Take your commute off-road | 2022 Jeep Compass Trailhawk vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport First Edition

Want a trail-capable subcompact crossover? You've got options.
Shop for the new Jeep Compass on CarGurus: cargur.us/Mtpk2
Shop for the new Ford Bronco Sport on CarGurus: cargur.us/GHCGb
Neither of these are the best off-roaders sold by either Jeep or Ford. But for folks who don't want to spend north of 50 grand for a top-level Wrangler or Bronco (or who plan to do a lot of highway driving), both the Jeep Compass Trailhawk and the Ford Bronco Sport First Edition (or Badlands) offer a lot of bang for the buck. Clifford Atiyeh tests them head to head to determine which one is the better buy.
For more information on the 2022 Jeep Compass: cargur.us/Mw318
For more information on the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport: cargur.us/Mw2_C
Video review: Clifford Atiyeh
Cinematography: www.VennCreativeMedia.com
Subscribe to the CarGurus Channel: / cargurus
#BroncoSport #Compass #Compare
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0:00 the Compass vs the Bronco Sport
0:58 Exterior styling
1:52 By the numbers
2:51 Compass Driving Impressions
8:16 Bronco Sport Driving Impressions
14:25 Bronco Sport Rear Seat
15:04 Compass Rear Seat
15:23 Cargo Space
16:28 Bronco Sport Interior
17:52 Compass Interior
19:13 Pricing
19:41 The Verdict

[@BackcountryExposure]

I went nuts over the Bronco Sport when it was announced and had planned to make it my new car. I actually ended up with a 2019 Compass Trailhawk and I have really enjoyed it. The engine isn’t awesome in power, but I’ve had no problems and can’t complain about it driving on dirt either. It’s exactly what I need for my outdoor lifestyle.

[@georgefoley9793]

Both are great vehicles; likewise, I also ended up with a Compass because I got a much better deal on it.

[@packey746]

What kind of mpg's are you getting in the compass?

[@BackcountryExposure]

@@packey746 live in Utah and get 23 average

[@georgefoley9793]

@@packey746 I cannot speak for the Traihwak model, but I drive a 2020 Compass Sport FWD 6 speed automatic, and I easily get slightly over 30 MPG on the highway. From Los Angeles to San Diego - a reliable average of 32 MPG, and on the way back 31, as according to the onboard trip computer. In the city, it really depends on the driving style; if not in a rush 22.5 to 24 MPG, but if in a hurry, 16.8 to 19 MPG. I must note that MPG average does get better after the 1st 7K miles, and with proper tire pressure of course.

[@packey746]

@@BackcountryExposure thank you!

[@thecleanoffroader]

I've owned 17 jeeps, now I'm on my 2nd Renegade Trailhawk.. They are the best underrated jeep. I commute 72 miles a day and offroad 3x a week . My Renegade has done extreme offroading since day I got 1st one.. Just got a 2018 after I put 60k on my 2017 in 16 months.. That 2.4 is reliable and good mpg... Il

[@victorlabadia881]

Wouldn’t you say it’s hard to comment on reliability when you’ve owned 17 jeeps?

[@thecleanoffroader]

@@victorlabadia881 nope because I drive them at least 60k miles to over 350k miles . And offroad them as well as work vehicles.. They all have been solid vehicles.

[@Natethegreat200c]

@@thecleanoffroader THATS RIGHT YOU TELL THESE TOYOTA FUCKERS. I have a driveway full of high milage DRIVING Chrysler’s. 5 of them. We love the brand.

[@hammywammy6813]

@@Natethegreat200c Woah calm down there

[@Natethegreat200c]

@@hammywammy6813 nah. The Toyota hate gang is strong. We’re tired of the crap.

[@rustlesee]

Jeeps “low range” is locking it into fist gear. Which is doable in many vehicles, limiting the gears. There’s an old joke that if you need low, you probably shouldn’t be out on the road. 😂 That said, I get 30-33 MPG in my BS Badlands. Which is one huge factor in why I got it.

