2025 Ford Bronco Sport vs. 2025 Subaru Crosstrek: The Ultimate Northwest Indiana SUV Comparison
When you're driving through Northwest Indiana—whether you're navigating the winter drifts in Valparaiso, commuting down Broadway in Merrillville, or heading out for a weekend adventure near Crown Point—you need a vehicle that is more than just a grocery getter. You need capability, power, and confidence.
Two of the most popular contenders in the compact SUV segment are the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek. While the Crosstrek remains a popular hatchback-style crossover, the newly refreshed 2025 Ford Bronco Sport has emerged as the clear leader for drivers who demand rugged utility, superior technology, and standout style. In this comparison, we break down why the Bronco Sport is the superior choice for life in Gary, Hobart, and beyond.
Performance: Torque Wins Races (and Merges)
Merging onto I-65 requires confidence. While the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek offers a 2.5-liter engine on its higher trims, its base model is still stuck with a sluggish 2.0-liter engine putting out only 152 horsepower.
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport, however, is built to perform across the board. The base 1.5-liter EcoBoost® engine delivers a punchy 180 horsepower and 200 lb.-ft. of torque. But for those who crave real power, the Badlands® trim (and the available Sasquatch™ Package) unleashes a 2.0-liter EcoBoost® engine delivering 238 horsepower and a massive 277 lb.-ft. of torque.
In the stop-and-go traffic of Merrillville or the open roads near Crown Point, that extra torque means instant acceleration when you need it most.
| Feature | 2025 Ford Bronco Sport (2.0L EcoBoost) | 2025 Subaru Crosstrek (2.5L Boxer) |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 238 HP | 182 HP |
| Torque | 277 lb.-ft. | 178 lb.-ft. |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic | CVT (Continuously Variable) |
| Max Towing | 2,700 lbs | 1,500 - 3,500 lbs (Trim Dependent) |
Interior Tech: The Biggest Upgrade for 2025
This is where the Bronco Sport leaves the Subaru in the dust. For 2025, Ford has overhauled the interior technology.
Every single 2025 Bronco Sport now comes standard with a massive 13.2-inch center touchscreen and a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster.
- Ford: Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ on a crystal-clear 13.2-inch display.
- Subaru: The Crosstrek features an 11.6-inch vertical screen, but lower trims still use dual 7-inch screens that feel dated.
The Bronco Sport's new "Bring Your Own Device" tray on the dash also features USB-C power points, making it easy to mount a GoPro or phone for recording your drive through the Indiana Dunes.
Off-Road Capability: Enter the Sasquatchâ„¢
Subaru is famous for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, but Ford has taken all-terrain capability to a new level with the Bronco Sport's G.O.A.T. Modesâ„¢ (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain).
New for 2025 is the Sasquatchâ„¢ Package. Previously only available on the big Bronco, this legendary package is now available on the Bronco Sport Outer Banks and Badlands trims. It adds:
- Twin-Clutch Rear Drive Unit: Sends torque to a single rear wheel to pull you out of mud or snow (available on Outer Banks for the first time!).
- 29-inch All-Terrain Tires: Goodyear Territory tires that eat up Valparaiso potholes.
- Steel Bash Plates: Ultimate protection for off-roading.
Exterior Design: The "Cool Factor"
In a sea of jellybean-shaped crossovers, the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport stands alone. It embraces a bold, boxy, heritage-inspired design that isn't just for looks—it's for function.
- Safari-Style Roof: The stepped roofline provides best-in-class headroom and allows for taller cargo (like two mountain bikes standing upright) to fit inside.
- Flip-Up Rear Glass: One of the most underrated features for life in Hobart. You can pop the rear glass independently of the tailgate to quickly grab groceries or toss in gym bags without your cargo sliding out.
- Heritage Styling: With round headlamps and "BRONCO" lettering across the grille, it commands attention in a way the Crosstrek simply doesn't.
Life in the Dunes: A Localized Lifestyle Section
Living in Northwest Indiana presents unique challenges. We have lake effect snow, sandy trails near the Indiana Dunes, and heavy semi-truck traffic on I-65 and I-94. The Bronco Sport is explicitly built for this region.
- Sand Ready: Heading to the beach at Miller or the Dunes? The Bronco Sport's "Sand" mode adjusts throttle response to keep you floating over soft sand.
- Winter Warrior: When Valparaiso gets hit with a foot of snow, the "Slippery" mode and available aggressive all-terrain tires provide confidence that a standard crossover can't match.
- Easy Cleanup: After a muddy hike at Deep River County Park, you don't have to worry about ruining your interior. The Bronco Sport offers rubberized flooring and easy-to-clean cloth seats (on select trims) that can be wiped down in seconds.
Safety: Ford Co-Pilot360â„¢ Assist+
Safety is paramount, especially when commuting with family. The 2025 Bronco Sport now comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360â„¢ Assist+.
- BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System): Essential for merging onto I-80/94.
- Evasive Steering Assist: Helps you maneuver around a stopped vehicle if braking alone isn't enough.
- 360-Degree Camera: Now available on more trims, giving you a bird's-eye view when parking in tight spots in downtown Crown Point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. Every 2025 Ford Bronco Sport comes standard with a massive 13.2-inch touchscreen running SYNC® 4. The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek comes with dual 7-inch screens on base trims, and even its upgraded 11.6-inch screen is smaller than the Bronco Sport's standard display.
The Sasquatch™ Package turns the Bronco Sport into an off-road beast. Available on the Outer Banks and Badlands trims, it adds a twin-clutch rear drive unit (for superior traction), 29-inch Goodyear® Territory All-Terrain tires, steel bash plates, and auxiliary switches for accessories.
The Bronco Sport wins on utility. Thanks to its safari-style roof, it offers a maximum of 65.2 cubic feet of cargo space and enough vertical height to store two mountain bikes standing up. The Crosstrek tops out at roughly 54.7 cubic feet and lacks the vertical height for tall items.
It is engineered for it. Every Bronco Sport comes with standard 4x4 and G.O.A.T. Modesâ„¢ (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain), which includes a dedicated "Slippery" mode to help you maintain traction on icy roads in Valparaiso and Crown Point.
Yes. When equipped with the Class II Trailer Tow Package and the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, the Bronco Sport can tow up to 2,700 lbs, which is perfect for hauling small campers, snowmobiles, or jet skis to Lake Michigan.
The Bronco Sport Wins in the Midwest
While the Subaru Crosstrek is a competent crossover, the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport is a true SUV. It offers significantly more power, superior cargo versatility, and a 4x4 system designed to conquer the unpredictable weather and terrain of Northwest Indiana.
For drivers in Valparaiso, Merrillville, Crown Point, and Gary who want a vehicle that stands out from the crowd and performs when it counts, the choice is clear.
Ready to Experience the Legend?
Don't just take our word for it. Experience the power of the EcoBoost® engine and the versatility of the G.O.A.T. Modes™ yourself.
Click Here to Book Your Test Drive OnlineVisit us today at Paul Heuring Ford to see our full inventory of 2025 Bronco Sports. We are committed to providing a hassle-free, customer-first experience.