Ford Bronco Sport vs. Jeep Renegade
1. Introduction
Ford Bronco Sport vs Jeep Renegade is a favorite topic to compare this week. The rumor said that the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is a compact SUV that serves as a more adventure-ready alternative to the Escape. Ford believes that it's a separate model line and not just a more rugged version of an existing one, and it's emphasizing the new model's connection to the larger Bronco by invoking its name. Based on the proven Ford Escape platform, the Bronco Sport is technically a crossover, but its design and hardware aim more for off-road capability and versatility. On the other hand, the Jeep Renegade is actually the smallest vehicle in Jeep's vaunted lineup of SUVs and it's an adventurous little vehicle that mimics the look and feel of the rugged Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. The Runner Four Wheel Drive System is made for adventure people who love to spend more time in outdoor activities than street activities. This topic is very interesting to discuss. So, we are looking for much information about the features, capacities, performances, prices, and many more. Our main goal is to give better solutions for people who have their own questions related to these vehicles and also to illustrate the right decision for consumers when they want to choose one of these vehicles.
2. Exterior Design
The headlights and G.O.A.T modes equipped in the car especially aim to provide a sense of adventure and toughness to appeal to the target audience, as they provide a wildlife theme and icons that cater to the different terrains that the car can handle. Everything considered, the design of the Ford Bronco Sport is executed to perfection in delivering a car with a modern yet rugged aesthetic that is still very capable of catering to those who want to go out and experience the adventurous and untamed side of the world.
Arguably the most important factor of the vehicle is its off-road capability. In terms of the design and aesthetics of the vehicle, the Bronco Sport has surpassed all boundaries by providing a combination of approach and departure angles of 21.7 degrees and 30.4 degrees, along with a base of 7.8 inches of ground clearance with available off-road packages with enhanced capabilities. With the design of the Bronco featured in the all-new safari-style roof, which is achieved through using high-strength and lightweight steel tube, enabling a roof that can withstand the utmost punishment during off-roading. Along with the 8 available trims of the Bronco Sport, 4 of these trims are designed to be extremely off-road capable, with the added functionality of equipment such as goat modes, rubberized flooring, and easy-to-clean surfaces.
Firstly, the Ford Bronco Sport: The Bronco Sport is pure in its design, having a whole unibody platform that aims to continue the commitment of a pure design by providing rugged aesthetic and outstanding performance capabilities. The design of the Bronco Sport comes across as both modern and tough, with its all-new silhouette for the off-road segment. The profile has a strong, purposeful stance similar to that of the original Ford Bronco and is achieved through the shape of the body sides, which are free of cladding but feature a raised beltline near the C-pillar to give a look of confidence. The vehicle looks to provide a balance between being thoughtfully designed and having a tough and rugged aesthetic, so as not to deter from the off-road capability of the vehicle.
2.1. Ford Bronco Sport
The wheels on the Bronco Sport also remind us of the Jeep Renegade, just with a slightly bigger tire. This will give the Bronco some serious off-road capabilities if they can get this in a decent size. Car and Driver has predicted that the ride height will be around 8 inches, which equals the Renegade and also puts it in the same class as the Subaru Crosstrek. The Bronco Sport will also feature a higher trim level called the "Badlands" that will be specifically aimed toward off-road use. This could be a good idea for Ford to really corner the market for small off-roading SUVs. High performance in a small package has been a recent market trend that Jeep has been able to capture with the Renegade, and now it may have some company.
The exterior design of the Ford Bronco Sport promises to be intriguing and different from the typical SUV. It will feature a boxy design, much like the bigger Bronco. This kind of shape has proven well with the Jeep Wrangler. Ford has released pictures of it camo'd up, so it's hard to tell the details, but it looks as if there will be a full-size spare mounted on the back, very much like the Jeep Renegade. Ford's new trademark "Bronco" will be across the front grille, just underneath the hood.
2.2. Jeep Renegade
Some customers are really into the Renegade's design. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles does have its share of doubters, however. The Renegade's front end has those rounded headlights and the requisite 7-port grille, while the mug-shaped side windows and the "X" in the rear doors try to evoke emotions of classic Jeeps, which have a mixed reputation for their performance. Despite all of that, the Renegade seems to be a unique model among the arguably overlooked-to-consider-sexy-crossover-contender segment. We are just not convinced that the Jeep interiors have been well-executed, especially when compared to the interior of the Bronco Sport. The round air vents and physical weather control knobs have a distinct appearance of quality, and Jeep is one of the few manufacturers still using a traditional handbrake lever, which we feel adds character. Inside our test Renegade, the seat fabric was mostly waterproof, but had a disappointing, plastic-like feel. Optional leather is better, but at a cost. The area on the front doors where you can buy a leather pouch for creams and lotions is a touch trying too hard to be considered luxurious.
