Some SUVs wear a rugged appearance as a costume. However, some small SUVs like the Ford Bronco Sport and Subaru Crosstrek really do have the off-road qualities to back up their adventurous aesthetics. Both are equipped with all-wheel drive as standard and each has features that make them particularly suitable for off-road use.
Let’s take a closer look at the Ford Bronco Sport and Subaru Crosstrek and find the right subcompact SUV for you.
2024 Ford Bronco Sport
The Ford Bronco Sport debuted in 2021 alongside the resurrected Bronco. Dubbed the “Baby Bronco” by some, the Bronco Sport brings a more street-friendly, car-like look to the Bronco nameplate while maintaining its rugged reputation. This is one of the best off-roaders in its class, especially in Badlands trim. Pricing starts at $31,390, including destination charge.
Ford Bronco Sport highlights:
Turbo engines: The Ford Bronco Sport has two engine options, both of which are turbocharged. Its base turbo 3-cylinder engine has more power and torque than the base engine in the Crosstrek, and the turbo 4-cylinder in the Badlands trim has a powerful 250 horsepower.
Larger interior: The Bronco Sport has slightly more rear seat legroom and significantly more cargo space than the Crosstrek. The Ford has 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, while the Subaru only has 19.9 cubic feet of space.
Fun Appearance Packages: There’s no shortage of aesthetic personality on any of these SUVs, but the Heritage and Free Wheeling trim levels give the Bronco Sport a particularly unique visual flair. These are great if you want a practical SUV that will stand out in traffic.
Check out this week’s fair purchase price or view Bronco Sport models near you.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is one of the most popular options in the subcompact SUV class. It’s not hard to see why. It offers a great balance between a practical daily driver and a capable off-roader, wrapped in the quirky personality we love about Subaru. Of course, all-wheel drive is standard. Prices start at $26,540.
Subaru Crosstrek highlights:
Affordable Prices: The Subaru Crosstrek is by far the cheaper option between these two SUVs. In addition to the lower price, the Subaru also has better EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings with the larger engine option.
Wilderness stock: The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness increases off-road capability with increased ground clearance, dual-function X-Mode and all-terrain tires. It’s comparable to the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands, but at a cheaper price. It can also tow up to 3,500 pounds, exceeding the Bronco Sport’s maximum weight of 2,200 pounds.
Premium Resale Value: The Subaru Crosstrek is the reigning champion of our Best Resale Value Awards in the subcompact SUV class. This can save you a lot of money if you plan on trading up in a few years.
Check out this week’s fair purchase price or check out Crosstrek models near you.
similarities
Both SUVs come standard with all-wheel drive, which is critical for year-round traction and off-road capability. They also offer similar additions to safety and infotainment technology features.
Diploma
As is often the case, the Subaru is the more price-conscious option here. It has a lower price, better fuel economy and better resale value. However, if your budget allows, the Ford Bronco Sport is roomier and has more powerful engines and a little more visual variety. Which SUV is right for you depends on your taste and budget.
| 2024 Ford Bronco Sport | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | |
| Starting price | $31,390 | $26,540 |
| Popular powertrains | ||
| engine | 1.5 liter turbo 3 cylinder | 2.0 liter 4 cylinder |
| Horsepower | 181 hp at 6,000 rpm | 152 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 190 lb-ft at 3,000 | 145 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm |
| transmission | 8-speed automatic/all-wheel drive | CVT automatic/all-wheel drive |
| Fuel consumption | 25 city/29 highway/26 mpg combined | 27 city/34 highway/29 combined mpg |
| Also available | 2.0 liter turbo 4 cylinder | 2.5 liter 4 cylinder |
| Specifications | ||
| Basic guarantee | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Total Warranty | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
| Maximum seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| wheelbase | 105.1 inches | 105.1 inches |
| overall length | 172.7 inches | 176.4 inches |
| Width | 74.3 inches | 70.9 inches |
| Height | 71.4 inches | 63 inches |
| turning diameter | 37.4 feet | 35.4 feet |
| Front headroom | 41.5 inches | 39.8 inches |
| Headroom, rear | 41.7 inches | 38 inches |
| Front legroom | 42.4 inches | 42.9 inches |
| Rear legroom | 36.9 inches | 36.5 inches |
| Shoulder room at the front | 57.3 inches | 56.8 inches |
| Shoulder room at the back | 55.6 inches | 55.3 inches |
| Freight volume | 32.5/65.2 cubic feet | 19.9/54.7 cubic feet |