Head-to-head comparison: jeep cherokee vs bronco sport – off-road capability unveiled!

The battle between off-road titans is heating up as two iconic names, Jeep Cherokee and Ford Bronco Sport, face off in a fierce competition for adventure enthusiasts. Both vehicles boast a rich heritage of ruggedness and capability, but which one emerges as the ultimate king of the wilderness? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison of Jeep Cherokee vs. Bronco Sport to determine the undisputed champion.

Performance and Capability

Engine Options:

• Jeep Cherokee: 2.4L Tigershark I-4 (180 hp), 3.2L Pentastar V6 (271 hp), 2.0L turbocharged I-4 (270 hp)
• Ford Bronco Sport: 1.5L EcoBoost I-3 (181 hp), 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 (250 hp)

The Jeep Cherokee offers a wider range of engine options, including a powerful V6 and a turbocharged I-4, providing greater flexibility for different driving needs.

4×4 Systems:

• Jeep Cherokee: Jeep Active Drive I, Active Drive II, Active Drive Lock
• Ford Bronco Sport: Intelligent 4WD with Twin-Clutch Rear Drive Unit, Trail Control with Rock Crawl Mode

Both vehicles feature advanced 4×4 systems, but the Jeep Cherokee‘s Active Drive Lock provides the most impressive off-road performance, allowing for full-time 4WD with a locking rear differential.

Interior and Comfort

Seating and Space:

• Jeep Cherokee: 5 seats (Trailhawk model offers 4 seats)
• Ford Bronco Sport: 5 seats

Both vehicles offer comfortable seating for five passengers, but the Jeep Cherokee provides more legroom and headroom in the front and rear.

Cargo Capacity:

• Jeep Cherokee: 25.8 cubic feet behind the second row, 54.9 cubic feet with second row folded
• Ford Bronco Sport: 22.5 cubic feet behind the second row, 65.2 cubic feet with second row folded

The Ford Bronco Sport offers slightly more cargo capacity, making it a better choice for hauling larger items.

Technology and Features:

• Jeep Cherokee: Uconnect infotainment system, 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, available navigation
• Ford Bronco Sport: SYNC 3 infotainment system, 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, available navigation

The Jeep Cherokee‘s Uconnect system is highly user-friendly and offers a wider range of features, including an available 9-speaker premium audio system.

Off-Road Performance

Ground Clearance:

• Jeep Cherokee: 8.7 inches (Trailhawk model)
• Ford Bronco Sport: 8.3 inches (Badlands model)

The Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk offers slightly higher ground clearance, providing an advantage when tackling obstacles on challenging trails.

Approach and Departure Angles:

• Jeep Cherokee: 29.9 degrees approach, 32.3 degrees departure (Trailhawk model)
• Ford Bronco Sport: 30.4 degrees approach, 33.1 degrees departure (Badlands model)

The Ford Bronco Sport has a slight edge in terms of approach and departure angles, allowing it to navigate steep inclines and descents with greater ease.

Trail Modes:

• Jeep Cherokee: Selec-Terrain with five modes (Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud, Rock)
• Ford Bronco Sport: Terrain Management System with seven modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl)

Both vehicles offer a variety of trail modes to optimize performance in different off-road conditions, with the Ford Bronco Sport providing a more comprehensive selection.

Reliability and Safety

Reliability:

• Jeep Cherokee: Above average
• Ford Bronco Sport: Above average

Both the Jeep Cherokee and Ford Bronco Sport have received above-average reliability ratings from J.D. Power and Associates.

Safety Features:

• Jeep Cherokee: Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring
• Ford Bronco Sport: Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping system, blind-spot monitoring

Both vehicles offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, with the Ford Bronco Sport having a slight edge in terms of advanced driver-assistance systems.

Price and Value

MSRP:

• Jeep Cherokee: Starting at $33,295
• Ford Bronco Sport: Starting at $28,160

The Ford Bronco Sport has a lower starting price, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, the Jeep Cherokee offers more features and a wider range of engine options, providing better value for money at higher trim levels.

Final Note: The Ultimate Adventure Champion

The Jeep Cherokee vs. Bronco Sport comparison reveals two highly capable off-road vehicles with distinct strengths and weaknesses. The Jeep Cherokee stands out with its powerful engine options, advanced 4×4 system, and comfortable interior. The Ford Bronco Sport offers a lower starting price, impressive approach and departure angles, and a comprehensive suite of trail modes. Ultimately, the choice between these two adventure titans depends on individual preferences, driving needs, and budget considerations.

What People Want to Know

1. Which vehicle has better off-road performance?

For serious off-road enthusiasts, the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with its superior ground clearance, Selec-Terrain system, and locking rear differential offers the best overall off-road performance.

2. Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?

The Jeep Cherokee provides more legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats, making it a better choice for taller passengers or families.

3. Which vehicle has better fuel economy?

The Ford Bronco Sport with its 1.5L EcoBoost I-3 engine offers slightly better fuel economy than the Jeep Cherokee, especially in city driving conditions.