Review: 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks - Fun and Full of Character

I review the all-new 2021 Ford Bronco Sport in its Outer Banks trim and find that it's a fun-to-drive little crossover that's full of character and feels ready for any adventure. Its square shape not only looks cool, but makes this one of the most practical crossovers in this segment. Unique features like the opening rear glass provide extra appeal, and the better ground clearance and off-road capability than most of it's competitors also helps the Bronco Sport stand out. It's not perfect though, with its small back seat and high price tag (this one's as-tested price is $36,000) among other things. Overall though, there's a lot to like about the Bronco Sport and it's definitely worth considering for any small SUV shopper. What do you think of the 2021 Bronco Sport? Thanks to Ford for providing this vehicle to review!
Time stamps:
0:00 Exterior
3:47 Interior
4:48 Initial impressions
7:03 Acceleration
9:40 Handling and ride
13:24 Safety tech and highway driving
17:03 Thoughts after a week
22:01 Fuel economy
23:32 Pricing and competitor comparisons
30:39 Final thoughts
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[@whatifschrodingersboxwasacofin]

The Outer Banks is the perfect car for my lifestyle. Been loving ours for almost 2 years now, including camping with a third-party tent attached over the raised tailgate. I’m 6’3” and slept perfectly well in the back. (Used the Bronco Sport-specific inflatable mattress bought through Ford’s website.) Tons of HEAD and legroom in front and back seats. We don’t drive like idiots, so it’s perfectly fine for both toodling around town and the 2 hour drive to visit Dad using the full drive assist package. Edit: previously drove a Mercedes GLC and a BMW X3 before that, but they have no local dealerships. Just as happy, with more money in my pocket. 👍

[@tomatcheson8959]

We purchased our Outerbanks about 3 months ago.....no issues.......couldn’t be any happier with a new vehicle........highly recommend it. Drove it from Florida to Massachusetts.......very comfy.......33 mph plus per gallon and that was loaded down. Smooth quiet ride.......great all around vehicle.

[@pascutia]

I was impressed when I drove a Bronco Sport Badlands. It gives you the impression that it's large and imposing when you look over the hood, but it handles really well. I had to drive it through a snowstorm on the highway, and it felt really planted and secure. Headlights were fantastic. I think Ford did a great job with it.

[@CC-gt3ro]

I am looking to the bronco sport badlands as well. I have very large tent 33kg and all camping stuff, and plan to buy a big Dometic fridge and solar generator. The bronco sport with the large roof rack Yakima and bicycle carrier fits the goal. It will look awesome.

[@CC-gt3ro]

I have the badlands orange cyber and the car is awesome and definitely head turner. I see people stopping at the car and look even people asking me how is it while driving..the look is badass and i have added a yakima cargo roof rack (even more badass). I impress with the cargo and first and second protector very heavy. The cargo mat liner simply is 5 lbs. i like the cargo management, for some situations. The engine is very powerful and i am only in normal mode. The car is brilliant and short so it fits easily in my garage and to park in the city.

[@svetacharlez4306]

Thank you for your review. I feel the same about my Bronco Outer Banks ! Lots of character and fun to drive !

[@marcnobel3938]

Great Review! I really like the look of the car. Nice design! - Not for us in Europe but still interesting to see.

[@matthewphelps7828]

Great Review Matt!

[@Angryeddie14]

Been looking forward to this one!

[@georgefoley9793]

Great review! I drive a 2020 Compass Sport, and I just recently parked next to a Bronco Sport in the same color; my immediate thoughts were - "Wow, this Bronco is better at looking like a Jeep than my Jeep...", you know, boxy and with lots of bravado, haha! Unfortunately, I was in the market for a small SUV before this Bronco Sport was available.

[@markchopping]

Awesome review. You covered so many things I’ve not seen in other reviews. I love the styling and I’d have one in a heartbeat.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Mark, I’m glad you liked it!

[@1mlb704]

Great review Matt!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thank you!

[@Josh_GT500]

I have a 2020 Subaru Forester Sport as my daily driver SUV currently. I really like the looks of this Bronco Sport. Seems like a cooler SUV than my Forester lol.

[@byrde4329]

Funny enough I'm cross shopping this and a Forester Wilderness. I love how the Forester has large windows, seems great for road trips but the engine and CVT kills me in the Forester.

[@johnnyhitsugaya1756]

At least the forester is more reliable. You'll run that thing well over a decade from now.

[@hudock08]

fender garnish is my new favorite explanation for fake vents. haha

[@Channelsofchange1]

Ha! Ha! I used to have a Tacoma with the fake hood scoop! So funny, but looks cool!

[@kevinperry4108]

I love my Outer Banks Bronco Sport. Great SUV

[@GONZOFAM7]

We completed a 6 day round trip: Indianapolis to San Diego. Plenty of power and comfort. Some wind noise but not intolerable. The seats held up. We thought our legs would go numb, but nope. Comfortable. I'd like a better sound system but it did ok. We used android auto for navigation, reliable connection with a high quality cable. Happy we bought this cross over.

[@BobThe9534]

hi Matt. nice vid. liked b4 watching b/c i knew it was going to be good

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Bob!

[@whatifschrodingersboxwasacofin]

Bronco Sport is a parallel parking dream. The snub nose means no more guessing where the front (actually) ends!

[@Channelsofchange1]

Great review, been loving these since they came out, I looked in my local Ford dealers site and saw a Beautiful 2021 Outer banks in Area 51( my favorite paint color for these), with only 20,000 miles! My husband bought it for me and I love it!! I traded in my VW Toureg which I had for ten years, sure i'm used to a lot more power but really this is all I need and it probably keeps me from driving too fast. Love the brown leather trim and all the extras, it feels very sporty yet luxurious to me. One thing I have seen on a video is that they sometimes come with the cargo cover/ table, a bit upset that mine didn't come with one and not sure if it can be bought. Going to investigate, I am used to having the roll out cover so you can cover your stuff or shopping bags ,etc. For sure I will see if we can get beefier tires for it. Also I guess mine doesn't have the tech package, not a big deal. I like all the space in the cargo area and mine has the rubber mat on the back of the rear seats as well and hooks for shopping bags and tie downs. Gonna order a cargo net. I do wish the back would open with the remote or with your foot for loading. I used to have a Land Rover and the look of this reminds me of it, of course the LR is a lot thirstier! Over all such a fun vehicle! Yes, it makes me smile.

[@edwink1467]

I agree with you on the power of this car. Low-end torque makes it feel quick when you first step on the gas, but it quickly runs out of steam once you hit 30, 40 mph. Hence, the slow 0-60 time. It feels almost painfully slow when you are trying to pass someone on the highway going 70 mph. You have to essentially floor it to get it going at that speed. That’s one of my biggest complaint about it. Haven’t driven the Badlands trim yet, but the power seems like a big upgrade. Otherwise, I really like the Bronco Sport. It’s quite an interesting vehicle in the segment with all the rugged styling and actually useful quirks like the rear glass opening, built-in bottle opener, picnic table/shelve, seat back storage pockets with zippers, safari style roof, etc. Sure, some exterior stylings are just gimmicks and the vehicle is nowhere near as off-road capable as the big Bronco, it’s definitely not a bad choice if you don’t need the serious off-road capability of the Bronco (so like 95% of people). To me, it feels more special than the Escape. Ford definitely gave the vehicle some thoughts.

[@JZirn]

Really love all the new Broncos and this Sport is cool. The only grip though is how skinny the tires are. Looks strange, but of course that could be fixed with new tires as long as it doesn’t rub

[@Thecaster4545]

Hopefully going to be getting this soon

[@meila22]

Love mine!!

[@jazzbeau507]

Is that snow on the hill across from where you are parked? In the week that you had the car, you went from a jacket to a T Shirt. This vehicle seems a little pricey; agree styling is very nice. A huge thanks to Matt for another great vehicle review.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for watching Jazz! The weather did fluctuate a lot this week!

[@larrydommer9109]

I read all of the comments, and apparently there are a lot of idiots out there, who think that the Baby Bronco should do everything the Full size Bronco can do, and do it better. It is a Bronco for people who want to have a little fun with their vehicle, but don't need to have 500hp monster that can climb the side of a cliff, and be stripped down to look like a naked Jeep. I'm 71 and I'm buying mine because I like the looks, the gas mileage, the comfortable interior, and the option availability that makes it comparable to an expensive car that looks like it came from a cookie cutter mold for every other brand on the market.

[@MrCh1cken]

You looked like you just can't stop smiling and are giddy when you talk about the Bronco Sport. This is the first video of yours I have watched so I don't know if you are always this way or was it the Bronco Sport doing it to you?

[@PGHm_2020]

Wanted to say that I love my bronco sport. However, your note of the rattling is correct. I've heard the same a few times. It goes away. And I can't tell where it's coming from.

[@1uhot426]

Just brought one yesterday, September 11th, in Cactus Gray.

[@scupking]

We got a 2023 a few weeks back for my wife. We love it but wish it had the same width and length as the escape. My legs are a little cramped in width in the front passenger seat. I'm 6 1 225lbs.

[@xaionik]

That 3 Cyl 'Echo'boost came a long way. Now its doing the same power as the older 4cyl.

[@DanielBlaney]

It's sounds awesome too.

[@giovannionorato67]

im from southern ontario where like buffalo we get weather...surprised nothing was mentioned about the wipers,both front and rear..but from what i can see in the podcast...whats up with the tiny rear wiper...i think for an outdoorsy vehicle where good visibility a must..it would be something more useful. also, why do they always put usb connections in the bottom of the storage wells??? when you use this space for storage how do you plug anything in? come on, FORD!

[@brianbuchert6382]

Common everyone! It’s not just ford!!,

[@cmint21]

I like it

[@brandonvo9538]

Does it come with Madelyn Cline?

[@kingcarkim]

Matt listening to Lana? We support that

[@ABXPONCE]

That rattle sound is the transmission.

[@super_sayang7613]

Bought an Outer Banks a few days ago. I was disappointed with the amount of cheap toy-like plastic the interior has. For the price, I feel Ford should have done better. Having said that, it still is a very nice compact SUV with off-road capabilities. And if you think they were too expensive at release, the Outer Banks is currently running at around $40k...without the moon roof or premium audio.

[@brahsumatra]

Waiting for the OJ edition.

[@JoseLopez-vp8vu]

Killer joke.

[@1uhot426]

Its in DC lol

[@brianbuchert6382]

There’s still some easier trails that this vehicle would do great on I’m not into major off roader anyway but I bet this cand do well on easier tracks! The outback has the cvt which have gotten bad re IEEE’s this will do the same as the Subaru

[@JA-no8in]

My offer still stands if you wanna take a ride using my Bandlands Edition if you're ever here in the Midwest! After 1300 miles, it's feeling great!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for the offer James!

[@jazzbeau507]

James, that is weak offer; tell him you will drive it Pittsburgh for him to review it.

[@JA-no8in]

Haha, with what I do for work, it's a bit out of the question (company decision, not mine), though I'd be game for that for sure! I know the wife would love a road trip at the moment.would be nice to visit the eastern US again.

[@basithph8958]

Can we see it offroad? Just for fun?

[@BobThe9534]

review a 2021 Ford Edge

[@Scruffers2011]

I bought a loaded Outer Banks a couple weeks ago. I get 34 mpg in ECO mode on the highway, which is 6 mpg better than what Ford advertises. I only get 20 mpg city though, which is less than what Ford advertises. Steers tight and corners like a race car. Interior is very nice and I got a moonroof (hard to get now due to import shortages). B&O stereo is awesome. The only thing I don't like is the rather loud road hum.

[@super_sayang7613]

May I ask how much you paid?

[@Scruffers2011]

@@super_sayang7613 $43K for the car and taxes, and $7K for an eight year extended warranty and $3K for extended service plan. $53K total.

[@super_sayang7613]

@@Scruffers2011 thanks. Very helpful. 👍

[@sneakerjoe23]

Wonder how this compares to the new HRV, no one is making a video comparing them.

[@peteperry3107]

You can’t add any of the 360 options to lower models, so I’m not sure where you got that idea, but that’s something I was very much interested in doing, and Ford confirmed it is not possible.

[@Whileweweresinners]

Not true. Just saw a big band with 360 options on it

[@mpeugeot]

LOL, want a touchy car to drive, lol, try an F40 out sometime...

[@vrod6525]

To stay with my Kia Seltos or leave it for this Bronco Sport outer banks …??? Grrrrr

[@garybruce5619]

Stop saying it is similar to the escape and that this is not a Bronco. It says Bronco so it is a Bronco. Also it it totally different from the Escape. Give an honest review.

[@CC-gt3ro]

Especially the badlands. Different 4x4 , transmission rear dual clutch, suspension off road. Oil cooling 4x4, ground clearance, wheel base, roof rack. Seat, interior management. This is not an Escape at all. They took maybe few elements from it, but that’s it. Everything else is new. And the bronco sport is a bronco you are right. Especially the badlands. But even the base has already good 4x4 and same interior safari roof rack and nearly same trailer hitch capabilities.

[@Mike-om7dz]

Hey matt will you review the 2.0?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I’d like to eventually!

[@blakliffy]

My wife and I got a 21 new big bend for 29,999 before tax and registration fees. No heated seats or wireless charging. The tow package and toyo AT3 extremes were included.

[@colorfulsweater]

Does it come in manual?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Unfortunately not.

[@rio_s550]

The Bronco does, not (sport)

[@-dodup-5970]

Thankfully it doesnt

[@colorfulsweater]

@@-dodup-5970 it’s ugly anyways

[@qf8661]

كم حجم المحرك؟

[@long_fellow]

Its an Escape with 12 more inches of headroom

[@gaivoron]

Good and detailed review, Matt. But I totally agree this little thing is a bit too expensive. I would look at outback a rav4. Lets be honest they will be built better too.

[@goochma]

I paid $29,000 for my Bronco Sport Big Bend. Same truck as the Outer Banks just without the leather seats and other options. I've had it since last January and I'm pretty impressed so far.

[@TopSecretVid]

miss my ‘74 Bronco...

[@larrydommer9109]

me too. Every time I see one of those custom build TV shows with that 70's body style I wish I still had mine.

[@xcali3ur561]

Can we pause @ the outer banks badge and appreciate how low quality the sticker is and the glue is oozing out of every corner. Quality Ford product I’m sure ……

[@brianbuchert6382]

No ur not biased at all are you?

[@spud2727]

Can we pause a moment and appreciate the dribble coming from your gob...quality person

[@mikedice7]

Icicles?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

It was still around freezing temps when I filmed the first half of this review.

[@WorkHorse7]

Edit: (Please see the reply from Matt below on this comment. I was mis-informed) A turbo 2.0L engine is also available on the Outer Banks Package. This review keeps implying that you need to get the Badlands version for that. If you do some research, you’ll quickly find this information.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Not according to the Ford configurator on their website it isn’t.

[@WorkHorse7]

@@MattMaranMotoring My apologies. You're right. I was looking at the big bronco. My original response has been edited.

[@gpgoldb]

3 cyl, are they kidding? Really? Damm, not even a 4cyl. That engine will never last.

