What To Know
- The interior features durable materials and a more upright seating position, giving it a sense of spaciousness.
- Its versatility is further enhanced by the optional roof rails and a range of cargo accessories, making it a suitable option for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Both the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Ford Bronco Sport prioritize safety with a comprehensive suite of standard and optional features.
Choosing the right compact SUV can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders, the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Ford Bronco Sport, both offer compelling features and capabilities. But which one emerges as the winner in the Toyota Corolla Cross vs Ford Bronco Sport showdown? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of these SUVs to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Handling: A Tale of Two Engines
The Toyota Corolla Cross comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 169 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. While this engine provides adequate power for daily driving, it might feel a bit sluggish when accelerating from a standstill or merging onto highways. However, the Corolla Cross offers a hybrid option that boasts impressive fuel efficiency.
On the other hand, the Ford Bronco Sport is available with two engine choices: a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine generating 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco Sport’s turbocharged engines provide a more spirited driving experience, especially with the optional all-wheel drive system.
Interior Comfort and Technology: A Modern Approach
Both the Corolla Cross and the Bronco Sport offer comfortable and well-appointed interiors. The Corolla Cross boasts a spacious cabin with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. Its interior features a clean and modern design, with high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces. The infotainment system is user-friendly and comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
The Bronco Sport, while offering a similar level of comfort, leans towards a more rugged and adventurous aesthetic. The interior features durable materials and a more upright seating position, giving it a sense of spaciousness. The infotainment system is intuitive and offers a range of advanced features, including a large touchscreen display.
Cargo Space and Versatility: Room for Adventure
The Toyota Corolla Cross provides a generous cargo space of 26.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 65.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This makes it a practical choice for hauling groceries, luggage, or even camping gear.
The Ford Bronco Sport, while offering slightly less cargo space at 23.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, boasts a maximum cargo capacity of 60.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. Its versatility is further enhanced by the optional roof rails and a range of cargo accessories, making it a suitable option for outdoor enthusiasts.
Off-Road Capability: The Bronco Sport Takes the Lead
While both SUVs offer all-wheel drive options, the Ford Bronco Sport emerges as the clear winner in terms of off-road capability. Its higher ground clearance, rugged design, and available off-road-oriented features, such as a Terrain Management System and optional bash plates, make it more suitable for tackling challenging terrain. The Bronco Sport’s optional Badlands trim level further enhances its off-road prowess with specialized tires, suspension, and other features.
The Toyota Corolla Cross, while not designed for extreme off-roading, offers sufficient ground clearance and all-wheel drive to handle light trails and snowy conditions. However, its more car-like design and lack of dedicated off-road features limit its capabilities compared to the Bronco Sport.
Fuel Efficiency: A Close Race
The Toyota Corolla Cross, especially in its hybrid variant, boasts impressive fuel efficiency. The standard gas-powered Corolla Cross achieves an EPA-estimated 31 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined. The hybrid version offers an even more impressive 43 mpg city, 41 mpg highway, and 42 mpg combined.
The Ford Bronco Sport, while not as fuel-efficient as the Corolla Cross, still delivers respectable figures. The 1.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. The 2.0-liter engine achieves 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.
Safety Features: A Focus on Protection
Both the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Ford Bronco Sport prioritize safety with a comprehensive suite of standard and optional features. The Corolla Cross comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more.
The Bronco Sport also offers a robust suite of safety features, including Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and more. Both SUVs also offer optional features such as a driver attention monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and a panoramic sunroof.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right SUV for You
The choice between the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Ford Bronco Sport ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if:
- You prioritize fuel efficiency and a comfortable driving experience.
- You need a spacious and practical interior for daily commutes and errands.
- You are looking for a reliable and dependable SUV with a proven track record.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if:
- You desire a more adventurous and rugged SUV with off-road capabilities.
- You prefer a more sporty and engaging driving experience.
- You need a versatile vehicle with optional accessories for outdoor activities.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Competition
Both the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Ford Bronco Sport offer compelling features and capabilities, making them strong contenders in the compact SUV segment. While the Corolla Cross excels in fuel efficiency and practicality, the Bronco Sport stands out with its off-road prowess and adventurous spirit. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Popular Questions
Q: Which SUV is more affordable?
A: The Toyota Corolla Cross is generally more affordable than the Ford Bronco Sport, with a starting MSRP that is lower.
Q: Which SUV is better for families?
A: Both SUVs offer ample space for families, but the Corolla Cross might be a better choice due to its slightly larger cargo capacity and more spacious rear seats.
Q: Which SUV is more reliable?
A: Toyota is known for its reliability, and the Corolla Cross has a proven track record. However, the Ford Bronco Sport is also a relatively reliable vehicle.
Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading?
A: The Ford Bronco Sport is the clear winner in terms of off-road capability, thanks to its higher ground clearance, rugged design, and available off-road features.
Q: Which SUV is better for city driving?
A: Both SUVs are comfortable and maneuverable for city driving, but the Corolla Cross might be slightly better due to its smoother ride and better fuel efficiency.
