Two Compact SUVs that Give Ford the Edge

Photo Source: Ford

Both the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2023 Ford Escape share a platform, but the executions make for very different flavors. The Blue Oval’s car lineup was down to just the Mustang in the 2020 model year, so the Escape was launched with a specific purpose in mind. The Escape gently became car-like; that is to say, a smoother ride, softer styling, and available hybrid powertrains are the primary elements of its appeal. Meanwhile, the Bronco Sport takes aim at the adventures that take place after the tarmac ends. Its more robust all-wheel drive system provides it with surprising off-road ruggedness, and its tighter dimensions help there, too. They also make it nearly exactly the same size as the original Escape.

The Interiors

The cabin of the introductory-level trim of the Sport Bronco comes outfitted with an assertive-looking plastic trim finish, even though upscale trims receive leather upholstery. The standard fabric actually works better with the Sport’s rubber-clad storage and vents. Sitting on the well-designed dashboard is a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen unit that has user-friendly menus and vivid graphics. 

The Escape, on the other hand, features a slightly different upper dashboard style, with strips of wood to add a refined effect. A dimpled door panel manages to incorporate a sense of modest charm. The center console is largely the same between both vehicles. That said, courtesy of the upright design, the Bronco Sport gets exceptional headroom and legroom that keeps all the claustrophobia at bay. The Escape is also pleasantly spacious, with about 39 inches of legroom in the back, significantly more than the Bronco Sport, in fact. The tipping point, though, is that although the Bronco Sport retains less passenger space than the Escape, the former has better seats.

Powertrain Options

If a driver opts for the Bronco Sport Badlands, they will find a 245 horsepower turbo-four engine routed to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The rest of the lineup removes a cylinder, with a 1.5-liter three cylinder engine, thus generating 181 horsepower. Moreover, all-wheel drive is standard on all trims. Of note, a standard terrain management system offers five different modes for 1.5-liter trims, and seven for the 2.0-liter.

There are more hybrid options with the 2023 Escape. Both the plug-in and series variants utilize a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, paired with an electric motor. Therefore, the Bronco Sport presents greater off-road capability, while the Escape is a natural on the pavement, providing opportunities for practical daily commutes.

Technological Amenities

Every 2023 Bronco Sport features an 8.0-inch touchscreen display that supports Ford’s Sync 3 software, with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. It is a worthwhile operating system, with average response times and clear menus. Manual, single-zone climate controls are available in the Bronco Sport base trim; take a step up to the Big Bend for heated front seats and automatic climate control. Dual-zone comes in for the top two trims, along with a B&O 10-speaker sound system. Every trim comes equipped with an available Wi-Fi hotspot, though. The Badlands even includes additional technology to make off-roading a simpler endeavor. It integrates a front-facing camera system, hill descent control, and additional drive modes. 

The 2023 Escape shares many of the same technological features as the Bronco Sport. The most glaring differences are at the bottom and top of the ranges. The Escape has a tiny central screen in fleet-friendly base trim versus the 8.0-inch touchscreen in the entry-level Bronco Sport. At the high end, the Escape holds an advantage with the panoramic moonroof and digital instrument panel. 

Both the 2023 Bronco Sport and the 2023 Escape deserve attention. As the two compact SUVs share the same platform, they come in various trim levels and provide a large array of choices. Furthermore, their compact sizes and fuel economy make them pragmatic to drive on a daily basis. Ford has two adept vehicles in the compact SUV segment. If either – or both – of them pique your interest, please visit Sunrise Ford. We are more than excited to help our customers with their car shopping experience. Take a look at our new vehicle inventory or our quality pre-owned vehicles. We are thrilled to be your dealership home.