2025 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$31,695 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the rugged charm of the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and the established practicality of the 2026 Subaru Outback can be tough when both crossovers boast standard All-Wheel Drive and identical 27 combined MPG figures. The most immediate hurdle is the price tag: the Bronco Sport starts $3,300 lower at $31,695 compared to the Outback's $34,995 MSRP. While performance is remarkably close—181 hp in the Bronco versus 180 hp in the Outback—the Ford feels slightly zippier with 190 lb-ft of torque against Subaru's 178 lb-ft. For hauling gear, the Outback offers marginally more space at 34.6 cu ft versus 32.5 cu ft. Furthermore, the Bronco Sport's taller stance (70.2 inches height) suggests a different kind of off-road readiness compared to the Outback's longer profile (191.7 inches length). Your choice really hinges on whether you prioritize upfront savings and a slightly punchier feel (Bronco Sport) or maximum cargo volume and a longer wheelbase feel (Outback).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback wins for commuting due to its superior highway efficiency, achieving 31 MPG highway versus the Bronco Sport's 30 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Outback offers a larger primary space for family gear, boasting 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Bronco Sport's 32.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2025 Bronco Sport appeals more to adventure enthusiasts with 190 lb-ft of torque and a noticeably taller ride height of 70.2 inches.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Bronco Sport

The Bronco Sport offers better value immediately, starting $3,300 cheaper than the Outback while providing competitive efficiency figures.

Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...

You want to save $3,300 upfront, as the MSRP is $31,695 versus $34,995 for the Outback.
You prefer a slightly punchier engine feel due to its 190 lb-ft of torque.
You need a vehicle with maximum height clearance, as it stands 70.2 inches tall.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

You frequently carry bulky items, as the 34.6 cu ft of cargo space is superior.
You prioritize slightly better highway fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG highway.
You prefer the stability and space offered by a longer vehicle, measuring 191.7 inches in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Bronco Sport	Subaru Outback
Length	172.7"	191.7"
Width	74.3"	74.0"
Height	70.2"	67.5"
Wheelbase	105.1"	108.1"

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	3
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	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 3	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	181 hp @ 6000 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 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	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	400.0/480.0 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.0 gal.	18.0 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	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	12.1 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	✓	—
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.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	42.4 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 in.	55.5 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 Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Rear Head Room	41.7 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.9 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/65R H	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.0 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 Outback.

How much more expensive is the 2026 Subaru Outback compared to the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport?

The 2026 Subaru Outback carries an MSRP of $34,995, making it $3,300 more expensive than the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport's starting price of $31,695.

Which crossover is better for highway driving efficiency?

The Subaru Outback nudges out the competition with 31 MPG on the highway, beating the Bronco Sport’s 30 MPG highway rating, although both share the same 27 combined MPG.

Does the difference in horsepower significantly affect performance between these two AWD models?

The difference is negligible on paper; the Bronco Sport has 181 hp compared to the Outback's 180 hp. However, the Ford has more torque at 190 lb-ft versus 178 lb-ft, which might translate to a slightly stronger pull off the line.

Which vehicle offers more actual cargo room?

The 2026 Subaru Outback provides 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats, which is marginally larger than the 32.5 cubic feet offered by the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport.

How do their drivetrains differ if both offer AWD?

While both are AWD, the 2025 Bronco Sport uses a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission, whereas the 2026 Outback utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).