[@bg4214]

My badlands gets 21 mpg combined lol. How is that possible?

[@rustlesee]

@@bg4214, I stay outta the turbo. 😂 21, sounds like you’re riding it. I did a winter mountain pass yesterday, few hours of mountain roads, and am sitting at 30mpg this morning.

[@bg4214]

@@rustlesee Guilty as charged. That sounds awesome. I have 235 wildpeak AT trails so that hurts me as well.

[@calebtoman]

@@rustlesee I got the BS Big Bend… Hit 36 mpg with a 1.5 inch lift and 235 BFgoodrich Trail Terrain T/As. I highway commute to work at night. The Bronco Sport is also very sexy-getting mine wrapped in a white and black camouflage.

[@Slick_Nick]

@@rustlesee As someone interested in one, how do you "stay out" of the turbo range? Do you throw it into ECO/ how fast do you typically take it highway etc?

[@itcoolbr]

Here in Brazil we have 2 different engine options for our Compass: 1.3 Turbo (180hp @5750RPM and 27,5Kgf.M/270Nm/200pound-feet of torque @1750RPM) and 2.0 Turbo-Diesel (170hp @3750RPM and 35,7Kgf.M/350Nm/258pound-feet of torque @1750RPM). The Trailhawk version it's only available with the 2.0 Turbo-Diesel engine. It would be awesome if you have that version to compare with the new Bronco Sport. Still not that powerful, but its a lot more capable (specially off-road) and fuel efficient.

[@TheFAnimal]

Mesmo assim o Bronco é superior

[@milo8425]

The Bronco Sport is actually kind of insane off road. Check out some vids.

[@eru6ite]

This is an amazing comparison. Nicely done! 🍻

[@bogdandanailescu]

For the Jeep, it's not an actual transfer case with low gears, it just locks it in 1st gear.

[@decarloswilliams6099]

I’m really loving the Bronco Sport. And the color on the test car is gorgeous. Love your reviews Clifford🏎

[@frankENZC]

Great job on the review! I'm a sub now. Is my assumption correct that the Bronco Sport requires Premium fuel to get maximum Horsepower?

[@rajrvsv1312]

Do same comparison for Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk and Ford Bronco sport.

[@psychologicaltirefire8190]

Just so people know. Selec-Terrain settings are very literal. Rock mode should only ever be used on rocks. It allows next to no wheel slip. Part of the Selec-Terrain system uses the "Brake Lock Differential" system to prevent wheel slip by pulsing the brakes of the wheel that's slipping and thus functions similar to a limited slip differential. Depending on the situation you need to be able to build momentum and not have the TCS bogging you down. In my experience it worked best to leave it in Auto (or even sand/mud) and allowing the TCS handle it. Also the Bronco Sport Badlands does have a "low range". It functions the same as the "Active Drive Low" system does in the Compass and Renegade does. It runs a shorter first gear, shorter final drive gears and then it locks it in first gear. With the Bronco Sport it isn't as short as the Jeep system only obtaining a 17:1 crawl ratio.

[@TnTTyler]

Just so you know, you know very very little about selec terrain settings, you can use any of the settings whenever you want and you won't damage anything. Leaving the vehicle in Auto is terrible advice as in auto the engine liming part of the TCS is activated. You want to ensure ESC is full off so ONLY the brake lock differential is active which only uses the ABS system to control wheel speed and doesn't limit engine power

[@valient71]

Which one offers a manual?

[@albinicormier8520]

I have a Ford BRONCO SPORT Big Bend 2022 and l ordered a 2023 JEEP Compass trailhawk elete with the new engine 2.0 turbo and 8 speed transmission. Should have it in February 2023.Can't wait!

[@iconicplay2237]

How is the 2023 jeep compass?

[@CaponeXTF]

How is it?

