Ford is bringing the Sasquatch off-road package to the 2025 Bronco Sport, adding a big dose of capability to the compact crossover. The optional Sasquatch package will be available for the Outbanks and Badlands trim levels, and both experienced off-roaders and novices dipping their toes in the mud will have something to look forward to, with many of the ruggedized and trail-traversing features seen on the full-size Bronco making their way to the Sport.
Full disclosure: Ford flew me out to its Bronco Off-Roadeo in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains to learn all about the new Bronco Sport Sasquatch and drive it off-road.
The off-road experience starts with the drive modes, or G.O.A.T. modes, to use Ford’s terminology. Don’t expect the Bronco Sport to start slinging footballs like Tom Brady or John Elway. In this context, the abbreviation is “Goes Over Any Type of Terrain.” For those familiar with the 2024 Bronco Sport, the “Mud and Ruts” and “Sandy” modes have been replaced with Off-Road and Rally to refine, simplify and clarify what conditions each mode is for.
Having Off-Road as a single dedicated catch-all mode for off-roading is incredibly convenient. A turn of the dial unlocks a suite of features that makes trails approachable for most drivers, most importantly Trail View. The Bronco Sport’s 13.2-inch central touchscreen is the nexus of various camera feeds, including a 360-degree view for the Bronco Sport Badlands that has width-accurate tire overlays. The display was so large that I didn’t have to take my eyes off the trail to know precisely where my tires were placed.
Rally mode is a similar dedicated setting intended for higher speeds. The throttle feels sharpened, and drivers can expect faster feedback through the steering wheel.
The Sasquatch package’s assists are much more than an extensive camera array. Trail Control is back with One-Pedal Drive, a feature that is exactly as described. The brakes will automatically engage when the accelerator is released, allowing less experienced drivers to focus on where they’re going rather than the controls. If (or when) mistakes are made, the new front brush guard, steel skid plates and steel bash plates will protect the compact SUV. More seasoned off-roaders can simply turn off the one-pedal mode.
Die-hard enthusiasts weren’t forgotten. The Bronco Sport Sasquatch features four auxiliary switches with dead-end hook-ups for rigging up light bars or any electrically powered device your imagination can conjure. There are also four recovery points, two front-mounted tow hooks and two cast D-rings on the rear bumpers. The bumpers feature mounting points for plenty of accessories.
The same EcoBoost engines will carry over from the 2024 Bronco Sport Outer Banks and Badlands models: the former gets a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-three, the latter a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four. The Sasquatch package also includes 29-inch Goodyear Territory All Terrain tires and new Bilstein rear shocks. Drivers can expect up to 8.3 inches of front suspension travel and 8.7 inches of rear suspension travel.
The standard 2025 Bronco Sport Big Bend, Outer Banks, and Badlands will hit dealers in November, while the Sasquatch package will be available in the first quarter of 2025. Pricing will be revealed closer to the on-sale dates.
