2023 Ford Bronco Sport SL — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV

2023 Ford Bronco Sport SL

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $39,078–$52,286
Fuel Economy 27 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $1,944/yr
The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport SL scores 7.6/10 at Carivo, ranking #737 of 2454 suvs and an estimated $1,944/year fuel cost.

Key Specifications — 2023 Ford Bronco Sport SL

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$39,078–$52,286

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport SL

Our scoring places the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport SL at 7.6/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Performance at 6.8/10 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. We score reliability at 7.7/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.4/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 6.8/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Tech rates a reasonable 7.5/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.

Priced from $39,078–$52,286, 27 MPG, seating 5, the Ford Bronco Sport SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.7/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Our take: The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport SL is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.

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 2023 Ford Bronco Sport SL ranks #737 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 70% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $39,078 starting price is about 8% above the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $50k →

5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2023 Ford Bronco Sport SL

Fuel (75,000 miles)~$9,720 ($1,944/year at $3.50/gal)
InsuranceVaries 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 SL Year Should You Buy?

Across the Bronco Sport SL model years we've scored, the 2023 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 7.7/10$41,494 Read review →
2024 7.7/10$40,287 Read review →
2023 (this review) 7.6/10$39,078
2022 7.6/10$37,869 Read review →
2021 7.5/10$36,660 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2023 Ford Bronco Sport SL

✓ What it does well

  • 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
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • 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
  • Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing

Common Questions — 2023 Ford Bronco Sport SL

Is the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport SL reliable?

We rate the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport SL's reliability 7.7/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.

Is the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport SL worth buying?

It scores 7.6/10 overall, ranking #737 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 70% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport SL cost?

The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport SL starts at $39,078 and ranges up to $52,286 across trims (MSRP when new). At 27 MPG, expect roughly $1,944/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Which Bronco Sport SL years should you avoid?

No standout weak years: across the 5 Bronco Sport SL model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.7/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.

Owner Essentials — Ford Bronco Sport SL

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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