Ford Bronco Sport vs. Subaru Forester:
Which SUV Fits Your Life Near Upper Marlboro?
Two capable compact SUVs compete for your attention near Upper Marlboro, MD: the Ford Bronco Sport and the Subaru Forester. Both come with standard all-wheel drive, solid off-road credentials, and room for five passengers. They take very different approaches to technology, engine performance, and daily comfort.
At Upper Marlboro Ford on Crain Highway, we carry the Bronco Sport. That's worth stating upfront. We'll still give you an honest breakdown of both vehicles, so you can make a confident call. This page covers what actually separates these two SUVs: engine options, standard technology, safety suites, and what your money gets you.
Prince George's County residents face a wide range of driving demands. Long hauls up US-301 and MD-4. Weekend runs to Rosaryville State Park. Plenty of errands and school runs in between. The right SUV handles all of it without asking you to compromise. Here's what the numbers say about each of these two options.
Browse Bronco Sport InventoryStandard AWD
Both SUVs
Towing Edge
Bronco Sport up to 2,200 lbs
Fuel Economy Edge
Forester 29 mpg combined
Screen Size
13.2 in. vs. 7.0 in.
Quick Comparison: What sets these two SUVs apart.
- The Bronco Sport's standard infotainment screen is nearly twice as large as the Forester's: an estimated 13.2 inches vs. 7 inches, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included.
- The Forester earns an estimated 29 mpg combined, compared to the Bronco Sport's estimated 27 mpg combined.
- The Bronco Sport can tow up to an estimated 2,200 lbs on standard trims, compared to the Forester's estimated 1,500 lbs on most standard trims.
- On the Bronco Sport, blind spot monitoring comes standard. On the Subaru Forester, it is an optional upgrade.
- The Bronco Sport's five G.O.A.T. Modes are available across all trim levels. The Forester's dual-function X-Mode system requires a higher trim level.
- Both vehicles start at a similar price point. The Forester begins slightly lower on MSRP, while the Bronco Sport packs more standard technology at a comparable investment.
Spec Comparison: Ford Bronco Sport vs. Subaru Forester
| Specification | Ford Bronco Sport | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (before destination) | ~$29,995 (approx.) | ~$29,695 (approx.) |
| Standard Horsepower | 181 hp | 180 hp |
| Standard Torque | 190 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy (combined, est.) | 27 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Cargo Space (behind 2nd row) | 32.5 cu ft | 29.6 cu ft |
| Cargo Space (2nd row folded) | 65.2 cu ft | 74.4 cu ft |
| Towing Capacity (standard trims) | up to 2,200 lbs | up to 1,500 lbs |
| Ground Clearance (standard) | 7.8 in | 8.7 in |
| Standard Infotainment Screen | 13.2-in touchscreen | 7.0-in touchscreen |
| Standard Safety Features | Co-Pilot360 (7 features) | EyeSight (5 features) |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | Standard | Optional |
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Starting MSRP figures are approximate reference points before destination, taxes, title, and fees. EPA fuel economy estimates apply to specific trims and configurations. Contact Upper Marlboro Ford to confirm current pricing, available inventory, and equipment.
How the Bronco Sport and Forester Drive
The Ford Bronco Sport and the Subaru Forester both deliver standard all-wheel drive and trail-capable ambitions. On paper, horsepower is nearly a tie: an estimated 181 hp for the Bronco Sport vs. an estimated 180 hp for the Forester. The torque numbers tell a more useful story. The Bronco Sport's base 1.5-liter turbocharged engine delivers an estimated 190 lb-ft of torque. The Forester's 2.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-four produces an estimated 178 lb-ft. That extra pull is noticeable when merging onto MD-4 with a full cabin or hauling gear before a weekend trip.
The Bronco Sport also gives you a second engine option. The Badlands trim upgrades to a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder rated at an estimated 250 hp and 277 lb-ft. The Forester carries one engine across every trim level.
The Bronco Sport's five G.O.A.T. Modes are standard on every trim, covering Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand. The Forester's dual-function X-Mode is a capable traction system, but accessing it requires moving to a higher trim level.
Inside the Bronco Sport and Forester: Tech You Will Use Every Day
The infotainment gap is one of the clearest separators between these two SUVs. The Bronco Sport comes standard with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility are all included. The Forester's base setup uses a 7.0-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, but wireless connectivity requires an upgrade on lower trims.
That screen size difference is the kind of thing you notice on every drive. Glancing at navigation on a 13.2-inch display during a Crain Highway commute is a different experience than doing the same on a 7-inch screen. The Forester's system is reliable and functional; it simply offers less screen real estate.
