Starting at
Starting at
| 65.2 | Cargo Space (cu.ft.) | 58.8 |
| 181-250 | Horsepower (hp) | 141 |
| 190-277 | Torque (lb-ft) | 127 |
2022 is shaping up to be an exciting year for small SUVs, thanks to a big influx of new and updated models designed to win buyers. The small SUV segment is incredibly competitive because of its popularity, so automakers know they have to put their best foot forward. Consider the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2022 Honda HR-V: these two little utes want you to pick them.
In a side-by-side comparison, at first glance, they seem pretty equal. It's not until you do a deep dive into key features like cargo space and off-roading capability that the differences become clearer. Many buyers in this category only want some basic features like fuel economy and modern exterior styling, but many more are seeking something with a little more spice.
Which of these vehicles delivers on both practicality and fun? The answer may surprise you. Honda is known for building reliable, practical vehicles for buyers that want consistency. Unfortunately, Honda crossovers and SUVs tend to lean toward the vanilla side of the style spectrum. Is the HR-V an exception? Honda fans certainly hope so, but they may end up disappointed.
Meanwhile, Ford doubled down on its iconic Bronco nameplate, introducing the Bronco Sport as a small SUV designed for multiple uses. With four distinctly different trims, this Ford Bronco is equally at home in the school pickup line and climbing the side of a mountain. It's that diversity many buyers crave. The question is, which vehicle – the Bronco Sport or the HR-V – offers the most well-rounded capabilities? Spoiler alert: look for the equine emblem.
These days, the SUV category attracts a large variety of buyers, not just adventure seekers. Auto manufacturers have expanded their product offerings to satisfy a range of buyers, including urban dwellers who may never traverse a backcountry trail. Unfortunately for more capability-hungry buyers, that means sifting through a lot of underpowered and minimally capable options to find a grittier model.
This may be the biggest fundamental difference between the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2022 Honda HR-V. While both offer trail-ready features, the differences in true capability are vast. Each model in the Honda HR-V's four-trim lineup is available with all-wheel drive, and if you opt for that drivetrain, your HR-V will come with an upgraded DeDion rear suspension that helps keep the tires perpendicular to the road for better traction than the HR-V's standard torsion beam suspension.
But while AWD is an option on the HR-V, the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport comes standard with four-wheel drive across the trim range. If you choose the top Badlands trim, you will even get a unique dual-clutch system that can shift torque laterally between the rear wheels based on current road conditions to deliver optimal traction. Finally, every Bronco Sport has a modern multi-link rear suspension that provides greater articulation than either HR-V suspension option.
Remember, the HR-V comes standard with front-wheel drive, so choosing an all-wheel drive version will cost more, while all Ford Bronco Sport trims include standard four-wheel drive. Also, the Bronco Sport features a H.O.S.S. suspension system, or "High-Performance, Off-Road, Stability, Suspension," that is tuned for the trail. It combines better damping for a smoother ride with softer springs that allow for more maneuverability in all conditions.
The Ford Bronco Sport also features G.O.A.T. Modes, selectable driving modes that customize the steering, braking, and gear ratio to suit specific driving conditions. Standard G.O.A.T. modes include Sand, Slippery, Sport, Eco, and Normal, while the off-road-tailored Badlands trim includes two more: Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl. The HR-V does not offer a comparable system. Finally, the Bronco Sport delivers 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque with its top turbocharged engine; the HR-V falls far short of that figure, offering just 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque.
Four trims make up the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport lineup. These include the Base, the Big Bend, the Outer Banks, and the Badlands. All Bronco Sport trims include standard Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of driver-assist safety systems that rely on a series of sensors, cameras, and radar to continuously monitor the area around the vehicle to keep occupants safer and ensure the driver remains alert.
The Base Bronco Sport features standard four-wheel drive, a G.O.A.T. Modes Terrain Management System, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen that runs on Ford's SYNC 3 operating system, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Next up, the Bronco Sport Big Bend adds rear floodlights mounted to the inside of the tailgate, automatic temperature control, and more convenience features.
