Brian Harper: I don’t know if consumers pay particular attention to model or trim designations anymore, but there was a time when they used to signify something. A GT designation attached to the Mustang name meant more performance, better handling, and more outré looks; likewise for a Chevrolet SS or Porsche GTS, for example.
The two crossovers we are comparing both use the Sport label, specifically the Ford Bronco Sport in new-for-2024 Free Wheeling trim, and the new, sixth-generation 2025 Subaru Forester in mid Sport trim.
Now, we both know Ford appends the Sport name to the Bronco to distance this smaller, built-on-the-Escape-platform version from the big brother, uber-macho Bronco. That aside, my question to you is this: Is there anything inherently sporty about these two Sport sport-utes, if we assume that Sport in this case means an all-rounder that can be taken off-road for weekend adventures or outdoor activities?
Jil McIntosh: Compared to others in their trim lineups, our Bronco Sport and Forester Sport don’t have any extra power. However, the Forester Sport does have a stiffer “sport-tuned” suspension with stabilizing shock absorbers that sets it apart from the lineup’s other trims, and we’ll get to its driving characteristics in a bit. Our Bronco Sport Free Wheeling primarily differs from its siblings – other than the top-trim Badlands with a larger engine – only in some features and its graphics package. This pays homage to a series of trucks, vans and utility vehicles in the 1970s that bore similar stripes, although they looked a bit more at home on those bigger vehicles, and are a bit overpowering on our smaller Bronco Sport.
The Forester uses a 2.4L horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that makes 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, mated to an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT). In the Bronco Sport, it’s a turbocharged 1.5L three-cylinder making 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, with an eight-speed automatic. Both have all-wheel drive. But, Brian, I recall you being a bit critical of an engine with just three pistons.
BH: I readily admit to not being the biggest fan of turbo three-bangers: Why compress and force air into a smaller-displacement engine when a larger, simpler, naturally-aspirated four will put out the same power with little or no fuel economy penalty? Despite being the heavier vehicle of the two, the Forester’s city/highway combined fuel economy of 8.2 L/100 km actually betters the Bronco Sport’s 9.0 L/100 km. That’s my schtick, however. In fairness to the Ford, it only took on a coarser note when really pushed.
On your point, I agree that the Free Wheeling’s stripes are overdone; fewer or thinner stripes would be more effective (Jil: or maybe plain wheels without the red inserts, because less is more), though some might say they are in keeping with the SUV’s overall jaunty demeanour, a point I wouldn’t strenuously argue against. I was impressed with the Bronco Sport’s handling; it’s very nimble in traffic and corners with confidence despite its higher centre of gravity. But I think you will agree that the Forester’s smooth ride and handling dynamics make it ideal for long-distance travel. Plus, it’s no slouch doing light off-road duty, whatever the trim. That said, the Wilderness trim, a tougher-looking Forester that did have enhanced off-road capability and added protection for rough trails, is not available for 2025. Subaru is delaying its introduction until sometime next year, most likely as a 2026 model.
JM: The overall impression from behind the wheel is that the Bronco Sport feels like an SUV, while the Forester seems more car-like. They both drive very well, although the Ford has a much tighter turning circle.
Both have all-wheel drive (AWD), and both will get you through the snow or a rougher cottage trail, but their systems are a bit different. The Bronco Sport primarily drives the front wheels but sends power to the rear as needed for traction. Subaru famously calls its system “symmetrical” AWD, which many people think means it puts equal power to all four wheels, but that isn’t the case. It refers to the symmetrical layout of the engine, transmission and differential along the vehicle’s axis, which Subaru says gives it better balance. Under normal driving conditions, it sends 60% of power to the front wheels and can adjust that as needed. The bigger deal is that the rear wheels are always powered, and along with the sport-tuned suspension and dampers, I find it makes the Forester feel very composed and buttoned-down.
As far as the interiors go, the Bronco Sport looks a bit more funky-and-functional, while this all-new Forester is more tech-heavy. What do you say, Brian?
