Ford Bronco Sport vs Toyota RAV4

The Ford Bronco Sport and the Toyota RAV4 are compelling options for those seeking a balance between impeccable performance and interior comfort. Both compact SUVs come with powerful engines and a range of features that enhance performance on and off the road. They also feature roomy interiors with generous seating for passengers and ample cargo space.

But how do these rivals stack up in 2025, and which one should you buy? In this Ford vs. Toyota comparison, we pit the two models against each other to assess their performance in key areas.

Design and Interior Comfort

The 2025 Bronco Sport features a rugged exterior design that’s inspired by the original 1960s Bronco. Its boxy silhouette shows off a rugged, adventurous look, and its round LED headlamps with a wider front grille make an impressive first impression.

The model is available in up to eight exterior paint color options, depending on the trim. Any of these colors deserves a double-take in the Wendle Ford lot. They include:

• Oxford White
• Desert Sand
• Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
• Carbonized Gray Metallic
• Azure Gray Metallic
• Shadow Black
• Eruption Green
• Velocity Blue Metallic

The 2025 Toyota RAV4’s exterior has been reworked for a sportier and more contemporary look. A large grille gives its front end a menacing look, while the restyled LED headlights make the model look more premium. It also boasts an expansive exterior paint palette, with nine monotone options to choose from:

• Magnetic Gray Metallic
• Midnight Black Metallic
• Ruby Flare Pearl
• Cavalry Blue
• Wind Chill Pearl
• Blueprint
• Ice Cap
• Silver Sky Metallic
• Army Green

While both models seat five passengers, the Bronco Sport is more comfortable due to its higher headroom across both rows of seating. It provides 41.5 inches of headroom in the front row and 41.7 inches in the rear. By comparison, the Toyota RAV4 offers 37.7 inches of headroom in the front row and 39.5 inches in the rear.

The Bronco Sport’s base Big Bend trim features easy-to-clean cloth seats, with higher trims getting premium-trimmed or leather-trimmed seats. Other standard and available features include a dual-zone electronic automatic climate control, a heated and premium-wrapped steering wheel, and a power moonroof.

The 2025 RAV4 comes with equally compelling in-cabin amenities. Seating options include SofTex upholstered seats and fabric-trimmed seats, with higher trims, such as the Limited, providing heated and ventilated front seats. Additional convenience features include dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-trimmed shift lever, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Performance and Capability

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport is available in two powerful engine choices. Its primary engine is a 1.5-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost with an output of 180 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. This powerplant comes standard on the Big Bend, Heritage, Free Wheeling, and Outerbanks models. Meanwhile, the top-of-the-range Badlands trim runs on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.

Like its rival, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 comes in two engine configurations. Its base engine is a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder churning out 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Also available for this model year is a hybrid engine combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with dual electric motors. This setup achieves a combined net output of 219 horsepower.

The 2025 iterations of the Ford Bronco Sport and the Toyota RAV4 closely match up in terms of fuel efficiency. Bronco Sport models equipped with the primary 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine achieve EPA-estimated ratings of 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile, the 2025 RAV4 gas models achieve fuel efficiency ratings of 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

While the RAV4 slightly edges out the Bronco Sport in fuel economy, the Ford dominates in off-road performance. It comes equipped with numerous off-roading-oriented features, including standard all-wheel drive, seven G.O.A.T. Modes (five of which are standard), and Ford Trail Control.

The Bronco Sport also boasts better towing capabilities than its rival. When equipped with the available Class II Trailer Tow Package, the model achieves a maximum towing capacity of 2,200 pounds, which is perfect for a weekend camping trip to Riverside State Park. By contrast, the RAV4 gas models can tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Technology and Safety Features

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport is equipped with cutting-edge technology and advanced safety features to keep you connected and protected while on the move. A massive 13.2-inch LCD capacitive touch screen comes standard across the lineup. It features the latest SYNC 4 infotainment software, complete with a voice command feature for hands-free access and control. Additional standard and optional connectivity features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, and wireless charging.

Each 2025 Ford Bronco Sport also comes outfitted with CoPilot 360. This advanced safety suite integrates various advanced driver-assistance systems to keep you confident behind the wheel. Its standard features include a blind-spot information system (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert, a lane-keeping system, pre-collision assist with emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering, evasive steering assist, and automatic high beams.

The centerpiece of the 2025 Toyota RAV4’s in-cabin tech is an 8.0-inch multimedia display with wireless integration capabilities. While a larger 10.25 display is available for those seeking more screen real estate, it still doesn’t hold a candle to the Bronco Sport’s massive standard infotainment display. Higher trims of the new RAV4 also feature an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system, providing an immersive music-listening experience on the road.

As for safety, each 2025 RAV4 model comes with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite of driver-assistance technologies. It includes standard features, such as lane departure alert with steering assist, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, road sign assist, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams.

Which SUV Is the Better Choice for Spokane Drivers?

While the Ford Bronco Sport and the Toyota RAV4 are both formidable SUVs, the Bronco is ultimately the better option for drivers in Spokane. Its standard all-wheel drive, terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, and other trail-ready features make it better suited to Spokane’s varied terrain. Ready to experience the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport’s off-roading prowess and premium interior? Contact us today to schedule a free test drive.