Cheapest Ford SUVs Compared: Escape Vs. Bronco Sport

Although impressively equipped full-size pickup trucks and SUVs are immensely appealing, and great for lusting after, the fact of the matter is, many motorists in the United States simply cannot afford or justify such a purchase. No, instead, many of us aren’t seeking out huge power and a smattering of luxurious appointments – what we actually want is value. In an effort to find what sort of value is on offer from the blue oval brand, we take a look at the cheapest Ford SUVs on sale right now, in their base trims.

Both are available for just below $30,000, but could not be more different in their approach and appeal. Read on to discover which we prefer and why.

Related

How The Ford Bronco Sport Sasquatch Compares To An Entry-Level Big-Boy Bronco

The big versus little Bronco debate just got hotter.

Design: These Cheap Fords Follow Very Different Approaches

In many ways, the Ford Escape and Ford Bronco Sport are very similar to one another. Both are compact crossover-SUVs which pitch themselves at the same price point, and most obviously, both proudly sport the blue oval badge. However, both could not boast more different designs if they tried to – the Bronco Sport has a retro-futuristic design, which is rugged, bulky, and clearly geared towards light off-roading.

The Escape, on the other hand, is much more in keeping with the rest of the Ford range. The sharp front fascia, bright alloy wheels, and sleek silhouette suit an urban environment much better than the squared-off Bronco Sport, and the same design language continues inside, too.

These opposing approaches provide both of these cheap Ford cars with very different personalities. Design is very much a subjective matter, so to argue that one is better than the other would be superfluous. However, the higher ride height, roof bars, and bulky bumpers affixed to the Bronco Sport do at least offer some benefits to adventurous customers.

• 

  2024 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend 4×4

  MSRP

  $29,795

  Drivetrain

  Four-Wheel Drive

  Transmission

  8-Speed Automatic

  Horsepower

  181 hp

  Torque

  190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

  Maximum Towing Capacity

  2,000 lbs

  Expand

• 

  2025 Ford Escape Active FWD
  

  MSRP

  $29,150

  Drivetrain

  Front-Wheel Drive

  Transmission

  8-speed automatic

  Horsepower

  180 HP @6000 RPM

  Torque

  199 lb.-ft. @ 3000 RPM

  Maximum Towing Capacity

  2,000 lbs.

  Expand

Powertrains And Performance: Ford’s Small SUVs Share Much In Common Under The Hood

Whether you opt for the Bronco Sport or the Escape, diving under the hood will reveal a turbocharged inline-three, with a capacity of just 1.5 liters. The outputs do differ from one model to the next; the Escape boasts a 9 lb-ft of torque advantage, while lacking just a single horsepower in comparison to the other cheapest Ford SUV. It’s worth mentioning, though, that the Escape Active only weighs 3,273 lbs, to the Bronco Sport Big Bend’s 3,467 lbs – so even without that all-important extra horse, the Escape likely feels much lighter on its feet. This is further backed up by the Escape’s half-second advantage in the 0 to 60 mph sprint.

However, the Bronco Sport isn’t just hefty for heft’s sake – it sports a proper four-wheel-drive system, dubbed the G.O.A.T system. G.O.A.T, in this application, stands for Goes Over Any Terrain. The extra capability on hand for those with an appetite for adventure, or for those who simply appreciate the additional sure-footedness of a 4×4, seems like a great addition to the Bronco Sport – even if it does mean performance is slightly on the slower side. Neither of these cheap Fords are built in the name of speed, but ultimately, both pack enough performance for everyday life.

In terms of efficiency, the lighter Escape with standard FWD returns 27/34/30 mpg city/highway/combined, whereas the Bronco Sport manages 25/30/27 mpg, so that’s a clear advantage for the Escape.

Related

What Happens Once Ford Cans Its Only Plug-In Hybrid?

Ford is set to ditch its only remaining PHEV in the US, but it needs to come up with a backup plan quickly rather than focus solely on EVs.

Interior: Bulky And Basic Or Sharp And Sleek?

Ford Escape: Interior Highlights

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• SYNC 4 with 8.0-inch touchscreen
• Cargo capacity of 37.5 – 65.4 cubic feet

Ford Bronco Sport: Interior Highlights

• Rubberized cargo floor
• Model-specific front cloth bucket seats
• Cargo capacity of 32.5 – 65.2 cubic feet

Both of these cheap Ford cars boast the largely expected music compatibility apps Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which can be accessed in each model via a touchscreen. Both models run the latest Sync 4 software from Ford, but whereas the cheapest Escape only has an eight-inch touchscreen, the Bronco Sport gets a much bigger 13.2-inch touchscreen.

The Bronco’s interior has some other tricks, too. In keeping with the rugged nature of this cheap Ford, a rubberized cargo floor is equipped as standard to the Big Bend – ideal for throwing in dirty boots, dusty bikes, or muddy pups – without having to stress over wrecking the carpets. Up front, it’s a given that these cost-conscious trims will sport cloth trim instead of vinyl or leather. The Escape’s dashboard design is sleek, and brightened up by bright trim pieces, whereas the Bronco Sport’s approach echoes the rest of the car’s rather bulky design language. Furthermore, the Bronco Sport’s driver’s seat has more adjustability.

1:17

Related

Video: Ford Escape Somehow Gets Even Cheaper For 2025

The Escape is said to be not long for this world, so act fast.

Summary: The Bronco Sport’s Extra Capabilities And Memorable Design Arguably Give It The Edge

As we’ve established, there isn’t much to separate these cars – especially not in terms of practicality or performance. Both of these cheap Fords can seat five, they boast very similar cargo capacities – both with the seats dropped and in place – and both take motivation from a similarly-enthusiastic 1.5-liter EcoBoost inline-three.

While the Escape may be more comfortable for purely on-road use, the Bronco Sport doesn’t actually lack in terms of creature comforts, and still offers a respectable amount of gadgets and gizmos, even in base-model guise. However, the Bronco Sport does come equipped with a capable 4×4 system as standard, and even for those who don’t power through sand dunes and across trails on the weekend, the added traction and capability of a 4×4 system in poor weather is always an added bonus. It is worth noting at this point, that the Escape can be purchased with all-wheel drive, but this does carry a $1,400 premium over the base FWD drivetrain.

Furthermore, the Bronco Sport’s unique styling helps it to stand out among key rivals in an otherwise fairly bland corner of the market, whereas the Escape’s safe styling could easily be seen as missing character. Regardless, both are clearly great value for money, and tempting options in this fiercely competitive segment.

Sources: Ford