2025 Ford Bronco vs 2025 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Bronco and 2025 Toyota Highlander present a clear dichotomy between rugged capability and mainstream efficiency, evidenced by their core specifications. The most significant numerical separation lies in fuel economy, where the Highlander achieves a 25 MPG combined rating compared to the Bronco's 19 MPG combined—a 6 MPG advantage. Power figures also diverge, with the Bronco delivering 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque versus the Highlander's 265 hp and 310 lb-ft. Priced slightly lower at $38,995 versus $40,320, the Bronco commands capability with standard four-wheel drive and a 7-speed manual transmission, contrasted by the Highlander's FWD standard configuration and 8-speed automatic. Size differences are also substantial: the Highlander is nearly 21 inches longer (194.9 inches vs 173.7 inches), potentially translating to a more compliant ride, although the Bronco offers superior standard cargo capacity at 20.6 cu ft versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft in their base configurations.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Highlander wins for commuters due to its superior 25 MPG combined fuel economy and use of regular unleaded fuel.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander's significantly longer body at 194.9 inches and standard automatic transmission offer practical advantages for typical family transport over the shorter, manual-equipped Bronco.
2025 Ford Bronco
The Bronco appeals to enthusiasts with its higher 300 hp output, greater 325 lb-ft of torque, and the engagement offered by the standard 7-speed manual transmission.
2025 Ford Bronco
The Bronco offers more power (300 hp vs 265 hp) and a higher standard cargo capacity (20.6 cu ft vs 16 cu ft) for a lower starting MSRP of $38,995.
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- You prioritize mechanical engagement via the standard 7-speed manual transmission.
- Your usage demands the higher output figures of 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque.
- Off-road readiness is necessary, confirmed by its standard four-wheel drive and more rugged dimensions (71.9 inches high).
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is crucial, as evidenced by its 25 MPG combined rating and lower running cost using regular unleaded fuel.
- You need the overall interior volume provided by its 194.9-inch length, despite having less base cargo capacity (16 cu ft).
- A smoother daily driving experience is preferred, thanks to the standard 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7" | 194.9" |
| Width | 75.9" | 76.0" |
| Height | 71.9" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 100.4" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5700 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | four wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | Part Time | — |
| Transfer Case Gearing | Electronic Hi-Lo | — |
| Locking Hubs | Automatic | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/21 MPG | 22/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 19 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 304.2/354.9 mi. | 393.8/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.9 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.0 in | 8.0 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 | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.0 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.1 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 59.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 57.2 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 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.8 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.7 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 51.8 in. | 58.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 43.3 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 16 in | 18 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/70R16 | P235/65R V |
| Spare Tire Type | Full Size Matching | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Outside Rear Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Bronco and 2025 Toyota Highlander.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Bronco and the 2025 Highlander?
The 2025 Ford Bronco leads in raw power with 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the Highlander's 265 hp and 310 lb-ft. However, the Highlander is mechanically optimized for efficiency, achieving 25 MPG combined versus the Bronco's 19 MPG combined.
How do the fuel requirements affect the long-term running costs?
The Bronco recommends premium unleaded fuel, which typically costs more per gallon than the regular unleaded required by the Highlander. Coupled with the Highlander's 6 MPG efficiency advantage, the Highlander will likely have substantially lower ongoing fuel expenses.
Which vehicle offers more usable space for cargo?
Based on the provided specifications, the 2025 Ford Bronco offers a larger standard cargo capacity at 20.6 cubic feet compared to the 2025 Toyota Highlander's 16 cubic feet. Note that the Highlander is significantly longer overall (194.9 inches vs 173.7 inches), which suggests its passenger space might differ.
Is the driving experience vastly different due to the transmissions?
Yes, the experience differs greatly; the Bronco features a rugged 7-speed manual transmission, appealing to drivers who prefer direct control. Conversely, the Highlander uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic, which is smoother and more conventional for stop-and-go city driving.
Considering the MSRP, where is the better value found?
The Bronco holds better inherent value based on performance specs, starting at $38,995 while producing more horsepower and torque than the $40,320 Highlander. However, value shifts if fuel economy is prioritized, as the Highlander saves money operationally.
How do the physical footprints of these two vehicles compare?
The Highlander is substantially larger than the Bronco; it is nearly 21 inches longer and slightly wider at 76.0 inches, but it sits lower at 68.1 inches tall compared to the Bronco's 71.9 inches height.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool