Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Independent review & score by Carivo
Price Range
$31,919–$38,452
Fuel Economy23 MPG
Seating5 passengers
CategorySUV
Est. Annual Fuel$2,283/yr
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport scores 7.8/10 at Carivo, ranking #428 of 2454 suvs, with 6 NHTSA recalls on record and an estimated $2,283/year fuel cost.
Scored by Carivo·Updated: September 8, 2026·How we score →
Key Specifications — 2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Seating Capacity
5 passengers
Body Style
SUV
Base Price
$31,919–$38,452
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport
With an overall Carivo score of 7.8/10, the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Performance at 7.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.9/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.0/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.2/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $31,919–$38,452, 23 MPG, seating 5, the Ford Bronco Sport sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 8.1/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this suv delivers more than most of the class. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Bottom line: Think of the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport ranks #428 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 83% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $31,919 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 12%.
$0 — 6 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Bronco Sport Year Should You Buy?
Across the Bronco Sport model years we've scored, the 2026 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
NHTSA Recalls — 2026 Ford Bronco Sport (6 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Electrical system / instrument cluster/panel 14/11/2025 · 25V788000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Bronco and Bronco Sport vehicles. The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail at startup.
Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification / Front passenger 31/03/2026 · 26V201000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles. The Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) unit may fail to correctly detect the presence of an adult or child in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles…
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Maverick and 2026 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L MPC engine and an engine block heater. The engine block heater may overheat when the vehicle is parked with the block heater plugged in.
Suspension / Front / Control arm / Lower ball joint 27/05/2026 · 26V340000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Bronco Sport and 2022-2026 Maverick vehicles. The front lower control arm ball joints may have been incorrectly installed or incorrectly repaired at the vehicle assembly plant, allowing the control…
Engine and engine cooling / Engine / Hard parts internal/mechanical 25/08/2026 · 26V548000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mustang, and Ranger vehicles. The engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in piston dome failure and lead to a loss of drive power.
Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2026 Ford Bronco Sport that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Is the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport reliable?
We rate the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport's reliability 7.9/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport have?
6 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport worth buying?
It scores 7.8/10 overall, ranking #428 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 83% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport cost?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport starts at $31,919 and ranges up to $38,452 across trims (MSRP when new). At 23 MPG, expect roughly $2,283/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Bronco Sport years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 6 Bronco Sport model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.8/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport have?
The documented issues for the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Electrical system, Air bags, Equipment, Suspension (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Ford Bronco Sport
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Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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