How different are the 2021 Ford Escape and Bronco Sport really? To choose between these small crossover SUVs, you need to know what they have in common and what they do not. Our comparison guide has the details.
Price and Size
The Escape is slightly more affordable than the Bronco Sport, with anMSRP that starts at $24,885. The Bronco Sport will cost you a little extra, depending on trim level and equipment, starting at $26,660.
The 2021 Ford Escape and Bronco Sport are built on the same chassis, so they are about the same size, with generous space for five passengers and their cargo. In terms of rear-seat legroom, the Escape offers approximately 3 extra inches compared to the Bronco Sport. The Escape also allows you to pack a slightly bigger suitcase, with up to 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The Bronco Sport offers up to 32.5 cubic feet for your stuff.
Power and Performance
The 2021 Ford Escape offers three potent engine options:
- Turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine (181 horsepower, 190 lb-ft of torque)
- 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain (200 total horsepower)
- Turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 280 lb-ft)
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport comes standard with the same 181-horsepower engine, and shoppers can choose to upgrade to the same 250-horsepower four-cylinder engine available to the Escape. However, the Bronco Sport doesn’t offer the Escape’s thrifty hybrid powertrain.
If you’ve got an especially big boat to tow, you may need the Escape. Properly equipped, the Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the Bronco Sport’s max tow ratings bottom out at 2,200 pounds.
On the other hand, the Bronco Sport comes standard with four-wheel drive: performance gear that maximizes off-road capabilities. The Escape offers optional all-wheel drive, which will help you on light trails but won’t take you quite as far into the wild.
Cabin Comfort
Both the 2021 Ford Escape and Bronco Sport treat you to generous seat cushioning and roomy accommodations for up to five passengers. Available features, like heated seats and dual-zone automatic climate control, push comfort levels even further. Top trim models offer leather upholstery and panoramic sunroofs.
Tech and Safety
When it comes to savvy tech features, the 2021 Ford Escape and Bronco Sport also have just about everything in common, though availability differs somewhat.
The Bronco Sport comes standard with the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch touch screen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration. The same infotainment setup is standard for the mid-level Escape SE model and up.
Both crossovers include the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety aids: features designed to help you avoid on-road dangers. You get Blind-Spot Monitoring, Lane-Departure Mitigation, and Forward Collision Mitigation at no extra cost.
Making the Right Choice
With its extra cargo space and rear-seat legroom, the 2021 Ford Escape appeals to families who can use the extra space. The Escape also offers an extra powertrain that is a hybrid engine that gives a swift performance with efficient cruising.
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was designed for rugged adventures. Choose this crossover SUV for standard four-wheel drive and off-road upgrades, including underbody skid plates, front tow hooks, and Trail Control: an off-road version of cruise control.