3. Performance and Capability
The Ford and Bronco are offered with a range of powertrains. The Bronco Sport is powered by either a 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder or a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The 1.5-liter engine is worth 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque and comes standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0-liter engine is worth 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. Jeep Renegade is offered with a variety of engines. Base Sport and Latitude models come standard with a 2.4-liter TigerShark 4-cylinder engine which produces 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. These models are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Optional on Sport and Latitude and standard on Limited and Trailhawk is a 1.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine worth 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. This engine is also paired with a 9-speed automatic. Although the horsepower ratings between the Bronco Sport's 1.5-liter engine and the Renegade's 2.4-liter engine are similar, the power to weight ratio is not. The Bronco Sport Badlands trimmed with the 1.5-liter engine has a curb weight of around 3650 lbs. The Renegade Sport 4x2 is the lightest trim with a curb weight of around 3200 lbs. Both the Ford and Jeep have a variety of drive modes to aid in different terrains. Ford has G.O.A.T. modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) which allows for different settings depending on what's under each wheel. On the Bronco Sport, each mode switches throttle response, transmission shift points, 4WD settings, and stability control. Available on all models except the base, and standard on Badlands is a twin-clutch rear drive unit which can divert nearly all available torque to either rear wheel. In the event of a wheel lift, the rear drive unit can transfer all available torque to the opposite wheel. This feature works in tandem with the 4WD system and traction control to enable a feature Ford calls "off-road stability assist" which reduces engine torque in case of wheel slip to a specific wheel. Base models come with 17-inch all-season tires. Available on the 1.5L and standard on the 2.0L engine is a high package which offers Falken Wildpeak A/T tires, 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, and a full-size spare. Jeep's 4x4 options and the rear axle disconnect feature only on 4x4 models. These capabilities work in conjunction with Selec-Terrain traction management system which comes with five settings: Auto, Snow, Sand, and Mud and a Trailhawk exclusive Rock setting. When the vehicle is set in 4WD LOW, hill descent control engages. The different drive modes will activate different settings on differential response, traction control, and stability control. Both the Bronco Sport and Renegade have systems to simplify off-road performance. Ford's system seems to provide better control and more capable features, but Jeep has a clear edge in power delivery with an even spread of available torque on all 4x4 automatic transmission models above the base.
3.1. Engine Options
The Ford Bronco Sport has a choice of two engines, with the first being a turbocharged 1.5L 3-cylinder EcoBoost. This engine produces 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. Ford states that it will allow consumers to achieve the best-in-class horsepower and torque in the small SUV segment. The second, and more powerful choice, is the turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder EcoBoost. This engine churns out 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, and Ford says it will allow consumers to hit 60 mph in under seven seconds. These engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Jeep Renegade offers similar horsepower, but the torque output is less than the Ford Bronco Sport. The Jeep Renegade has a 1.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 177 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. This is also mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, with the option for a 6-speed manual in some models. The less powerful engine option in the Ford Bronco Sport is similar to the Renegade, but the Ford's 2.0L 4-cylinder engine holds a large advantage in horsepower and torque compared to the Jeep Renegade.
3.2. Off-Road Capability
Jeep's long history as a formidable off-roading vehicle is thanks in part to its innovative technologies in off-road performance. Both Jeep and Ford's base models have hill start assist and a locking rear differential. The Bronco increases performance with a G.O.A.T. modes system that allows multiple settings for different terrains as well as an advanced 4x4 system. Similarly, the Renegade has a Selec-Train traction management system and a standard 4x4 system that steps up to Jeep's Active Drive Low 4x4 system. Closer to the top of the price range, the Bronco Badlands model stands out with its high performance off-road stability suspension and 2.0L EcoBoost engine. In motor and ground clearance, Bronco's base offers 7.4 inches compared to Renegade's 6.7 and with both topping off at over 8 inches for higher grades. Although not a huge upgrade, it does provide better off-road capability for the small SUVs. The Rubicon model Jeep Renegade does offer a more advanced 4x4 system compared to the Bronco. However, the base model Bronco's increased ground clearance as well as the advanced G.O.A.T. mode system give Ford the edge in off-road performance. In comparison to base models, the Bronco is the better off-road capable vehicle between the two. Both companies offer a number of add-on features that increase off-road performance and customization such as rock rails and skid plates. With all of this in mind, the Bronco easily reigns as the best off-road capable small SUV on the market today.
