Setting the Stage: Introducing the Contenders
Unleashing a new era of adventure and family fun, Ford presents the 2023 Bronco Sport—an SUV like no other. Tailored to satisfy both your weekday commuting needs and the thirst for weekend exploration, the Bronco Sport encapsulates the resilient spirit and enduring legacy of the Ford brand.
The Bronco Sport greets you in six magnificent trim levels—Base, Big Bend, Heritage, Outer Banks, Badlands, and Heritage Limited, each flaunting distinctive features. The Base model, serving as the entry-level option, boasts a potent 1.5L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine paired with a 8-speed automatic transmission, rearview camera, a 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a six-speaker sound system. Additionally, it includes a forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking for reinforced safety.
Stepping up to the Big Bend, enhancements include an all-wheel-drive, a 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an six-speaker sound system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, and a rear parking sensor to elevate the driving experience.
The Outer Banks trim takes it a notch further, gracing the Bronco Sport with a panoramic sunroof, a 6-speaker B&O sound system, hands-free power liftgate, and a tow hitch. The Badlands trim stands as the epitome of Ford's off-road engineering prowess, equipped with a powerful 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, a raised suspension, off-road tires, and additional off-road-oriented features.
All variants of the Bronco Sport are ripe for adventure with features like roof rack and integrated tow hooks, promising memorable outings under the open sky. Furthermore, Ford offers a plethora of accessories for personal customization, ensuring your Bronco Sport is a unique reflection of your adventurous spirit.
Featuring a spacious interior with comfortable seating for five, a comprehensive safety suite, and off-road readiness, the Bronco Sport confidently caters to the needs of families and thrill-seekers alike. The rugged exterior exudes unyielding strength, while the comfortable and stylish interior ensures a soothing ride, painting a harmonious blend of toughness and elegance.
In the other corner stands the 2023 Jeep Compass, an SUV cut for urban convenience and light outdoor escapades. It comes in various trim levels, such as Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk, and Limited, each bearing a unique character. The Compass's heart is a 2.4L four-cylinder engine delivering up to 33 miles per gallon on highways. The base model features a Uconnect® 5 with 10.1-Inch Touch Screen Display.
The Trailhawk trim serves the adventure enthusiasts with its all-wheel drive, skid plates, and raised suspension. With a rugged appeal and available in an array of colors, the Compass does offer a compelling choice for those who crave a touch of uniqueness in their urban rides.
While both the Ford Bronco Sport and the Jeep Compass bring their unique flavors to the SUV market, the Bronco Sport distinctively emphasizes Ford's unwavering commitment to safety, comfort, and adventure-ready performance. As we delve deeper into their specifics, you'll see why the Bronco Sport confidently holds its ground as an all-encompassing family SUV that doesn't shy away from a dash of adventure.
Engine Performance
When it comes to performance, both the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2023 Jeep Compass bring unique offerings to the table, each striving to satisfy different kinds of drivers. However, the Bronco Sport's engine options and overall drive dynamics make it stand out.
The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport offers two engine choices: the 1.5L EcoBoost 3-cylinder, which produces 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, and the more powerful 2.0L EcoBoost 4-cylinder, which pumps out 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, showcasing Ford’s commitment to combining power and efficiency.
The Bronco Sport is equipped to deal with most driving situations, thanks to its compact size and well-distributed power. Its 1.5L engine is highly efficient, while the 2.0L engine brings additional power for off-roading, making weekend adventures even more thrilling. Whether it's winding roads or rough terrain, the Bronco Sport handles them all with grace. Add to this its all-wheel drive system, elevated suspension, and robust towing capacity, and you get a small SUV that punches above its weight in terms of capabilities.
In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Compass also comes with two engine options: a 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir2 4-cylinder engine, yielding 177 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with an output of 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. While the 2.4L engine is suitable for general driving situations, it may feel a tad underpowered when overtaking or merging onto highways. The 2.0L turbocharged engine brings more vigor to the drive, yet, it still lags behind the Bronco Sport's 2.0L engine in terms of raw power.
The Compass's ride quality is agreeable on winding roads, offering a comfortable ride. Yet, compared to the Bronco Sport, it can feel somewhat top-heavy when cornering at higher speeds, compromising on agility. Although the Compass does offer off-road capabilities, they don't quite measure up to the Bronco Sport's prowess.
In sum, while both vehicles have their merits, the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport stands out with its potent engine choices and superior driving dynamics. Its design and features underscore its readiness for both daily commutes and adventurous outings, without sacrificing style or comfort. On the other hand, the Jeep Compass is a good option for those prioritizing style and comfort over more vigorous outdoor activities. Yet, for those seeking a small SUV that delivers both on and off the road, the Bronco Sport is a robust contender.
Inner Beauty: Peeking Inside the Cab
Upon sliding into the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport, one can't help but notice its rugged yet inviting interior. Roominess greets passengers in the front with 40.4 inches of legroom and 39.9 inches of headroom, while those in the rear enjoy an impressive 37.7 inches of legroom and 38.6 inches of headroom. Its competitors like the Jeep Compass come close but fall short on these measurements, offering 42.4 inches and 41.5 inches for front legroom and headroom, respectively, and 36.9 inches and 41.7 inches in the rear.
