2023 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2023 Jeep Compass & Jeep Cherokee

Shopping for the right compact SUV can be challenging. However, if you also want an off-road capable ride, you narrow your choices quite a bit. That’s where a comparison of the 2023 Bronco Sport, Jeep Compass and Jeep Cherokee comes in handy.

You deserve to get more for your automotive dollar. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Size and Spaciousness

   How spacious are these SUVs? Passenger volume is listed as 105 cubic feet for both the Jeep Cherokee and the Bronco Sport. The Compass is listed at 100 cubic feet.

   While the Bronco Sport can’t claim the top numbers, it does have an advantage on the back row. The front seats have been suitably slimmed to allow for maximum knee room for rear seat passengers.

   

   On the other hand, the Bronco Sport absolutely claims the biggest cargo hold. The Compass lags by about 5 cubic feet while the Cherokee lags by about 7 cubic feet. These differences are even larger when the rear seats are folded flat. For shoppers who care about cargo space, the Ford wins this contest hands down.

2. Style and Attitude

   There’s nothing particularly wrong with the Jeep Cherokee or Compass in terms of their looks. They don’t strive for curb appeal, however, in the way that the Bronco Sport does. If you want an SUV with actual personality, the Ford is the definite winner.

   The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport has an especially spacious back seat thanks to the extra head room afforded by its Safari-style roof. A retro vibe plays out in the vehicle’s flat bodysides and round headlamps. The peaked front fenders are tighter and higher to keep them out of the way on the trail.

   The one-piece grille can add color contrast with the words Bronco Sport etched in white, red, black or silver. Certain models offer a contrast roof in white or black, adding even more curb appeal.

   Unique cloth seats and retro design elements are highlights of the Heritage edition. The Bronco Sport Heritage Limited adds leather upholstery and throwback elements reminiscent of 1966 Broncos.

   As Forbes has written, the Bronco Sport offers more ways to customize the look inside and out. Shoppers will not get many choices now that there are only two Cherokee trim levels: Altitude Lux and Trailhawk.

3. Smart Terrain Management

   Every 2023 Bronco Sport has go-over-any-terrain management. This GOAT system starts you out with a sand setting on the base edition. Big Bend and Outer Banks editions add more settings such as Ford’s exclusive mud & ruts setting. The Badlands gains a rock crawl setting.

   It’s not that the Compass or Cherokee can’t have similar features. It’s just that these features are not as universally applied as those on the Ford SUV. Furthermore, shoppers can add the Sasquatch package to turn any favorite model into more of an off-roader.

4. Off Road Readiness

   When it comes to off-road capability, shoppers should know that four-wheel drive is standard on the two Jeeps and the Ford SUV. However, this means that minor off-roading should never be a problem. But what about something more challenging?

   Only Ford has a twin-clutch rear drive unit on its advanced 4x4 drivetrain. This system allows for a single wheel to receive torque, guaranteeing movement even when three wheels have no traction. This is especially useful on loose terrain like sand. If the problem is mud, the rear differential lock can boost wheel torque to both rear wheels.

   The unique 180-degree front camera allows Ford off-roaders to get a firsthand look at the trail. In fact, you can get two looks since it allows for a split view.

5. On Road Capability

   The Ford Bronco Sport is the lightweight among this trio of rivals. The top Compass weighs as much as 4,750 pounds. The heaviest Cherokee weighs as much as 4,250 pounds. At its heaviest the Bronco Sport tops out at about 3700 pounds.

   Motor Trend, Kelley Blue Book and other test drivers praise the Ford for good on road manners. A lower weight helps the Ford SUV make the most of its 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. It surpasses the Cherokee with 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque.

   Even when the Jeep Cherokee has its 270-horsepower engine, the lighter weight Bronco Sport can give it a run for its money thanks to 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco Sport’s 250-horsepower engine easily outruns the 200-horsepower Jeep Compass.

6. Interesting Extras

   The Bronco Sport offers some interesting extras that you won’t find on its rivals. For instance, the cargo hold can be equipped with a bike rike which will hold two bikes upright inside the hold. In another example, there's a dog owner package that adds a kennel, seat covers and more.

   Organization, outdoor activity and quick clean ups are the focus of many Bronco Sport extras:

   • Easy-clean cloth upholstery

   • Washable rubberized interior components

   • Hatch flood lights to assist with nighttime activities

   • Flip-up glass to make it easy to grab items

   • Cargo area divider, shelf and table

   • Hatch-mounted can opener

   • Molle strap system

   • Zipper pockets

   • Hidden under-seat compartment

Conclusion

Whether you are looking for adventure, for the right commuter car, or a family ride, the 2023 Bronco Sport covers all the bases. Rodeo Ford dealer is your Phoenix destination to test drive this extremely fun SUV.