[@kennethcurtis1856]

I believe the '23 Compass TH offers the 2.0L turbo in-line 4 cylinder engine.

[@Warbeaver]

The Bronco Sport doesn't have a locking rear diff. It uses wheel braking on the open diff to send power to the wheel that isn't slipping.

[@matthewgaines10]

The Bronco Sport Badlands (like the one in the video being talked about) has a limited slip rear differential that you can turn on or off. Bronco Sports other than the Badlands have open front and rear differentials.

[@krasnaludek298]

I see a couple smarta** comments about quality, so allow me to school some of these clowns. #1 - Honda & Toyota have issued more recalls over the past decade PER UNIT than any other manufacturers. #2 - Ford Ecoboost engines & major components are proving durable, with plenty of powerplants reaching upwards of 300K miles, despite early naysayers. #3 - Jeep produces the most reliable SUVs on the planet. They’re even using this fact in recent ads; not Toyota (as myth would have it). The Toyota fanboys have OPINION, but let me know when you have DATA or FACTS to backup your outdated views. Ford & Jeep all day!

[@Natethegreat200c]

AMEN! I FOUND A LIKE MINDED PERSON! GO OFF ON THESE CRAPPY SCOTTY KISS ASSES!

[@blakestewart5781]

Just purchased the 2022 compass Trailhawk. I was also considering the Bronco but I got jeep for $34,800. The model in this video ~$41K I thought had some nice features but unnecessary for me (360 camera views, parallel park assist, tow hitch, and elite interior which adds rear climate and heated seats additional to a passenger 8-way seat). With standard features, and convenience package, I still got what I need but for a more reasonable price, considering the lack of engine. What sold it for me was the interior. For its price, the jeep has to be one of the best in its class, almost the exact same as the Wagoneer & Grand Cherokee. While having the capability needed for Michigan winters, trips to the ski hill, and trail riding. Ironically, I traded in a 2010 Ford escape which the Broco's body mimics. The boxiness takes me back to that time period where every car was shaped like that. Bronco might be better under the hood, but the feel, look, and MPG of the compass did it for me.

[@packey746]

What kind of mpg's are you getting?

[@blakestewart5781]

@@packey746 i drive fast, 79-83mph on freeway in Michigan depending on what posted speeds are. That tanks my mpg to 21-23. If you drive 70-75 you’ll get 25-27 mpg as advertised for freeways.

[@joshewamckeever9122]

Does not have low range, just locks it in 1st

[@B86432]

bronco sport here but bronco sports compares to the jeep cherokee not the compass & in that instance its buyers choice.

[@TheFAnimal]

Bronco for sure

[@arkieguy1]

I want to see a side beside off-road comparison between a stock base Jeep Wrangler and a stock Bronco Sport Badlands (with the AT tires). I suspect a lot of people would be surprised at the results. :)

[@TheSilverjpd6]

Based on what I’ve seen, the BS Badlands can keep up with the wrangler.

[@Slaize]

Bronco Sport vs Wrangler isn't really a good comparison. The Bronco would be the equivalent, not the BS

[@capnb15]

The jeeps tires are not “all terrain” like you said in the intro. They’re fallen wild peak HT tires not the AT3W. The HT are all season compared the the actually AT. I love my 2019 Trailhawk other than the power.

[@crystallakereview6339]

When it comes to the seating in the Bronco 3 people can sit more comfortable in the back then the compass.

[@bearclaws8755]

Bronco hands down 🐴🐴🐴🐴

[@jeffmorse645]

I hate comparisons that aren't fair comparisons. You should have tested a Bronco with the base 3 cylinder turbo engine. Actually, now that the 2023 Compass has a 2.0 turbo with 200 HP it would be interesting to retest against the base engine Bronco. That would be a closer match still than what you have here.

