The Ford Bronco Sport is a popular choice for those seeking a compact SUV with genuine off-road capabilities. The Outer Banks trim, in particular, offers a blend of ruggedness and refinement that appeals to many buyers. As we look at the latest model year, Ford has introduced several updates to the Bronco Sport Outer Banks, setting it apart from its predecessor. 

Exterior Design Changes

2025 Model Year Updates

The new Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks receives several exterior updates that enhance its already striking appearance:

• Revised Front Fascia: The new model features a redesigned front grille and bumper, giving it a more modern and aggressive look.
• New Headlight Design: LED headlights now come standard, with a new signature lighting pattern that sets it apart from the previous model.
• Updated Wheel Options: New 18-inch wheel designs offer a more premium appearance.
• Bronco Bolts: The latest model introduces “Bronco Bolts”, which are modular, accessory-ready points on the front and rear bumpers, enhancing customization options.
• Color Options: New exterior color choices have been added to the palette for ths year.

2024 Model Carryovers

While the latest model brings fresh styling elements, it retains some key features from the previous Outer Banks:

• Black-Painted Roof: The contrasting black roof remains a signature element of the Outer Banks trim.
• LED Fog Lamps: These continue to be standard, enhancing visibility in poor weather conditions.
• Rain-Sensing Wipers: This convenient feature is carried over from the last model.

Interior Enhancements

The latest Bronco Sport Outer Banks sees significant interior upgrades, setting it apart from its counterpart:

2025 Interior Updates

• Larger Infotainment Screen: The new model boasts a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a substantial upgrade from the 8-inch screen in the older model.
• Digital Instrument Cluster: A new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster replaces the previous 6.5-inch display, offering more customization options and clearer information display.
• Enhanced SYNC System: The new model features the latest SYNC 4 system, offering improved voice recognition and over-the-air update capabilities.
• Interior Ambient Lighting: New customizable ambient lighting adds a premium touch to the cabin.
• Updated Center Console: The latest model introduces a new passenger grab handle on the center console, enhancing the interior’s rugged appeal.
• “Bring Your Own Device” Tray: This new feature includes two USB-C ports, catering to modern connectivity needs.

2024 Features Retained

• Leather-Trimmed Seats: The premium seating surfaces remain a hallmark of the Outer Banks trim.
• Heated Front Seats: This comfort feature remains standard in both model years.
• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control: The Outer Banks trim maintains this convenient climate management system.

Powertrain and Performance

2025 Model Updates

• Refined Transmission: While the new Outer Banks retains the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, the 8-speed automatic transmission has been refined for improved responsiveness and efficiency.
• New Off-Road Mode: The new model introduces a standard Off-Road GOAT (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) mode across all Bronco Sport trims, including the Outer Banks.
• Trail One-Pedal Drive: This new feature allows easier control during low-speed off-road driving.

2024 Carryover Features

• 1.5-Liter EcoBoost Engine: The Outer Banks trim continues to be powered by the 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque.
• Intelligent 4WD System: The capable four-wheel-drive system remains standard on both model years.
• Terrain Management System: The G.O.A.T. modes from the previous model are retained, with the addition of the new Off-Road mode.

Technology and Connectivity

The latest Bronco Sport Outer Banks sees significant technological advancements:

2025 Technology Upgrades

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: The new model offers wireless connectivity for these popular smartphone integration systems.
• Enhanced Voice Recognition: The new SYNC 4 system provides more accurate and responsive voice commands.
• 360-Degree Camera System: This new feature offers a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, aiding in parking and off-road maneuvers.
• Trail View Camera: Automatically activates in Off-Road mode, providing a clear view of the terrain ahead.

2024 Features Maintained

• B&O Sound System: The premium 10-speaker audio system continues to be a highlight of the Outer Banks trim.
• Wireless Charging Pad: This convenient feature remains.
• FordPass Connect: The 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability remains standard.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Both model years prioritize safety, but the latest Bronco Sport Outer Banks introduces some new features:

2025 Safety Enhancements

• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0: This updated suite of driver assistance features is now available on the Outer Banks trim.
• Enhanced Active Park Assist: An improved version of this system is now available, making parking easier than ever.
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go: This advanced feature is now standard on the Outer Banks trim.

2024 Safety Features Carried Over

• Ford Co-Pilot360: The base suite of driver assistance features remains standard.
• Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert: This important safety feature continues to be standard.
• Lane-Keeping System: This helpful feature is retained in the new model.

Off-Road Capabilities

While the Outer Banks trim is not the most off-road-focused in the Bronco Sport lineup, it still offers impressive capabilities:

2025 Off-Road Enhancements

• Sasquatch Package Availability: For the first time, the Outer Banks trim can be equipped with the highly capable Sasquatch package, which includes:
  • Twin-clutch rear-drive unit with locking rear differential
  • 29-inch Goodyear Territory All-Terrain tires
  • Increased ride height and suspension travel
  • Bilstein rear shocks
  • Front brush guard and steel skid plates
• Rally GOAT Mode: This new driving mode optimizes the vehicle for rally-style driving on loose surfaces.

2024 Off-Road Features Retained

• Terrain Management System: The existing G.O.A.T. modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand) are carried over.
• Standard 4×4 System: The capable four-wheel-drive system remains a key feature of the Outer Banks trim.

Comfort and Convenience

Both model years of the Bronco Sport Outer Banks offer a range of comfort and convenience features, with some notable additions in the latest model:

2025 Comfort Upgrades

• Improved Climate Control Interface: The new touchscreen includes an easy-to-use climate control interface.
• Enhanced Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) Control: Ford has made improvements to reduce cabin noise and vibrations.
• Updated Seating Materials: While still leather-trimmed, the seats feature new, more durable materials.

2024 Features Maintained

• Remote Start System: This convenient feature continues to be standard.
• Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror: This helpful feature is retained.
• Leather-Wrapped, Heated Steering Wheel: This premium touch remains standard on the Outer Banks trim.

Cargo and Storage

The Bronco Sport is known for its practical storage solutions, and both model years offer similar capabilities:

Shared Features

• Flip-Up Rear Glass: This convenient feature allows easy access to the cargo area.
• Configurable Cargo Management System: Both years offer versatile cargo organization options.
• Roof Rack Side Rails: These continue to be standard, allowing for additional cargo carrying capacity.

2025 Storage Enhancement

• MOLLE Strap System: The latest model introduces this modular storage system to the seatbacks, enhancing interior organization options.

Customization and Accessories

The new Bronco Sport Outer Banks offers expanded customization options:

2025 Customization Enhancements

• Bronco Bolts: These new attachment points allow for easier installation of various accessories.
• Expanded Accessory Lineup: Ford has introduced new official accessories designed specifically for the new model.

2024 Customization Options Retained

• Ford Accessories: The wide range of Ford-approved accessories continues to be available.
• Personalization Packages: Various appearance and functionality packages remain on offer.

Ford Bronco Sport: A Great Off-Road SUV

The new Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks represents a significant evolution from its predecessor. While retaining the core DNA that has made the Bronco Sport so popular, the latest model introduces substantial technological upgrades, off-road capability, and overall refinement. The larger infotainment screen, digital instrument cluster, and availability of the Sasquatch package are standout features that set the new model apart.

However, it’s important to note that the previous Outer Banks is still a highly capable and well-equipped SUV. Many of its core features and capabilities remain unchanged. The decision between the two model years will likely come down to how much value individual buyers place on the new technology and off-road enhancements offered in the latest version.

Ultimately, both Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks trims offer a compelling blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability, with the newer model pushing the envelope further in terms of technology and customization options.