2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2024 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid was built on the N3 platform, shared with the larger Kia Sorento, resulting in a size increase over its predecessor. It was 7.1 inches longer with a 3.4-inch longer wheelbase, enhancing rear-seat legroom. The new model was also about an inch taller and half an inch wider. The Sportage Hybrid featured a bold front end with angular LED headlights and "boomerang" LED daytime running lights, giving it a distinctive appearance. The interior was designed around a large optional infotainment display, with a clean, minimalist look. While base models had cloth seats, higher trims offered SynTex artificial leather, which felt somewhat cheap.

The 2024 Ford Bronco embraced a retro design reminiscent of the 1960s, particularly successful in the two-door model. The Sasquatch Package added a suspension lift and 35-inch mud-terrain tires, enhancing its rugged look. The Bronco offered nine trim levels, with prices ranging from $41,525 to $91,930. Our test vehicle, a four-door Big Bend trim, featured Hot Pepper Red paint, LED signature lighting, and the Sasquatch Package. The interior had marine-grade mildew- and water-resistant upholstery, which didn't breathe well. The Bronco's dashboard featured an 8-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with grab handles for easy entry due to the suspension lift.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid was powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor, producing 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offered front-wheel drive as standard on the base LX trim, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The powertrain provided smooth acceleration and seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. The Sportage Hybrid had a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, 500 pounds less than the non-hybrid version.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend came with a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. It offered a seven-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic. The optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine produced 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the Raptor model boasted a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft. The Bronco's maximum towing capacity was 3,500 pounds. The part-time four-wheel-drive system was standard, with an advanced system available. The Bronco's fuel efficiency was a concern, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway for the Big Bend Sasquatch.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom and cargo space than the non-hybrid version. It provided more front-seat headroom than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 hybrids but less for second-row passengers. The dual-level cargo floor allowed for flexibility, with 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 73.7 cubic feet with them folded. The Sportage Hybrid featured a rotary shift knob, USB ports, and clever cupholders.

The 2024 Ford Bronco's interior was comfortable, accommodating four adults in the two-door model. The four-door version was even roomier, with no rollbar obstructing rear-seat passengers. The marine-grade vinyl upholstery trapped moisture, but cloth seats were available in the Heritage Edition. The Bronco offered removable roof panels and doors for an open-air experience. Cargo space varied, with the two-door model offering 22.4 cubic feet and the four-door model providing up to 83 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a panoramic display combining the touchscreen with a digital instrument cluster. The panoramic display was visually impressive and user-friendly. Hybrid models included USB-C ports, wireless phone charging, and an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2024 Ford Bronco came with a 12-inch touchscreen Sync 4 infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a seven-speaker stereo. Higher trims offered a Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Bronco's Sync 4 technology had some connectivity issues, and the voice recognition system was inconsistent. The Bronco Trail App provided access to trail maps and information.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid's safety features included forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot view camera, and a 360-degree camera system. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of testing.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a backup camera. The Mid Package added lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Bronco received favorable IIHS ratings, except for its headlight performance. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, with a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.