Ford Bronco vs. Jeep Cherokee Comparison Study

Engine & Performance

The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2023 Jeep Cherokee are two rugged compact SUVs designed to excel in both off-road and urban environments. That said, when it comes to engine performance and capabilities, the Ford Bronco Sport holds an edge over its rival.

The Ford Bronco Sport is available with two engine options: a standard 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine producing 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, and a more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine available in higher trims, generating 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. These engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which gives smoother gear shifts and enhances fuel efficiency.

In contrast, the Jeep Cherokee offers three engine choices: a 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 engine with 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque, a 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 engine producing 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine generating 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. While these engines offer competitive power figures, they are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, which has received criticism for its hesitant and unpredictable shifting behavior.

Additionally, the Ford Bronco Sport's standard 4x4 system, featuring a Terrain Management System with G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Modes, allows drivers to tackle various driving conditions with ease. The Jeep Cherokee also has a 4x4 system, but its Selec-Terrain Traction Management System comes with fewer driving modes compared to the Bronco Sport.

Design & Interior

Both the Ford Bronco Sport and Jeep Cherokee boast rugged and aggressive exterior designs, reflecting their off-road prowess. However, the Bronco Sport's retro-inspired styling, paying homage to the original Ford Bronco, gives it a distinctive and iconic look that sets it apart from the competition.

Inside, the Ford Bronco Sport offers a spacious and versatile cabin, designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind. The Bronco Sport features abundant headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, ensuring a comfortable ride even during long trips. The rear cargo area is also generous, providing ample space for gear and luggage.

In comparison, the Jeep Cherokee's interior, while still comfortable and well-designed, offers less overall passenger space, especially in the rear seats. Additionally, the cargo capacity of the Cherokee is smaller than that of the Bronco Sport, potentially limiting the amount of gear that can be carried during outdoor adventures.

The Bronco Sport also boasts clever storage solutions, such as the available under-seat storage in the second-row seats and the MOLLE strap system on the back of the front seats, which allows for easy organization of gear and accessories. These thoughtful features are not found in the Jeep Cherokee.

Infotainment Features

The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport comes equipped with the latest SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and available built-in navigation. The intuitive interface, responsive touchscreen, and voice command functionality make it easy for drivers to stay connected and entertained on the go.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Cherokee features the Uconnect 4 infotainment system, also with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. While the Uconnect system is user-friendly, it lacks the responsiveness and overall polish we have seen in Ford's SYNC 3 system in the Bronco Sport.

Hauling & Towing

Both the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2023 Jeep Cherokee are capable off-road vehicles with strong towing and hauling capabilities. However, when it comes to choosing between the two, the Bronco Sport is the clear winner for several reasons.

Firstly, let's take a look at the towing capacity of both vehicles. The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport can tow up to 2,200 pounds when equipped with its optional 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the 2023 Jeep Cherokee can tow up to 4,500 pounds when equipped with its optional 3.2-liter V6 engine. While the Cherokee's towing capacity may seem impressive, it is important to note that the 3.2-liter V6 engine is only available on higher-end trims, which can be more expensive. Additionally, the Bronco Sport's 2.0-liter engine is more fuel-efficient than the Cherokee's V6, which can save you money in the long run.

Next, let's take a look at the hauling capabilities of both vehicles. The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport has a maximum payload capacity of 1,000 pounds, while the 2023 Jeep Cherokee has a maximum payload capacity of 1,300 pounds. Despite a slightly lower payload capacity, the Bronco Sport more than makes up for it with a more versatile cargo area. Its cargo area has a standard flip-up rear glass and an available cargo management system with adjustable shelves and dividers. This makes it easier to store and organize your gear, whether you're hauling camping equipment, the kid's sports gear, or groceries.

Another factor to consider is the off-road capabilities of both vehicles. The Bronco Sport has a more rugged and capable design with standard 4WD and available features like a Terrain Management System with seven G.O.A.T. (Go Over Any Terrain) modes and a Trail Control system that allows you to set and maintain a low speed while off-roading. The Jeep Cherokee also has impressive off-road capabilities, but it may require more expensive optional features to match the Bronco Sport's standard equipment.

Overall, while the 2023 Jeep Cherokee may have a slightly higher towing and hauling capacity, the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport offers a more versatile cargo area, better fuel efficiency, and more advanced off-road features. If you're looking for a capable and versatile off-road vehicle that can handle both your towing and hauling needs, the Bronco Sport is the clear choice.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety features, both SUVs offer a range of technologies and amenities to help keep occupants safe. However, there are some key differences that set the Bronco Sport apart and make it the better choice for safety-conscious buyers.

First, let's look at some of the safety features that both vehicles have in common. Both the Bronco Sport and Cherokee come with a suite of driver-assist technologies that can help prevent accidents and mitigate their effects if they do occur. These features include:

• Automatic emergency braking: This system can apply the brakes if it detects an imminent collision with another vehicle, pedestrian, or obstacle in the road.
• Lane departure warning and lane keeping assist: These features can alert the driver if the vehicle is drifting out of its lane and can even steer the vehicle back into its lane if necessary.
• Adaptive cruise control: This system can maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead and adjust the speed accordingly, making highway driving less stressful and more safe.
• Blind spot monitoring: This feature can alert the driver if there is a vehicle in their blind spot, helping to prevent collisions when changing lanes or merging onto the highway.

So far, both the Bronco Sport and Cherokee are on equal footing in terms of safety features. However, there are a few areas where the Bronco Sport stands out:

1. Roll Stability Control: This is a key safety feature that is exclusive to the Bronco Sport. It can detect if the vehicle is at risk of rolling over and can apply individual brakes and reduce engine power to help prevent it from happening.
2. Trail Control: This is another exclusive feature of the Bronco Sport that can make off-road driving safer. Trail Control acts like a low-speed cruise control system, allowing the driver to focus on steering while the vehicle automatically adjusts throttle and braking to maintain a steady speed over rough terrain.
3. Ford Co-Pilot360™ Technology: This suite of driver-assist technologies includes many of the features mentioned above, but also adds a few more that the Cherokee doesn't offer. For example, the Bronco Sport comes with a rearview camera that has a washer function to keep it clean in muddy conditions, and it also has automatic high beams that can adjust the headlights based on the presence of oncoming traffic.

While both the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport and Jeep Cherokee offer a range of safety features, the Bronco Sport has some key advantages that make it the better choice for safety-conscious buyers. Its exclusive roll stability control and trail control features make it a safer choice both on and off the road, and its Ford Co-Pilot360™ Technology suite adds a few more safety features that the Cherokee doesn't offer. If safety is a top priority for you, the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is the way to go.

Pricing & Trim Levels

The starting price of the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is expected to be around $29,500, while the starting price of the 2023 Jeep Cherokee is estimated to be around $37,500. While the starting prices of these vehicles are similar, the Bronco Sport offers better value for the money.

Trim Levels

The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport is come in 6 trim levels: Base, Big Bend, Heritage, Outer Banks, Badlands, and Heritage. The Base trim comse with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, while the other trims have a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. All trims come with four-wheel drive as standard.

The 2023 Jeep Cherokee, on the other hand, offers two trim levels: Altitude Lux and Trailhawk. The Altitude Lux trim comes with a 2.4-liter engine, while the Trailhawk has a 2.0-liter engine, but four-wheel drive only comes standard on the Trailhawk.