2025 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2026 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport bursts onto the scene ready for rugged fun, boasting a highly maneuverable footprint at only 172.7 inches long, contrasting sharply with the much larger 2026 Subaru Ascent at 196.8 inches. While the Ascent flexes impressive muscle with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, the Bronco Sport offers superior frugality, achieving a commendable 27 combined MPG versus the Ascent's 22 combined MPG. This rivalry pits the Bronco Sport's lighter price tag, starting at $31,695, against the Ascent's significantly higher performance figures and substantial $9,100 MSRP gap. For pure hauling, the Bronco Sport offers nearly double the core storage capacity at 32.5 cubic feet, making it the more versatile utility player despite the Ascent’s power advantage, setting the stage for a spirited battle between agility/efficiency and sheer passenger/power capability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport wins for commuters due to its superior 27 combined MPG fuel economy compared to the Ascent's 22 MPG.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The 2026 Subaru Ascent is the choice for larger families as it is physically larger and likely offers superior passenger volume despite its lower stated cargo capacity of 17.8 cu ft.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly outweighing the Bronco Sport's 181 hp.
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
The Ford Bronco Sport provides excellent utility and efficiency at a much lower entry point, saving buyers $9,100 compared to the Ascent.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- You prioritize fuel savings, as the Bronco Sport achieves 27 combined MPG versus 22 for the Ascent.
- Your budget is tighter, with the Bronco Sport starting $9,100 less expensive than the Ascent.
- You need maximum enclosed cargo space, as the Bronco Sport offers 32.5 cubic feet.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- You demand exhilarating performance, evidenced by the Ascent's 79 horsepower advantage.
- You regularly carry many passengers or need extra length, as the Ascent is 24.1 inches longer.
- You prefer maximum outright torque (277 lb-ft) for towing or accelerating a full load.
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: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| 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 2026 Subaru Ascent.
How does the fuel economy compare between the 2025 Bronco Sport and the 2026 Ascent?
The Ford Bronco Sport is noticeably more efficient, delivering 27 combined MPG (25 city/30 highway). In contrast, the more powerful Subaru Ascent manages only 22 combined MPG (20 city/26 highway).
Which vehicle offers better performance credentials for spirited driving?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent clearly leads in raw power, generating 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco Sport offers a more modest 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque, suggesting the Ascent is geared towards quicker acceleration.
What is the primary cargo difference between these two crossovers?
The Bronco Sport provides substantially more usable space with 32.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Subaru Ascent, despite its larger overall exterior dimensions, sacrifices rear utility for passenger volume, offering only 17.8 cubic feet.
Is the significant price difference between the two models justified by features?
The Subaru Ascent carries an MSRP of $40,795, a substantial $9,100 premium over the Bronco Sport's $31,695. Buyers must weigh whether the extra horsepower and size justify the higher initial cost.
How do the drivetrains differ, especially concerning off-road readiness?
Both models feature All-Wheel Drive, but the Bronco Sport’s more compact dimensions (172.7 inches long) and traditional 8-speed automatic transmission might offer better maneuverability on tight trails compared to the larger Ascent with its CVT.
Does the choice of fuel impact the driving experience for either vehicle?
Neither vehicle requires premium fuel, as both run happily on regular unleaded gasoline, which simplifies running costs for both the efficient Bronco Sport and the powerful Ascent.
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