8 Top Ford Bronco Sport Competitors
The 2022 Ford Bronco is just one of the Ford Bronco Sport competitors you should consider if you’re in the market for a new mid-size SUV.
Written by Sarah Gray
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
If you’re considering a new Ford Bronco Sport for your on- and off-road adventures, you might want to take a look at some competitors first, like the legendary Jeep Cherokee, stylish Kia Sportage, or upscale new Mazda CX-50.
With its retro styling, truck-like shape, and standard all-wheel-drive (AWD), the Ford Bronco Sport is finding a place for itself on editors’ choice and top-ten lists across the board. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t without stiff competition. Especially in terms of interior quality and powertrain, the Bronco Sport falls behind many of its competitors.
To make sure you get exactly what you’re looking for in a compact SUV,
Jerry
, the trustworthy super app
that saves drivers time and money on car insurance
, has gathered the deets on 8 of the Bronco Sport’s top competitors.1. Mazda CX-50
Starting price: $28,025 to $42,775
Selling points: Power, classy cabin, fun to drive
Weak spot: Less-than-stellar warranty
The
Mazda CX-50
is an all-new model for 2023, and it was built for one purpose—to take on competitors, like the Ford Bronco Sport. The new CX-50 combines standard AWD with the athletic handling of the CX-30
and Mazda 3
with which it shares a platform, but it offers more rugged styling than you’d usually expect from a Mazda.Under the hood, drivers will find a standard 187 horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder on lower-level trims, but opting up to the top three tiers gets you a turbocharged version with 256 horsepower. A hybrid powertrain will join the lineup later in 2023. With superior fuel economy, power, and road manners, the Mazda CX-50 is a serious competitor for the Bronco Sport.
MORE:
Are Mazdas good cars?
2. Mazda CX-5
Starting price: $27,475 to $40,225
Selling points: Athletic handling and luxe styling
Weak spot: Unremarkable towing capacity and weak powertrain
The
Mazda CX-5
wraps passengers in understated style and affordable luxury. Some mild refreshes for 2022 take the CX-5’s already attractive exterior and dial it up a notch while also retuning the transmission for a smoother and more responsive drive. The CX-5 features standard AWD, with improved suspension and drive modes that make for superior handling.Base models of the CX-5 come equipped with a 187-hp 4-cylinder while
Turbo trims
receive the turbocharged, 256-hp version. Whichever engine drivers choose, it’s the handling and smooth ride, coupled with luxe interior appointments that set the CX-5 apart from its competition. If you’re looking for less “utility” and more “luxury” in your compact SUV, the CX-5 is an ideal rival to the Bronco Sport.3. Volkswagen Tiguan
Starting price: $27,785 to $38,615
Selling points: Spacious cabin, responsive handling
Weak spot: Spartan interior, not built for off-road performance
Unlike most compact SUVs, the
Volkswagen Tiguan
has a usable third row, thanks to a long wheelbase, making it the most family-friendly of the Bronco Sport’s competitors. In addition, the 2022 styling refresh provides the Tiguan with a more modern appearance to rival the Sport’s retro style. The Tiguan lags behind the competition as front-wheel-drive (FWD) is standard, though AWD is available on all models. Regardless of trim, the Tiguan features a deceptively-powerful 184-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder that offers the sporty, responsive driving experience we’ve come to expect from a
VW
.MORE: How many different SUVs does Volkswagen sell?
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers4. Kia Sportage
Starting price: $27,285 to $38,085
Selling points: Unrivaled value, smooth ride, spacious cabin
Weak spot: Sluggish engine in the base model, polarizing exterior styling
It’s tough to beat Kia when it comes to value. Following a complete overhaul for the 2023 model year, the
Sportage
features a bold modern style that you’ll either love or hate, but inside, there’s nothing to be mad about. Larger than before, it offers more cargo space and a roomier interior complemented by an unrivaled tech package with many features standard on base models.Where the Sportage lags behind its competition is in power—at least in the base engine. Drivers have the option of a 187-hp standard-combustion 4-cylinder, a 226-hp hybrid powertrain, or an even more powerful plug-in hybrid option with up to 32 miles of all-electric range. Add to this the new X-Pro trim with added off-road capabilities, and the Sportage presents some pretty tough competition for the Bronco Sport.