The interior showcased in this Ford 360 virtual tour represents the specific trim package 2023 Ford Bronco Sport OuterBanks SUV and may not accurately depict the interior of the compared model. Please refer to individual model specifications and trim options for a precise representation of each vehicle's interior features and design.
When it comes to cargo space, the Bronco Sport displays its utility with a generous 32.5 cubic feet of room behind the rear seats, which expands to an enormous 65.2 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. Families on vacation or outdoor enthusiasts with gear will find this particularly appealing. The Compass, on the other hand, offers a lesser 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet, which, while still impressive, falls short when compared to the Bronco Sport's dimensions.
As comfort is crucial for long drives or adventures, the Bronco Sport ensures a relaxing ride with comfortable, supportive seats, standard leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated front seats. The vehicle's quiet, smooth ride further contributes to the overall tranquility of the driving experience. The Compass, too, boasts a smooth ride and comfortable seating but lacks the standard heated seats found in the Bronco Sport.
Finally, for the off-road enthusiast, the Bronco Sport showcases Ford's durable, rugged unibody platform, further strengthened by features like all-wheel drive, raised suspension, and skid plates. This sturdy vehicle is also backed by a generous three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion warranty. The Compass, built on Jeep's unibody platform, shares similar features but its warranty is less accommodating, offering only a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Infotainment-wise, the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is as advanced as it is practical, with standard features such as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, contributing to a connected and entertaining ride. Notably, the Bronco Sport can be upgraded with a premium B&O sound system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless charging, elevating the driving experience.
Overall, the Bronco Sport's interior has been thoughtfully designed to combine rugged durability, comfort, and space into a package that suits a variety of lifestyles. Whether for the family that needs space for both children and cargo, the weekend warrior who needs a vehicle as adaptable as they are, or those who prioritize comfort and seamless connectivity, the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport's cabin stands out as a compelling proposition.
Shield and Sword: A Safety Standoff
There's a certain peace of mind that comes with knowing that your vehicle has your back. Let's delve into the world of safety, where the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport flexes its Ford Co-Pilot360™ muscles, pitted against the 2023 Jeep Compass and its own impressive safety features.
The Bronco Sport sets a high standard for safety in the SUV segment, a fact attested by its 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and its recognition as a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Compass matches this feat, also earning high marks from the NHTSA and IIHS. Both vehicles are committed to their drivers' safety, but let's look closer at what sets them apart.
Standard in the Bronco Sport is the Ford Co-Pilot360™ safety suite, an impressive lineup of features designed to anticipate and prevent potential hazards. Noteworthy among these are forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, and lane departure warning with lane keeping assist. In contrast, the Compass does offer a similar standard set of safety features but lacks the comprehensive coverage of Ford's Co-Pilot360™.
Looking into available features, Bronco Sport takes the lead. The SUV can be equipped with adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, traffic sign recognition, park assist, and front and rear parking sensors - a feature appreciated by those navigating tight parking lots. The Bronco Sport also offers an innovative blind spot monitoring system with cross traffic alert and trailer coverage, ideal for those who frequent camping or boating sites.
Additional advanced safety technologies for the Bronco Sport include automatic high beams with cornering and a split-view camera that provides a 180-degree view around the vehicle - handy when taking on tricky terrains. The Compass also has available features like drowsy driver detection, automatic high beams with cornering, and a surround-view camera, but lacks the evasive steering assist found in the Bronco Sport.
The bottom line is that both vehicles are designed to keep their occupants safe, and they do this remarkably well. The Bronco Sport, however, edges out the Compass with the comprehensive Ford Co-Pilot360™ suite and other additional safety features, underlining Ford's commitment to deliver a vehicle that is as adventurous as it is safe. This commitment ensures that, whether taking the family on a road trip or embarking on a solo off-road adventure, the Bronco Sport has got you covered.
Trail Titans: Testing the Off-Road Mettle
When your weekends are filled with camping trips, hiking trails, or beach excursions, your SUV needs to do more than just carry your gear—it should be as enthusiastic about off-road adventures as you are. Let's examine how the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2023 Jeep Compass, two capable SUVs, perform when taken off the beaten path.
Starting with the Bronco Sport, this SUV is built with the spirit of adventure in mind. It is no stranger to uneven terrain, thanks to its standard 4x4 system. This feature enhances traction, promising a smooth journey whether you're navigating rain-soaked roads or gravel-strewn trails. In contrast, the Jeep Compass offers a 4x4 system, but it isn't standard across all models.
To accommodate off-road enthusiasts, the Bronco Sport showcases an impressive 8.8 inches of ground clearance, ensuring the vehicle remains unscathed when tackling challenging landscapes. This edge is more apparent when compared to the Compass's respectable, yet slightly lower, 8.1 inches of ground clearance.
