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2020 Ford Escape parked in dessert sand

The Ford Escape is the Practical Version of the Bronco Sport

Wait, before you settle on the Ford Bronco Sport, why not consider the Ford Escape? Both SUVs are excellent compact options to consider. They just fill a few different niches. Are you sure the new Ford Bronco Sport is the way you want to go??  The Ford Escape vs. the Ford Bronco Sport  So here …

Wait, before you settle on the Ford Bronco Sport, why not consider the Ford Escape? Both SUVs are excellent compact options to consider. They just fill a few different niches. Are you sure the new Ford Bronco Sport is the way you want to go?? 

The Ford Escape vs. the Ford Bronco Sport 

So here is what makes deciding between a Ford Escape and the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport interesting. They are almost identical. They just have different shapes. Plus, the new Ford Bronco is the current hot trend. 

2020 Ford Escape parked in dessert sand
2020 Ford Escape | Ford

The Escape and Bronco Sport have the same platform, similar drive trains, and even the same infotainment system. The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is just boxy and more rugged-looking, while the 2020 Ford Escape has curves. In fact, the Bronco Sport has the rugged look of an older Ford Escape. 

Ford Escape and Ford Bronco price and performance 

You can get started in a 2020 Ford Escape for about $24,885, while the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport raises the price tag a little with a price of around $26,660. So, what exactly makes the Bronco Sport worth an extra $2,000? 

A yellow 2021 Ford Bronco Sport with a roof rack and bump guard travel a dirt road.
2021 Ford Bronco Sport Trail Rig. For adventurers looking to elevate their off-road trekking in a small, rugged 4×4. | Ford Motor Company

Both SUVs have a standard 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine with 181 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque, which is pretty good. But at their starting prices, the Ford Bronco Sport should have a little more power. You can also upgrade to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for 250 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. 

Plus, if you want to be fuel-efficient, you can go with the Ford Escape Hybrid. We aren’t sure if a Ford Bronco Spot Hybrid is currently in the works. EPA estimated ratings for the Bronco Sport haven’t been released, but the gasoline powered Escape gets about 28 mpg. 

According to TheCarConnection, people are interested in the Ford Bronco Sport for its off-roading capabilities, but a heavier suspension would lower the fuel economy. Plus, it doesn’t have much on the Ford Escape. 

Both the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport offer a unibody frame instead of a traditional body on frame construction for off-roading. Also, they both have all-wheel-drive available with driving modes for Normal or Sport. However, the Ford Bronco Sport also has driving modes for Eco, Slippery, Sand, and Rock Crawling. 

 Plus, both SUVs have the same strut and multi-link suspension, and the Escape has larger 19-inch wheels. But the Ford Bronco Sport does have off-road tuning for the struts and monotube rear shocks for more wheel travel. 

Ford Bronco Sport and Escape features 

The Ford Bronco Sport has a more rugged interior that’s designed to handle mud, water, and other messes. You’llYou’ll notice that the interior of the Ford Escape is a little more refined. Also, the Ford Escape is a little longer and could have more cargo room. 

blue 4-door 2021 Ford Bronco Sport parked in grass on off-roading trail
2021 Ford Bronco Sport | Ford

It’sIt’s possible that the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport could have more headroom, with its promises to fit two 27.5-inch wheel bikes on interior mounts. Plus, it has a movable cargo shelf that can be used as a makeshift workstation. 

Some fans find the 4.2-inch standard infotainment screen in the Ford Escape to be disappointing, but you can upgrade to the 8.0-inch screen that the Bronco Sport has. They both have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

2020 Ford Escape Hybrid SE
Blue Ford Escape Hybrid SE | Ford

Both SUVs also have standard automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and more. The only edge that the Ford Bronco Sport has over the Escape is that it’s a little easier to clean up and has slightly better off-roading capabilities.

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