5. Hyundai Tucson
Starting price: $25,305 to $34,965
Selling points: Exciting turbocharged engine, upscale cabin
Weak spot: Tight cargo space, poor fuel economy
Another newly redesigned rival for the Bronco Sport is the
Hyundai Tucson
. Unlike the Sportage, the Tucson’s redesign did not result in added cargo space—but in the choice of three powertrain options. Base models get a gas-powered 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, while mid-level trims have the option of a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain.Even the base-model Tucson features a solid suite of driver-assist features and a hefty selection of tech, but buyers have to opt up for the
SEL Convenience
trim to see options like blind-spot monitoring, which comes standard on the Bronco Sport.6. Honda CR-V
Starting price: $28,045 to $36,600
Selling points: Plenty of storage space, exceptional fuel economy
Weak spot: Below-average towing capacity, noisy base engine
If you’re looking for a fun-to-drive ute, the
Honda CR-V
is no competition for the Bronco Sport, but if fuel efficiency and cargo space are your main concerns, then the CR-V is for you. While the available powertrains offer plenty of power, suspension and steering provide little in the way of responsiveness. That said, the CR-V offers a smooth ride and up to 40 mpg on hybrid powertrains.7. Subaru Outback
Starting price: $28,820 to $41,070
Selling points: Family-friendly, rugged styling, ample cargo capacity
Weak spot: Limited off-road capability, boring driving dynamics
The
Subaru Outback
is less of an SUV than a wagon, but it offers a competitive combination of family-friendly spaciousness and outdoor-oriented rugged performance for the Bronco Sport. While the Outback does offer more ground clearance than most wagons, you have to opt for the Wilderness
trim to get the go-anywhere off-road performance of the Bronco Sport.Like the Sport, the Outback offers AWD standard. Buyers have the choice between a standard 182-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder or a 260-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. Neither feature the athleticism of the Bronco Sport, but the spacious cabin and ample cargo space are a great option for families.
8. Jeep Cherokee
Starting price: $31,590 to $40,940
Selling points: Undeniable off-road chops, excellent towing capacity
Weak spot: Outdated interior styling, minimal cargo space
There’s no denying the
Jeep Cherokee
when it comes to off-road mastery. When it comes to small SUVs, the Bronco Sport is just about its only real competition. That said, the Sport falls short when it comes to power and towing capacity, so if you’re looking for something with serious grunt, the Cherokee is your jam.The Bronco beats out the Cherokee in interior comfort, space, and utility. The Cherokee’s cargo space is not only smaller than the Bronco’s but smaller than other utes in its segment. Meanwhile, the Bronco’s rear cargo space can be outfitted with a slide-out table, a 400-watt power inverter, and LED lights for overhead lighting. There’s even a built-in bottle opener in the back hatch!
When it comes to the combination of sport and utility, the Bronco Sport’s main competition is no competition at all.
MORE: Jeep Cherokee Limited V6
Ford Bronco Sport vs. the competition
Want to see it all laid out? Below is our side-by-side comparison of the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport with its fiercest competitors.
Model | Starting price range | Engine options | Maximum seating capacity | Maximum cargo volume | Maximum towing capacity | Maximum fuel economy (city/highway/combined) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$30,410 to $38,185 | Turbocharged 3- or 4-cylinder | 5 seats | 65.2 cubic ft | 2200 lb | 25/28/26 mpg | |
2023 Mazda CX-50 | $28,025 to $42,775 | 4-cylinder or turbocharged 4-cylinder | 5 seats | 85.1 cubic ft | 3500 lb | 24/30/27 mpg |
$27,475 to $40,225 | 4-cylinder or turbocharged 4-cylinder | 5 seats | 59.6 cubic ft | 2000 lb | 24/30/26 mpg | |
$27,785 to $38,615 | Turbocharged 4-cylinder | 7 seats | 65.3 cubic ft | 1500 lb | 23/30/26 mpg | |
$27,285 to $38,085 | 4-cylinder | 5 seats | 60.1 cubic ft | 2500 lb | 25/32/28 mpg | |
$25,305 to $34,965 | 4-cylinder or hybrid | 5 seats | 74.8 cubic ft | 2000 lbs | 37/36/37 mpg | |
$28,045 to $39,045 | Turbocharged 4-cylinder | 5 seats | 75.8 cubic ft | 1500 lbs | 28/34/30 mpg | |
$37,070 to $50,725 | 4-cylinder or turbocharged 4-cylinder | 5 seats | 75.7 cubic ft | 3500 lbs | 26/33/29 mpg | |
$31,590 to $40,940 | turbocharged 4-cylinder or V6 | 7 seats | 54.7 cubic ft | 2000 lbs | 22/31/25 mpg |
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