The Ford Bronco Sport and Escape: Which Pre-Owned SUV Fits Your Weekend Activities?

The Ford Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs represent enticing entry-level options for buyers seeking a satisfying SUV experience without the added bulk of a larger model. The two crossovers have been on opposite trajectories in recent years, with the Bronco Sport quickly becoming one of the brand’s most popular SUVs, ranking second in sales only to the three-row Explorer.

Offering a satisfying blend of everyday comfort and rugged utility, the Bronco Sport is a rising star that proves just how far the crossover segment has come over the last couple of decades. Then there’s the Escape. The compact SUV has been Ford’s go-to crossover for a quarter-century, but its run is now coming to an end as the automaker discontinues the iconic badge. Like the Bronco Sport, the Escape has consistently ranked among the company’s bestselling models, but it’s now planning its own escape as Ford looks to divert resources into developing new EV options.

There are lots of similarities between the two models—including their shared platform and gas-powered engines—so how is a driver supposed to choose between the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport? It really comes down to how you intend to use your SUV. While some drivers put a premium on efficiency and comfort, others prioritize off-road ability and advanced infotainment tech. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when you’re seeking out a used Ford for sale, but we’ve compiled a brief guide that should help to simplify the buying process. Read on as we explore the highlights of the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport and learn which pre-owned crossover caters to your weekend routine.

Road Tripping: The Escape

The Ford Escape and Bronco Sport might share a platform, but the two models differ significantly in performance and efficiency. The Escape is the more versatile of the two SUVs, with Ford offering traditional gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrain options on all post-2019 models. The fourth-generation Escape’s standard 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine isn’t going to win you any drag races with 180 hp to its name, but it’s surprisingly quick for its size with the ability to sprint up to 60 mph in around 7.7 seconds.

The Escape’s Impressive Fuel Economy

Available in both FWD and AWD configurations, the base engine’s biggest selling point comes down to its impressive fuel economy. It offers 27 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway when opting for FWD, which is about as much as you could possibly expect from a modern SUV. A larger 2.0-liter engine adds an extra cylinder, upping the output to 250 hp and reducing the zero-to-60-mph time to 5.8 seconds while still achieving 31 MPG on the highway with its standard AWD powertrain.

Maximize the Escape’s Efficiency in a Hybrid or Plug-In Hybrid Option

Then there’s the hybrid. A model of efficiency by any measure, the Escape Hybrid and Escape PHEV are both built around a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The standard hybrid uses two electric motors to deliver 200 hp, while the PHEV version employs a more sophisticated setup that boosts output to 221 hp. The Escape Hybrid might see you lose your status as a regular at your local gas station, with models from as far back as 2021 offering 44 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway, and the PHEV can fully bypass the pump on short excursions with 37 miles of all-electric range. When you do finally tap into the gas tank, the Escape PHEV offers around 40 MPG combined on more recent models.

How Does the Bronco Sport’s Performance Compare?

The Bronco Sport takes a simpler approach, offering two engines on recent models. Those two engines just so happen to be the same options you’ll find on the non-hybrid Escape, with Ford outfitting the crossover with identical EcoBoost designs. That said, two key differences have a notable impact on the Bronco Sport’s performance resume. In a bid to live up to its off-road reputation, every Bronco Sport is equipped with a 4WD powertrain.

Comparing Its Fuel Economy to the Escape

While it certainly underscores the SUV’s adventure-ready profile, the 4WD system does impact the Bronco Sport’s efficiency, with the 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine providing 26 MPG combined versus 28 MPG combined in the AWD Escape. The Bronco Sport is also less aerodynamic than the Escape, with a taller, boxier design that results in a thirstier engine. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost tops out at 23 MPG combined compared to 26 MPG in the four-cylinder Escape. At the end of the day, there’s not a huge difference between the two SUVs when it comes to the gas-powered engines, but if your weekends tend to consist of long road trips to far-flung locales, the Escape has a clear edge.

Family Life: It’s a Draw

There are two key factors that every driver should consider before settling on their next family vehicle: interior space and infotainment tech. The Ford Bronco Sport and Escape can both comfortably seat five passengers, though the latter offers a little more second-row legroom. That could be an important consideration if you’re looking for a daily driver that can easily accommodate adults and growing teens in the back seat, but it’s important to avoid jumping to conclusions when comparing the two models.

Comparing Passenger Space

Despite the fact that the Bronco Sport is a subcompact, it actually outclasses the compact Escape in terms of headroom due to its taller, boxier design. While recent Escape models provide 40 inches of first-row headroom and 39.3 inches of second-row headroom, the Bronco Sport measures in at 41.5 and 41.7 inches, respectively. First-row legroom is the same on both models, but taller drivers should probably take a test drive instead of simply assuming that the larger model provides a roomier ride.

What About Cargo Space?

Things are a bit more logical when comparing the two crossovers by their max cargo space. The compact Escape boasts 37.5 cu.ft. of cargo space, and as much as 65.4 cu.ft. when the second row is folded down on models from as far back as 2020. Similar Bronco Sport models lag behind at 32.5 cu.ft., though the Fords are almost identical when stowing the second row as the subcompact provides 65.2 cu.ft. of max cargo space. Interestingly, the Bronco Sport’s exact dimensions vary based on the engine. The 1.5-liter model offers the most space, while the 2.0-liter version reduces the SUV’s total capacity down to 29.4 cu.ft. and 60.6 cu.ft., respectively.

