2024 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross: The Top Dog for Your Pet

If you are an animal person, then finding a vehicle that is as pet-friendly as it is human-friendly is probably high on your priority list. When choosing a vehicle that accommodates both you and your furry friend, it’s essential to consider factors like space, comfort, safety, and convenience. With an assortment of options that fit the bill on the market today, you may be curious which one is the best.

Consider if you will, the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross. Both the Bronco Sport and the Corolla Cross are popular options on the market today. With their own unique features, these SUVs are ideal for animal lovers and their pet companions.

Cavernous Companion Cargo

When selecting a vehicle that caters to pet owners’ needs, cargo space is one of the most important things to consider. Ample cargo space ensures that pets can travel comfortably and that you have enough room for pet carriers, beds, and so much more. While both options offer fold-flat second rows to maximize space, the Ford Bronco Sport nudges the competition to second place.

With the rear seats up, the Bronco Sport offers 32.5 cu.ft. of cargo space. Such generous space lets you pack up your pet essentials without decreasing the number of passengers you can bring along. The Corolla Cross is unable to offer the same sort of flexibility as the Bronco Sport, with just 24 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the second row. While this is sufficient for smaller pets and their micro-sized accessories, it falls short when compared to the Bronco Sport.

This is especially true when you consider that in the Bronco Sport, with the seats folded flat, your cargo space expands to an impressive 65.2 cu.ft. This expanded cargo is perfect for creating a spacious and comfortable area for your pets to stretch out or even to put a large crate in for road trips. Folding down the rear seats in the Cross increases the cargo to just slightly more than the Sport at 66.8 cu.ft., but you have to sacrifice the back seats to get it. Also, the overall shape and design of the cargo area in the Sport makes a significant difference in usability for pet owners.

Easy In, Easy Out

Both the 2024 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross offer unique features ideal for those who ride with furry companions. One example is the Ford Bronco Sport’s low floor, which makes it easier for pets to jump in and out of the vehicle. Not only does this help to reduce the risk of injury for your pets and even for you, but it is great for large-breed dogs or senior animals that aren’t quite as mobile as they once were.

For smaller pets or supplies, the Ford Bronco Sport offers a Flip-Up Rear Glass that allows quick access to the cargo area without needing to open the entire tailgate. This is particularly useful when loading or unloading your pets and their accessories. Whether you’re at the vet, the park, or simply running errands, you can easily let your pets in and out without the hassle of opening the entire tailgate. The Corolla Cross has a traditional hatch that opens wide but doesn’t come with a split glass feature.

As an added bonus, the Flip-Up Rear Glass provides a convenient way to access your pet’s area when making a quick stop or on road trips if they need assistance. With little effort, you can give your dog a treat, some water, or a toy.

Friendly Features for Your Furry Friends

Another great feature of the Bronco Sport comes courtesy of its off-road nature: rubberized flooring. Since the Bronco is designed for playing in the dirt and mud, it is intentionally easy to clean so that you can spend more time having fun. This pays off for all of those who choose to keep a furry or feathered friend as their co-pilot. The washable rubberized flooring in the cargo area is easy to clean and durable.

Although the Corolla Cross is also designed with durable materials, it lacks the specialized flooring that can be sprayed down for quick and convenient cleaning. The Bronco Sport even features a rubberized seat back for extra protection and convenience. The Corolla Cross might suffice, but the Bronco Sport is for you when you don’t feel like settling for yourself or your animal companion.

Technology for Pets

The Bronco Sport is well-equipped, offering packages that increase convenience and comfort for everyone involved, including your pets. For instance, a remote start system makes it easy to warm up your vehicle or cool it down before you and your pet enter the cabin. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, this can make a huge difference.

The Bronco Sport can also be equipped with a keyless entry system, eliminating the need for you to have your keys in your hands constantly. This is extremely helpful when dealing with leashes or small animals in your arms. Rather than having to dig for keys or juggle too many things, you simply need to have it on your person before trying to enter. The Corolla Cross features a similar keyless entry system, adding to this SUV’s appeal. Unfortunately, the Cross seems to lack a remote start system, which can be a make-it-or-break-it option.  

Ford Is for the Pets

Both the Ford Bronco Sport and the Toyota Corolla Cross offer a spacious interior for you and your best buddy. Still, with the Bronco’s history of rugged reliability and adventurous spirit, it seems obvious that the Sport is far more friendly to our four-legged friends than the Corolla Cross. This becomes glaringly obvious when you check out Ford’s accessories page. Ford takes things up a notch for their animal-loving drivers by offering unique accessories designed for you and your pets.

Accessories like a pet kennel that straps into the rear cargo hold keep your friend safe and secure while showing off your brand loyalty. You don’t have to worry about your kennel fitting properly or how you will secure it in place when using something designed by Ford for Ford. Although this is technically not a built-in component of the Bronco Sport, it is another feature that contributes to the Bronco Sport’s pet-friendly attributes.

 Ford Bronco Sport vs Toyota Corolla Cross

It’s true that SUVs reign supreme in the automotive industry, but some hit the mark, and some fall short, and the Bronco Sport has consistently hit the mark. Built on a legacy of adventurous capability, the Bronco Sport has everything you could want to make memories with your furry companion. Don’t get us wrong, the Corolla Cross has some great features, but against a legend like the Bronco Sport, you need more than a few great features.

From durable seating and easy clean flooring to a split rear window and ample cabin space, the Bronco Sport is a winner in our books. Whether you are looking for a ride to take on a road trip or one that is up to daily errands, the Bronco Sport is the entire package.