To tailor your drive according to the terrain, the Bronco Sport features the innovative G.O.A.T Modes™ (Goes Over Any type of Terrain). It is an intuitive system that lets you switch between various drive modes to adapt to changing conditions—be it sand, snow, or rock. On the other hand, the Compass offers its Terrain-Rated Traction Control System, which, while effective, doesn't offer the same breadth of versatility found in the Bronco Sport's G.O.A.T Modes™.
Comparably, the Compass's Trailhawk trim and the Moab Edition provide additional off-road features, though they fall short of the high standards set by the Bronco Sport's options. The Compass is indeed a Trail Rated Jeep, signaling its off-road competence, but it lacks the unique elements found in Ford's offering.
In the end, both the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2023 Jeep Compass are capable off-roaders. However, it's the Bronco Sport that comes out on top, offering a superior suite of standard and available features that outshine the Compass's offerings. Whether you're planning an outdoor family vacation or an impromptu off-road exploration, the Bronco Sport assures you that it is up for the challenge.
Bang for Your Buck: Cost & Value Dilemma
When it comes to car shopping, striking the right balance between cost and value can be a real challenge. Let's delve into the cost-value proposition of the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2023 Jeep Compass.
The Bronco Sport starts with an MSRP of $29,215, a competitive figure considering its diverse feature set. The Bronco Sport's standard offering includes a 1.5L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine paired with a 8-speed automatic transmission, a modern 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a robust six-speaker sound system, and essential safety features such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert.
Notably, the Bronco Sport offers more than just its standard equipment. Optional features extend to a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, a 8-speed automatic transmission, an impressive 10-speaker B&O sound system, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and even a tow hitch. This allows drivers to customize their Bronco Sport to meet their unique needs, be it for daily commutes, family outings, or off-road adventures.
On the other hand, the 2023 Jeep Compass, priced lower at $28,400, presents an array of standard features, which include a 2.4L naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine, a 9-speed automatic transmission, a slightly larger 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a four-speaker sound system, and the same fundamental safety features. Its available features somewhat mirror the Bronco Sports, but with a nine-speaker Alpine sound system and the same engine type.
In terms of long-term value, the Bronco Sport impresses with better fuel economy, offering 25 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway, compared to the Compass's 23 MPG city/31 MPG highway. Plus, Ford's extensive dealership network and reputation for solid build quality add to the Bronco Sport's appeal.
To sum it up, while the Compass offers a slightly lower starting price, the Ford Bronco Sport provides a more comprehensive and versatile suite of standard and optional features. Moreover, its enhanced fuel efficiency can lead to significant savings over time. Hence, the Bronco Sport offers a more compelling value proposition for the discerning buyer who seeks the best blend of performance, utility, comfort, and value for money. It's the vehicle that embodies the philosophy of paying a bit more upfront to reap more substantial benefits in the long run.
Final Face-Off: The Verdict
After a comprehensive deep-dive, it's clear that both the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2023 Jeep Compass are formidable contenders in the compact SUV market. They both bring a blend of performance, utility, and off-road capability that makes them appealing for different types of drivers. Yet, when closely examining their attributes, the Bronco Sport asserts itself with a certain gravitas that places it a notch above.
The Bronco Sport shines in terms of engine performance. It packs a more powerful punch, offering a selection between a 1.5L and a 2.0L EcoBoost engine, each balancing power and fuel efficiency elegantly. Whether on city streets or backcountry trails, the Bronco Sport delivers a driving experience that inspires confidence and enjoyment.
Stepping inside, the Bronco Sport captivates with a spacious, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed interior. From the roomy front and rear legroom to the expansive cargo space, the Bronco Sport adeptly caters to families and adventurers alike. The vehicle goes a step further by incorporating standard features such as heated front seats, presenting a more appealing cabin than its competitor.
When it comes to safety, the Bronco Sport excels with Ford's Co-Pilot360™ suite of safety features, ensuring a protective shield around its occupants. Its advanced safety technologies, like adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist, coupled with its impressive safety ratings, instill peace of mind in drivers and passengers.
Off-road enthusiasts will find the Bronco Sport's prowess and adaptability appealing. With standard 4x4 across all models, generous ground clearance, and the unique G.O.A.T Modes™ system, the Bronco Sport navigates varying terrains with dexterity. The addition of the Badlands trim and the Sasquatch Package ensures the Bronco Sport's adventurous nature.
Last but not least, the Bronco Sport presents a solid value proposition. Though its starting price is higher than the Compass, its wealth of standard and optional features, coupled with superior fuel economy, make it an investment that pays off in the long run. It's a perfect fit for the discerning buyer seeking a vehicle that offers an excellent blend of performance, comfort, safety, and value.
While the 2023 Jeep Compass holds its own in several areas, the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport emerges as the victor in this face-off. It brings together the best of Ford's design and engineering, creating a well-rounded vehicle that caters to a diverse range of needs and lifestyles. We invite you to visit us at Dorian Ford in Clinton Township, MI, to experience firsthand the exceptional qualities of the Bronco Sport. Our team of experts looks forward to helping you explore this remarkable SUV and all it has to offer.
