Used Ford Bronco Sport vs Used Ford Escape—Which Should You Choose?

For Saratoga Springs drivers looking for a capable and reliable compact SUV, the Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Escape offer exceptional performance and value, but take different approaches. Saratoga Springs residents who want an SUV for commuting or local driving might be happier with a used Ford Escape. But, if you want a used SUV that can go beyond school runs and morning commutes to work, then a used Ford Bronco Sport will deliver fun and adventure with four-wheel drive performance.

If you are looking for a used Ford Escape or used Ford Bronco Sport for sale near Saratoga Springs, the place to go is DePaula Ford. We have a vast selection of used Bronco Sport and Escape models for sale, with so many different options that it is easy to find one that you are sure to love. Either way you choose, you will get a used SUV that is versatile, reliable, and fun to drive.

Efficient Performance vs Adventure Performance

The Ford Escape has always been about efficiency. Over its four generations, the Escape has given drivers a choice of engines designed to provide the fuel economy that commuters and other daily drivers need to keep costs down. This includes an available hybrid powertrain that can be found on some used Escape models.

In contrast, the Bronco Sport provides solid fuel economy, but is designed more for adventure. This is the result of the engineers at Ford giving the Bronco Sport standard four-wheel drive. The result is slightly lower fuel economy but better overall speed, acceleration, and traction.

Fuel Economy Across Engine Options

Aside from its hybrid options, the Escape offers the same powertrains as the Bronco Sport. This has been the case since Ford added the Bronco Sport to its growing lineup of SUVs during the 2021 model year. Interestingly, this was the year after the Ford Escape entered its fourth generation, carrying over its proven EcoBoost engines from the third generation.

1.5L EcoBoost I-3

Most used examples of the Escape and Bronco Sport feature a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged I-3 that comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This delivers 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque in older models. However, it was updated to produce 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque for the 2023 Escape. The Bronco Sport followed suit in 2025, receiving 180 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque.

Used fourth-generation Escape models with front-wheel drive will provide an EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined fuel economy. Opting for available all-wheel drive improves traction but reduces fuel economy to 28 MPG combined. The Bronco Sport with the I-3 engine provides up to 27 MPG combined fuel economy.

2.0L EcoBoost I-4

Ford also offered both models with an available 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged I-4 gas engine. This also comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine can be found on the Badlands trim of the Bronco Sport, where it provides 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Escape models with this engine produce slightly less torque, at 277 lb-ft, but come with standard all-wheel drive.

A used Escape with the 2.0L provides an EPA-estimated 26 MPG combined fuel economy, while the Bronco Sport Badlands provides 23 MPG combined. So, it makes more sense to consider a used Escape if your main interest is in getting better mileage for your commute from Saratoga Springs.

Capabilities On and Off the Road

The Escape is designed primarily for road driving. The suspension system has been built to cushion the ride when going over bumps and potholes. This will give you and your passengers a comfortable drive when headed to the mall near Saratoga Springs or going on a school run. This is the case even if you opt for an Escape with all-wheel drive.

The Bronco Sport is built to handle all types of terrain. The vehicle features a specialized off-road suspension that can handle bumps and potholes on the road, as well as ruts, rocks, and other obstacles when traveling off-road. It also has a standard four-wheel drive system with GOAT modes. This stands for “Goes Over Any Type of Terrain” and lets you choose from a number of preset options to deliver optimal performance and traction in your used Bronco Sport.

You will also get better ground clearance in a used Bronco Sport. The Bronco Sport offers 7.8 inches on most trims, with an incredible 8.8 inches on the Badlands trim. In contrast, the fourth-generation Escape has 7.5 inches of ground clearance on gas models, and only 6.9 inches of ground clearance if you opt for an Escape with a hybrid powertrain. This extra ground clearance on the Bronco Sport will make it easier to get around Saratoga Springs during the winter snow we often get in this part of Upstate New York.

Interior Space and Comfort

Both models are designed to seat up to five passengers. This gives you the room you need if you are going on a road trip or simply dropping off the kids at school. They also provide flexible storage options, making them a good choice for Saratoga Springs residents who love shopping or need extra space for hardware supplies for their latest DIY home improvement projects.

Passenger Volume

The designs of the two models are a little different. The Bronco Sport and Escape have fairly comparable interior space. You will get up to 105.6 cubic feet of space in the passenger compartment of the Bronco Sport, while the Escape offers up to 104 cubic feet of space.

The key difference is that the boxy design of the Bronco Sport gives you more headroom, especially in the back. For example, the Bronco Sport has 41.7 inches of headroom in the rear row of seats, while the Escape has 39.3 inches. This is the result of the safari-style roof on the Bronco Sport, which increases in height behind the driver. However, the Escape is longer and gives you more second-row legroom, with 40.7 inches compared to 36.9 inches in the Bronco Sport.

The Escape and Bronco Sport both have their unique advantages. Nevertheless, both models provide enough space for all five passengers to stretch out and enjoy the ride.

Space for Your Cargo

Ford has done a great job of maximizing the cargo space on both models. This is why a used Bronco Sport and a used Escape are great options for drivers who need room for their things, whether they are going on a road trip or just making a shopping adventure in Saratoga Springs. The Escape has a slightly larger trunk, but when the rear seat is folded down, both models provide about the same amount of room for cargo: 65.4 cubic feet in the Escape and 65.2 cubic feet in the Bronco Sport.

The Bronco Sport does have two key advantages over the Escape when it comes to storage. First, it has a rubberized cargo area that is easy to clean. This is because the Bronco Sport was designed with outdoor adventures in mind. Second, it has a safari-style roof that lets you fit taller objects in the trunk. Further, the roof is designed to support up to 150 pounds of cargo when the Bronco Sport is in motion. When the Bronco Sport is parked, its roof can hold up to 600 pounds, so you can put a roof tent on your vehicle when camping with space for up to two people.

Technology for Safety and Entertainment

One of the best things about buying a used Ford Bronco Sport or Ford Escape is the standard technology in your vehicle. Ford has equipped both of these compact SUVs with innovations designed to keep you safe, connected, and entertained wherever you go. This commitment to technological innovation is a hallmark of Ford, and another reason why it makes sense to consider buying a used Ford model like the Bronco Sport or the Escape.

Co-Pilot360

Standard on every used Bronco Sport and Escape produced since 2020, the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite uses technology to alert you to hazards on the road so you can take evasive action to avoid an accident. There are autonomous features, such as emergency braking, that will kick in when the system detects a potential collision, helping to keep you and your passengers safe.

SYNC

The SYNC infotainment system found in used Bronco Sport and Escape models allows you to connect your smartphone using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Once connected, you can make hands-free calls while streaming your favorite music over the vehicle’s audio system.

Since 2020, most trims of the Escape have offered an eight-inch touchscreen for the SYNC system, but a 13.2-inch screen was added as an option for 2023. The Bronco Sport also had a standard eight-inch touchscreen and switched to a standard 13.2-inch display for 2025.

Two Great Pre-Owned Ford SUVs

Buying a used Bronco Sport or Escape will give you an exceptional compact SUV at a very affordable price. We are pleased to offer our customers in Saratoga Springs these two great models. The key difference is that a used Escape will provide you with an efficient compact model that is built for daily driving. However, choosing a used Bronco Sport gives you an SUV that will handle better in inclement weather and provide you with a vehicle that is capable of off-road adventures, while still being efficient enough for your daily drive. Come in to DePaula Ford today and find the pre-owned Ford SUV that is right for you!