Bronco Sport vs 2025 RAV4
The Bronco Sport and the RAV4 are direct rivals in the compact suv class, one from Ford and one from Toyota. These two are nearly level on the spec sheet, which means the right pick depends more on you than on them.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance RAV4 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Key Differences
-
The RAV4 has 23 hp more power
On paper, the RAV4 is a touch ahead here, listing 203 hp against 180 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Bronco Sport | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 180.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 73 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 67 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 105.9 in |
Engine & Performance
RAV4 leads
In the engine & performance category, the RAV4 is a step ahead rather than a leap ahead. Point to the RAV4 for 23 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Net result: the RAV4 leads this part of the comparison.
Total system output
Bronco Sport: 180 hp RAV4: 203 hp The RAV4’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On space & practicality, both deliver about the same. Either car will serve you equally well on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
This section is descriptive. The Bronco Sport and the RAV4 list different components for safety & tech, and the table spells them out.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Bronco Sport | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I3 | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 180 hp | 203 hp (winner) |
| Torque | N/A (not specified) | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4x4 | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Bronco Sport | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 30 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 27 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 35 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 14.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Bronco Sport | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 37.6 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 69.8 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | N/A (not specified) | 37.80 in |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Bronco Sport | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 8.40 in |
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 1,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Bronco Sport | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 10.5 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Bronco Sport | RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 180.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 73 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 67 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 105.9 in |
“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 Bronco Sport if…
- you trust Ford and want to keep things familiar
Choose the RAV4 if…
- you want more power (203 hp vs 180 hp)
- you’re loyal to Toyota and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Bronco Sport or the RAV4?
On the specs compared here, the RAV4 makes more sense for most buyers; the Bronco Sport doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The Bronco Sport and the RAV4 come from rival camps, Ford and Toyota, but they’re chasing the same person: you. Practically speaking, the RAV4’s biggest advantage is 23 hp more power.
I think of the Bronco Sport as the one for the things a spec sheet can’t capture and the RAV4 as the one for engine & performance.
My pick: the RAV4.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.