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The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is the third model year for the SUV based on the popular Ford Bronco nameplate. The Bronco Sport is a smaller, more affordable, and more readily available version of the Ford Bronco. Where does the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport stand in small SUV rankings, and how does it compare to rivals?

The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is in a lane of its own

A yellow 2023 Ford Bronco Sport subcompact off-road SUV is driving off-road.
The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | Ford

The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport exists in a niche market, yet it’s arguably even more versatile than the Ford Bronco. The Bronco Sport is a small SUV that performs well off-road and can function as a daily driver thanks to decent fuel economy.

The Bronco Sport is in a lane of its own, and it’s tough to categorize it the same way drivers would categorize other small SUVs. The Bronco Sport is more expensive than many of its competitors, but it’s great for drivers who can’t get the larger Bronco.

The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport starts at $29,215. It uses a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine to make 181 horsepower. The small SUV comes standard with all-wheel drive. It’s more expensive than most compact SUVs, let alone subcompact SUVs. The 2023 Bronco Sport gets just 25 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway.

The popular Hyundai Kona starts at around $21,990. It achieves 30 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway. The Bronco Sport couldn’t be more different than the most popular vehicles closest to its size, like the Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul, and Mazda CX-30.

2023 Ford Bronco Sport vs. 2023 Subaru Crosstrek

A blue 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Heritage Edition is parked outside.
The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | Ford

The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport costs $5,570 more than the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek. The new Crosstrek starts at $23,645.

The Subaru Crosstrek uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to make 152 horsepower. It gets 28 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.

Both the Bronco Sport and the Crosstrek are off-road SUVs. The Ford Bronco Sport is the more powerful small SUV, but the Crosstrek is much more affordable and more fuel efficient. The 2023 Bronco Sport has 7.8 inches of ground clearance. According to Kelley Blue Book, the Crosstrek has 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Subaru’s new subcompact SUV also comes standard with all-wheel drive.

Should you buy a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport?

The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is best for drivers that want the larger Bronco model but can’t get it because of supply and demand. The Sport functions as a great Bronco alternative and a better daily driver than the larger Bronco. It also has sufficient off-road capability. If you want an affordable small SUV with off-roading capability, the Crosstrek is the more economical choice. That Bronco DNA is hard to pass up while it’s attainable.

Read more about the Bronco Sport in the next article below.

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