2025 Ford Bronco vs 2025 Subaru Ascent

$38,995 · SUV

$39,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the rugged 2025 Ford Bronco and the spacious 2025 Subaru Ascent often comes down to prioritizing capability over daily efficiency. If you need sheer power, the Bronco leads with 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, making its 7-speed manual transmission feel potent despite sipping premium fuel for a 19 MPG combined rating. Conversely, the Ascent offers better daily economy at 22 MPG combined, running happily on regular unleaded. While the Bronco is notably shorter at 173.7 inches, favoring tighter trails, the Ascent boasts a much longer 196.8-inch frame, beneficial for family hauling. For those seeking a raw, engaging drive right off the lot, the Bronco’s focus is clear, whereas the Ascent provides a more conventional, practical crossover experience, starting around $1,000 more expensive at $39,995 MSRP.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent wins for commuters due to its superior 22 MPG combined fuel economy and standard automatic transmission.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent is the better family hauler because it is significantly longer at 196.8 inches, suggesting more interior space, even if its cargo capacity is slightly less at 17.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher output of 300 hp and engaging 7-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco offers significantly more horsepower (300 hp vs. 260 hp) for a slightly lower starting price of $38,995.

Choose the Ford Bronco if...

You prioritize raw performance, evidenced by the Bronco's 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque.
You want an engaging driving experience provided by the standard 7-speed manual transmission.
You need a smaller footprint for off-roading, as the Bronco is only 173.7 inches long.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You need the best fuel savings, as the Ascent delivers 22 MPG combined on regular unleaded fuel.
You regularly carry many passengers, benefiting from the Ascent's much longer 196.8-inch body length.
You prefer a set-it-and-forget-it driving experience with the continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Bronco	Subaru Ascent
Length	173.7"	196.8"
Width	75.9"	76.0"
Height	71.9"	71.6"
Wheelbase	100.4"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Rear Headrests	2	2
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.3 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	300 hp @ 5700 rpm	260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	325 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	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	7-speed manual	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	four wheel drive	all wheel drive
4WD System Type	Part Time	—
Transfer Case Gearing	Electronic Hi-Lo	—
Locking Hubs	Automatic	—
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/21 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	304.2/354.9 mi.	386.0/501.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.9 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	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
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	12.0 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	7	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Front Head Room	41.0 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	43.1 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	61.1 in.
Front Hip Room	56.3 in.	57.8 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.7 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	51.8 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	43.3 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 Steel	—
Wheel Diameter	16 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/70R16	245/60R
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Matching	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Outside Rear Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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 and 2025 Subaru Ascent.

Which vehicle is significantly more powerful for passing on the highway?

The 2025 Ford Bronco is substantially more powerful, delivering 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, giving the Bronco a clear advantage in acceleration metrics.

How much extra will I spend on gas with the Bronco versus the Ascent?

The Ascent is more economical, achieving 22 MPG combined versus the Bronco's 19 MPG combined. Additionally, the Bronco recommends premium fuel, whereas the Ascent uses regular unleaded, increasing its long-term running cost advantage.

Is the Ford Bronco small enough to feel nimble in tight city parking lots?

Yes, the Bronco is much shorter than the Ascent; at 173.7 inches long compared to the Ascent's 196.8 inches, its shorter wheelbase should translate to easier maneuvering and parking.

If I want a true off-roader, which one is designed for that?

The Bronco is inherently geared toward off-roading, featuring standard four-wheel drive and a robust design, while the Ascent utilizes a more traditional all-wheel-drive system typical of crossovers.

How does the cargo space compare between these two SUVs?

The Ford Bronco offers a slightly larger stated maximum cargo capacity at 20.6 cubic feet, though the longer Subaru Ascent has 17.8 cubic feet; however, the Ascent’s greater overall length might translate to better usable space for luggage in the rear.

What is the main difference in their transmissions?

The Bronco comes standard with a rugged 7-speed manual transmission, appealing to drivers who enjoy active shifting, while the Ascent features a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission designed for smoothness.