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2021 Ford Bronco Sport off-roading in sand

The Ford Bronco Sport Should Pick on a Jeep its Own Size

People are comparing the Ford Bronco Sport to the Jeep Compass, and that almost feels like bullying. The Ford Bronco Sport could pick on a Jeep its own size, like the more rugged Jeep Renegade, for example. That is a much more fair comparison.  The Ford Bronco Sport vs. the Jeep Renegade  To be fair, …

People are comparing the Ford Bronco Sport to the Jeep Compass, and that almost feels like bullying. The Ford Bronco Sport could pick on a Jeep its own size, like the more rugged Jeep Renegade, for example. That is a much more fair comparison. 

The Ford Bronco Sport vs. the Jeep Renegade 

To be fair, the Jeep Compass is a good Jeep. It’s just not exactly the rugged off-roader than its brother, the Jeep Renegade is. But Motor Trend compared the two. If the Ford Bronco Sport is going to try and pick on another off-roading SUV, then it should leave the Compass alone and go after the Renegade instead. 

A 2021 Jeep Compass and 2021 Ford Bronco parked in sand near each other
2021 Jeep Compass and 2021 Ford Bronco | Motor Trend

It’s not like we are comparing the Renegade to the Ford Escape, which is the none off-roading variant of the Bronco Sport. Both the Renegade and Bronco Sport have higher ground clearance and more off-roading equipment than Escape and Compass. 

Is the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport or Jeep Renegade better? 

Both options have their strengths and weaknesses. The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport ranges in price from $26,660 to $38,160. The 2021 Jeep Renegade is a little more price-friendly and ranges from $22,830 to $29,175. Also, because the Jeep Compass has skin in the game, it runs in price from $23,915 to $30,815. 

With the Bronco Sport, the standard engine is a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. The standard Renege engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. 

You can upgrade to the 1.3-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine in the Renegade for a peppier 117 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque. However, with the Bronco Sport, you can upgrade to the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. The Compass only has the 2.4-liter engine option. 

The Bronco Sport is built on a unibody frame, which may limit suspension travel. The sport sits at 8.8-inches off the ground, and the Renegade has an 8.7-inch ground clearance. They both have similar approach angles. While the Renegade has driving modes for snow, sand, rock, ice, auto, and more, the Bronco Sport has G.O.A.T modes, meaning go over any terrain. 

This seemed biased, but Ranton Ford suggests the Bronco Sport will be more off-road capable than the Renegade when it gets the Raptor trim. What we took away, is that the Bronco Sport isn’t better than the Renegade yet. Also, the Baby Bronco Raptor hasn’t been confirmed. Plus, of course, a Ford dealership will rep Broncos instead of Jeeps. 

How are the Renegade and Bronco Sport features? 

According to Edmunds, the 2021 Jeep Renegade provides a fun and comfortable ride. It’s agile and easy to maneuver with a smooth ride. It could be faster, though. It also has a quiet and spacious interior. 

A Jeep Renegade Trailhawk drives down a dirt road
A Jeep Renegade Trailhawk driving down a dirt road | Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Car and Driver mentioned that the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport handles like a truck, which isn’t exactly what people want with a compact SUV. But the powerful engine is fun. Also, it isn’t exactly smooth on the highway. 

Both SUVs struggle with back seat space, but the Renegade seems to have more shoulder and headroom. The Bronco Sport has a little more cargo space. Both options have durable interior materials that are easy to wash. However, the Bronco Sport could feel a little nicer with its higher price.

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