Compliments from strangers are funny things. They can come out of nowhere. Sometimes brief. Sometimes long-winded with a punchy finish.
Either way, the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks Sasquatch (we’ll just call it the Sasquatch henceforth) seemed to attract them on the daily.
They ranged from quick nods like “nice,” to “sick ride,” to full-on conversations: “I hear the EcoBoost engine is pretty good, what are your thoughts? This green Bronco sure looks good. Does it do well off-road? I need a 4x4. And what’s with the Sasquatch? It looks cool…”
The list goes on.
But amid the kind words, I started thinking: a vehicle can command attention for its stage presence yet still be a quiet, complementary force in one’s daily life. Whether it’s running mundane errands, commuting to work, or taking the trail less travelled, the Sasquatch offers a sense of sanctuary. Whether knee-deep in the noise or escaping it, this Bronco’s got your back.
For 2025, the Bronco Sport introduces its first-ever Sasquatch off-road package. What does that mean? It means you’re ready to tackle the trails with a more-than-capable SUV that begs to be found on low-traction surfaces.
At $4,995, you’re not only getting the standard 4x4 system found across the lineup, but also an upgraded twin-clutch rear-drive unit that can send torque to a single rear wheel even when the other three are struggling for grip. That precision can be the difference between powering through and getting stuck. Just save that party trick for loose surfaces — dry pavement isn’t its friend.
This works in tandem with the Sasquatch’s selectable G.O.A.T. modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain). Most of the time, the Bronco Sport runs as a front-driver for efficiency, but the moment conditions change – rain, snow or a slick trail – it’s already sending power rearward, often before you even notice. A lock mode stands ready for the truly challenging stuff.
The G.O.A.T. modes themselves are like on-demand driving personalities. Normal, Eco, Sport and Slippery cover everyday scenarios, while Off-Road is there when the pavement ends and the stories begin. In the Sasquatch, each mode can genuinely change the SUV’s behaviour, not just its dashboard graphics – throttle mapping, transmission response and traction control all adapt to suit the conditions.
On the road, the Sasquatch is more composed than you might expect for something wearing 235/65/R17 Goodyear Territory All-Terrain tires and 17-inch black-painted aluminum wheels.
Those purpose-built tires (the largest in the class, adapted from the full Bronco with an open-tread design and reinforced sidewalls) deliver solid traction without punishing ride quality. Road noise is kept in check enough to make highway drives surprisingly calm for an SUV with this much off-road hardware.
Steering is direct and engaging, and body roll when handling life’s twists and turns is well-managed given its stance. The suspension strikes a complementary balance: firm enough to keep you planted on twisty backroads, yet forgiving enough to smooth out rough pavement and trail ruts alike.
Visually, the Sasquatch package makes itself known with a brush guard, fender tie-downs, black moulded-in-colour bumpers with steel plates, and more, along with the optional $745 Sasquatch graphics. You can probably guess what that looks like!
While discreet features like underbody protection including a steel engine skid plate keep it tough. It looks the part – and unlike some SUV dress-up kits, it has the hardware to back it up.
Under the hood is a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder producing 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. It’s not a neck-snapper, but in Sport mode it feels eager enough for city merges and highway passing. Power delivery is smooth, and the eight-speed automatic shifts without fuss. Fuel economy is rated at 9.3/7.9/8.7 L/100 km (city/hwy/combined).
Inside, the cabin is clean and uncluttered, with a handful of physical buttons beneath the 13.2-inch touchscreen, which gets some extra light on it thanks to the available power moonroof ($900). The Bang & Olufsen sound system with 10 speakers and a subwoofer is a standout, easily drowning out traffic with rich, full audio. Just one of the few features from the Outer Bank Tech Package ($2,495) paired with a 360-degree camera (with trail and split view), front parking sensors, lane keeping aid, reverse brake assist, and speed sign recognition.
Over the course of my time with it - from the Lower Mainland to the Sunshine Coast, Whistler, and the Fraser Valley - the Bronco Sport Sasquatch proved itself to be both capable and charismatic. It can switch from well-mannered daily driver to weekend adventurer in moments, making it a truly complementary companion to life’s many surfaces.
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks trim has a base price of $43,195. With all optional features, plus $2,195 destination charges, the price as tested came to $55,015 before taxes.
Whether you’re hitting the streets or kicking up dirt, it’s a hoot.
