Ford Bronco Sport vs Honda HR-V: Which Has More to Offer?

Competition is tight amongst subcompact SUVs, with many different options out there for you to choose from. If you’re looking for a Ford Bronco Sport for sale in Saint Johns, then you’ve come to the right place because here at Pauli Ford, we’re happy to help you find the perfect SUV with everything you need. On the other hand, if you’re still trying to decide which small SUV out there is right for you, then we’re ready to assist with that, too. We find what often works best is to compare a couple of models to see how they stack up against each other and what each of them brings to the road. So, let’s take a look at the Ford Bronco Sport compared to the Honda HR-V to see which one has more to offer. Spoiler alert: it’s the Bronco Sport!

Engines and Performance––Ford Gives You More

Although there are plenty of fine things about the Honda HR-V, it’s hard to see many of them when you directly compare it to such a remarkable SUV as the Ford Bronco Sport. Looking at performance, for example, it almost seems almost unfair since Ford has clearly designed the Bronco Sport to be incredibly fun and rewarding to drive. The HR-V has a single engine available: a 2.0L I-4 that offers 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque. This isn’t terrible for a subcompact SUV, but it’s certainly nothing to brag about.

By comparison, the Bronco Sport has two engines available, starting with a 1.5L EcoBoost turbocharged I-3 engine that provides 180 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. You can already see that Ford gives you a lot more power with their model; in particular, torque is far beyond what Honda offers with the HR-V. If you want to take things even further, then there’s an available 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged I-4 engine for the Bronco Sport, which delivers 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. This is massive performance from such a small SUV, and it’s absolutely fantastic for getting around Saint Johns or heading off-road (more on that in a moment).

Not only do you get far more power with the Bronco Sport, but you get a more exciting and dynamic driving experience. For one thing, the HR-V’s engine comes paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while Ford provides an eight-speed automatic for the Bronco Sport. We think CVTs are fine, but generally, we prefer the feel of an automatic transmission, especially for this kind of vehicle. The HR-V comes with front-wheel drive (FWD) and has all-wheel drive (AWD) available, while every Bronco Sport comes with four-wheel drive (4×4), so you get a great time on the road no matter what else you’re looking for.

Off-Road Capability––No Contest, Ford Wins

If you’re looking for a subcompact SUV to take off-road, then we can tell you right now that you’re going to want the Ford Bronco Sport. As we mentioned a moment ago, the Bronco Sport comes with 4×4 in every model and far more power from its engines—even the standard engine is superior to what Honda offers for the HR-V. That’s only the beginning, though, and Ford goes far beyond that. Looking at the HR-V, the real-time AWD system is nice, and every model comes with Hill Descent Control. Available 18-inch wheels allow for up to 7.3 inches of ground clearance, but there are no real off-road features available here, even if you want them.

Looking at the Bronco Sport, on the other hand, it is ready to take you anywhere you can imagine and let you enjoy your next adventure. For example, every model comes with Ford’s Goes Over Any Type of Terrain (GOAT) Modes that allow you to easily adjust traction and performance for a variety of conditions. Five GOAT Modes are standard, though the Badlands model gives you seven different modes for enhanced functionality. An available Off-Road Package for many models includes a brush guard, steel-plated bumpers, and front/rear recovery hooks that are perfect for hitting the trail.

The available Sasquatch Package takes things even further and helps transform the Bronco Sport into an incredible off-road machine. It adds an impressively rugged twin-clutch rear-drive unit and locking rear differential to this SUV, helping it handle anything you encounter on the trail. The Sasquatch Package adds 29-inch Goodyear Territory all-terrain tires, which are massive and perfect for climbing over any obstacle, along with Bilstein rear shocks with position-sensitive damping, providing an increased ride height and more than eight inches of suspension travel. With steel skid plates and more great features, this transforms the Bronco Sport into an unstoppable off-road machine that you’ll love driving.

Impressive Technology––Ford Simply Can’t Be Beat

Performance and capability are things we always look for, but they’re not all that matters. The time you spend in your vehicle and the kinds of features you get to use are just as important—Ford understands this, and the Bronco Sport makes it clear. Updated for the 2025 model year, the Bronco Sport features a standard 13.2-inch center display with the latest SYNC 4 system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus over-the-air software updates. This is joined by a reconfigurable 12.3-inch digital instrument display that’s easy to use and adjust to meet your preferences. And with standard safety tech that includes a Blind Spot Information System and a rear Cross-Traffic Alert, the Bronco Sport just keeps getting better.

By comparison, the kinds of tech features found in the 2025 HR-V are fine, but they’re just that: fine, not extraordinary. The standard model comes with a seven-inch Infotainment display joined by a seven-inch Driver Information Interface screen—it’s easy to see how much smaller these are than the displays found in the Ford Bronco Sport. The standard four-speaker sound system is less than overwhelming, while safety tech like a Blind Spot Information System and Cross Traffic Monitor are available but not standard. Speaking of which, available upgrades on the highest EX-L trim help a bit, but the biggest Infotainment screen is only nine inches, and there’s no larger driver display available. Overall, the tech features of the HR-V come up short time and again compared to what Ford delivers.

Interior Space and Functionality––Bronco Sport Has More to Offer

Subcompact SUVs are obviously quite small, but that doesn’t mean they have to feel small or cramped inside. Both of these vehicles are two-row models with seating for five passengers; you and your family have plenty of room to stretch out in them while driving around Saint Johns. Looking at the cargo space inside, however, we quickly see a notable difference between them. The Ford Bronco Sport gives you up to 32.5 cu.ft. of rear cargo space to load up with the things you need to take with you, while the HR-V has just 24.4 cu.ft. of rear cargo space. You can get up to 65.2 cu.ft. of cargo volume behind the front seats of the Bronco Sport, while the HR-V barely has just 55 cu.ft. of total cargo room to utilize. This is a big difference, and it makes Ford’s SUV more functional whether you’re running errands or planning a road trip.

Bringing It All Together––Ford Delivers for Saint Johns Drivers

As you can see, the differences between the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and the Honda HR-V are stark, giving the Bronco the advantage time and again. The Bronco Sport gives you enhanced overall performance, superior off-road features and options, advanced technology, and more space inside to load up with stuff. All we can say for the Honda HR-V is that it starts at a slightly lower price, but the things you miss out on because of that difference in cost are truly massive. You get a significantly better experience driving the Bronco Sport each day, which is more important to us than saving a few bucks. This is why we love being able to offer this SUV and the rest of Ford’s lineup to our customers, ensuring you find something you will love driving and get the most from day after day.