The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is a new introduction to the SUV segment. But is this off-road capable SUV a better pick than the 2021 Subaru Forester? Let’s find out.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport and the Subaru Forester are both capable of hitting the trails

There’s nothing quite like spending an afternoon on the trails. Especially if you find yourself behind the wheel of an off-road-ready SUV. Fortunately, both the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2021 Subaru Forester are more than capable of conquering the trails. 

The Subaru Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive and 8.7-inches of ground clearance. This year’s model is also available with Subaru’s X-Mode traction system, including hill descent control and special drive modes explicitly designed for off-roading.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, on the other hand, is standard with 4×4 capabilities, all-terrain tires, a factory lifted suspension, and shock absorbers. For added trail-ready features, upgrade to the Ford Bronco Badlands, which includes a Terrain Management System that offers up seven G.O.A.T. modes, and protective skid plates.

Outdoor enthusiasts are bound to enjoy the Ford Bronco Sport’s many exterior features

While both the 2021 Subaru Forester and the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport are ready to take on the trails, it’s the Bronco Sport that offers more attractive features, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts. Treat yourself to a Ford Bronco Sport equipped with the SUV’s available rear floodlights, cargo management system, camp table, bottle opener, and class-exclusive zipper pockets with the MOLLE strap system, and this year’s Ford Bronco Sport makes for the ideal outdoor companion.

The 2021 Subaru Forester is the more reliable option of these off-road capable SUVs

Here’s the thing, while the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport may offer some irresistible features, it’s the 2021 Subaru Forester that boasts better reliability ratings. In fact, according to Consumer Reports, this year’s Forester earned itself a four out of five predicted reliability rating. As for the new Ford Bronco Sport? It didn’t fare quite as well. Unlike the Subaru Forester, the Bronco Sport was given a two out of five predicted reliability rating by Consumer Reports. So if it’s a reliable off-road-ready SUV that you’re after? You may want to steer clear of the Bronco Sport.

Save rather than spend by choosing the 2021 Subaru Forester over the Bronco Sport

The 2021 Subaru Forester isn’t just more reliable than the Ford Bronco Sport either. It’s also cheaper. Choose the base model Forester, and it will have you spending a minimum of $24,795. Treat yourself to the range-topping Forester Touring, and you’ll find yourself dishing out about $34,895.

As for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport? It’s going to cost you. Base models start at $26,820. Opt for the Bronco Sport Firs Edition model instead, and you’ll be spending upwards of $38,500 on this year’s model. For some, that’s a pretty significant price difference.

There’s only one reason to choose the Bronco Sport over the Forester

In the end, there’s only one reason to choose the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport over the 2021 Subaru Forester. And that reason? It includes the Bronco Sport’s available features. While the Ford Bronco Sport may be more expensive than its Subaru competition, it’s hard to resist an SUV that offers features like a cargo management system, convenient camp table, and rear floodlights.