2025 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport
Comparison Overview
Deciding between rugged capability and premium refinement often boils down to budget, and that’s the core conflict here with the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport facing the 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport. If saving substantial cash is paramount, the Bronco Sport starts at a much friendlier $31,695 versus the Discovery Sport’s $49,900—a massive $18,205 gap. The trade-off is clear in performance: the Land Rover boasts 246 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, crushing the Bronco Sport's 181 hp and 190 lb-ft. However, the Ford compensates with better running costs, achieving 27 MPG combined compared to the Land Rover's 20 MPG combined. While the Land Rover is longer by about 8 inches (180.9 vs 172.7 inches), the cargo spaces are nearly identical at 32.4 and 32.5 cu ft respectively, showing that practicality isn't solely dictated by size or price tag in this crossover showdown.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport is the superior commuter due to its significantly better combined fuel economy of 27 MPG.
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
Despite the price difference, both offer virtually identical cargo capacity around 32.5 cu ft, making the more affordable Bronco Sport the smarter family choice.
2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport offers considerably more performance with 246 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
With a $18,205 lower MSRP and 7 MPG better efficiency, the Bronco Sport offers substantially better long-term value.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- Your primary concern is running costs, as the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport achieves 27 MPG combined.
- You want rugged capability without a steep entry price, given its $31,695 MSRP.
- You prefer a slightly taller stance, as the Bronco Sport is over 2.3 inches taller (70.2 inches vs 67.9 inches).
Choose the Land Rover Discovery Sport if...
- You prioritize outright power, benefitting from the 246 hp output of the Land Rover.
- You frequently travel on the highway and desire the slightly better highway MPG rating of 23 MPG (though efficiency is generally lower).
- You prefer the smoother operation of a 9-speed automatic transmission over the Bronco Sport's 8-speed unit.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco Sport | Land Rover Discovery Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 172.7" | 180.9" |
| Width | 74.3" | - |
| Height | 70.2" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 107.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm | 246 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 269 lb-ft @ 1300 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 | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/30 MPG | 19/23 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 20 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 400.0/480.0 mi. | 336.3/407.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 11.4 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 11 |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Meridian Speakers | — | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | — | 400W |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Antenna Type | — | Diversity |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Fixed Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | — |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | — |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | — |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 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: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 41.7 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.9 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | — |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | 19 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | N/A |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Land Rover |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport.
Is the 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport much bigger than the Bronco Sport?
Not significantly in the areas that matter most for parking. The Land Rover is about 8.2 inches longer overall (180.9 inches vs 172.7 inches), but surprisingly, their cargo capacities are nearly identical at 32.4 cu ft versus 32.5 cu ft.
How much more expensive is the Land Rover Discovery Sport?
The price difference is substantial; the 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport has an MSRP of $49,900, which is $18,205 more than the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport's starting price of $31,695.
Which crossover saves more money on fuel over a year?
The Ford Bronco Sport is the clear winner here, offering 27 MPG combined compared to the Discovery Sport's 20 MPG combined, saving you significant money across the miles.
If I prioritize performance, which one should I pick?
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is the enthusiast's choice, boasting 246 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, overshadowing the Bronco Sport’s 181 hp and 190 lb-ft.
Do both cars use regular unleaded gas?
Yes, happily, both the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, which keeps daily refueling costs lower for both.
Are the driving dynamics very different based on horsepower?
Yes, the 65 horsepower advantage held by the Land Rover means it will feel noticeably punchier during merging and overtaking maneuvers compared to the more modest output of the Ford.
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