2025 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

$31,695 · Crossover

$43,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport ignites the rugged crossover segment with its boxy attitude and standard AWD, making adventure accessible at an MSRP of $31,695. In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB brings sophisticated German engineering, boasting a potent 221 hp and standard 25/33 MPG, but at a premium of $43,800. The GLB pulls ahead with superior straight-line grunt, delivering 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the Bronco Sport’s 190 lb-ft, despite needing premium fuel. While the Bronco Sport is physically shorter at 172.7 inches, it surprisingly offers more utility with 32.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity against the GLB's 22 cubic feet. This comparison pits accessible, go-anywhere grit against refined, premium power, offering two vastly different takes on the compact crossover experience, highlighted by the significant $12,105 gap in entry price.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The Mercedes-Benz GLB offers superior fuel economy at 33 MPG highway and a more comfortable, refined powertrain for daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Bronco Sport

The Bronco Sport wins for utility due to its considerably larger 32.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the GLB's 22 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The GLB offers a decisive performance advantage with 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, significantly outmuscling the Bronco Sport's 181 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Bronco Sport

The Bronco Sport provides robust standard AWD and capability for $12,105 less than the GLB, making it the clear budget choice.

Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...

You prioritize maximum cargo hauling, as the Bronco Sport offers a dominant 32.5 cubic feet of space.
You need standard All-Wheel Drive capability without paying extra, as the Bronco Sport includes it.
You want to save over $12,000 upfront, with an MSRP starting at $31,695.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB if...

You demand superior acceleration, powered by the 221 hp engine and 258 lb-ft of torque.
You desire the highest highway efficiency, rated at 33 MPG.
You prefer the refinement and driving dynamics associated with a vehicle requiring premium unleaded fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Bronco Sport	Mercedes-Benz GLB
Length	172.7"	182.4"
Width	74.3"	72.2"
Height	70.2"	66.7"
Wheelbase	105.1"	111.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
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	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
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	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 3	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	181 hp @ 6000 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1800 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	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/30 MPG	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	400.0/480.0 mi.	397.5/524.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.0 gal.	15.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
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	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	41.5 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	42.4 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	55.9 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: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	41.7 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.9 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	54.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	225/65R H	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
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.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB.

How do the driving dynamics compare between the two crossovers?

The Bronco Sport emphasizes rugged capability with standard AWD and a taller stance, perfect for mixed surfaces. Conversely, the GLB focuses on on-road precision, utilizing a front-wheel-drive biased setup and offering more horsepower (221 hp vs. 181 hp) for quicker highway merges.

Is the extra cost of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB worth the power upgrade?

The GLB demands an extra $12,105, translating to 40 more horsepower and requiring premium fuel. If maximizing speed and luxury feel is paramount, this cost may be justified; otherwise, the Bronco Sport's lower running costs are compelling.

Which vehicle is better for moving large items or luggage?

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport is the superior choice for sheer volume, offering 32.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the GLB's 22 cubic feet, making it better equipped for gear hauls.

How significant is the difference in fuel economy?

While both achieve 25 MPG in the city, the GLB nudges ahead on the highway at 33 MPG versus the Bronco Sport's 30 MPG, though this calculation does not factor in the GLB's premium fuel requirement.

Are there major differences in size that affect urban maneuverability?

Yes, the Bronco Sport is nearly 10 inches shorter in length (172.7 inches) than the GLB (182.4 inches), which aids parking and tight city driving, even though the Bronco Sport is slightly wider.

What drivetrain configurations are standard on each vehicle?

The Bronco Sport comes equipped standard with an All-Wheel Drive system mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The GLB utilizes a Front-Wheel Drive setup paired with an 8-speed automated manual transmission.