We've been looking through used listings for Bronco Sports but have been running into vehicles that seem to vibrate at idle more than I expect. So is that just the expectation on that model?

For example, we have a '14 F150 boost that after all these years the engine is very smooth for its age and mileage. Like smoother than a 3-4 yr old Bronco Sport.

To me it feels like the engine is imbalanced or the mounts are wearing out quickly.

In comparison, we also run a '25 Subaru Forester that we just put 20k on in the last year. Still runs smooth as it should, but the '14 F150 runs comparatively smooth.

Am I just lucky with the other vehicles or am I being overly critical?

Are these Bronco Sports with the 1.5L 3 cylinder or 2.0L 4 cylinder?

I would think the 3 cylinder would be in less balance having an odd # of cylinders vs the 4. We own a Sport with the 2.0L engine and it's been pretty much problem free for 3 years and 25K miles. The AC compressor bearing went out and was replaced under warranty is only failure so far.

1.5, 3 cylinder Which I am trying to factor in the number of cylinders.

I bought one for my daughter. Noticed the vibration at idle, in gear. Read that using higher octane helps. Started running 89 and it isn't noticeable now.
We have had it about a year now, and it's been pretty flawless. I like the size, and it is easy to park and see out of. Gets great mpg.

Also got one for my daughter, it is a 2025... haven't really noticed anything, but I do believe there was a bit of a redesign for 2025s onward. It's only been a few months, but we have driven it around Texas quite a bit and are quite happy with it.

Most used ones are ex rentals that have the hell beat out of them

My sister has one. Knock on wood has been good.

My dad has one. Decided he no longer needed a full size truck at his age. It's easy to get in and out. He loves it. He's got the 4 cylinder.

Howdy, I am an OLD so gimme a break, really in 2026 there are 3 cyc vehicles, three cylinders?

Chevy introduced the first 3 cylinder car in the US in 1984. The Sprint, which is an ironic vehicle name for a car with a 49 HP engine. Made my 52 HP 1982 Audi 4000S diesel seem powerful.

Have one for my daughter as well. Had it for 3 years or so. So far so good and my daughter goes to A&M and we live in Colorado so it's made that trip a few times.

my daugher has a 2022 - it does idle rougher - the 3 cyl. The start-stop is rougher than other vehicles I have driven. I just put it into sport mode when I'm forced the drive it. I think the power is adequate but I hate the transmission shift points. Daughter loves it though.

We have a 2021 Big Bend with a 3cy 1.5L. 50,000+ miles haven't had any big issues. It was the first model year so some early recalls but no big deal. Have noticed some of the idling noise but it hasn't been bothersome. Agree with the rough auto start/stop but I turn that off every time I get in the car.

Consumer reports recommends them…..

We have a 2024 Heritage with the 3cyl. It's been perfect through 35k miles and we love it. 3cyl engines tend to idle roughly because, well, it's a 3cyl engine. I just flip it into Sport mode every time I drive it to deactivate the autostop engine feature and smooth out the idle. Higher octane also helps. I'd inspect a used Bronco Sport with the same due diligence as any used vehicle.

Mark Fairchild said:

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Howdy, I am an OLD so gimme a break, really in 2026 there are 3 cyc vehicles, three cylinders?

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GR Corolla has 3cyl and makes 300hp and almost 300ft-lb. For a little hatch, that's big. Definitely not in the same league as Bronco sports 3cyl though

Mark Fairchild said:

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Howdy, I am an OLD so gimme a break, really in 2026 there are 3 cyc vehicles, three cylinders?

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Chevrolet and Nissan also offer three cylinder turbo engines.

As an alternative, get a Kia Soul and put beefy meat tires on it.

Isn't the Bronco Sport the same chassis as the Escape?

Fannie Luddite said:

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As an alternative, get a Kia Soul and put beefy meat tires on it.

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kb2001 said:

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Isn't the Bronco Sport the same chassis as the Escape?

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It was. The escape has since been discontinued. The bronco sport lives on. My understanding is that we will be seeing a bronco sport hybrid available very soon. And it actually has a four-cylinder engine.