BH: I’m in agreement, although I would describe it as the Bronco Sport having blissfully simple and easy-to-locate buttons and knobs, while the Forester jams almost everything onto a tablet-sized centre screen. Hit the music icon and you are overwhelmed by the amount of info that pops up, not to mention all the climate controls at the bottom. The other thing is that the Ford comes with built-in navigation, which is extra-charge but isn’t offered on the Forester Sport. Okay, the Bronco infotainment screen is a dinky eight inches, but for 2025 all models get a larger 13.2-inch display, with its software upgraded to a SYNC 4 interface from SYNC 3.
Where the Bronco Sport comes up short (sorry, Jil) is occupant accommodations. At 3,019 litres, the Forester cabin bests the Bronco Sport in passenger volume by 122 litres. The Subie gets the nod for greater front-seat headroom and legroom as well as rear legroom. I tried sitting behind myself in the Ford and found my knees firmly stuffed into the front seat backrest, which was not an issue in the Forester. However, the Bronco Sport’s more upright and squared-off roof give taller rear-seat passengers more headroom. Care to weigh in on the cargo area, Jil?
JM: As your numbers show, the Forester gives more space to the passengers – but that said, the Bronco Sport shifts more space to the rear, where it has 920 litres of cargo volume with the rear seats up, and the Forester has 779 litres. The Subaru does have more when the rear seats are folded, but for now, let’s assume you’re taking a full house to the cottage or the campsite, where you can stuff more of their goods behind the Bronco Sport’s people-occupied rear seats.
Our tester had a $225 cargo system with folding tray. It can be pulled out, locked in place, and its deployable legs set on the bumper to turn it into a table. From there, a light in the inner liftgate illuminates it so you can perform campsite tasks after dark. If you’re all about the great outdoors, this could be a checkpoint in the Bronco Sport’s favour – and it even has a handy built-in bottle opener. I noted both have holders that can secure grocery bags and that’s always a plus, especially since the “U” in SUV is supposed to stand for “utility.”
Now price is a factor here, of course. The 2025 Forester lineup overall runs from $33,495 to $44,995, and we have the mid-range Sport at $40,995. The Bronco Sport goes from $38,995 to $43,195 with the three-cylinder engine, while the four-cylinder Badlands is $46,550. Our Free Wheeling starts at $41,995 but has a number of options, including sunroof, convenience package, driver-assist technologies and tow package – it can tow 2,000 lbs to the Forester’s 1,500 lbs – that take it to $47,015. That’s a difference of $6,020, and so the value of what you get for that becomes very important.
BH: Here’s a fun fact, Jil: According to industry prognosticators J.D. Power, the average age of a Forester owner is 62, with an almost even split between men and women. That didn’t particularly surprise me, as Subarus as a whole have a huge following amongst the older crowd. What did surprise me was that the median age of a Bronco Sport owner is 55. I expected a younger audience for a wash-and-wear SUV that projects a fun, off-road-ready, let’s go biking/hiking/rafting/skiing vibe.
It’s not that the Forester makes me feel old, it’s that the Bronco Sport makes me feel young(er). And if it was just me, I’d prefer it in my driveway, though it would be the four-cylinder Badlands version. But it would be a much harder sell convincing the missus, who is a big-time Subie fan (she owned an Impreza Sport for nine years before gifting it to our daughter). Still, occasionally I am practical, and the Forester Sport is less expensive, roomier, gets better fuel economy, and has a smoother ride.
In this case, I’m in a pragmatic mood. It’s the Subaru Forester for me, though I think I’d wait for the Wilderness trim to reappear. How does your scorecard read, Jil?
JM: I like them both, based on what we’ve talked about — how they drive, their ease-of-use on controls, and their practicality. But we have to pick a winner, and I think the Subaru takes it and primarily on value. The Forester includes items not on the Bronco Sport, such as a power liftgate, dual-zone climate, and heated steering wheel, and has features such as a wireless charger and sunroof that are extra-charge on the Ford. I’d be happy to own either one, but we have to pick a winner, and for me it’s the Subaru Forester by a nose.
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