[@CC-gt3ro]

Proof? For the moment their 3 cylinders that are in other vehicles are just fine. And there is the badlands version 4 cylinder 250 hp , 277 lbs torque if you prefer a more stronger off road engine. Me i will go with the badlands for the more capable 4x4 , water fording and suspension, and bigger falken at tires, and the more powerful 250hp engine.

[@620john620]

I have an Outer Banks on order. I showed a picture of an identical Sport to a friend. He called it a poor man’s Range Rover.

[@slr6133]

LMFAO I mean not wrong but damn. Lol.

[@Cityofemeralds]

Bullshit! I could easily afford a Range Rover and would rather have the Bronco. American all the way !

[@user-xv8wc4ht1l]

It does resemble, but sad that a 40k car is labeled as “poor man” though. This is the times we live in.

[@msgbaby]

Discover, Range Rover... 😂

[@Webhead787]

Would rather get a rav4 or crv better reliability and space.

[@rio_s550]

Man that Outback is hideous

[@ABXPONCE]

I have a Bronco Sport with 3800 miles on it. I wont reccomend it.

[@CMV314]

Just curios why. I'm considering buying one.

[@ABXPONCE]

@@CMV314 Just take a chance to see al videos about Bronco Sports

[@valery75402]

I’m thinking of buying one too but I’m curious why you won’t recommended…

[@oneframegames2963]

@@valery75402 I just got mine two days ago and I love it. It’s a real comfortable ride

[@1uhot426]

I have one in cactus gray n i love it, so i have no idea what u are talking about, n dont take u seriously lol

[@ien2023]

Looks like a poor man Land Rover.

[@Cityofemeralds]

You do understand that people with money don’t need to impress anybody.

[@urhiredhr421]

My main problem is the name BRONCO, doesn't really correspond with the size of the vehicle. Too much plastic trim, I'd actually be embarassed to drive it.

[@biggestthreattoyourexistence]

The original Bronco was even smaller.

[@1uhot426]

Oh i LOVE driving it lol its definitely an attention (n gold digger) getter lol Especially where i live cuz not many have one. I think i seen 1 besides mine.

[@larrydommer9109]

@@1uhot426 Considering that they're selling faster than they can make them, I haven't seen a lot of them either. Every time I do see one though my eyes are glued to it, and I can't wait to get one.

[@TopSecretVid]

outbacks are for women who play for the same team😂😂😂😂🌈🌈🌈

[@Bartholomew60]

No leg room in the back seats, way over priced, and THREE recalls already. Pass.

[@mikem4432]

That car is a fing joke. For the same money you can get a real off road capable or a better more 'posh' SUV.. its a true shit bag car package

[@georgeparker555]

Lol why are you so mad?

[@jnagime]

*Just another Ford nothing new,just like the Mustangs 6 different trim and prices on the same body interior and chassi*

[@tommymas1]

Way too long a video and you need us to watch a separate video in order to see about the interior? Too much babbling and not enough straight facts. 🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@MattMaranMotoring]

There’s plenty of short written reviews and specs sheets to look at if you don’t care about in-depth thoughts.

[@tommymas1]

@@MattMaranMotoring Well, that's a poor way of marketing yourself. Or you could take some constructive criticism, review your review and reduce the amount of time you're taping yourself driving and needlessly talking.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I’d appreciate the criticism if it wasn’t snarky. Your preference for shorter videos isn’t everyone’s preference. Some people like all the details and don’t want me to gloss over everything with a 10 minute video. I include time stamps as well so people who don’t want to watch a 30 minute video can jump straight into the stuff they care about and bail for the stuff they don’t wanna see. I do this to appeal to everyone’s preferences as best as possible, but at the end of the day, I can’t make everyone happen and it sounds like you fall into that category. Sorry about that. 🤷‍♂️

[@hellodarkness5644]

@@tommymas1 your a detractor, he's not here to jump on your command. Take your distaste elsewhere he's doing fine without you.