2025 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2025 Ford Escape

Although the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Escape are cousins of sorts, these compact SUVs deliver very different drives. Which is better suited to your Colorado lifestyle? Our comparison guide helps you choose!

Key Takeaways

• While these small SUVs are similarly priced, the 2025 Escape may save you a few bucks!
• The Escape offers the smoothest ride, but both models provide comfy seating and luxury upgrades.
• Although these models generally offer the same tech features, the updated Bronco Sport comes standard with more of them.
• Choose the Bronco Sport for rugged off-road fun. Get the Escape for massive at-the-pump savings.

Friendly MSRPs

With its standard all-wheel drive and longer list of tech features, the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport starts at a slightly higher price, with an MSRP of $30,995*. The 2025 Escape, on the other hand, starts at $29,150*, saving you a few bucks in the long run. Of course, the final price of either SUV depends on an assortment of factors, from trim model to local taxes!

*Price as of 4/26/25.

Comfort at Any Elevation

For the smoothest commute into downtown Denver, check out the 2025 Ford Escape! Not only is this small crossover is tuned for comfort, but it also makes a point of delivering a quiet ride. The Escape even comes standard with extra creature comforts, including dual-zone automatic climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Move up the Escape’s six trim models for more interior luxury — upgrades include leather seating and a panoramic sunroof.

The Bronco Sport can feel a little stiff on the pavement, but that’s not unusual for an SUV that’s tuned to handle rugged terrain. To upgrade your Colorado adventures, the occasional bump in the road is a very fair trade-off! Inside the Bronco Sport, you’ll enjoy roomy, supportive seating. And even if this SUV doesn’t come standard with as many comfort features, it offers most items as options.

Cutting-Edge Cabins

When it comes to technology, is the Ford Escape or Bronco Sport a better SUV? Since these small crossovers are both produced by Ford, they share many of the same systems. For instance, both come standard with SYNC 4 infotainment technology and the same blind-spot warning and forward collision mitigation systems!

However, since the Bronco Sport was updated for 2025, it now comes standard with features that are optional on the Escape. For example, while every Bronco Sport trim model features the bigger, 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, the base Escape gets an 8-inch version (you’ll find the 13.2-inch screen on the Escape ST-Line Elite and up). Every Bronco Sport also includes a wireless smartphone charging pad and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster!

Performance: Rugged Capabilities vs. Thrifty Power

These Ford SUVs have a few engines in common, but they’re built for two very different drives! The Bronco Sport has major appeal for Colorado drivers who like to explore mountain trails and campgrounds. Every trim model comes standard with traction-boosting all-wheel drive to help you maintain precision on dirt roads. There’s even an extra-rugged trim model available: the Badlands. With its upgraded suspension and all-terrain tires, you can go even further into the wilderness. New for 2025, the rugged Sasquatch package adds to the Badlands and Outer Banks models with features that take off-road performance to the next level!

• Turbo 1.5L three-cylinder engine (181 hp, 190 lb-ft of torque)
• Turbo 2.0L four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 277 lb-ft) (Badlands only)
• Eight-speed automatic transmission
• All-wheel drive

Meanwhile, the 2025 Ford Escape is a little more urbane. But with available all-wheel drive and your choice of four powerful engine options, this compact crossover makes a great winter cruiser. And while the Escape isn’t built for extra-rugged adventure, it’s the best choice for commuters. After all, the Escape PHEV trim model offers a 37-mile all-electric range. In hybrid mode, it earns 40 mpg combined! For drivers who don’t want to recharge their SUV, the Escape also offers a traditional hybrid powertrain that earns 39 mpg combined (42 city/36 highway). Compared to the Bronco Sport (which earns up to 27 mpg combined (25 city/30 highway)), the Escape treats you to the biggest fuel savings!

• Active, ST-Line: turbocharged 1.5L three-cylinder engine (180 hp, 199 lb-ft)
• ST-Line Select and up: turbo 2.0L four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 280 lb-ft)
• Optional for the ST-Line and up: 2.5L hybrid powertrain (192 hp, 155 lb-ft)
• PHEV: 2.5L plug-in hybrid powertrain (210 hp, 155 lb-ft)
• Eight-speed automatic transmission
• Continuously variable transmission (with hybrid or plug-in hybrid)
• Front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive

The Best Compact Crossover SUV for You

Whether you’re shopping for the best small SUV for your trips into the mountains (the Bronco Sport) or the most efficient Denver commute (the Escape), Ford has a compact crossover for you. Ready to drive home in your new vehicle? Head to Brighton Ford to test-drive either of these small-but-sporty SUVs!