As a new small SUV, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport recently showed its strength, capturing a Top Safety Pick+ award — the highest accolade from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. 

The Bronco Sport underwent six rigorous crashworthiness tests — acing every one of them and earning good scores across the board. These included the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests.

But pulling in a “plus” status involves much more success. The Institute requires a vehicle must also be available with a front crash prevention system that earns advanced or superior ratings in both the vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations. 

The Bronco Sport did not disappoint. Both its standard and optional front crash prevention systems earn superior ratings in the vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations.

Finally, to earn top honors, the Institute demands that good or acceptable headlights must be standard on all models, regardless of trim level. Many vehicles fall short in the headlight evaluation. 

That was hardly the case with the Bronco Sport. It held its own with a headlight system offered on all trims that garnered a good rating. This evaluation gave the Bronco Sport the final element needed to lasso a Top Safety Pick+ award.