By: Joshua Lee
January 13, 2025
The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling brings a fresh twist to the Bronco lineup, combining nostalgic design with contemporary performance and technology. This Canadian-spec variant pays homage to Ford’s vibrant “Free Wheeling” design package from the late 1970s and early 1980s. Known for its bold graphics and adventurous spirit, the Free Wheeling aesthetic captured the disco-era vibe, blending rugged utility with eye-catching flair. Courtesy of Ford Canada, this special edition rekindles that playful attitude with modern touches, making it a must-have for fans of Bronco heritage.
The Bronco Sport Free Wheeling packs a turbocharged 1.5-litre EcoBoost inline-3 engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. For those craving more oomph, the 250-hp 2.0-litre EcoBoost inline-4 is not available for this trim. The 8-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth shifts and efficient power delivery. The 2024 Bronco Sport Free Wheeling strikes a perfect balance between agility and capability. Its unibody construction and tuned suspension system provide car-like handling without sacrificing off-road prowess. The ride is composed and comfortable on highways, while its nimbleness makes urban navigation a breeze. Combined with G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) Modes, the Bronco Sport ensures confident handling in any situation and can tow up to 2,000 lbs with the optional trailer tow package.
The standout feature of this model is its unmistakable retro-inspired design. Our Cactus Grey Free Wheeling tester revives the vibrant spirit of the late ’70s with sunset-inspired graphics splashed across the body, including shades of red, orange, and yellow. These bold stripes are complemented by unique 17-inch high-gloss black wheels with red accents, giving the vehicle a distinctly vintage vibe. Complementing these styling features are the black grille with red Bronco lettering and the contrasting black roof. The Free Wheeling package also includes exclusive interior accents that echo the exterior’s retro color scheme, creating a cohesive design theme.
Step inside, and the cabin combines durable materials with soft-touch surfaces, ensuring it can handle everything from muddy boots to daily commutes. The retro-inspired seat upholstery features bold contrast stitching and the same color combination stripes as the exterior. With the Convenience Package, the Bronco Sport is equipped with a premium wrapped steering wheel, wireless charging pad, and rear parking sensors. Heated front seats are standard, though we wish a heated steering wheel had been included as well. The dash features a 4.2-inch instrument cluster and an eight-inch SYNC 3 infotainment system. Cargo capacity starts at 822 L with the optional moonroof and expands to 1,703 L with the split-folding 60/40 rear seats folded. Adding to its practicality, our Bronco Sport includes the optional cargo management system that acts as a cargo divider, cargo shelf, or table.
The Free Wheeling model includes Ford Co-Pilot360™, which bundles driver-assist technologies like pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, a blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, a lane-keeping system, and adaptive cruise control. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ adds evasive steering assist, voice-activated navigation, and enhances adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go traffic, lane centering, and speed recognition.
According to EnerGuide Canada, the 1.5L-powered Bronco Sport is rated at 9.3 L/100 km city, 8.1 L/100 km highway, and 9.0 L/100 km combined. During our weeklong test, we achieved 9.7 L/100 km.
For 2024, the Bronco Sport comes in five trim levels: Big Bend at $35,290, Heritage and Free Wheeling at $38,290, Outer Banks at $39,490, and Badlands at $42,845. With around $5,000 in options, our Bronco Sport Free Wheeling has a total MSRP of $49,310.
The Bronco Sport is a stylish compact SUV with good capability, comfort, and practicality for daily use. By reviving the Free Wheeling package, Ford has managed to tap into the nostalgia of the late ’70s while offering a thoroughly modern driving experience. For those looking to make a bold statement and relive the vibrant energy of a bygone era, the Bronco Sport Free Wheeling is the perfect companion. However, we would consider the Heritage or Outer Banks trims, as we could live without the exterior graphics.
