Explore the Differences: Ford Bronco Sport vs. Ford Explorer Review

When it comes to adventure-ready SUVs, Gary Yeomans Ford Daytona Beach delivers two standout options that cater to different lifestyles and driving needs: the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2025 Ford Explorer in Daytona Beach, Florida. Both SUVs blend performance, technology, and capability, but they offer unique advantages depending on how and where you drive.

Whether you’re commuting through Daytona or venturing into the rugged trails of Central Florida, choosing the right Ford SUV is all about knowing which features matter most to you. Let’s break down this comparison across performance, size, interior features, off-road capability, and more to help you decide which Ford SUV is the best fit.

Performance & Powertrain: Turbocharged Options for Professional Adventurers

Both the Bronco Sport and Explorer pack turbocharged punch, but they’re tuned for different experiences.

The 2025 Bronco Sport offers two engines:

• A 1.5L EcoBoost® I-3 with 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque (standard)
• A 2.0L EcoBoost® I-4 with 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque (Badlands trim)

Its lighter frame and smaller size make it perfect for nimble city driving and tackling trails with agility.

The 2025 Ford Explorer provides more robust power for larger families or those needing towing capabilities:

• A 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 with 300 hp
• An available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 with 400 hp in the ST trim
• Optional hybrid powertrain for eco-conscious drivers

Size & Interior Space: Compact vs. Three-Row Utility

One of the most noticeable differences lies in their dimensions and passenger seating.

• The Bronco Sport is a compact SUV with five-passenger seating. It’s perfect for solo drivers, couples, or small families who want the flexibility to park in tight spots while still enjoying SUV utility.
• The Explorer is a three-row midsize SUV with seating for up to seven passengers. It’s the ideal family SUV for road trips, school pickups, and vacations with gear in tow.

Cargo space also varies:

• Bronco Sport: Up to 65.2 cubic feet with rear seats folded
• Explorer: Up to 87.8 cubic feet behind the first row

If you need to haul strollers, camping gear, or beach equipment in bulk, the Explorer’s size advantage can take extra points!

Off-Road Capabilities: Adventure Runs Deep in Both SUVs

Ford has equipped both SUVs with trail-ready features but they cater to different off-road profiles.

The Bronco Sport Badlands is purpose-built for the wild. With standard 4×4, a twin-clutch rear drive unit, GOAT Modes™ (Goes Over Any Terrain), and off-road suspension, it’s ideal for tackling sand, mud, or rocky paths across Florida’s backcountry.

The Explorer Timberline trim offers off-road upgrades like:

• All-wheel drive
• Tuned suspension
• Underbody skid plates
• Limited-slip rear differential

While the Explorer is capable, the Bronco Sport is more suited to true off-road adventure and compact agility, making it the better choice for weekend explorers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Fuel Efficiency: Saving at the Pump

For daily drivers in Daytona Beach or Ormond Beach, fuel economy is a key consideration.

• Bronco Sport (1.5L FWD): Up to 28 MPG highway
• Explorer (2.3L RWD): Up to 28 MPG highway
• Explorer Hybrid: Up to 28 MPG combined

Despite its larger size, the Explorer is fuel efficient, especially with its hybrid variant. The Bronco Sport, however, offers better city MPG due to its lighter weight and smaller footprint.

Interior & Tech: Smart, Connected, and Comfortable

Step inside either SUV, and you’ll find a cabin loaded with Ford’s latest tech. However, the Explorer brings a few upscale options, while the Bronco Sport emphasizes rugged practicality.

If your lifestyle includes surfboards, coolers, and mountain bikes, the Bronco Sport’s interior is designed with you in mind. But if you want daily comfort for a larger family, the Explorer can be your best choice.

Pricing & Value: Which SUV Fits Your Budget?

As you move up trims on the 2025 models, both SUVs offer premium features, but the Explorer’s pricing climbs faster.

At Gary Yeomans Ford Daytona Beach, you’ll find competitive pricing and new Ford specials to help you make the right choice without stretching your budget.

Safety First: Ford Co-Pilot360™ and More

Safety is non-negotiable in any modern SUV, and Ford delivers with its standard Co-Pilot360™ suite, which includes:

• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®)
• Lane-Keeping System
• Rear View Camera
• Auto High-Beam Headlamps

Advanced options include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Evasive Steering Assist
• Active Park Assist 2.0

Both the Bronco Sport and Explorer have received top marks in crash safety, ensuring you can drive confidently whether you’re heading to Palm Coast or dropping the kids at school.

Which Ford SUV Is Right for You?

• Choose the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport if you want:
  • A compact SUV that handles daily driving and light trails with ease
  • Off-road capabilities and easy-to-clean materials
  • A more affordable price point with clever outdoor utility
• Choose the 2025 Ford Explorer if you need:
  • Room for 7 passengers
  • High towing capacity and engine options
  • A more refined interior and upscale tech for long hauls

Still deciding between the Bronco Sport and Explorer? Visit Gary Yeomans Ford Daytona Beach and take both options for an ultimate live comparison, and our team is here to help you compare trims, explore financing options, and find the perfect SUV for your lifestyle in Daytona Beach or New Smyrna Beach!