The compact crossover class is one rife with options, with everything from small, sporty hot hatches to smart, sensible SUVs being covered, and some of the most enticing options in class that perfectly represent those two extremes are two models from Ford - the Bronco Sport and Ford Escape, both new for 2025. Today, we’ll be breaking down both models in depth, giving you the tools to find out if the Bronco Sport or Escape take the title of the best Ford for weekend getaways.
Key Takeaways
- The Bronco Sport is revised, bringing the Sasquatch package to the Outer Banks and Badlands trims.
- The Ford Escape provides trims in spades in 2025, with options for one being massive for this year.
- The Bronco Sport has new offroading kit - including purpose made tires and a revised suspension.
What is the update for the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport?
There’s plenty new around here when it comes to the Ford Bronco Sport. For starters, the compact SUV gets a new package, available on the Outer Banks and Badlands trims. The new package, given the fitting moniker of the Sasquatch, is powered by a 180-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, with the Badlands Sasquatch getting the more powerful 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four.
Both versions come equipped with a torque-vectoring rear differential, all-terrain tires, recovery hooks, a 360-degree camera system, Trail Control with a one-pedal off-road driving mode, and extra skid plates. The Badlands version further enhances off-road capability with Bilstein rear dampers, a name you might recognize from their success in offroad motorsport, as well as upgraded springs that increase suspension travel and ground clearance by nearly an inch, and additional drive modes including Rally and Rock Crawl.
Is Ford making a 2025 Escape?
Yes! For 2025, Ford has simplified this year’s Escape models to be more affordable than last year’s. The most notable updates include the introduction of Rapid Red paint in place of Race Red and Space Silver replacing Iconic Silver on the base Active trim.
Most models now come with a tire repair kit instead of a spare, and the power driver’s seat is now optional on the Active trim. A power liftgate becomes an option for the two lower trims, and a 360-degree camera is now available across all models. However, ambient lighting has been discontinued.
How much is the Ford Bronco Sport compared to the Ford Escape?
Comparing the full ranges between the two, the Escape is certainly the budget option of the two, though the Bronco Sport has its own reasons to pick it over the Escape. This year, the 2025 Ford Escape is offered in 13 different trims, with prices ranging from approximately $23,800 to $34,700 in U.S. dollars. Meanwhile, the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport comes in five trim levels, starting around $28,200 and reaching up to about $35,900, based on current exchange rates.
Summary
When it comes to figuring out which of these Ford titans, diminutive as they might be, is right for you, the key thing to consider is whether or not you intend to be offroading. Though the Escape is plenty of off road prowess for most people, those needing that extra bit of performance, or those living in more rural areas, might be better served by the Bronco Sport - it's guaranteed to run like a dream on road or off, and that’s where it mainly excels at in this head to head.