Bronco Sport

Make
Ford
Segment
SUV

Last month, we brought you details of the Ford Bronco Sport dealer order system, which appeared to confirm a number of details about the upcoming baby Bronco including colors, trims, packages, and upholstery options. While everything seemed legitimate, there was the potential the information was incorrect. However, thanks to the Bronco Sport Forum, an official VIN decoder document has confirmed all the details we thought were true, and a few more for good measure. You see, a lot of information is hidden in a car's VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, from when it was produced to where it was produced, and details in between such as trim, powertrain, and airbag details.

From the VIN decoder document, we're able to tell that previous information regarding the Bronco Sport's engine and drivetrain details were correct, and it will indeed inherit the two engine options from the Ford Escape with which it shares a platform. That means buyers can choose between either a 1.5-liter three-cylinder, called the Dragon, and a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder. While it's likely these engines will continue to offer 181 and 250 horsepower respectively, the VIN decoder lists these as 'TBC', so there may be an adjustment in outputs for the off-road-focused duties of the Bronco Sport. It will, however, only be available with a 4x4 drivetrain, regardless of what engine you choose.

Other details confirmed by the decoder include that the Bronco Sport will be available as a 2021 year model and that there will be five trims available: Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands, and First Edition. All models will be produced at the Hermosillo production facility in Mexico - a facility that dates back to 1986 and has previously produced cars like the Ford Escort, Ford Focus SVT, and at present, the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. The last little bits of detail alluded to in the decoder point to how safe the Bronco Sport will be, with the SUC boasting seven airbags including front side, side curtain, and a driver's knee airbag in addition to the federally mandated dual front airbags.