Both vehicles support Bluetooth audio. The Bronco Sport adds in-car Wi-Fi as standard and includes rear USB ports, which matters when passengers are along for a longer drive toward Annapolis or D.C.
Safety You Do Not Have to Upgrade To
Both the Ford Bronco Sport and the Subaru Forester take driver safety seriously, and both earn high marks. The Forester's EyeSight system has a well-established reputation for automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. The Bronco Sport's Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite includes seven standard active safety features, compared to five on the Forester at base trim.
The most meaningful gap shows up in blind spot monitoring. On the Bronco Sport, it is standard. On the Forester, it is an optional upgrade. Rear cross-traffic alert follows the same pattern: standard on the Bronco Sport, optional on the Forester. Rear parking sensors are also standard on the Bronco Sport and not available as a standard feature on the base Forester.
Both vehicles include automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning as standard equipment. If you want the full suite without paying for upgrades, the Bronco Sport delivers it at the base trim level.
Fuel Economy and Cargo: What the Numbers Show
The Subaru Forester has a real fuel economy advantage. EPA estimates put the Forester at approximately 29 mpg combined vs. the Bronco Sport's approximately 27 mpg combined. Over the course of a year on a typical Upper Marlboro commute, that difference adds up at the pump. If fuel efficiency is your top priority, the Forester earns that consideration.
On cargo space, the answer depends on how you measure it. With second-row seats upright, the Bronco Sport offers an estimated 32.5 cubic feet of space. The Forester's base trim offers an estimated 29.6 cubic feet. Fold the seats flat, and the picture shifts: the Forester opens up to an estimated 74.4 cubic feet vs. the Bronco Sport's estimated 65.2 cubic feet.
The Bronco Sport's towing edge is the more significant advantage for buyers who occasionally pull a small trailer. Its estimated 2,200-lb capacity is meaningfully higher than the Forester's estimated 1,500 lbs on most standard trims. For buyers near the equestrian community in Prince George's County, that difference is practical, not just a spec.
Pricing and Value
Both vehicles start at a similar MSRP. The Forester begins slightly lower at approximately $29,695 before destination, compared to the Bronco Sport's approximately $29,995. The gap is narrow. When you account for what comes standard on each vehicle, the Bronco Sport delivers a notably larger infotainment screen, more standard safety technology, and stronger towing capacity at a comparable entry price.
Upper Marlboro Ford serves buyers throughout Prince George's County, Bowie, Annapolis, and Prince Frederick. Browse the current Bronco Sport inventory at uppermarlboroford.com to see available trims and configurations. If you have questions about pricing or options, reach the team through the contact page and they will get back to you directly.
Verdict: Which is right for you?
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if you:
- Want a larger infotainment screen and more standard technology without paying for upgrades
- Occasionally tow a small trailer or need the higher towing capacity for weekend hauling
- Prefer having multiple off-road drive modes standard on every trim, not just upper levels
Choose the Subaru Forester if you:
- Prioritize fuel economy and want to reduce long-term fuel costs on a daily commute
- Need maximum cargo volume when the rear seats are folded flat for hauling large loads
- Value a naturally aspirated engine with a long reliability track record and a quieter cabin
Both are capable compact SUVs built for active lives in Prince George's County. The Forester is a well-rounded and dependable vehicle with a real edge in fuel efficiency and folded cargo volume. The Bronco Sport packs more standard technology, a stronger standard safety suite, and more towing muscle into a similar price range. If that combination fits your priorities, Upper Marlboro Ford has the inventory and the team to help you take the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ford Bronco Sport vs. Subaru Forester
What is the main difference between the Ford Bronco Sport and the Subaru Forester?
Does the Ford Bronco Sport have better safety features than the Subaru Forester?
Which gets better gas mileage, the Ford Bronco Sport or the Subaru Forester?
Can I see the Ford Bronco Sport near Upper Marlboro, MD?
Visit Upper Marlboro Ford to test drive the Bronco Sport.
Upper Marlboro Ford is located at 5701 Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. Our team has been helping Prince George's County families and commuters find the right Ford for over 25 years.
If the Bronco Sport's standard technology, trail-ready G.O.A.T. Modes, and stronger towing capacity sound like a fit for your routine, come see our current inventory in person. You can also browse available Bronco Sport trims online at uppermarlboroford.com. Use the contact page to schedule a test drive at your convenience. We serve Bowie, Annapolis, Prince Frederick, Largo, and the wider D.C. east corridor, Monday through Saturday.