While it’s not the be-all, end-all when choosing between pre-owned models, infotainment tech has become an increasingly important consideration for today’s drivers. From keeping the kids occupied to preserving your monthly data allotment, successfully navigating to a new destination or enjoying a little post-work decompression with your favorite playlist or podcast, infotainment features can have a huge impact on the overall driving experience.

Escape Infotainment Options

The fourth-generation Escape received a thorough mid-cycle refresh in 2023, adding a standard eight-inch infotainment system and an optional 13.2-inch system on the Activ trim and above. Powered by Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment software, the system supports over-the-air updates to keep you running the latest version.

The Escape can also be equipped with an enticing array of optional add-ons, including an integrated GPS navigation system, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a head-up display, and even a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. It’s a slick setup that shows just how far the Escape has come in the last decade.

What Do Pre-Owned Bronco Sport Models Have to Offer?

The Bronco Sport is a relative newcomer compared to the Escape, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the favorite on the tech front. While the Bronco Sport was refreshed for the 2025 model year, it could be difficult to find such recent models on the used market. Most first-gen models will still be sporting the eight-inch infotainment display instead of the larger 13.2-inch version found on the 2025 and 2026 SUV.

The newer Bronco Sport also gained a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, as well as key advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control. You’re never going to feel like you’re behind the wheel of an antique when you’re piloting the Bronco Sport, but if you want to maximize your screen time and enjoy all the latest gadgets, a pre-owned Escape packs a little more bang for your buck.

Off-Roading: The Bronco Sport

When you wear the Bronco Sport badge, off-road performance can never be treated as an afterthought. The compact crossover might lack some of the more heavy-duty off-road equipment that can be found on the midsize, body-on-frame Bronco, but it still does the name proud with a full suite of rugged upgrades that’ll allow you to find success on challenging terrain.

The Bronco Sport Offers a Variety of Off-Road-Focused Trims and Packages

The Big Bend and Outer Banks trims both gained an optional Black Diamond Off-Road package in 2023, which infuses the Bronco Sport with some handy off-road components like underbody skid plates, not to mention some key aesthetic upgrades, including 17-inch gloss gray aluminum wheels and exclusive graphics.

While the Black Diamond package ups the crossover’s curb appeal, it’s the Badlands trim that really speaks to the Bronco Sport’s adventure-ready design. The upper trim not only adds the larger version of the four-cylinder engine, but it also raids Ford’s off-road arsenal to offer buyers a well-rounded package that includes an off-road-tuned suspension, upgraded 4WD system with a twin-clutch rear differential, tow hooks, off-road cruise control, rubberized flooring, and Ford’s innovative G.O.A.T. Mode (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) system.

When the going gets rough, the G.O.A.T. Mode system is here to help with bespoke settings aimed at conquering everything from sand and mud to rocky roads and slippery surfaces. Every trim is equipped with Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand settings, but the Badlands sweetens the pot with Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl options.

Pre-Owned Escape Models Offer Some Limited Off-Roading Options

The Escape can’t compete with the Bronco Sport in terms of pure off-road ability, but it does offer plenty of options for those looking to explore the road less traveled. The ST-Line, which appeared in the 2023 lineup, is the most affordable option, and though it lacks some of the comfort and convenience tech found on the top trims, it’s primed for a little off-road exploration with its underbody skid plates.

Roof rails enable the SUV to accommodate kayaks, bikes, and other adventure gear, but if you want to access AWD, you’ll need to invest in the ST-Line Select trim. The ST-Line Select also throws the larger 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine for good measure, and ups the comfort factor with a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and mirrors. It’s a far cry from the Bronco Sport’s own off-road resume, but if you’re in the market for an efficient daily driver that isn’t afraid to venture off of the asphalt, the Escape ST-Line and ST-Line Select are worth a closer look.

What Do These Models Offer When It Comes to Towing Capacity?

While we’ve covered some of the obvious highlights, we haven’t had the chance to touch on every factor that buyers should consider before settling on a used Ford SUV. Towing capacity can be a make-or-break detail for discerning drivers, and the Escape is hard to beat with the ability to pull as much as 3,500 lbs when equipped with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. The Bronco Sport’s subcompact design isn’t exactly suited to the rigors of towing and hauling, but the small crossover still defies its designation to offer 2,200 lbs of towing capacity when selecting the 2.0-liter option.

Both Models Come With Comprehensive Safety Features

Both SUVs are equipped with Ford’s comprehensive Co-Pilot360 suite of safety and driver-assistance features, which includes cutting-edge features like Pre-Collision Assist, Blind Spot Assist, and automatic high beams. The available Co-Pilot360 Assist+ adds Adaptive Cruise Control and built-in GPS navigation, which are sure to improve both confidence and convenience every time you hit the road.

Which One of These Impressive Ford SUVs Are You?

Ultimately, it’s up to every driver to decide on the right model for their unique lifestyle, but CBS Quality Cars is always here to help guide you through the process. The Bronco Sport has a clear advantage for exploring off-the-grid locales. While it can’t quite reach the desert-racing, rock-crawling heights of its larger body-on-frame sibling, the midsize Bronco, the SUV offers a more rugged option that still excels as a daily driver.

The Escape trades on its impressive cargo space and efficiency, especially when opting for a hybrid model. The Escape will be sorely missed from the Ford lineup, but its popularity means there’s still plenty of high-quality pre-owned models available here at the dealership. We carry a wide selection of pre-owned Escape and Bronco Sport crossovers with new options joining the inventory every week. Come discover the advantages of shopping on the pre-owned market and learn why Ford has become the name to beat in the SUV segment.