2025 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
Torn between rugged capability and outright efficiency? That’s the core struggle when comparing the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport against the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The price gap is significant, with the Bronco Sport starting at a highly attractive $31,695 versus the Highlander Hybrid's $46,820 MSRP. If low running costs are paramount, the Highlander Hybrid pulls ahead with an impressive 35 combined MPG compared to the Bronco Sport’s 27 MPG. However, the Bronco Sport is the clear choice for maximizing cargo space, offering 32.5 cubic feet versus the Toyota's 16 cubic feet—a massive difference for hauling gear. Power seekers will also notice the 62 horsepower deficit in the Ford (181 hp vs. 243 hp). Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you prioritize saving over $15,000 upfront and need more raw space, or if the Highlander’s superior fuel economy justifies the higher initial outlay.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid wins for daily commutes due to its superior 35 combined MPG efficiency.
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport is better for families needing maximum utility, offering double the primary cargo capacity at 32.5 cubic feet.
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Enthusiasts will prefer the 2025 Highlander Hybrid as it delivers 243 horsepower, significantly more than the Bronco Sport’s 181 hp.
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport offers substantially better value, costing $15,125 less at the base MSRP.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- You need to maximize hauling capacity, as the 32.5 cu ft cargo area beats the Highlander by a wide margin.
- Your budget is tight; the $31,695 starting MSRP saves you over $15,000 compared to the hybrid.
- You prefer a more compact, maneuverable vehicle with a length of 172.7 inches.
Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...
- Fuel savings are critical, as the 35 MPG combined efficiency is substantially higher than the Bronco Sport's 27 MPG.
- You require more power on the highway, benefiting from the 243 horsepower output.
- You occasionally need a third row, implied by the significantly longer body style (194.9 inches).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco Sport | Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 172.7" | 194.9" |
| Width | 74.3" | 76.0" |
| Height | 70.2" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm | 243 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 190 lb-ft @ 3000 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/30 MPG | 35/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 400.0/480.0 mi. | 598.5/598.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 17.1 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 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 | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 59.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 57.2 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 | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 41.7 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.9 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | 18 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | P235/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Highlander Hybrid than the Bronco Sport?
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers significantly better fuel economy, achieving 35 combined MPG. In comparison, the Ford Bronco Sport only manages 27 combined MPG, meaning the Toyota will save considerably on fuel costs over time.
Which vehicle offers better utility for road trips and gear?
The Ford Bronco Sport is the utility winner for pure cargo volume, boasting 32.5 cubic feet behind the second row. The Highlander Hybrid offers substantially less space at only 16 cubic feet.
Is the price difference between these two vehicles justifiable?
The MSRP difference is substantial; the Highlander Hybrid costs $15,125 more than the Bronco Sport. You must weigh that upfront cost against the estimated $150+ per month savings from its better fuel economy.
Which crossover is faster or more powerful for highway merging?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the clear performance leader, generating 243 horsepower versus the Bronco Sport's 181 hp. This 62 hp advantage will make merging feel notably easier in the Toyota.
Are the sizes of these crossovers comparable for city parking?
The Bronco Sport is smaller overall, measuring 172.7 inches long and 70.2 inches high, making it slightly easier to maneuver than the longer, 194.9-inch Highlander Hybrid.
Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?
Fortunately, neither vehicle demands premium fuel for base operation; both the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid run on regular unleaded gasoline.
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