2025 Ford Bronco vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Bronco detonates onto the scene as the raw, untamed spirit, boasting a formidable 300 hp and standard 4WD, perfectly paired with its engaging 7-speed manual transmission. In sharp contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB offers refined German engineering with superior fuel economy, achieving an impressive 28 combined MPG versus the Bronco's 19. While the Bronco’s shorter length (173.7 inches) aids in tight off-road maneuvers, the GLB offers slightly more cargo space at 22.0 cu ft, compared to the Bronco’s 20.6 cu ft. The power gap is significant: the Bronco holds a 79 hp advantage over the GLB's 221 hp, making the Ford the choice for aggressive driving dynamics. Furthermore, the $4,805 price differential favors the more accessible starting MSRP of $38,995 for the Bronco, though the GLB's efficiency might offset costs over the long term.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB
The Mercedes-Benz GLB wins for commuting due to its significantly better fuel economy, achieving 28 combined MPG compared to the Bronco's 19.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB
The GLB provides a more comfortable ride profile, better efficiency, and marginally more cargo capacity (22.0 cu ft) suitable for family duty.
2025 Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco’s 300 hp, standard 4WD, and standard 7-speed manual transmission provide an undeniably superior, visceral driving thrill.
2025 Ford Bronco
The Bronco offers far superior power for $4,805 less than the GLB’s base price, representing better brute-force capability per dollar spent.
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- You demand maximum engine output, benefiting from the 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer total control and engagement through the exclusive 7-speed manual transmission.
- Off-road capability is paramount, guaranteed by its standard four-wheel drive system.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB if...
- Fuel efficiency is a major priority, highlighted by the 28 combined MPG rating.
- You require the superior refinement and maneuverability of a slightly longer, narrower crossover body.
- You prefer an automated shifting experience via the 8-speed automated manual transmission over a clutch pedal.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco | Mercedes-Benz GLB |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7" | 182.4" |
| Width | 75.9" | 72.2" |
| Height | 71.9" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 100.4" | 111.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| 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 | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5700 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 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 | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed manual | 8-speed automated manual |
| 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 | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/21 MPG | 25/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 19 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 304.2/354.9 mi. | 397.5/524.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.0 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 7 | — |
| 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 | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.0 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.1 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.3 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 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 | 39.8 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.7 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 51.8 in. | 54.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 43.3 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 16 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 255/70R16 | 235/55R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Full Size Matching | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Outside Rear Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB.
Is the 2025 Ford Bronco or the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB more powerful?
The Ford Bronco is significantly more powerful, producing 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. This gives it a substantial 79 hp advantage over the Mercedes-Benz GLB, which delivers 221 hp.
How much better is the fuel economy between these two vehicles?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is drastically more efficient, achieving 28 combined MPG. The Ford Bronco, due to its focus on ruggedness, returns a lower 19 combined MPG.
Which vehicle is less expensive to purchase initially?
The 2025 Ford Bronco has the lower entry price point at $38,995 MSRP. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB starts $4,805 higher, retailing for $43,800.
Does one car offer more cargo space for hauling gear?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB technically offers slightly more usable space with 22.0 cu ft of cargo capacity. The Ford Bronco is close behind with 20.6 cu ft.
What defines the primary driving difference between the two transmissions?
The Bronco comes standard with an engaging 7-speed manual transmission for driver involvement, while the GLB utilizes a smoother, automated 8-speed manual for ease of use.
Are there differences in their drivetrain setups?
Yes, the Ford Bronco is built for rugged terrain with standard four-wheel drive. Conversely, the Mercedes-Benz GLB defaults to a front-wheel-drive configuration.
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