Bronco Sport 1.5L vs 2.0L EcoBoost
Bronco Sport engines
Bronco Sport 1.5L vs 2.0L EcoBoost
The engine choice is really a trim choice: the 2.0L only comes in the Badlands.
- 180 hp1.5L I-3
- 250 hp2.0L I-4
- 2,700 lbmax tow
Home › Ford Bronco Sport Guide › 1.5L vs 2.0L EcoBoost · Last updated October 31, 2026
Short answer: Choose the 1.5L (180 hp, 25/30 mpg) for commuting and fuel economy on Big Bend, Heritage or Outer Banks. Choose the Badlands' 2.0L (250 hp, 21/27 mpg) for passing power, a loaded roof rack or a trailer between 2,200 and 2,700 lb.
Prices are Ford MSRP before destination (2026 destination was $1,995; Ford hadn't published the 2027 figure as of October 31, 2026). 2027 figures are from Ford's order guide as reported by Motor1, AutoGuide and CarsDirect (Aug–Sep 2026) — we'll switch to Ford's published numbers once available.
Side by side
| 1.5L EcoBoost I-3 | 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Trims | Big Bend, Heritage, Outer Banks | Badlands |
| Power | 180 hp, 200 lb-ft | 250 hp, 277–280 lb-ft (Ford ratings vary by year) |
| EPA mpg (city/hwy) | 25/30 | 21/27 |
| Max towing (Class II Trailer Tow) | 2,200 lb | 2,700 lb |
| Transmission / drive | 8-speed auto, 4x4 | 8-speed auto, 4x4 |
| 2027 MSRP* from | $31,695 | $36,760 |
Source: Ford.com. 2027 ratings not yet confirmed by Ford as of October 31, 2026.
The 1.5L three-cylinder
180 hp and 200 lb-ft is plenty for daily driving and highway merges on Hwy 8 or 53, and it's the mpg winner. It's the only engine in Big Bend, Heritage and Outer Banks — including Outer Banks Sasquatch.
The 2.0L four-cylinder
70 more horsepower, noticeably stronger passing and better with four people, gear and a roof box. Towing rises to 2,700 lb — enough for a small fishing boat, ATV trailer or a pop-up camper within the rating.
Fuel cost reality
At 25/30 vs 21/27 mpg, the 1.5L uses roughly 10–15% less fuel. On a long Barron-to-Eau Claire commute that adds up; for weekend use it rarely decides the purchase.
Need more than 2,700 lb?
Look at the full-size Bronco (up to 3,500 lb) or the Explorer. Compare in Bronco Sport vs Bronco.
Back to the Ford Bronco Sport buyer's guide.
Engines, modes and fuel: the questions we get most
| 1.5L EcoBoost (Big Bend, Heritage, Outer Banks) | 2.0L EcoBoost (Badlands) | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | Turbo 3-cylinder | Turbo 4-cylinder |
| Output | 180 hp / 200 lb-ft | 250 hp / 280 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| 4x4 | Standard 4x4 (advanced 4x4 with Sasquatch Outer Banks) | Advanced 4x4, twin-clutch rear drive unit |
| EPA mpg (city/hwy/comb) | 25/30/27 (23/26/24 with Sasquatch Outer Banks) | 21/27/23 |
| Max towing | 2,200 lb with Class II Trailer Tow Package | 2,700 lb (tow package standard) |
| Ground clearance | 7.8 in | 8.1 in |
| Cargo behind 2nd row / max | 32.5 / 65.2 cu ft | 29.4 / 60.6 cu ft |
Specs from Ford.com Bronco Sport page (2026 model, checked October 31, 2026). Ford had not posted full 2027 specs; we expect carryover powertrains — confirm on the sticker.
Is the 1.5L three-cylinder smooth enough?
You'll notice a slightly different idle character than a four-cylinder; on the highway at 65–70 mph it settles down. Drive both back to back on Hwy 8 before you decide.
Premium fuel?
Not required for either engine. Regular unleaded is fine; Ford rates some EcoBoost peak figures on premium, so check your owner's manual.
G.O.A.T. Modes by engine
| Mode | 1.5L trims | Badlands 2.0L |
|---|---|---|
| Normal / Eco / Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Slippery | ✓ | ✓ |
| Off-Road | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rock Crawl | — | ✓ |
| Rally | — | ✓ |
Towing reality check
2,200 lb (1.5L with the Class II package) covers a utility trailer or two-place snowmobile trailer; 2,700 lb on Badlands covers a light aluminum fishing boat. Older 2,000-lb figures you'll see online are out of date.
Trail Control
Low-speed off-road cruise control on off-road-focused builds; confirm it on the sticker.
Bronco Sport questions
Does the 2.0L need premium fuel?
No. Regular is fine; peak ratings may assume premium, so check the owner's manual.
Which Bronco Sport has Rock Crawl mode?
Badlands. The 1.5L trims get five modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Off-Road.
Is the Bronco Sport 1.5L underpowered?
It makes 180 hp and 200 lb-ft, enough for daily driving; the Badlands' 2.0L adds 70 hp.
What mpg does a Bronco Sport get?
EPA estimates are 25/30 mpg city/highway for the 1.5L and 21/27 for the 2.0L.
Can I get the 2.0L on an Outer Banks?
No. The 2.0L is Badlands-only.
How much can the Bronco Sport tow?
2,200 lb (1.5L) or 2,700 lb (2.0L) with the Class II Trailer Tow Package.