2026 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox
SUV shoppers comparing the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox can find distinct feature differences between the two vehicle. While the Chevrolet Equinox is designed primarily for on-road comfort and daily commuting, the Ford Bronco Sport is engineered as a high-performance.
Powertrain and Performance Specifications
The most critical technical difference between these two SUVs is the drivetrain and engine availability. The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport features standard 4×4 capability on all models, from the Big Bend™ to the Badlands™. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox comes standard with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), utilizing a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is an available upgrade for the Equinox, it is not a standard feature.
- Ford Bronco Sport 1.5L EcoBoost: This standard engine delivers 180 horsepower and 200 lb ft of torque.
- Ford Bronco Sport 2.0L EcoBoost: Available on the Badlands trim, this engine increases output to 250 horsepower and 280 lb ft of torque.
- Chevrolet Equinox 1.5L Turbo: The standard engine provides 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is available, it is not a standard feature on the base trims, and its output is significantly lower than the
The Ford Bronco Sport is built with a HOSS (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) System. The Badlands™ trim specifically includes an Advanced 4×4 system with a Twin-Clutch Rear Drive Unit, which can send torque to a single rear wheel even when the other three have no traction.
Towing Capability and Dimensions
Whether you are packing gear for a trip or loading up grocerie, towing and interior utility matters.
- Towing Capacity: The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is rated to tow up to 2200 pounds with the 1.5L engine and up to 2700 pounds with the 2.0L engine when equipped with the Class II Trailer Tow Package. Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Equinox features a lower maximum towing capacity of 1,500 lbs.
- Ground Clearance: The Bronco Sport offers 7.8 inches of standard ground clearance, which increases to 8.8 inches with the available Sasquatch Package. The Chevrolet Equinox offers approximately 8.2 inches of ground clearance on its most capable trims, designed primarily for cleared roads.
- Cargo Volume: The Ford Bronco Sport provides 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 65.2 cubic feet with seats folded. The Chevrolet Equinox offers 29.8 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 63.5 cubic feet total.
Technology and Safety Features
For the 2026 model year, Ford has standardized high end technology across the Bronco Sport lineup, offering larger digital interfaces than the base Trax.
- Standard Infotainment: Every 2026 Bronco Sport features a 13.2 inch center touchscreen. The Trax LS and 1RS trims come with an 8.0 inch screen, requiring an upgrade to the LT trim or higher for an 11.0 inch screen.
- Digital Cluster: The Bronco Sport includes a standard 8.0 inch digital instrument cluster, which is available as a 12.3 inch display on higher trims.
- Driver Assistance: Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ is now standard on all 2026 Bronco Sport models, adding Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Lane Centering. The Trax includes Chevy Safety Assist, but features like Adaptive Cruise Control remain optional upgrades on most trims.
Technical Specification Comparison
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Standard Drivetrain
4x4 (All Wheel Drive)
Base Horsepower
180 hp
Max Horsepower
250 hp
Transmission
8 Speed Automatic
Max Towing Capacity
2700 lbs
Standard Touchscreen
13.2 inch
Max Ground Clearance
8.8 inches
Max Cargo Volume
65.2 cu ft
2026 Chevrolet Trax
Standard Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive
Base Horsepower
137 hp
Max Horsepower
137 hp
Transmission
6 Speed Automatic
Max Towing Capacity
Not Rated
Standard Touchscreen
8.0 inch
Max Ground Clearance
7.3 inches
Max Cargo Volume
54.1 cu ft
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Ford Bronco Sport has a maximum towing capacity of 2,700 lbs, whereas the Chevrolet Equinox is limited to 1,500 lbs.
The Ford Bronco Sport comes standard with 4x4 on every trim level. The Chevrolet Equinox comes standard with Front-Wheel Drive.
The Ford Bronco Sport features a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen compared to the 11.3-inch screen in the Chevrolet Equinox.
The Ford Bronco Sport offers a maximum of 65.2 cubic feet of cargo volume, outperforming the 63.5 cubic feet available in the Chevrolet Equinox.
