Hornet vs Bronco Sport
Dodge versus Ford: the Hornet and the Bronco Sport go after the same compact suv buyer. Where they differ, they differ gently, which makes the few meaningful gaps worth a closer look.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Hornet wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Key Differences
-
The Hornet has 88 hp more power
This is a headline difference. With 268 hp to the Bronco Sport’s 180 hp, the Hornet has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Hornet leads
Look at the engine & performance table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Hornet. The Hornet comes with 88 hp more power. The Hornet’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the Hornet is the safer choice.
Total system output
Hornet: 268 hp Bronco Sport: 180 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Side by side, the space & practicality figures for the Hornet and the Bronco Sport barely differ. On space & practicality alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On paper, the off-road & towing comparison ends all square. Either car will serve you equally well on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the safety & tech details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Hornet | Bronco Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 1.5L turbo I3 |
| Total system output | 268 hp (winner) | 180 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | 4x4 |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Hornet | Bronco Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg Thirstiest in the city | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Hornet | Bronco Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Hornet | Bronco Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 2,000 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Hornet | Bronco Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Hornet if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (268 hp vs 180 hp)
- you’re comfortable with how Dodge does things
Choose the Bronco Sport if…
- you trust Ford and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Hornet or the Bronco Sport?
On the specs compared here, the Hornet makes more sense for most buyers; the Bronco Sport doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
On paper, the Hornet and the Bronco Sport chase the same buyer. In the details, Dodge and Ford made different calls. I think the Hornet makes its strongest case with 88 hp more power.
Think about your week. Heavy on engine & performance? The Hornet. More about the things a spec sheet can’t capture? The Bronco Sport.
My pick: the Hornet.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.