New Subaru Crosstrek Sport Vs All-New Ford Bronco Sport - The Choice Is Obvious

Not that obvious actually. We have no performance data on either the new Crosstrek Sport, nor the Bronco Sport so we don't know the performance of either, but folks may prefer the Ford product simply to get away from the CVT and get a torque converter auto that many buyers prefer. Furthermore, the upgrade engine of the Crosstrek is similar power to that of the base engine of the Bronco Sport, and Subaru is not matching the power of the 2.0T for the upgrade option so those that want more performance will gravitate towards the Ford product. Really, we need some impressions of both vehicles after they are driven to make a choice, so this is anything but obvious at this point.

Thanks for writing this article. I believe you may, however, be comparing apples to oranges. Given the size and shape and difference, the better comparison would be the subaru forester and the bronco sport. I would love to read that article.

Hope this is helpful and gives you a good opportunity.

Thank you!

You compare the top trims of both models and end by saying they have similar power? Absolutely not. The Bronco Sport will be the better choice by a mile and then some.

I have a 2014 Crosstrek Limited , it's ok . I have owned lots of Ford's . I have wrenched more on the Subaru than my 98 F150 4x4 with 280000 miles. And the F150 doesn't need oil between changes at 6000. Finally replaced the f150 this spring with f150 4x4 5.0. next will be the Subaru. The Bronco looks way better.

Not even a close choice the Crosstrek suffers from terrible CVT and it's not even close to the overlanding spec of the bronco, plus with the option of a 2l turbo the bronco wins hands down

I think it's obvious within a certain set of criteria. For those who need off-road for 2 weekends a year on their camping trip to the cabin, but daily-drive 350 days a year on normal commutes/roads, the Subaru is blatantly obvious. It will assuredly have better manners, economy, and just general-purpose user-friendliness over the Bronco.
Those commenting that the "Badlands with turbo" option makes the Bronco a better choice... not really no, unless testing shows a huge performance gain (unlikely as I expect it'll weight substantially more, and gearing will be less suited to daily performance), it'll be the less practical, less enjoyable vehicle that you paid a LOT more for, on those 350 days a year. 15 days it might be somewhat more enjoyable, and if you do MORE off-roading, and get into more serious stuff (or need to tow a 2000lb boat trailer which is obviously over the 1500# limit of the XTrek), then there are arguments to be made. But for 95% of people needing something that can get them to their weekend campsites and home safely, or drive safely in Colorado or Wyoming winter conditions every day, the Subaru makes tons more sense starting with the price and through the features. It'll be interesting to see the first "head-to-head" comparisons of the released products though.

I had a 2001 Outback and it kept on getting stuck in the snow for some reason. I took it into my Subaru dealer to have it looked at and they said that everything was working fine. I sold it as I found this symmetrical all-wheel drive just did not work properly!!

I don't think anyone's comparing the old-body, tiny Crosstrek (or any Subaru) with the pretty new Bronco. Branding and popularity aside, how do approach angle and tire size options factor in? The Bronco is for people who want a Bronco, or people who want a Jeep. Subaru's are great, but milder.

The founder of "Subaru Report" says the choice is obvious. Hmmm.....

Not that it matters, and of course it is preference, but we can't forget about looks. I am not crazy about either, but Subarus are not beautiful vehicles. The Bronco, if I had to choose, looks better. To say that a plasticy station wagon looks good boggles my mind. Again, I get it, it's just looks, but I put a shirt on in public because I do care a little bit what image I am portraying.

Comparable power and features for thousands less? You just pointed out the bronco sport has way more power with the 2.0 and it's larger. How is this remotely comparable? Not to mention that 2.5 with suffer even further at altitude.

Subaru owners are funny though. The 2.5 is a solid power plant riddled with head gasket issues up until, what, 2016? Has a cvt. Plus side is the AWD mode.

But we haven't seen a bronco sport off-road. Most likely the bronco sport will outperform and go further off road. I'm not bashing Subaru, but they are nothing special.

Why not wait until the Bronco has been out for a while and can be properly assessed? Personally I'm very interested in the Bronco Sport, as it can be had with a manual transmission which shoots it straight to the top of the list as manuals are no longer being offered in most models.

CVT is "obvious"? Are you kidding me? Love the boxer engine, but that lack of a tranny is a deal breaker.

Take a little time to research Subarus CVT transmissions. They have had numerous recalls and lawsuits due to poor performance.

The Venn Diagram of people interested in the Crosstrek Sport and people interested in the Bronco contains two circles that don't overlap.

Comparing apples to bananas!

Sometimes less, is just less. The bronco sport is much better in basically all aspects than the Subaru Crosstrek, provided the Subaru dreamt change much from the current Crosstrek. The transmission alone on the Crosstrek is a reason to not buy it, and instead buy the bronco sport. The Ford has more space inside, has more power available, and easily a better off road system. The Subaru is much more of a soft roader than the bronco sport. Granted, the bronco sport is not a full hardcore off roader like the Bronco. The bronco sport even tows more than the Subaru. Reliability wise, the Ford will surely be more dependable than the Subaru as those flat 4's have head issues and transmission problems. The bronco sport is based on already available known engines, transmission, and chassis, so this isn't a stretch to say that it will be more reliable than the Subaru.

Yeah, the choice is obvious, the Bronco. It is far more capable.

Subura's big in Colorado, not to popular in most other states. Design hasn't changed much in twenty years. Ford is going after Jeep with the Bronco, Jeep sells well nationwide and fit and finish are poor from FCA. Ford has a winner with the 2 and 4 door Bronco, and several models and upcoming modifications that will develop a huge following.

I have a 2014 crosstrek with no issues for my purposes it's the best for the money and if you do your research you will buy the the one that suits your purpose but in my expirence i've found there's nothing on a ford that won't break down.