2026 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2026 Honda CR-V

The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport suits Central Indiana shoppers who want Ford 4x4 and higher towing limits when properly equipped. The 2026 Honda CR-V offers stronger EPA-estimated fuel economy with its hybrid models and more cargo space behind the second row.

What matters to you	2026 Ford Bronco Sport	2026 Honda CR-V
Drivetrain choice	Ford 4x4 on Big Bend, Heritage and Outer Banks; Advanced 4x4 on Badlands	Front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), depending on trim
Hybrid option	Gas engines in Big Bend, Heritage, Outer Banks and Badlands	Gas and two-motor hybrid choices
Cargo with passengers aboard	Cargo capacity varies by engine and Sasquatch equipment	More space behind the second row in both gas and two-motor hybrid configurations
Towing	Higher maximum towing ratings with the Class II Trailer Tow Package	Lower maximum towing ratings with accessory towing equipment
Best-fit buyer	Wants Ford 4x4 and higher towing capacity when properly equipped	Prioritizes hybrid fuel economy or cargo room with the rear seats up

Powertrains: Ford 4x4 or Honda's Gas and Hybrid Choices

The Bronco Sport Big Bend, Heritage and Outer Banks use the smaller turbo engine with Ford 4x4. Badlands pairs the larger turbo engine with Advanced 4x4.

The CR-V's LX, EX and EX-L are gas trims. Sport Hybrid, TrailSport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid use the two-motor hybrid system.

Powertrain detail	2026 Ford Bronco Sport	2026 Honda CR-V
Engines	1.5L turbo three-cylinder; Badlands: 2.0L turbo four-cylinder	Gas: 1.5L turbo four-cylinder; hybrid: 2.0L two-motor system
Gas-engine transmission	Eight-speed automatic for both gas engines	LX, EX and EX-L gas: continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Drivetrain availability	Ford 4x4; Badlands: Advanced 4x4	LX, EX, EX-L, Sport Hybrid and Sport-L Hybrid: FWD or AWD; TrailSport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid: AWD only
Manufacturer-rated output	1.5L: 180 hp; 2.0L: 250 hp, both on premium fuel under SAE J1349	Gas: 190 hp; hybrid: 204 hp total system output

The Bronco Sport can run on regular fuel. Premium is recommended, but not required, for its 2.0L engine. Honda recommends regular unleaded.

EPA-Estimated MPG by Configuration

The CR-V hybrids offer stronger EPA-estimated fuel economy for a commute along I-69. Ratings vary by Honda trim and drivetrain and by Ford engine and Sasquatch equipment.

The table compares EPA-estimated city, highway and combined MPG for each configuration.

Configuration	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG
Bronco Sport 1.5L 4x4, without Sasquatch	25	30	27
Bronco Sport 1.5L 4x4, with Sasquatch	23	26	24
Bronco Sport 2.0L 4x4, without Sasquatch	21	27	23
CR-V gas FWD: LX, EX, EX-L	28	33	30
CR-V gas AWD: LX, EX, EX-L	27	31	29
CR-V Sport Hybrid / Sport-L Hybrid FWD	43	36	40
CR-V Sport Hybrid / Sport-L Hybrid / Sport Touring Hybrid AWD	40	34	37
CR-V TrailSport Hybrid AWD	38	33	35

Actual mileage varies. The Bronco Sport 2.0L figures apply only without Sasquatch. The CR-V TrailSport Hybrid has its own rating.

Passenger Space, Cargo and Length

The Bronco Sport and CR-V both seat five and have no third row. For trips with passengers and their bags, the CR-V offers more room behind the second row across the configurations below. The Bronco Sport has a shorter published exterior length.

The cargo figures below measure space behind the second row with the rear seats up.

Cargo configuration	Cargo capacity
Bronco Sport 1.5L, without Sasquatch	32.5 cu ft
Bronco Sport 1.5L with Sasquatch or 2.0L without Sasquatch	29.4 cu ft
Bronco Sport 2.0L with Sasquatch	29.1 cu ft
CR-V gas: LX, EX, EX-L	39.3 cu ft
CR-V Sport Hybrid / TrailSport Hybrid / Sport-L Hybrid	36.3 cu ft
CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid	34.7 cu ft

These published exterior lengths cover the Bronco Sport without a brush guard and all seven CR-V trims.

Length configuration	Exterior length
Bronco Sport 1.5L, without brush guard	173.1 inches
Bronco Sport 2.0L, without brush guard	173.4 inches
CR-V, all seven trims	184.8 inches

Towing Capacity and Required Equipment

The Bronco Sport is rated to tow more than the CR-V when it has the required Class II Trailer Tow Package.

