The Ford Bronco and the Ford Bronco Sport have some of the best capabilities for an adventure SUV. Both are similar in a lot of ways, even sharing a nearly identical exterior style, it may be confusing to understand what differentiates these two great cars. By the end of our comparison guide, we'll help you choose a clear winner.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The Bronco Sport is the most affordable of the two SUVs.
- The Bronco is close to the size of most other midsize SUVs, while the Bronco Sport as a compact crossover takes up less space.
- The Bronco is more powerful than the Bronco Sport, while the Bronco Sport gets much better fuel economy.
HOW BIG IS THE BRONCO VS. THE BRONCO SPORT?
One of the most obvious differences between the Bronco and the Bronco Sport is their size comparison, and knowing how much space these cars are going to take up in your garage can help you make the best decision. The Bronco Sport is a compact crossover and looks almost as if it's a mini version of the Bronco or a Bronco lite. The Bronco Sport measures 172.7 inches and the Bronco comes in at 189.4 inches from bumper to bumper.
POWERTRAINS: 2023 BRONCO
Between these two engines are two different priorities. The Bronco offers more of a punch when driving with its 2.3-liter V4 turbocharged engine that gives 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. If you're going off-roading or find yourself on rugged terrain most often, then this is the SUV for you. It is built as an off-roading vehicle. The Bronco Sport, however, certainly has off-roading capabilities but prioritizes smooth everyday day drives more. The standard engine of the Bronco Sport is a 1.5-liter V3 that produces 183 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. Not nearly as powerful as the Bronco, but a good engine for this SUV meant for day-to-day use. Both vehicles have another optional powertrain that takes their horsepower to the next level. The Bronco offers a turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 with 330 hp, while the Bronco Sport offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that takes it from 183 hp to 250. With all the power the Bronco outputs, you can expect to see a stronger impact on your gas funds. The Bronco ranges from 17-21 mpg. The smaller and more fuel-efficient Bronco Sport allows for an EPA estimate of up to 26 mpg.
OFF-ROADING: BRONCO WINS AGAIN
The Bronco is the clear winner when comparing off-roading capabilities. Thanks to its better engine, torque, wheels and other features it has the advantage when taking it far off the beaten path. For starters, it has more ground clearance than the Bronco Sport. The Bronco has better approach and departure angles and options for even better off-roading tires. Its more powerful four-wheel drive system makes it a little more reliable for off-roading adventures compared to the less advanced all-wheel drive that the Bronco Sport offers. For manual transmission on Bronco models with Rock Crawl Mode, it can navigate any terrain that is littered with rocks of different sizes. The Bronco Sport is certainly fit for difficult terrain, but it's more generalized with its features when compared to the Bronco. The Bronco Sport is mainly meant for paved roads, more often than not.
WHAT OTHER FEATURES SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR?
Both of these cars come with their fair share of spectacular features. It is hard to choose between the two, so it will come down to personal preference for a lot of it. Both come with a well-equipped 8 inch infotainment system and are smartphone compatible. They also both have the potential to come fully equipped with Ford's navigational system offering everything a driver needs for assistive technology. The Bronco does have the option to upgrade its touch screen to a 12-inch however and also boasts a better screen resolution. The Bronco also offers more options with its upholstery and can upgrade its cloth to either vinyl or leather seating.
WHICH OF THESE ADVENTURE SUVS WINS?
While the Bronco Sport is a great car, especially for very new drivers, the Bronco has the win at the end of the day for all things off-road. You just can't beat its amazing off-road features, superior engine, and better options for tech features on the exterior. The Bronco is going to give drivers one of the most comfortable adventures they have ever taken.