2023 Ford Bronco Sport Shines in J.D. Power APEAL Study

Photo Source: Ford

The Ford Bronco Sport is one of the latest SUVs to join the American automaker’s lineup, and even though it bears the Bronco name, it is quite different from the standard Bronco. Despite that, car shoppers appear to favor the Bronco Sport, as it is selling well, and owners are satisfied with a number of aspects of the SUV. As a matter of fact, the Ford Bronco Sport ranked as one of the top small SUVs/crossovers in the recently-released 2023 J.D. Power APEAL Study. The vehicle tied with the Chevrolet Trailblazer for second place in the small SUV segment, ranking behind the Mini Countryman.

Discoveries Made by the 2023 J.D. Power APEAL Study

Every year, J.D. Power sends out a survey to thousands of verified owners. Specifically, in the 2023 model year, the study received 84,555 replies from car owners. The results derived from that survey encompass what the APEAL study is about. It is worth noting that owners are only eligible for the study if they have owned their car for at least 90 days. The study asks owners about themselves, and it also asks them to rate how their automobiles performed in ten categories. That is undoubtedly the crux of the study.

For example, in terms of the Bronco Sport, the study found that 50 percent of the people who purchased a brand-new Bronco Sport were men. Interestingly, that is actually a higher percentage of men than the segment average since only 42 percent of new small SUV buyers were men. That said, the median age of someone who bought a new Bronco Sport is approximately the same as the segment average. The median age for the Bronco Sport was 55, while the class average was 54. 

Areas Most Loved About the Bronco Sport

As far as rating the ten categories, owners held the highest esteem for the exterior styling of the Ford Bronco Sport. This is unsurprising, considering the Bronco Sport was intentionally designed to possess a unique aesthetic compared to most other SUVs. Just like its larger sibling, it has a retro-inspired look with a ‘90s feel to it. 

Its square, truck-like shape makes a convincing appeal to drivers who want authentic capability in their small crossover and want it to look the part. Indeed, the Bronco Sport is a tiny crossover that is geared as much to practical small family motoring as it is to off-road adventure, and it is quite capable of both. In addition, the Blue Oval provides plenty of customization options, and that helps make the car’s exterior styling even more prominent.

A Smooth Ride

Another element owners enjoyed about their Bronco Sport SUVs was its driving feel. This area might be better experienced than described, but its engine can accelerate up to 250 ponies, offering an energetic feeling of power. Of note, sharp steering and ride comfort impress, while excessive wind noise and body roll do not. Since the crossover is supposed to go off-road, the manufacturer tuned the springs for more wheel travel, which brings a softer response when pushed harder on the road.

Safety Features

Security was a crucial component that drivers loved about the SUV. After all, the 2023 Bronco Sport is a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and received five stars overall by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Co-Pilot 360 comes standard, integrating driver assistance technology such as forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist.

Troubling Trend Bronco Sport Sidestepped

While the Ford Bronco Sport did exceedingly well in the 2023 J.D. Power APEAL Study, there is a worrisome pattern in the automotive industry that must not be overlooked. The 2023 edition marks the first consecutive year-over-year decline in owner satisfaction in the study’s 28-year history. Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power, elaborated on the matter: “This downward trajectory of satisfaction should be a warning sign to manufacturers that they need to better understand what owners really want in their new vehicles.”

Ford seems to have a solid grip on what owners want, as evidenced by the 2023 Bronco Sport. If the SUV strikes you as an attractive option, please visit Sunrise Ford, where you can participate in the brand’s continuing legacy. Our enthusiastic sales team can make your buying, leasing, or selling needs simple for any of our new vehicle inventory.