Bronco Sport vs Compass
Two brands, one target. The Bronco Sport from Ford and the Compass from Jeep compete head to head for compact suv shoppers. Where they differ, they differ gently, which makes the few meaningful gaps worth a closer look.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Compass wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Key Differences
-
The Compass has 20 hp more power
The Compass nudges ahead with 200 hp, while the Bronco Sport lists 180 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Compass leads
The Bronco Sport comes close on engine & performance, but the Compass does just enough to lead. The Compass makes its case with 20 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. On engine & performance alone, the Compass gets the nod.
Total system output
Bronco Sport: 180 hp Compass: 200 hp The Compass’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on space & practicality. On space & practicality alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing specs are close enough that neither gets the point. Bottom line for off-road & towing: it’s a wash.
Safety & Tech
In the safety & tech section, the key entries are names rather than numbers, so compare what the Bronco Sport and the Compass list in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Bronco Sport | Compass |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I3 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 180 hp | 200 hp (winner) |
| Torque | N/A (not specified) | 221 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4x4 | 4x4 |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Bronco Sport | Compass |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Bronco Sport | Compass |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Bronco Sport | Compass |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Compass if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (200 hp vs 180 hp)
- you already know your way around Jeep’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Bronco Sport or the Compass?
On the specs compared here, the Compass makes more sense for most buyers; the Bronco Sport doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Let’s set the logos aside for a minute. The Bronco Sport and the Compass are close competitors, and their spec sheets tell an interesting story. I keep coming back to one thing: the Compass gets 20 hp more power.
Your priorities do the choosing here: the things a spec sheet can’t capture points to the Bronco Sport, engine & performance to the Compass.
My pick: the Compass.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.