[@RevelCris]

Just bought the 23 compass new engine is strong I can overtake anything on the highway now lol feels great just did a road trip from New York to DC hit some trails along the way. It’s great only cons is the price is much higher now 38k

[@AmitSenguptaVlogs]

Clash of the two legendary American 🇺🇸 car giants - love from a *Ford EcoSport owner in 🇮🇳*

[@PrincessTS01]

2023 2.0 L turbo in compass

[@chinoytheman]

Who is more UNreliable though?

[@toadranger50]

Sport

[@nathanielschaffer4610]

U just sound. Team Ford from the jump

[@kingoftheringforgrossesher2096]

Strange review. Can you also compare the Cherokee Trailhawk and the Ford Kuga? It should turn out very interesting)

[@brandonruhl1639]

The kuga is a Escape and it’s not in the same class as the Cherokee. The Escape is another Compass competitor

[@matthewgaines10]

The Compass and Bronco Sport are in the same EPA designated size class. Trailhawk is competitive to the Badlands. I don’t understand your problem.

[@Michael-ur5qb]

I actually prefer the Compass looks over the Bronco Sport. It looks leaner. The interior and fit and finish also looks more polished. The powertrain though is terrible and I think that’s more important. Jeep needs an optional engine stat.

[@brandonruhl1639]

The engine is very reliable. It came out in 2007 in the Compass, Patriot and Dodge Caliber and in 2014 only for new vehicles, it got updated with a new fiat designed engine head instead of using the old Mitsubishi designed one. The power has increased 10hp since it was originally released. It’s a great engine with many different Chryslers using it and lasting well over 200k miles. My Jeep Patriot has it and it’s had 110k worry fee kilometres on it

[@jeannieb9939]

I've had my Bronco Sport Badlands since Sept, I love it! Handles well, is very quiet, I am averaging 25mpg and most of my driving is city. I've done the Texas off rodeo and the Sport handles very well.

[@toadranger50]

Your head was touching the roof in the back seat of the jeep.

[@kenoday7562]

HT = Sucks Off Road. Definitely NOT an All Terrain. Only an All Season. And there is NO transfer case on the Trailhawk. Low Range is a crawler first gear. There is basically a power take off driving the rear wheels, and it gets a locking function in low. First gear is 4.70:1.

[@dtay8913]

Finally, a good old American comparison

[@mattjozwiak1797]

I would recommend the 6 speed (toyota) transmission in the jeep. The 9 speed Chrysler transmission shifts hard once it has some miles on it.

[@kenoday7562]

And you would lose the "low range".

[@brandonruhl1639]

It’s not a Toyota transmission. It’s a Hyundai PowerTech 6 speed and it was used in the old compass and Patriot. Fiat bought the rights to that transmission for the 2nd gen compass and now builds it in collaboration with GM at the FPT Industrial factory in Italy. The 6 speed also shifts a little hard with miles on it but it and the 9 speed are pretty durable if you regularly service it.

[@garofan9418]

These are actually compacts, though.

[@jaykilbourne1110]

More borderline. Particularly the Compass.

[@engineerengineer2218]

I think the bronco is more in the class of the jeep Cherokee or grand Cherokee.

[@matthewgaines10]

What you think is irrelevant. Both vehicles are in same EPA size class. The Grand Cherokee is a larger vehicle by a lot. Maybe you should actually look at them side by side.

[@engineerengineer2218]

@@matthewgaines10 Any ones option matters, they may be in the same EPA class but the Bronco sport is a better match for the Jeep Cherokee due to the engine options. kbb, Car and Driver, and Edmunds point out that it's competition is the Jeep Cherokee. Motor trend is the only one that mentions the compass.

[@adam4114]

The only compass reviewer on the internet that thinks it has a low range... It's 1st gear 👎

[@ghry7803]

Jeeps engine combo is a no for me put the 1.4 in it

[@benven2161]

There is a low gear on the Bronco Sport. It’s in the center of the mode selection knob. You cans see a big L!

[@clarisagillis9108]

Clearly biased review. If you aren't neutral you shouldn't do comparison reviews.

