2025 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2025 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the rugged, compact 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and the larger, more powerful 2025 Subaru Ascent often comes down to balancing budget against passenger capacity. The $8,300 difference in MSRP is substantial; the Bronco Sport starts at just $31,695, while the Ascent is priced from $39,995. If efficiency is key, the Bronco Sport wins easily, netting an impressive 27 combined MPG compared to the Ascent's 22 combined MPG. However, the trade-off is power: the Ascent delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, substantially eclipsing the Bronco Sport’s 181 hp and 190 lb-ft. While both offer AWD, the Bronco Sport’s smaller footprint (172.7 inches long) makes it nimbler, though its cargo space (32.5 cu ft) is still surprisingly good, besting the larger Ascent's 17.8 cu ft maximum cargo volume.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport offers superior fuel economy at 27 combined MPG, making daily driving costs lower than the Ascent's 22 combined MPG.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The substantially longer Ascent (196.8 inches) likely offers better overall passenger and third-row space, which families prioritize.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent boasts significantly more output with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque compared to the Bronco Sport's 181 hp.
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport undercuts the Ascent by $8,300 and still provides capable AWD and better MPG.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- Your budget is firm, as the $31,695 MSRP saves you $8,300 compared to the competitor.
- You value maximizing fuel savings, benefiting from 27 combined MPG versus 22 combined MPG.
- You need easier parking due to its smaller length of 172.7 inches.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- You need maximum power, as the 260 horsepower output is 79 hp more than car 1.
- You frequently haul larger items, despite the conflicting cargo specs, the Ascent's larger body suggests superior overall interior volume.
- You prefer the smoothness of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission over a traditional automatic.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco Sport | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 172.7" | 196.8" |
| Width | 74.3" | 76.0" |
| Height | 70.2" | 71.6" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 113.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/30 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 400.0/480.0 mi. | 386.0/501.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 19.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 42.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 61.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 41.7 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.9 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 60.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | 245/60R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and 2025 Subaru Ascent.
Why is the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport cheaper than the 2025 Subaru Ascent?
The primary reason is market positioning and size; the Bronco Sport starts at $31,695 while the Ascent starts at $39,995, reflecting the Ascent's larger body style and greater power output.
Which crossover is better for highway trips based on fuel usage?
The Bronco Sport is the better choice for fuel economy, achieving 30 highway MPG compared to the Ascent's 26 highway MPG.
Does the power difference between the two vehicles feel significant in real-world driving?
Yes, the 79 horsepower gap is noticeable; the Ascent's 260 hp versus the Bronco Sport's 181 hp means the Ascent will feel much quicker when merging or passing.
The cargo figures seem contradictory; which one has more space?
Based strictly on the provided cubic feet, the Bronco Sport offers more cargo capacity at 32.5 cu ft compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft, suggesting the Bronco Sport's utility is optimized differently despite being physically smaller.
Are both vehicles restricted to premium fuel?
No, fortunately, both the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2025 Subaru Ascent are compatible with regular unleaded fuel, helping to keep ownership costs down.
What is the main advantage of the Ascent's transmission over the Bronco Sport's?
The Ascent uses a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which is often favored for maximizing efficiency in the power band, whereas the Bronco Sport uses a standard 8-speed shiftable automatic.
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