The Ford Escape may have numerous powertrain options – like our tested PHEV – but don’t rule out the Bronco Sport just yet
If the Bronco Sport and Escape were in middle school, the BS – nope, that’s not a good name for it, let’s scrap the abbreviations – the Bronco Sport would be the kid still trying to figure out where they fit in, while the Escape is that kid who knew what they wanted to do or be since they could walk or talk. But enough with the metaphors. Which kidapple five-seat SUV is right for you?
2024 Ford Bronco Sport vs Escape: which is right for you?
As much as I don’t want to stereotype, or place these vehicles into categories of certain classes of people, I do think they fit the mold of very specific groups. Generally speaking, the Ford Escape is a great and simple family car, especially for a new, small-ish family looking for options. There are a bunch of different powertrain variants that include fully gas, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids, all below $50,000 before fees and taxes, but we’ll get back to pricing in a bit. The Bronco Sport, on the other hand, seems more tailored toward an adventurous type ready to hit the road in something a little boxier — no electrification available in this lineup.
There are actually quite a few differences between the two Ford models, so it’ll be important for you to really understand your needs from a vehicle and test-drive both, because you might be surprised by how much you may like the other one. For example, I thought the Ford Escape would be the easy winner for me, and while I do think the Escape would currently be my personal choice, I didn’t mind the Bronco Sport, which was a lot more compact than I imagined.
Compare the specs of the tested Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Escape
Which Ford SUV is the better value?
The Ford Escape is the better value. But that doesn’t mean it’s what you want, and that’s okay. Let’s break down the pricing structures. In the 2024 Ford Escape lineup, there are more than 10 trims, starting with the Active FWD for $33,049 plus $2,195 freight and PDI. It houses a 1.5L EcoBoost I3 delivering 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. Add a couple thousand to get the AWD variant. Bump up to the ST-Line Select AWD for $39,649 and you get the more powerful 2.0L I4 that delivers 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Keep in mind, these prices are all still well under the average new-car price in Canada, which currently hovers around $65k!
If you’re looking to save some money at the gas pumps, then an additional $1,200 will get you the ST-Line FWD with the 2.5L I4 hybrid powertrain boasting 192 hp. Trim names were certainly not a priority with the Escape lineup, because there are a bunch of other ST-Line-named trims that follow. You don’t need to jump to the top of the lineup to get into the plug-in hybrid variant, which starts at $43,999 and features the same hybrid engine with electric motors delivering 210 hp. The top trim is the ST-Line Elite AWD Hybrid that remains under $50k to start, but it’ll quickly go higher if you add options, as well as that delivery fee and taxes.
The tested Escape PHEV had a sticker price of $57,744, which is getting pretty pricey for a pretty basic car, despite it being a PHEV. However, the tester also included some extra options such as the $1,850 panoramic vista roof; and $4,900 PHEV premium package that includes a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, head-up display, and more. Note that prices may have changed throughout the year, as current 2024 pricing is different from the sticker of the tester, which was driven over the summer.
The tested 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling had a sticker price of $49,210, which includes the delivery fee as well as a bunch of options such as the $900 power moonroof, $1,250 Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, $850 trailer tow package, as well as the $1,495 Convenience Package that includes heated front seats, wireless charging, rear parking sensors, and more.
The Bronco Sport lineup for 2024 only consists of five 4WD trims, but with a very different naming system than the Escapes. The base model is the Big Bend, which starts at $38,995. It, along with the next three trims, house the same 1.5L turbocharged I3 as the Escape, but making one extra horsepower than the Escape and nine less lb-ft of torque. The top trim is the Badlands (that sounds like it came straight out of the Lion King) that starts at $46,550 but uses a 2.0 turbo I4 that makes 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
Which Ford SUV is more fuel-efficient?
If you’re looking into purchasing the hybrid Escape or PHEV, then fuel savings may be an important factor. Due to the different powertrains, as well as differences between AWD and FWD Escapes, there are a few different fuel consumption averages to consider:
- 1.5L FWD: 8.0 L/100 km combined driving, 8.9 city, 6.9 highway
- 1.5L AWD: 8.4 L/100 km combined driving, 9.2 city, 7.4 highway
- 2.0L AWD: 9.1 L/100 km combined driving, 10.2 city, 7.6 highway
- Hybrid FWD: 5.9 L/100 km combined driving, 5.6 city, 6.5 highway
- Hybrid AWD: 6.0 L/100 km combined driving, 5.6 city, 6.5 highway
- PHEV FWD: 5.9 Le/100 km combined driving, 5.6 city, 6.3 highway
The Bronco Sport’s combined average is a bit higher overall, but more in line with the non-hybridized versions of the Escape. The 1.5L Bronco Sport should average 8.9 L/100 km (9.3 city, 8.4 highway), while the Badlands will cost a few more dollars at the pumps since it averages 10.2 L/100 km (11.1 city, 9.0 highway).
How practical are these five-seaters?
Both are fairly similar in interior dimensions, though the Bronco Sport’s slightly taller stature means there’s a bit more headroom in the front and back than in the Escape. Meanwhile, front legroom is identical in both vehicles, but the Escape actually has two inches more in the rear. Note that if you’ve got taller people in the front seats, there will be a lot less legroom for those in the second row. Both SUVs have a ton of practical cargo space, but the Escape does take the trophy for most trunk space, with its 974L comparing favourably to the Bronco Sport’s 920L.
Seating is comfortable, but as mentioned, a daily carload of five passengers is pushing it with both of these. It isn’t meant to hold three arguing children and their backpacks, nor will it fit three large car seats side-by-side. One thing to note when test-driving both these vehicles is to ensure you test out fitting any large items that may be needed frequently. I found it difficult to fit a big car seat into the rear door’s opening. However, once it’s in there, hopefully you won’t need to constantly get it in and out, and you should be good to go.
Other things to note: The tested Bronco Sport couldn’t wirelessly connect to Apple Carplay or Android Auto, while the Escape did, though you can technically still use Spotify through Bluetooth, or just tune into your favourite radio station because, yes, that’s still a thing.
One thing that was truly annoying in the Bronco Sport was the noise from the turn signal; I can’t quite explain it, but truthfully, it might be a deal-breaker. I do, however, appreciate all the physical climate control buttons in the Bronco Sport and the little icons to easily display everything. On the other hand, the Escape has all the climate controls on the touchscreen, and while I appreciate them being easily accessible at the bottom of the screen, it’s not as simple as an actual button.
What competes with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport?
Final thoughts
To me, the Ford Escape is a great definition of a simple SUV. It’s available with tons of powertrain options and various optional add-ons, while also coming in below the average new-car price. The Ford Bronco Sport surprised me by its charming simplicity when it came to the interior, but I can live without the exterior paint options that draw attention while out on the road. The Escape doesn’t stand out in a crowd, but it’s not supposed to — it’s meant to be basic. I’d almost prefer the Bronco Sport’s minimal tech features with the Escape’s, well, everything else.
Both Ford SUVs are decent cars for the right consumer; both are small enough, yet also big enough. Baby Bear might call these Fords “just right,” but Mama Bear knows the Escape will have you escaping with a better deal overall.
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