Subaru forester vs ford bronco sport: fuel efficiency vs ruggedness – who wins?

Are you an adventure-seeker seeking a rugged and capable SUV? If so, the Subaru Forester and Ford Bronco Sport are two top contenders that deserve your attention. Both vehicles offer impressive off-road capabilities, ample cargo space, and a comfortable ride. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the key differences between these two formidable SUVs to help you make an informed decision.

Off-Road Prowess

Subaru Forester: The Forester is renowned for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, providing exceptional traction and stability on challenging terrain. It features 8.7 inches of ground clearance, allowing it to navigate rough roads and trails with ease.

Ford Bronco Sport: The Bronco Sport boasts a Terrain Management System with five selectable modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand. It also offers a generous 8.8 inches of ground clearance and a disconnecting sway bar for increased articulation over obstacles.

Power and Performance

Subaru Forester: The Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and efficient power delivery.

Ford Bronco Sport: The Bronco Sport offers two engine options: a 1.5-liter EcoBoost 3-cylinder with 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Interior Space and Versatility

Subaru Forester: The Forester offers a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom for passengers. It features a large cargo area with 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expandable to 76.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

Ford Bronco Sport: The Bronco Sport’s interior is slightly smaller, with 22.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 65.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down. However, it offers a unique flip-up rear window for easy loading and unloading.

Safety Features

Subaru Forester: The Forester comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Ford Bronco Sport: The Bronco Sport also offers an impressive array of safety features, such as Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 with lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Technology and Connectivity

Subaru Forester: The Forester features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. It also offers a premium Harman Kardon audio system and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Ford Bronco Sport: The Bronco Sport comes equipped with an 8-inch or 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Ford’s SYNC 3 or SYNC 4 system. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as navigation and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Price and Value

Subaru Forester: The Forester has a starting price of $29,695. The top-of-the-line Touring trim level starts at $38,495.

Ford Bronco Sport: The Bronco Sport has a slightly higher starting price of $32,295. The fully-loaded Badlands trim level starts at $42,095.

Verdict: The Answer to Your Off-Road Adventures

Both the Subaru Forester and Ford Bronco Sport are exceptional SUVs with impressive off-road capabilities. The Forester offers a more spacious interior, while the Bronco Sport has a more powerful engine and advanced technology features. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize interior space and value, the Forester is a great option. If you seek maximum off-road performance and cutting-edge technology, the Bronco Sport is the way to go.

FAQs

Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy?
A: The Subaru Forester offers slightly better fuel economy than the Ford Bronco Sport, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway compared to 25 mpg city/28 mpg highway for the Bronco Sport.

Q: Which SUV has a higher towing capacity?
A: The Ford Bronco Sport has a higher towing capacity of 2,200 pounds compared to 1,500 pounds for the Subaru Forester.

Q: Which SUV offers more exterior customization options?
A: The Ford Bronco Sport offers a wider range of exterior customization options, including removable roof panels, different grille designs, and various accessory packages.