4. Interior and Technology
- Compares feature by feature. Indicates the materials used, the design, and the comfort of the cabin area. - The designs are similar: square, rugged-looking shapes meant to give a look to the old hunting SUVs. The comfort each vehicle provides for short and long rides is up to the buyer; however, the Bronco Sport did not impress with the hard, unadjustable passenger seat. The Bronco Sport and Jeep Renegade have back seats that fold down and recline in the Trailhawk and Ford optional winter package to make ski trips easier for those jammed tightly in the back. Ford takes the battle of interior usage with 8 different options of how to fold down the back seats and open up the cargo room, also including a zippered pocket system on the back of the seats. This allows for many uses to bring gear inside the cabin area while keeping everything dry and protected from outside influences. The final decision on what vehicle caters best to your needs must be made by the buyer, but the easier cargo usage and zippered pockets could be the deciding point for the Ford buyer. - Despite the similarities in designs of the vehicles, the Renegade takes the upper hand. The Bronco Sport base model got a 4.2-inch screen that makes the old 6-inch tube TVs look like luxurious and modern entertainment systems. The Bronco Sport brings itself back to an even level with the Renegade by offering the 8-inch touch screen with the banana-shaped console placement in higher-end models. The console layout allows for more space in front of the console for easier driver and passenger movement. Both vehicles offer anything from a simple AM/FM radio to SiriusXM, and each has USB/Aux/SD connections. These vehicles' entertainment options range from 6 to 9 speakers and allow for a great sound system with anything upwards of the basic model. The Renegade's available Uconnect system allows for a WiFi hotspot and simple-to-use touch screen with options of Garmin Navigation and SiriusXM Traffic. This gives the Renegade the victory in the entertainment category.
4.1. Interior Features
Furthermore, the interior offers a lot of technology, but its placement can be a bit mismatched and difficult to reach. The dual-zone climate controls and secondary terrain-based driving system controls are placed in new forms, which can be inconvenient. The climate controls are set low in the dashboard, and the driving system controls are evenly spaced around the gearstick, making it inconvenient to change these options. However, a strong point is the large array of storage options for small items, which are often lost in car interiors. The Renegade also has great cargo space and capacity. All models from Longitude upwards come with a configurable boot floor and a fully foldable front passenger seat, allowing for a versatile interior setting.
The Renegade seats are unique, with two separate designs available. The standard design is reminiscent of Jeep's off-road vehicles, while the Renegade Trailhawk model has a more aggressive style. These seat designs prioritize visual character over comfort, which can be a drawback as the rear seats can feel uncomfortable, like a hard bench. Additionally, these seats have peculiar patchy padded leather strips, which are an interesting interior design feature.
So generally, according to professional and customer reviews, Jeep Renegade's interiors are lacking. From the headlines, there is a resemblance to its more expensive counterpart, the Cherokee, with a two-tiered dashboard unit, large air vents, and serious gauges. The Renegade also comes with a redesigned steering wheel, newly available seat upholstery, and a variety of colors that are designer-inspired. This adds some character to the interior, as the usual all-black upholstery can be a bit dull.
4.2. Infotainment System
Moving on to the steering wheel, Ford's basic functions such as volume, skipping tracks, and voice controls are seamlessly integrated into the left side. On the right side, basic controls for the safety systems and a phone button seem to be all that's there. There are 3 different designs here: one for the base wheel, one for the wheel with Co-Pilot360, and one for the wheel with the top-end Badlands package. In any case, the layout is efficient. Jeep has a very similar setup but integrated more buttons on the base wheel. Each design wheel has a layout that's identical to Ford's, but there are more frills and colors. Both parties' voice controls are flawless in execution. Ford's activation through the wheel is quicker to start up, but the actual command interface is no different than Jeep's.
Both brands place their infotainment systems in the top center of the dashboard. This is typical among most SUVs and trucks. The primary benefits of this are easy access for the driver and co-pilot, as well as a quick guide for identifying switches. Ford's system is an 8" touchscreen, an impressive size for a standard interior feature. Jeep falls short by 0.6", but ultimately it doesn't make a difference. Both vehicles have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Moving down, we can confirm that the USB/Aux plugs are located in the lower part of the center stack. This is a great location, always leading to a clean and organized area for connecting your phone. Needless to say, convenience was definitely considered during the initial interior layout of these vehicles.