Moving up to the Outer Banks unlocks tons of standard luxury features. Leather-trimmed seats, front bucket seats, and a second-row 60/40 split seat that folds completely flat top the list of upscale features. Also standard is dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the option to upgrade to a 10-speaker B&O audio system and connected navigation.
The 2022 HR-V's four-trim range includes the base LX, the Sport, the EX, and the EX-L. Sadly, neither the LX nor the Sport come with Honda Sensing, Honda's suite of driver-assist systems. The LX also doesn't even come with smartphone connectivity capability, and its 5-inch LCD screen has limited infotainment options and is not touch-sensitive. In an entry model to entry model comparison, the Bronco Sport offers far more standard features.
At the top of the two models' lineups sit the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands and the HR-V EX-L. These two vehicles couldn't be more different. The Badlands is all about rugged off-roading, while the EX-L maintains the same performance and capability specs as the rest of the HR-V lineup. In fact, the only major difference between the HR-V EX and EX-L is the presence of leather seats in the top trim. Meanwhile, the Bronco Sport Badlands is loaded with high-performance options designed to conquer the trail, from skid plates to a more sophisticated four-wheel drive system.
Today's buyers demand the latest connected technology, including smartphone integration for easy content streaming and access to maps and other conveniences. Ford understands this, which is why every 2022 Ford Bronco Sport trim comes standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Unfortunately, 2022 Honda HR-V buyers will have to move up from the base LX trim to the more expensive Sport trim to get a model that's equipped with an infotainment touchscreen and smartphone compatibility. The base LX trim has neither. Also, even the high-end EX and EX-L trims receive only a 7-inch touchscreen, which is small by 2022 standards, especially when compared with other vehicles in the category, like the Bronco Sport.
All Ford Bronco Sport trims receive standard Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist safety and convenience technology, a suite of systems that includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, and Automatic High Beam Headlights. All Bronco Sports also include an SOS Post-Crash Alert System, which sounds the horn and flashes the light to draw attention to the vehicle.
Bronco Sport Big Bend trims and higher offer a Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package add-on that includes several additional safety and convenience extras. These include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, Evasive Steering Assist, Navigation with real-time traffic updates, and Speed Sign Recognition. None of these features are available on any Honda HR-V trims.
If you want driver-assist safety features on the 2022 Honda HR-V you select, you'll have to travel to the more expensive end of the trim range. Neither the LX nor the Sport includes Honda Sensing, the automaker's suite of six driver-assist safety systems. Honda Sensing is standard only on the EX and EX-L. The same goes for automatic high beams, which are standard on all Bronco Sport trims and only available on the HR-V EX and EX-L.
If the time has come for you to purchase a new or used vehicle, we invite you to call or visit DePaula Ford, Albany's premier Ford dealer. We stock a huge inventory of cars, trucks, and SUVs at a range of prices and trim levels, so you'll enjoy a vast selection of potential options. Come on in and kick a few tires, take a test drive, and fall in love with your next dream vehicle.
Our team of talented sales professionals is trained to assist you in finding the perfect match for your individual budget and lifestyle. We never use high-pressure sales tactics, and we promise that your experience will be stress-free from the moment you arrive until you drive off our lot behind the wheel of your new or used Ford. Take advantage of our in-house financing department and enjoy the lowest lease and loan rates around.
After you purchase, we invite you to return for all your vehicle maintenance and repairs. Our state-of-the-art service facility and factory-trained technicians are all you need to ensure years of problem-free driving enjoyment. We offer convenient online scheduling and extended service hours, so finding a time that works is easy.
If you've noticed a theme of customer-centric services, you wouldn't be wrong! Our entire DePaula Ford team is focused on delivering world-class customer service in a relaxed environment. Call or visit today! You'll be glad you did.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
