The Jeep Cherokee Struggles Against the Ford Bronco Sport
The Ford Bronco Sport may need to pump the brakes to make way for the Jeep Cherokee. While the Jeep Renegade doesn’t have the muscle to match the Bronco Sport, the Cherokee could be a better contender. Let’s see how the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport compares to the 2020 Jeep Cherokee.
The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport vs. the 2020 Jeep Cherokee
Both the Ford Bronco Sport and Jeep Cherokee serve as smaller siblings to iconic off-roading models, the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler. But the race to determine which smaller SUV is better is extremely close.
While the Bronco Sport starts around $26,660, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee starts around $26,310, making both options very competitive. However, the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands raises the price to $32,660, and the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk costs more at about $35,350.
But, according to The Car Connection, you get more with the Cherokee Trailhawk. It’s larger, has true 4×4 capabilities, etc. The Bronco Sport has an all-wheel drive setup on a unibody frame, but that doesn’t mean it can’t go off-roading.
Jeep Cherokee and Bronco Sport performance
The base engine for the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is a 1.5-liter three-cylinder option with 177 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. Also, the Bronco Sport can tow up to 3,500 lb.
The Jeep Cherokee has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder base engine with 180 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 2.0-liter turbo engine for 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The 3.2-liter V6 engine also provides 271 hp and 239 lb-ft of torque. With the Cherokee, you can tow up to 4,500 lb. So, the Cherokee can provide more power, and should be considered for towing heavier trailers.
While the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport only has all-wheel drive, it sits slightly taller than the Cherokee with a ground clearance of 8.8-inches compared to 8.7-inches. But the Cherokee Trailhawk has a better break-over angle, according to MotorTrend.
The Bronco Sport has a significant victory with the ability to go through streams up to 23.6-inches compared to 20-inches for the Cherokee. The Cherokee has proven its off-roading abilities, but the Bronco Sport should be able to follow it over obstacles.
Bronco Sport and Cherokee features
The Ford Bronco Sport is about 10-inches shorter than the Jeep Cherokee. The Cherokee provides a bit more leg space for backseat passengers, but the Bronco Sport has up to 65.2 cubic feet of cargo space while the Cherokee maxes out at 54.7 cubic feet. So you’ll have to choose between more passenger space or cargo room.
According to Auto Guide, the Ford Bronco Sport has an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Jeep Cherokee has an available 8.4-inch system. They can both connect to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
However, the Bronco Sport earns a major victory here again for providing more standard features like blind-spot warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. But at least each Cherokee comes with standard Hill Start Assistance.
