Jul 8, 2026
2026 Ford Bronco Sport driving on an open highway near Kansas City and Dennis Sneed Ford in Gower, MO

Back to: 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Buyer’s Guide

One of the Bronco Sport’s biggest advantages over larger SUVs and trucks is efficiency – you get real 4×4 capability while still returning car-like fuel economy. Here is what the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is EPA-rated to deliver, how the two engines compare, and what those numbers mean for the drive from Kansas City up to Gower and back.

What is the 2026 Bronco Sport’s gas mileage?

The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport with the standard 1.5L EcoBoost engine is EPA-rated at 25 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. The Badlands, with the 2.0L EcoBoost, is rated at 21 city, 27 highway, and 23 combined. An Outer Banks equipped with the Sasquatch Package is rated at 23 city, 26 highway, and 24 combined. All versions run on regular 87-octane fuel.
25
MPG CITY
1.5L EcoBoost
30
MPG HIGHWAY
1.5L EcoBoost
27
MPG COMBINED
1.5L EcoBoost

2026 Bronco Sport MPG by engine and configuration

Configuration City Highway Combined
1.5L EcoBoost (Big Bend, Heritage, Outer Banks) 25 30 27
1.5L Outer Banks with Sasquatch Package 23 26 24
2.0L EcoBoost (Badlands) 21 27 23

The most efficient Bronco Sport is any of the standard 1.5L trims at 27 mpg combined. Stepping up to the Badlands trades some efficiency for the stronger 2.0L engine and its more advanced off-road hardware, and adding the Sasquatch off-road package to an Outer Banks lowers its ratings slightly because of the more aggressive tires and running gear.

Why is there a difference between the two engines?

The 1.5L EcoBoost is a smaller three-cylinder tuned for efficiency, making it the mileage leader. The 2.0L EcoBoost in the Badlands is a larger four-cylinder that produces more power (250 horsepower versus 180) for serious off-road use, which is why its fuel economy is lower. Both use an 8-speed automatic and standard 4×4.

For most buyers who split their time between the highway and the occasional gravel road or campsite, the 1.5L strikes the better balance. The 2.0L makes sense if you regularly head off-road or want the extra power. Our trims guide breaks down which engine comes on each trim.

Does the Bronco Sport use regular or premium fuel?

Both the 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines in the 2026 Bronco Sport are designed to run on regular 87-octane gasoline. There is no requirement for premium fuel, which helps keep running costs down compared with some rivals that recommend premium.

What does that mean for real driving?

At 27 mpg combined, a 1.5L Bronco Sport can cover a lot of ground on a tank. The roughly 30-minute drive from the Kansas City metro up US-169 to Gower, for example, is an easy, efficient trip – and the same efficiency that makes the commute cheap also makes the Bronco Sport a practical daily driver and road-trip vehicle.

Keep in mind that EPA ratings are standardized estimates. Your real-world mileage will vary with driving style, terrain, weather, cargo, and how much time you spend off-pavement. Cold Missouri winters and lots of short trips will pull numbers down; steady highway cruising will push them up.

2026 Bronco Sport fuel economy FAQ

What is the most fuel-efficient Bronco Sport?
Any 2026 Bronco Sport with the standard 1.5L EcoBoost engine – Big Bend, Heritage, or Outer Banks – is the most efficient, at 25 city / 30 highway / 27 combined mpg.
What is the Badlands’ fuel economy?
The Badlands, with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, is EPA-rated at 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined mpg. It trades some efficiency for more power and off-road capability.
Does the Bronco Sport require premium gas?
No. Both Bronco Sport engines are designed to run on regular 87-octane fuel.
How far can a Bronco Sport go on a tank?
Exact range depends on the trim and driving conditions, but at 27 mpg combined the 1.5L Bronco Sport delivers strong range for a compact SUV, making it well-suited to commuting and road trips.
Keep researching the 2026 Bronco Sport: the 2026 Bronco Sport Buyer’s Guide, the trims guide, and the colors guide.