Someone searching for a Ford Escape for sale will probably also come across the Bronco Sport. These are two very similar SUVs that seem to be cut from a similar cloth. Both have great reputations for being reliable, sporty vehicles that are fantastic for urban driving as well as weekend adventures. Both are Ford models, so drivers know they’re going to get a great vehicle. This can leave folks wondering which model is best for them; even someone not shopping for a car right now might be curious about what sets these SUVs apart.
Deciding on one or the other can be tough, but there are plenty of similarities and differences between these two vehicles, so careful attention to detail is important. Both of these models have a similar starting price of just under $30k MSRP, and when looking at pre-owned models, they are close in price as well. They have a similar style and enough room to seat five passengers, but that’s just the basics. Once you take a closer look, it’s not hard to figure out what is similar between these two SUVs and what sets one apart from the other.
Performance and Power: Is There a Difference?
To start, both of these entry-level compact SUVs are pretty evenly matched in terms of standard performance. The Bronco Sport and the Escape have great reputations as long-lasting SUVs that, on average and with routine maintenance, have the potential to reach up to 200,000 miles. This is great news because no matter which one drivers pick, they know they’re getting a great model. So let’s look closer. To make the comparison easier, we’re going to compare the most recent 2023 models’ engine choices and see how they stack up in terms of power.
The 2023 Escape offers drivers four engine choices to create a wide range of options. This is great for drivers who want a specific level of performance for their vehicle. Not only does the recent Escape offer impressive gas engines but also a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid engine to help drivers get a taste of green energy and reduce their carbon emissions.
Drivers who check out the 2023 Bronco Sport will notice fewer options when it comes to engines. The current model gives you two great gas engines to pick from, with no hybrids available. Drivers who want to get into a more eco-friendly version of the Bronco Sport will have to wait until at least 2024. However, Ford has not yet confirmed what type of hybrid boost the Sport will get, so we can only wait and see.
When it comes to versatility, both the Escape and the Bronco Sport are ready for adventure, but the Bronco Sport may be a little more so. The Bronco Sport offers several available enhancements and off-road upgrades for drivers who like to get off the pavement once in a while, such as the Badlands trim and the recent Black Diamond Package. Drivers who decide to level up their Bronco Sport’s performance can expect rugged engines, improved terrain management systems, enhanced suspensions, the potential for rock crawling, and more. The Ford Escape, on the other hand, is a little bit less rugged and not as capable when it comes to rough and tumble trails. The Escape does offer selectable drive modes that range from Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Normal modes. This helps drivers adjust their vehicle’s performance to meet the demands of the road. All-wheel drive is also available to help with increased traction and control, though every Bronco Sport comes with four-wheel drive.
While the two vehicles are similar, at their core, they were created for different things. The Escape is a beautifully well-balanced vehicle that is made more for urban and suburban driving. Its affordable green choices make it easy to get into an eco-friendly vehicle at a price that won’t hurt your budget. But if your love in life is the great outdoors and you want to get off the beaten trail, then the Bronco Sport is likely a better pick. It doesn’t have hybrid options (yet), but it does offer plenty of tough trim packages and features to beef it up so that it’s ready for any adventure.
The Interior: What’s Going On Inside?
Just from looking at the two vehicles, we can see that they are similar in size since both fit in the compact SUV class, but the Bronco Sport is a bit boxier while the Escape has a more modern urban appeal. Checking out the Bronco Sport first, you’ll notice right away this vehicle was built for an active lifestyle. While its interior is streamlined with clean lines and basic materials, it’s durable and gives you plenty of flexibility to load up the gear and go when it suits you. And if sand or mud happens to get tracked in, the Bronco Sport isn’t fussy. It was designed with an easy-to-clean interior with removable mats, rubberized flooring, and stain resident materials that make clean-up fast.
The Ford Escape offers a similarly great design, but it has a bit more of an elegant appeal. It’s perfect for drivers who want an airy, relaxing cabin without the high-end price tag. The seats are supportive, and the tech is user-friendly. Flexible seating makes it easy to get the family and daily essentials loaded up and ready to go at a moment’s notice. Multiple trim options let drivers level up for increased luxury, but it remains practical and durable so that it can hold up and look great year after year.
Both models offer ample cargo space and split seating that lets them fold down seats and take advantage of the available cargo room for gear, work materials, boxes, and more. The flexibility of these compact vehicles makes them great for various needs and lifestyles. The versatility of the compact SUVs seems to be a trademark of the Blue Oval and something you’ll find throughout their SUV family. As for technology and convenience, no problem! Both are equipped with easy-to-use infotainment systems that let drivers sync up smartphones and customize their driving experience.
In the Escape, drivers can get enhanced convenience by leveling up for additional features like a larger touch screen or automatic rear liftgate, which makes loading and unloading your vehicle easy. The rotary gear shift is within reach beside USB ports, cupholders, and storage. The Escape offers drivers a modern, smooth driving experience that is perfect for commuting, family trips, and running everyday errands.
In the Bronco Sport, drivers will find convenient features and tech that are more geared toward the outdoor lifestyle. The addition of the Cargo Management System can include conveniences like a camp table that makes it easy to take a snack break, spread out your gear, or check out a map and plot your day’s adventure.
Two Great SUVs, Only One Choice for You
Either way, you look at it, it’s different strokes for different folks. Drivers who are struggling to choose between the two great compact SUVs from Ford should note that while both are eye-catching vehicles with reliable reputations, they have different things to offer. Drivers who tend to stick to the pavement and are looking for a greener option for their next ride will find the Escape more appealing. It currently offers two hybrid options, and it’s been noted that there is the possibility of a fully electric version in the future.
And if you’re looking for a rugged ride, then the Bronco Sport is ready when you are. Tough and rugged engine choices and outdoorsy trim options make the Bronco Sport capable of tackling uneven terrain, sandy trails, and rocky paths alike. The interior is easy to clean and made for adventure. It all depends on your driving habits and lifestyle. Get modern refinement without the fuss in the Ford Escape, or go a little sportier with the fun Bronco Sport. The two vehicles are cut from the same Ford cloth, simply sewn differently; so either way, drivers know they’re getting a great vehicle that will give them miles of unforgettable driving.
