In a world where most SUVs stick to pavement, Ford is pushing boundaries with its 2025 Bronco Sport, now offering a Sasquatch off-road package that turns this compact rig into a serious trail beast. Picture this: tackling jagged rocks, steep hills, and muddy paths without breaking a sweat. That's exactly what happened during a hands-on test at one of Ford's Bronco Off-Roadeo training spots in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Maryville, Tennessee. These off-roading schools, spread across five states including Utah, New Hampshire, Nevada, Texas, and Tennessee, give owners a real taste of adventure. Ford describes it as a way to "immerse owners in the Bronco lifestyle and connect with the outdoors," and it's free for one day to Bronco Sport buyers—vehicles and instructors provided, though you'll handle your own travel costs.
Scott Kuzma, vehicle line marketing manager at Ford of Canada, points out how this sets Ford apart from the pack. "It helps grow the Bronco brand," he said, noting that Bronco Sport sales are up 28 per cent in Canada as of the end of August. "Six of the last eight months we’ve had best-ever months," he added, right before hitting the trails in the updated model. And it's no wonder—after a full lesson from instructors on everything from the right driving stance to boosting approach and departure angles, the Bronco Sport Badlands with Sasquatch proved it could hang with the big boys.
Image credit: Ford
This isn't just any trim; the Sasquatch package is available on the Badlands and Outer Banks models, cranking up the off-road game with a beefed-up suspension, more ground clearance, a twin-clutch rear-drive unit featuring a locking rear differential, and an expanded terrain management system. That system includes seven G.O.A.T. modes—short for Goes Over Any Type of Terrain—covering normal, eco, sport, slippery, off-road, rally, and rock crawl. Under the hood, a 250-horsepower two-liter EcoBoost engine pairs with an advanced 4x4 setup, delivering the kind of power that makes rough terrain feel manageable.
Out on the trail, rock crawl mode shone brightest. As the vehicle crept over sharp, uneven stones, the twin-clutch system jumped in whenever a wheel slipped, channeling torque to the one rear wheel with grip while the others spun free. It all happened without a hitch, keeping things moving and avoiding any stuck situations. Then there's trail control with one-pedal drive, a feature that simplifies things by letting the throttle handle both acceleration and braking. Lift off the gas, and the brakes engage automatically to slow you down—perfect for maintaining control without juggling pedals.
Descending those steep drops? Set the cruise to about three kilometers an hour, and the system takes over, easing the SUV down at a steady pace. It might feel odd at first, trusting the tech to handle it, but it frees you up to focus on steering through narrow, wooded sections without touching the brakes. On the flip side, climbing hills where all you see out the windshield is sky becomes less daunting thanks to front-facing cameras that beam views of the path ahead onto the center screen. You get a clear look at wheel placement and any hidden obstacles, making navigation a breeze.
Image credit: Ford
Switch to rally mode for faster dirt-road runs, and the setup holds gears longer for quick power bursts, tightens throttle response, and sharpens steering feel. It's all about confidence on bumpy, unpredictable surfaces. The suspension travel gets a bump too—up to 8.3 inches in the front and 8.7 in the rear, which is 0.6 inches more than the standard Badlands. Paired with massive 29-inch all-terrain tires boasting an open tread and tough sidewalls—borrowed straight from the full-size Bronco—this thing grips like a pro. A front brush guard and steel skid plates shield the undercarriage from rocks and logs, while front tow hooks and rear D-ring recovery points stand ready if things go south, though they weren't needed during hours of testing.
After pounding the trails, the Bronco Sport came out without a scratch, proving its mettle as a legit off-roader. But capability comes at a cost. The 2025 Bronco Sport Badlands kicks off at $49,295, plus $2,295 for freight and pre-delivery inspection, and tacking on the Sasquatch package adds another $4,495. That puts it in the same ballpark as the larger Ford Bronco SUV, which starts around $48,718 including freight, delivery, and employee incentives. It's pricier than rivals like the Jeep Compass Trailhawk at $42,956 with discounts included, but Ford sweetens the deal with that exclusive off-roading school—something Jeep doesn't offer to build your skills.
On the style front, the Sasquatch package amps up the tough-guy vibe with chunkier wheels, redesigned front and rear bumpers that include spots for add-ons like extra lights, and clever integrated tie-downs on the front fenders. Those tie-downs handle up to 150 pounds for securing roof gear and tuck away neatly when not in use. It's practical touches like these that make it stand out, blending form with real-world function.
Step inside, and it's clear this interior draws inspiration from the bigger Bronco—rugged and built to last, with durable materials over plush ones. No frills here, but it's got a massive 13.2-inch center touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, straightforward controls, and that iconic bucking Bronco emblem dead center on the steering wheel. It's the kind of setup that feels ready for mud and dust without needing constant cleaning.
Performance-wise, this SUV excels off the beaten path, staying planted and predictable across varied ground. It can wade through up to 23.6 inches of water and haul up to 2,700 pounds, making it versatile for weekend warriors who tow boats or trailers. On everyday drives, it handles with stability, but it's the off-road prowess that really impresses—secure footing on loose gravel, confident climbs, and smooth descents that build trust in the machine.
Tech doesn't take a backseat either. Over-the-air updates keep things fresh, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make connectivity seamless. Safety comes via Co-Pilot 360 Assist+, packing auto high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alerts, and a lane-keeping system that includes assist, alerts, and driver monitoring to keep you on track during long hauls.
For hauling stuff, the cargo area offers 824 liters of space with a high roof and low floor, simplifying loading and unloading gear. Whether it's camping equipment, tools, or hunting supplies, it swallows it all without fuss.
In the end, even if most drives stay on asphalt, there's real peace of mind knowing this compact Bronco Sport can handle whatever rough stuff comes its way—just like its larger sibling. It's a reminder that adventure isn't reserved for the biggest trucks; sometimes, the smaller ones pack the biggest punch.
Tech Specs: 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands with Sasquatch Off-Road Package
- Base Price: $49,295 (plus $2,295 destination and delivery) plus $4,495 for Sasquatch off-road package
- Engine: Two-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder
- Horsepower/Torque (lb-ft): 250/280
- Transmission/Drive: Eight-speed automatic/four-wheel drive
- Fuel Consumption (liters/100 km city/highway): 11.2/8.7
