Jeep renegade vs. ford bronco sport: which suv reigns supreme?

The compact SUV market is a fiercely contested battleground, with two titans standing head and shoulders above the rest: the Jeep Renegade and the Ford Bronco Sport. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of rugged capability, adventurous spirit, and everyday practicality. But which one is the better choice for you? To answer that question, let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison of the Jeep Renegade vs. Ford Bronco Sport.

Performance and Capability

Jeep Renegade: The Renegade boasts a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. Higher trim levels offer a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Renegade offers a choice of front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with Jeep’s Active Drive Low system and Trailhawk-specific Selec-Terrain system for enhanced off-road performance.

Ford Bronco Sport: The Bronco Sport is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive with a Terrain Management System that offers seven selectable drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand, Mud/Ruts, and Rock Crawl.

Off-Road Prowess

Jeep Renegade: The Renegade is known for its legendary off-road capabilities. The Trailhawk trim features a 1-inch lift, skid plates, rock rails, and aggressive tires. With a ground clearance of 8.7 inches and a water fording depth of 19 inches, the Renegade can tackle challenging trails with confidence.

Ford Bronco Sport: The Bronco Sport is also a formidable off-roader. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and a Terrain Management System. The Badlands trim adds a 1-inch lift, upgraded suspension, and 30-inch all-terrain tires. With a ground clearance of 8.8 inches and a water fording depth of 23.6 inches, the Bronco Sport is equally capable in rugged terrains.

Interior and Comfort

Jeep Renegade: The Renegade’s interior is spacious and comfortable, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The cabin features high-quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen.

Ford Bronco Sport: The Bronco Sport’s interior is also spacious and well-appointed. It features a rugged design with durable materials and comfortable seats. The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, with an 8-inch touchscreen as standard and a larger 12-inch screen available on higher trims.

Features and Technology

Jeep Renegade: The Renegade offers a range of features and technology, including a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. Higher trims add features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and a navigation system.

Ford Bronco Sport: The Bronco Sport comes standard with a rearview camera, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Available features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system.

Fuel Economy

Jeep Renegade: The Renegade’s fuel economy varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. The 1.3-liter engine with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway. The 2.4-liter engine with four-wheel drive returns an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway.

Ford Bronco Sport: The Bronco Sport’s fuel economy is slightly better than the Renegade. The 2.0-liter engine with all-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city/28 mpg highway.

Pricing and Value

Jeep Renegade: The Jeep Renegade has a starting price of $24,995 for the base Sport trim. The Trailhawk trim, which offers enhanced off-road capabilities, starts at $30,495.

Ford Bronco Sport: The Ford Bronco Sport has a starting price of $28,500 for the base Big Bend trim. The Badlands trim, which features upgraded off-road equipment, starts at $35,760.

Final Verdict: The Battle of the Compact SUVs

Both the Jeep Renegade and the Ford Bronco Sport are excellent choices in the compact SUV segment. The Renegade offers legendary off-road capabilities, while the Bronco Sport combines ruggedness with everyday practicality. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

If you prioritize off-road performance and heritage, the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk is the clear winner. However, if you want a more well-rounded SUV with a more modern interior and advanced technology, the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands is an excellent option.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which SUV has better off-road capabilities, the Jeep Renegade or the Ford Bronco Sport?
A: Both SUVs offer impressive off-road capabilities, but the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk has a slight edge with its lower ground clearance and more aggressive tires.

Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The Jeep Renegade and Ford Bronco Sport offer similar interior space, with ample room for both front and rear passengers.

Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy?
A: The Ford Bronco Sport has a slightly better fuel economy than the Jeep Renegade, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city/28 mpg highway for the 2.0-liter engine with all-wheel drive.

Q: Which SUV has a more affordable starting price?
A: The Jeep Renegade has a lower starting price than the Ford Bronco Sport, with a base price of $24,995 compared to $28,500.

Q: Which SUV has a more advanced infotainment system?
A: The Ford Bronco Sport has a more advanced infotainment system than the Jeep Renegade, with a larger 8-inch touchscreen as standard and a 12-inch screen available on higher trims.