The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport with the Sasquatch package may seem like a silly addition at first glance. After all, if you’re looking for true off-road capability, why not just go for the regular Bronco? While that is a valid point, the Bronco Sport is becoming increasingly appealing to light off-roading enthusiasts who don’t want to sacrifice the comfort and versatility of a crossover SUV.
Ford recently allowed us to test drive a prototype of the Sasquatch package on their Tennessee Off-Roadeo property. In just 20 minutes, we were able to witness the impressive terrain-climbing abilities of the Sasquatch. This package builds upon the already capable Badlands trim level and includes a range of added features. The highlights include Bilstein rear shocks with position-sensitive damping, piggyback reservoirs, increased ground clearance, extended suspension travel, and special 29-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires. The Sasquatch also boasts enhanced protection with a front brush guard, steel bumpers, underbody skid plates, and stronger recovery points. The bumpers are modular, allowing for the addition of various accessories like light bars and dune flags.
The Outer Banks trim level also offers the Sasquatch package, along with some unique upgrades. It gains a full inch of ground clearance over the regular variant and significant improvements in approach, departure, and breakover angles. While it retains the 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, Ford has upgraded the rear differential for better off-road performance.
During our test drive, we experienced the capabilities of the Badlands with the Sasquatch package on muddy trails in southern Tennessee. The all-terrain tires provided excellent traction, allowing the Bronco Sport to maneuver through various off-road obstacles. The 8.7 inches of ground clearance proved to be more than sufficient for tackling challenging terrain. The rear dampers showcased their ability to absorb shocks without affecting the cabin’s comfort. However, we couldn’t fully assess the on-road performance or the potential downsides of the chunkier off-road tires.
The interior of the 2025 Bronco Sport receives a significant upgrade with the introduction of the new Sync 4 infotainment system and a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel. The smooth animations and quick responses make for an enjoyable user experience. The instrument panel adjusts according to the selected drive mode, enhancing the overall driving mood. The upgraded trail cameras now display at any speed while driving off-road, offering clear guidelines for the front tires. Additionally, the new one-pedal drive mode allows for easier control in slower sections, making off-roading more approachable for beginners.
While it’s challenging to draw concrete conclusions about a prototype vehicle from a short off-road drive, the Sasquatch package is already shaping up to be an enticing option. The final verdict will likely depend on how it performs on pavement since that’s where the majority of Bronco Sport owners will spend their time. However, for those who are hesitant about choosing between the regular Bronco and the Bronco Sport for their off-road adventures, the Sasquatch package could be the deciding factor. It offers enhanced capability and a stylish appearance that sets it apart from the rest. Whether or not you utilize its full potential, there’s no denying that the Sasquatch is now the coolest-looking Bronco Sport available.
