Versatility on a budget
If you’re in the market for a versatile crossover that won’t break the bank, the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport is a solid choice. While it may not be as large or capable as its midsize sibling, the Bronco Sport comes readily equipped for both paved roadways and rough trails. The Ford Bronco Sport starts at just under $31,000, but there are several other rivals that have much to offer to the right driver.
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
The Ford Bronco Sport got some major upgrades for the 2025 model year. A 13.2-inch touchscreen display replaces the old eight-inch unit on all models. Along with the new infotainment display comes Ford’s Sync 4 interface and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The Bronco Sport also receives visually updated bumpers and more driver-assist safety systems.
Zac Palmer/Autoblog
Priced from $30,995 to $40,115, the 2025 Bronco Sport is one of the most versatile crossovers around. The base model comes equipped with five driving modes, including slippery and off-road. It also receives convenient features like a wireless charging pad and adjustable liftgate floodlights. Stepping up to the top-spec Sport Badlands model nets you a more gracious set of amenities, including leather-trimmed seating, steel bash plates, front recovery hooks, and seven drive modes.
Designed to tackle the roughest trails, the Bronco Sport comes equipped with all-wheel drive and a spunky 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that puts out 180 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. An optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, standard on the Badlands trim, pushes performance to 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of engine, power is transmitted to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. In terms of towing, the smaller three-cylinder tops out at 2,200 lbs., while the four-cylinder is rated for 2,700 lbs. At its most efficient, the Bronco Sport is rated for 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
Zac Palmer
Ford also added the Sasquatch package to the Bronco Sport’s range for the 2025 model year. The package is only available on the Outer Banks and Badlands models. On the former, the Sasquatch package will cost you an additional $3,535. For the extra cash, you get skid plates that protect the engine and fuel tank, as well as bumpers with steel plates. The Outer Banks model also receives a twin-clutch rear drive unit and a brush guard, among other additions. In the Badlands model, the Sasquatch package will cost you $2,990. It includes Bilstein dampers and an 850W cooling fan, among other equipment.
2025 Jeep Compass
While not as stylish as other crossovers, the 2025 Jeep Compass upholds the off-road reputation the brand is known for. Similar to the Bronco Sport, the Compass boasts all-wheel drive across the board. There aren’t many notable changes to the Compass for the 2025 model year, save for the trim range shrinking to four models.
Jeep
Priced from $26,900 to $32,990, the Jeep Compass is generally on the more affordable side of the scale. While it doesn’t include as many niceties as competitors, the Compass does offer some convenient amenities, including heated side mirrors and an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A 10.1-inch display is optional on the Latitude trim and comes standard on Trailhawk and Limited models.
Under the hood of every Jeep Compass lies a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It produces 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque while earning up to 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The Compass tops out at 2,000 lbs. of towing capacity.
Jeep
If you’re serious about taking your crossover into the wilderness (or on off-road obstacle courses), it may be worth springing for the Jeep Compass Trailhawk. Designed to handle just about any terrain you may encounter while off-roading, the Trailhawk features a more advanced drivetrain, complete with a crawler gear ratio and selectable Rock mode.
2025 Mazda CX-50
Much like the Bronco Sport, the Mazda CX-50 gets a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen display for the 2025 model year. Mazda’s safety tech gets some upgrades as well, and a wireless smartphone charging pad is now standard equipment on all but the base trim. Priced from $30,500 to $43,500, the CX-50 brings along Mazda’s nimble handling and engaging driving experience to the crossover world.
Mazda
Regardless of trim level, the Mazda CX-50 comes equipped with all-wheel drive. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility also come standard, even at the base level. The CX-50 is designed to offer a more premium feel as well, with standard heated front seats and a rear power liftgate on all but the base model. At the top end, the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus adds more niceties, including heated rear seats and more safety systems, to the docket.
The Mazda CX-50 comes with two engine options. Lower trim levels come powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up the ladder nets you a turbocharged version of the four-cylinder engine. At its peak, that engine is capable of producing 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of engine, the CX-50 comes equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. Mazda’s crossover can tow up to 3,500 lbs., and it’s rated for 28 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
Mazda
Unfortunately, there’s no off-road variant of the Mazda CX-50, but if engaging driving dynamics are the name of the game, the Japanese crossover is ready to roll. Drivers have noted that the Mazda CX-50 boasts agile handling and pointed steering while providing a comfortable ride. If you want higher fuel economy, it might be worth looking into the CX-50 Hybrid, which borrows its powertrain from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet tends to fly under the radar, but if you’re hunting for a performance-driven crossover, there are few competitors that can match it. For 2025, Dodge upgraded the Hornet’s Track package with paddle shifters. With the purchase of a Hornet, drivers will also get a one-day ticket to Dodge’s official driving school. The 2025 model gets a price reduction as well, offering incredible performance for under $30,000.
Dodge
Starting at just $29,995, the Dodge Hornet is available in just two gas-powered trim models, the second of which is priced from $35,985. Despite its price drop, the Hornet comes equipped with plenty of notable features at the base level, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Keeping with the trend, all-wheel drive comes standard as well.
The 2025 Dodge Hornet offers the most bang for your buck when it comes to performance. Under the hood lies a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It earns up to an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
Stellantis
If you’re hunting for higher fuel economy, consider the Dodge Hornet R/T PHEV, which earns up to 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving. It also offers a 33-mile all-electric range. While more efficient, the Hornet PHEV doesn’t sacrifice performance, producing 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. It also comes equipped with several other performance features, including Brembo brake calipers and dynamic torque vectoring. Of course, that higher level of performance and fuel economy will cost you to the tune of $41,645 – at least.
Final thoughts
Ford
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport is undoubtedly one of the more versatile crossovers around, but it isn’t without competition. The Jeep Compass Trailhawk could offer better off-road capability, while the Mazda CX-50 might boast better driving dynamics. When it comes to performance, it’s hard to top the thrills that the Dodge Hornet brings to the road. Before you set your heart on a Bronco Sport, give some of these rivals a test drive!
About the author
Joseph Pudlewski
Contributing Writer, Autoblog