[@thedefinitive6296]

Wouldn't the Bronco Sport be more of a competitor to the Cherokee Trailhawk than the Compass Trailhawk? This didn't deal like an apples to apples comparison at all

[@iandl9147]

Depends...for an off road comparison The Cherokee Trailhawk would be a class above these two....it has an actual low range....also a real locking rear diff....not the fake torque vectoring type in the Bronco Sport.

[@luchaDor]

Yeah, a non-Badlands Bronco Sport compares more closely to the Compass Trailhawk, where the Badlands sits above it...but below the Cherokee Trailhawk.

[@iandl9147]

@@luchaDor ....this....exactly

[@elliothaney]

Price has to be considered in these comparisons too though, even if you think they’re not comparable, the compass is STILL more expensive as it is. If this were a Cherokee, then people would complain the prices are too different and that they shouldn’t be compared.

[@reserva120]

@@elliothaney setting aside the "end of world Communist Chinese Virus for a second" under semi normal times , you would find the Jeep compass Trail Hawk far cheaper ( less expensive if your a delicate type:) as a good rule of thumb., with the older " read far Cheaper non turbo engine, there just more room for Jeep to play with on the Dealer lot.. ( again that's if , big if , we ever get back to high productions numbers before everything becomes a Golf cart..

[@LetsBuildaWillysJeep]

Jeep life all the way!

[@kenoday7562]

Willy's is dead! Long live Peugeot!!!!!

[@TnTTyler]

Compass doesn't have a 4-lwo gear reduction sad you are a "car guy" and can't even figure that out

[@rajrvsv1312]

😁True. He should be comparing Jeep cherokee Trailhawk with Bronco Sport if he wants to make a fair compactivity comparisons.

[@TheFAnimal]

Bronco is much better

[@kennethcurtis1856]

Regardless , whether you are a Bronco or Jeep fan, the days of repairing a vehicle with duct tape, screwdriver, and socket set are over. We've been bamboozled by thinking high tech is better, till it's not.

[@jeffschimke3297]

TAKE THE FORD EANY DAY FIAT SUCKS

[@sarahalderman3126]

Wouldn’t pay anywhere near $40k for ANY vehicle no matter what its performance is. I’ll continue spending a max of maybe $7k.

[@shereerockdaschel9301]

Hell no

[@sentiencepsn2714]

Why would you consider any of these vehicles when base four door equivalents of the (real) Bronco and Wrangler start at ~30k? For the money, these upper trims are pretending to do what those vehicles can do in their base configuration.

[@warmad2596]

Reading this comment 8 months later and looking at these wranglers and broncos in the high 40s and low 50s while compass still in 30s. Least 8 months later it makes sense lol.

[@sarahalderman3126]

Nope!!!

[@pgo2372]

This is a ridiculously bad review. Hardly any research was done if you're saying the Bronco Sport isn't capable of serious off-roading. There are tons of videos out there showing just how great it is.

[@JoeE.]

If you're ready to throw away more money than what you spend buying either of these two of the least reliable cars and brands, then have yourself a treat.

[@andresmanuelbritoperez5890]

I had compass , 120.000 miles in 4 years, not a single issue.

[@krasnaludek298]

Your opinion is about two decades old. I have a 2015 Ford F-150 & 2018 Jeep JL; both very durable. Parts have cost more with my son’s Toyota & wife’s little MBZ C-class.

[@Natethegreat200c]

2006 Chrysler 300 206k 2015 Chrysler 200 182k 2009 town and country 167k. We just ate you up in the reply’s. 🙂 now YOU have YOURSELF a treat.

[@Natethegreat200c]

@@rahorin did they ?? Omg that’s crazy

[@shirleyshaffer8458]

Ford had come a long way they are top 3 of most reliable car brand!!!! Watch Scott y kilmer.

[@joelm6631]

Both...are lame af