Shopping for a compact SUV that can handle city streets and dirt trails? The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport brings standard all-wheel drive and better clearances for trail riding, while the Jeep Cherokee offers nine trim levels with V-6 power. This car comparison review breaks down what you need to know.
The Bronco Sport represents Ford’s adventure-focused design, while the Cherokee maintains its position as a versatile family SUV. Sales figures are promising, too, with Bronco Sport selling 11,886 units in April 2025, a 55% jump over last year, and the Cherokee with a 14% retail increase in the first quarter of 2025.
The Bronco Sport Big Bend starts at $30,995 MSRP, while the Heritage edition runs $33,995. The Free Wheeling trim sits at $33,135, while the Outer Banks commands $36,495, and Badlands models start at $40,115. On the other hand, Cherokee’s lineup gets more complex with nine trim options ranging from the base Laredo A at $36,495 up to the Summit Reserve at $63,040. Regarding average five-year ownership cost, the Ford Bronco Sport stands at $51,466, and for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the figure is $70,262.
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A Ford Bronco Sport will hold 43% of its value after five years, giving you a projected resale value of $16,723. In comparison, the Cherokee keeps 32% of its value with a five-year resale estimate of $17,006.
When you compare car engines between these two, the differences become clearer. The Bronco Sport offers two engine choices. Base models get a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder generating 180 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque. This setup hits 60 mph in 8.6 seconds. Step up to the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder for 238 hp and 277 lb-ft. This bigger engine cuts that 0-60 time to around 6.5 seconds.
On the flip side, Cherokee keeps things simple with its 293-hp 3.6-liter V-6. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, but several all-wheel-drive systems are available.
Here’s where the Bronco Sport really shows its personality. Features like the Terrain Management System and available 4×4 capability make it a solid off-roading option. The G.O.A.T. Modes system lets you dial in settings for different conditions. The Sasquatch Outer Banks Package adds improved Off-Road Suspension, Advanced 4X4, and Trail Control.
Cherokee brings its own off-road game with three available 4×4 systems and Selec-Terrain Traction Management. You can choose from Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, or Mud/Sand modes. Both handle trails well, but the Bronco Sport pushes limits further.
The Cherokee is a clear winner here, as it can pull up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped. The Bronco Sport maxes out at 2,700 pounds with the 2.0-liter engine or 2,200 pounds with the base three-cylinder.
The smaller Bronco Sport engine delivers better fuel economy at 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The four-cylinder model drops those numbers to 21 cities and 27 highways. Meanwhile, Cherokee’s V-6 delivers 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Cherokee offers a plug-in hybrid 4xe option that manages 23 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
Both SUVs offer comfortable seating for families, though they approach interior space differently.
The Bronco Sport seats five with good rear legroom of 36.9 inches for its compact size. The higher ride position gives you a good view of the road. In contrast, Cherokee stretches to about 193.5 inches long, making it a fairly big mid-sizer. Front seats are firm and supportive, with standard power adjustment for the driver.
Bronco Sport keeps things practical with easy-to-clean cloth seats in the Big Bend trim. Badlands models step up to leather-trimmed seating with washable, rubberized flooring. Cherokee’s standard cloth upholstery looks decent, while Limited models get synthetic leather. Overland and Summit versions feature softer leather and real wood trim.
The car specs comparison shows interesting differences in cargo space. The Bronco Sport offers 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 65.2 cubic feet when folded down. In contrast, Cherokee’s extra length pays off with 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 70.8 cubic feet with seats folded.
Every Bronco Sport features a 13.2-inch touchscreen running Ford’s Sync 4 software with a 12.3-inch digital gauge display. Sync 4 includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in-dash navigation, and SiriusXM satellite radio. In contrast, Cherokee’s dashboard comes with either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. Higher-end models can add a digital gauge cluster, a 10.0-inch head-up display, and another 10.3-inch display for the front passenger.
For safety, car rating comparison highlights Bronco Sport’s five-star NHTSA rating for 2025. Every model includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, active lane control, blind-spot monitors, automatic high-beam headlights, and adaptive cruise control. Cherokee also earned IIHS Top Safety Pick recognition. Standard safety features include active lane control, adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitors.
Bronco Sport comes with a limited warranty covering three years or 36,000 miles, plus a powertrain warranty for five years or 60,000 miles. Cherokee offers similar coverage but adds complimentary maintenance for three years. In terms of reliability, Bronco Sport takes the lead with a score of 88 out of 100, which is considered great by J.D. Power’s reliability rating. In comparison, the Cherokee could only manage an average score of 80 out of 100.
When comparing car brands and looking at this 2025 Ford Bronco Sport vs Jeep Cherokee matchup, the Bronco Sport wins with lower pricing, better fuel efficiency, excellent off-road capability, stronger reliability ratings, and lower ownership cost. However, Cherokee does offer more towing power and interior space.
You may use any car comparison tool or check car ratings comparison sites, and you’ll find that both vehicles serve different needs. Do you need serious off-road capability at a reasonable price? Bronco Sport is the one. But if towing power and interior space are your priorities, then Cherokee makes more sense.
Ready to experience these features firsthand? Visit us at Planet Ford Dallas to test drive the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and see how it fits your lifestyle. Check out our current inventory, or get started by valuing your trade-in today.
