The Compact Crossover category is huge. It is the best-selling vehicle category in the U.S. and has entrants from almost any manufacturer, barring a few European exotics. It is also big enough for Ford to have not one, but two different models competing within it. The Ford Escape handles typical crossover duty, while the Bronco Sport is decidedly more off-road-focused. As the best seller in the best-selling category, the RAV4 is an obvious and strong competitor. The more natural comparison would pit the RAV4 against the Escape. They share a middle-of-the-segment priority, and both come in conventional, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions. However, the RAV4 has a couple more off-road-focused trims, and with that, it is stepping into Bronco Sport territory. Benna Ford takes a look at how these vehicles compare.
Both model lines start at a little under $30K. The RAV4 has a lower starting MSRP, but that is for a front-wheel drive model, while the Bronco Sport has standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Since most in this area opt for AWD, the starting price difference is negligible. Both model lines top out at about $38K and change. It just so happens that the top RAV4 model is the TRD Off-Road, which is intended to share the same territory as the Bronco Sport as a crossover with heightened off-road capability.
Priorities are Clear From the Beginning
The differences are very clear at the base level where the Bronco Sport Big Bend leaps into its adventure mission with standard AWD with a Terrain Management System with five G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes: Eco, Normal, Sport Sand, and Slippery. The cabin has easy-to-clean rubberized floor mats, MOLLE (MOdular Light-weight Load-carrying Equipment) straps on the seatbacks, and a safari-style roof with a roof rack that can handle up to 150 lbs. The cloth seats are also designed to be easy to clean. There is even a bottle opener built into the tailgate.
At the same time, this base model is ready for the civilized road with automatic climate control, a full set of safety and driver assist technologies, including blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, smartphone compatibility, and an 8-inch touch screen with SYNC® operating system.
Cabin Features
The base RAV4 LE is much more conventional in its specifications, with most off-road hardware saved for specific grades. It, too, has an 8-inch touchscreen, and Apple and Android compatibility is wireless. The seats are cloth-trimmed, and the floors are carpeted. The available AWD system features Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) with four modes (MUD & SAND, ROCK & DIRT, SNOW, and NORMAL). A roof rack is not standard.
The Bronco Sport’s 105-inch wheelbase is an inch shorter than the RAV4’s, but its overall length is a full eight inches shorter, making it easier to navigate tight areas off-road. For base models, the RAV4’s 8.4-inch ground clearance exceeds the Bronco Sport’s 7.8-inch. On each model line’s most off-road focused model, the Bronco Sport Badlands and RAV4 TRD Off-Road, the ground clearance is 8.6 inches. The Bronco’s shorter wheelbase and much shorter overall length leads to much better approach, breakover, and departure angles.
The greater length does give the RAV4 greater cargo-carrying capacity, at 38 cubic feet to the Bronco Sport’s 33, with the rear seat up and 70 vs. 65 cubic feet with the seat backs down. The Bronco counters with greater cargo flexibility in the way of cargo shelves, bins, pockets, and tie-downs. The RAV4 has an inch more rear legroom in the cabin but falls two inches short on headroom for both front and rear occupants.
Powertrains
The Base Bronco Sport powertrain is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-3 with 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission before sending power to all four wheels. The range-topping Badlands model upgrades to a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, producing 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The 8-speed transmission is retained, but the 4×4 system has been upgraded with a twin-clutch system in the rear that can transfer power to each side as needed to significantly enhance traction. Mud/Ruts and Rock Crowl G.O.A.T. modes are added. Skid plates, all-terrain tires, and hill descent control, which is like a slow-speed cruise control when descending on rough terrain, are all available and make the Bronco Sport a very adept off-roader.
The RAV4 base engine is a 2.5-liter normally aspirated inline-4 that produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, which is also paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The TRD OFF-Road model, which compares most closely to the Bronco Sport Badlands, retains the base powertrain. The AWD system adds Downhill Assist Control, which functions similarly to the Bronco Sport’s Hill Descent Control. The RAV4 does have hybrid models with more power, but there is no hybrid equivalent of the TRD Off-Road.
Safety Ratings
Both the Bronco Sport and RAV4 earned Overall 5-Star ratings from the NHTSA. The Bronco Sport also earned a TOP SAFETY PICK + award from the IIHS, which is their highest rating, while the RAV4 was rated one step down as a TOP SAFETY PICK.
In the final analysis, it is clear that each model has its advantages, but if you plan on taking your vehicle off the pavement, the Bronco stands out as the clear winner. It was simply designed for that role at the outset, unlike the RAV4. If you plan to stay on the pavement, there is the Escape to consider. Either way, you will want to see them for yourself at Benna Ford, where you will find a generous inventory of each to explore.
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