Can’t decide which small crossover is right for you, the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport or the Toyota RAV4? Both are popular options, thanks to their healthy balance between everyday comfort and rugged adventure. If there’s only room for one of these SUVs in your driveway, our comparison guide is here to help you figure out the best model for the job.
Rugged Style: 2022 Ford Bronco Sport
While the 2022 Toyota RAV4 has smooth lines and a windblown look similar to most models in the small crossover segment, the 2022 Bronco Sport exterior is in a class of its own.
Instead of advertising its car-like, unibody chassis with typical crossover style, the Bronco Sport looks very much like the larger Ford Bronco, with a rugged stance, a handsome front end, and dramatic lines. Where the RAV4 doesn’t stand out very much, the Bronco Sport can’t help but attract notice.
Interior Comfort & Tech Features: It’s a Tie!
Inside, both small crossovers are roomy and supportive, with road-trip-friendly seating, lots of smartphone-friendly tech features, and a wealth of high-tech safety aids.
For example, both the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport and Toyota RAV4 include standard infotainment technology. Also, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technology displays smartphone apps on these models’ respective touchscreens.
The Bronco Sport and RAV4 are also close competitors when it comes to driving aids. Both crossovers include forward collision mitigation, a system that can hit the brakes when it senses an impending crash. In addition, the lane-keeping assist feature can detect accidental drift and gently correct your course. The Bronco Sport also adds blind-spot monitoring to the list of standard features (this system is optional for the RAV4).
Powertrain Options: 2022 Ford Bronco Sport
Unlike most compact crossovers, the Bronco Sport actually lets you choose from a couple of powertrain options:
- Standard turbocharged 1.5L three-cylinder engine (181 horsepower, 190 lb-ft of torque)
- Optional turbo 2.0L four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 277 lb-ft)
Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that powers all four wheels.
Every 2022 Toyota RAV4 features the same engine:
- 2.5L inline four-cylinder engine (203 hp, 184 lb-ft)
Although the Toyota RAV4 offers a little more horsepower than the Bronco Sport’s turbocharged base engine, it can’t compete in terms of options. And, though it also features an eight-speed automatic transmission, it comes standard with front-wheel drive. If you want a RAV4 that can compete with the Bronco Sport’s extra traction, you must pay extra for all-wheel drive.
Off-Road Performance: 2022 Ford Bronco Sport
With its standard four-wheel-drive system, the Bronco Sport is ready to hit the trail. If you’re in the mood to travel even deeper into the wild, check out the Bronco Sport’s Badlands trim model. It’s the most capable model in the lineup, with an upgraded four-wheel-drive system, off-road-specific suspension, all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and two extra driving modes (Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl). The Badlands even includes Ford’s Trail Control system, a type of cruise control designed to help you focus on steering through difficult terrain.
Although the 2022 Toyota RAV4 wasn’t exactly built to travel too far into the wild, its optional all-wheel drive will help you maintain control on a sandy trail. And the TRD Off-Road trim model adds a little adventure with all-terrain tires and off-road-tuned suspension. However, it lacks many of the extras you get with the Bronco Badlands, including Trail Control and off-road-specific transmission settings.
Your New Small Crossover SUV
When you’re shopping for a small crossover SUV that blends everyday comfort with rugged capabilities, you won’t find a better option than the 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. On top of all of that, Ford’s new compact crossover throws in handsome good looks and lots of high-tech features.