With the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport on the roads, there are a few trims that you need to be aware of before you hit the lots. These are the Big Bend and the Outer Banks. While one represents the starting point, the other SUV sits closer to the top trims, but that doesn't mean that one is inherently bad.
We'll take a look at some areas where the differences can be seen, so you can decide if the higher price is worth it.
Key Takeaways:
- Of these two trims, if you want the creature comforts, then we recommend the Outer Banks, as it comes with heated seats.
- If you're just wanting something newer and don't really care about all of the bells and whistles, then the Big Bend is a solid option as it comes with some pretty nice features, despite being an entry-level trim.
- Both trims covered offer the same drivetrain, keeping the two neutral when it comes to power and efficiency.
What's the difference between Outer Banks and Big Bend Bronco Sport?
The Outer Banks offer better comfort and better style than the Big Bend.
For the two trims, the Outer Banks is bound to be the better overall vehicle thanks to its higher price. The Outer Banks has a starting price of $36,945, while the Big Bend starts at $31,845. While the Outer Banks is $5,000 more, the features that it comes with make that feel like a steal. Below, we'll highlight some of the differences in trims, so you can easily see why the Outer Banks has a premium price.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport Features by Trim
| Features |
2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend |
2026 Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks |
| Seats |
Manual |
Powered |
| Seat trim |
Cloth |
Leather trimmed |
| Wheels |
17-inch Carbonized Gray |
18-inch machined-faced ebony wheels |
| Engine |
1.5L I3 |
1.5L I3 |
| Infotainment screen |
13.2-inch |
13.2-inch |
As seen above, the few standout areas, the two trims do differ on comfort, but for other features, it was easier to stick to one thing across all trims. Starting with the similarities, you're going to be able to enjoy the same engine, which we'll cover in depth below. You can also enjoy the same 13.2-inch screen, with this one coming with wireless phone connectivity, allowing you to get in and not have to fuss with connecting to your vehicle after the initial setup.
The real area where these two models differ is comfort. While cloth seats do help keep the price low, if you don't want that, then the Outer Banks is the next option. This is because it comes with premium trimmed seats that are both heated and powered. This helps you get into your ideal position even easier, while keeping you comfortable on long car rides.
What is special about the Bronco Sport Outer Banks?
The Outer Banks is special because it comes with better looks and comfort.
As discussed in the section above, the Outer Banks does offer more comfort, but the looks take it to another level. This new look takes the form of the Shadow Black painted roof, giving the Bronco Sport a nice two-tone look. To make the trim pop even more, you'll find that the word "Bronco" is now written in white across the grille. The mixture of black and white gives a sleek look that other trims can't replicate.
How Much Horsepower Does the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend Make?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend makes 180 horsepower.
The fact that both trims come with the same engine, it makes it easy to cover. This engine is the 1.5L I3, and it makes 180 horsepower. Being that this is the engine that is found on most trims, it is also efficient. Coming with an EPA rating of 27 MPG combined, you'll be able to pick based on features, rather than engine specs. This engine comes paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, helping keep the ride easy and smooth.
Should I get the Outer Banks or the Big Bend?
When looking at the benefits of Outer Banks over Big Bend, it all comes down to comfort. While the Big Bend does a good job at keeping the price low, the Outer Banks does a good job at keeping you comfortable. If you're someone who values creature comforts, we think that the Outer Banks is the better option of the two. But we're not here to persuade you one way or the other. If you want to see what makes each trim stand out, we can help. Come on down to Banner Ford of Monroe today!