Before you choose between the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and Jeep Compass, check out our comparison guide. We’re here to help you figure out which of these small-but-sporty SUVs feels most at home on North Carolina’s highways and backroads!
Key Takeaways
- The Bronco Sport looks the part, with rugged styling to match its off-road capabilities.
- Choose the Bronco Sport for the sportiest overall performance!
- Inside, Ford’s compact SUV delivers more comfort and user-friendly technology.
- Save on upfront costs when you choose the entry-level Jeep Compass!
Styling: 2025 Ford Bronco Sport
Which SUV has the better vibe in 2025: Bronco Sport or Compass? In our humble opinion, the Bronco Sport takes the lead when it comes to styling. Borrowing a few cues from the bigger Bronco — including round headlamps and a squared-off front end — the Bronco Sport looks more aggressive than other compact crossovers. Bold paint colors, like Velocity Blue and Ruby Red, make this compact SUV extra eye-catching.
While we prefer the Bronco Sport’s strong jawline, the Jeep Compass isn’t bad looking. This SUV also borrows a few styling cues from its fellow Jeeps. Featuring Jeep’s trademark seven-slot mesh grille, LED signature lighting, and a sloping silhouette, the Compass looks both sleek and strong. This small SUV even comes in some fun colors, like Hydro Blue and Red Hot.
Overall Athleticism: 2025 Ford Bronco Sport
Every Bronco Sport is ready for a tour of North Carolina’s woodsy terrain, with standard all-wheel drive. If your family takes a lot of road trips into the Blue Ridge Mountains, however, we recommend stepping up to the Badlands trim model. Not only does it come standard with the Bronco Sport’s most powerful engine, but it’s also equipped with traction-boosters like all-terrain tires and advanced four-wheel drive.
The all-new Sasquatch Package, available for the Outer Banks and Badlands trim models, is another game-changer. It takes your adventures to the next level with a suspension lift, Class II towing gear, and prewired auxiliary switches for your accessories.
2025 Ford Bronco Sport Powertrain Specs
- Big Bend, Heritage, Free Wheeling, Outer Banks: Turbocharged 1.5L three-cylinder engine (181 hp, 190 lb-ft of torque)
- Badlands: Turbo 2.0L four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 277 lb-ft) (Badlands only)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive
Before the Bronco Sport came along, the Jeep Compass was the most rugged model in the segment. And while it’s not as powerful as the competition, this Jeep still hits the trail in style, with standard all-wheel drive and a peppy, 200-horsepower engine. The Compass also offers an extra-capable trim model, the Trailhawk. With underbody skid plates, upgraded all-wheel drive, and a Rock driving mode, this Compass is the right choice for road trips into the mountains.
2025 Jeep Compass Powertrain Specs
- Standard 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine (200 hp, 221 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive
Everyday Comfort & Convenience: 2025 Ford Bronco Sport
With a longer list of standard features — like heated exterior mirrors, stain-resistant cloth upholstery, and keyless ignition — the Bronco gives you the most for your money! Available upgrades, such as heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control, keep you comfy through Fayetteville’s changing seasons. Better still, the rugged Bronco Sport does double-duty as a commuter, striking an excellent balance between off-road athleticism and on-road comfort.
Compared to the Bronco Sport, the Compass offers less passenger space in both rows. This SUV also provides less cargo space for your camping gear, with 27.2 cubic feet to the Bronco Sport’s 32.5 cubes. And while the Compass starts at a very budget-friendly price (more on this below), it doesn’t come standard with as many features, forcing you to pay extra for items like wireless smartphone charging and adaptive cruise control.
Budget-Friendly MSRP: 2025 Jeep Compass
Shopping for a low monthly payment? The 2025 Compass starts at just $26,900*, helping you save on a sporty compact SUV. Of course, the new Bronco Sport, starting at $30,995*, doesn’t cost much more — and it comes with more standard features to boot!
*Price as of 6/5/25.
Best Little SUV in the South
Whether it’s splashing through our muddy local trails or headed west, into the mountains, the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport treats Fayetteville drivers to the best blend of rugged performance and interior comfort. Come see what this small but stylish SUV is made of — visit us at Lafayette Ford to test-drive the new Bronco Sport!