jarring off-road experience. In addition, 46-millimeter-diameter mono-tube rear shocks, antiroll bars and uniquely tuned springs help provide off-road comfort.
The Terrain Management System offers five G.O.A.T. Modes because Bronco “Goes Over Any Type of Terrain” and in various conditions. Standard modes include Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Sand. An advanced 4×4 system with a twin-clutch rear-drive unit with a differential lock can divert virtually all rear axle torque to either wheel.
Bronco’s posh interior is highlighted by brown leather seats,60/40 split fold-down rear seats with rubberized backs and cargo flooring, dual-zone climate control, Bang & Olufsen sound system
with 10 speakers, wireless phone charging pad, power moonroof, cruise control and rear parking sensors.
Bronco Sport also includes Ford Co-Pilot 360 and numerous safety technology.
Features include front passenger sensing system, remote keyless entry, perimeter alarm, front, side and knee airbags, tire pressure monitoring, anti-theft system and an SOS post-crash alert system.
Base Price: $46,250
Price As Driven: $46,400
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