Each maximum trailer weight below requires the towing equipment listed.

Equipped configuration	Maximum trailer weight
Bronco Sport 1.5L with Class II Trailer Tow Package	2,200 lb
Bronco Sport 2.0L Badlands with Class II Trailer Tow Package	2,700 lb
CR-V gas with accessory towing equipment	1,500 lb
CR-V hybrids with accessory towing equipment	1,000 lb

These are maximum trailer weights, not payload ratings. Whether a trailer is suitable also depends on its loaded weight and the load carried in the SUV. Confirm that the specific Bronco Sport has the required towing package.

Technology and Driver Assistance

The Bronco Sport has a larger center touchscreen. The CR-V offers blind-spot and cross-traffic assistance on every trim except LX.

Feature	2026 Ford Bronco Sport	2026 Honda CR-V
Center touchscreen	13.2-inch touchscreen	9-inch touchscreen across all seven trims
Phone integration	Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto	Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all seven trims
Adaptive cruise and lane support	Co-Pilot360 Assist+: adaptive cruise with Stop-and-Go and lane centering; lane-keeping system	Honda Sensing across all seven trims: adaptive cruise with Low-Speed Follow and lane-keeping assist
Braking assistance	Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking	Honda Sensing collision-mitigation braking across all seven trims
Blind-spot and cross-traffic assistance	BLIS with cross-traffic alert	Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor on all trims except LX

Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ is standard on Big Bend, Heritage, Outer Banks and Badlands. Driver-assistance features support the driver; they do not make either SUV self-driving or guarantee collision prevention.

Warranty Coverage and Safety Ratings

The Bronco Sport and CR-V have matching basic new-vehicle and powertrain warranty terms. For each warranty below, coverage ends at the time or mileage limit, whichever comes first. Terms and exclusions apply.

Limited coverage	2026 Ford Bronco Sport	2026 Honda CR-V
New vehicle	3 years / 36,000 miles	3 years / 36,000 miles
Powertrain	5 years / 60,000 miles	5 years / 60,000 miles

The following NHTSA overall safety ratings apply to the listed 2026 configurations.

NHTSA overall rating	Covered configuration
Five stars	Bronco Sport 4WD
Five stars	CR-V gas FWD/AWD and hybrid FWD/AWD

Ratings can change as new tests are published. Check NHTSA.gov for the latest ratings when you compare vehicles.

Compare the SUVs for Your Needs

Browse our new and used Ford Bronco Sport vehicles at Ed Martin Ford in Anderson, then request a Ford test drive. Ask us to check the exact vehicle for its year, trim, condition and equipment before choosing it for towing.

For a specific configuration, ask about Ford factory ordering. Orders are subject to model-year ordering availability, production and demand. You can also browse our new-vehicle specials.

Arrange a CR-V comparison drive at a Honda store. Consider your passenger and cargo needs during both test drives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which 2026 Bronco Sport and CR-V trims offer 4x4 or AWD?

The 2026 Bronco Sport Big Bend, Heritage and Outer Banks have Ford 4x4. Badlands has Advanced 4x4. The 2026 CR-V LX, EX, EX-L, Sport Hybrid and Sport-L Hybrid offer front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). TrailSport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid are AWD only.

Which of these 2026 SUVs offers a hybrid?

The 2026 CR-V offers a two-motor hybrid system in Sport Hybrid, TrailSport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid. The 2026 Bronco Sport Big Bend, Heritage, Outer Banks and Badlands use gas engines.

What should I check before towing with a Bronco Sport?

Confirm the engine and Class II Trailer Tow Package. The loaded trailer weight and the load carried in the SUV also matter. Ask us to check the exact vehicle before choosing it for towing.

Which MPG rating should I use for a CR-V hybrid?

Use the EPA-estimated rating for your CR-V hybrid's trim and drivetrain. Sport Hybrid and Sport-L Hybrid offer FWD and AWD. TrailSport Hybrid has its own AWD rating. Actual mileage varies.

How can I check current 2026 Bronco Sport availability?

Browse our Ford Bronco Sport inventory for new and used vehicles. To confirm current availability of a 2026 trim or package, ask us to check the exact vehicle.

Where can I check the latest safety ratings for these 2026 SUVs?

Check NHTSA.gov for the latest ratings and the configurations they cover. The 2026 Bronco Sport 4WD and 2026 CR-V gas FWD/AWD and hybrid FWD/AWD configurations have five-star overall ratings. Ratings can change as new tests are published, and a rating may not be available for every configuration.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.

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