Bronco Sport, a little brother to full-size Bronco and based on the Escape SUV, is available in five different models: Big Bend, Heritage Edition, Free Wheeling (Special Edition), Outer Banks, and the Badlands. Prices range from $31,390 to $42,662. Updates for this model year include a Black Appearance Package, optional on the Big Bend series. There are two new exterior colors, Azure Gray Tinted Clearcoat, and Desert Sand, plus a premium-wrapped steering wheel on Outer Banks and Badlands.

Ford's Terrain Management System boasts multiple G.O.A.T. Modes, an acronym for Goes Over Any Terrain. It calibrates throttle response, either razor sharp or dulled, transmission shift points to stronger or lazier acceleration, and GOAT synchronizes traction/stability control and anti-lock braking.

The 181-horsepower base engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder motor. Need more power? A worthy option is the 245-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4. Both of these motors pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Be advised the bigger four-cylinder motor requires premium fuel for maximum output. But regular gas works just fine with only a modest loss of power. Good to know, the more potent I-4 features steering-wheel-mount shift paddles and upgraded cooling components, a big plus for towing. The big four, which has 64 more horsepower than the base engine, accelerates from zero to 60 mph in about eight seconds.

As for fuel efficiency, the EPA rates the I-3 Bronco Sport at an impressive 25 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, making it a wise choice for urban driving. Stepping up a rung on the proverbial mileage ladder, the more powerful I-4 drops mileage to 21 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway for a loss of 7 mpg.

The 1.5-liter engine's max tow capacity rating is a modest 2,000 pounds, while the bigger 2.0-liter turbo motor can maneuver to the campground or launch ramps with 2,200 pounds hanging from the bumper hitch. All five Bronco Sport models roll on all-wheel drive, which allows them to venture into the mud thanks to 4X4 wheely-big tires. That said, one must consider Bronco Sports' off-road capability as limited.

Sport rides a bit rough, especially the off-road-oriented Badlands. With a 245-horsepower turbo four and an enhanced all-wheel-drive system, it's perched on a one-inch lifted suspension and upgraded dampers, perfect for negotiating rugged terrain. Badlands features a goodly assortment of exclusive equipment, including a twin-clutch rear-drive unit with a differential lock. Its all-terrain tires are mounted on 17-inch wheels, and the suspension lift is 1.0 inches for taller ground clearance.

All models feature an 8-inch infotainment touch screen. Higher trim levels add navigation replete with a pinch-to-zoom function. Ford's Sync 3 software comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus upgrades to SiriusXM satellite radio and a B&O audio system. Besides touch-sensitive controls and voice commands, the infotainment interface functions with hard buttons as well as a volume and tuning knob. Bronco Sport's driver assistance technology includes standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. Standard items include standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology is a must-have option.

Cargo bay upgrades include a slide-out table/workspace, a 400-watt power inverter built into the rear gate, LED overhead lighting, and a glass hatch that opens separately from the tailgate.

Finally, the limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles, and the powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles.