2025 Ford Bronco vs 2026 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical distinction between the 2025 Ford Bronco and the 2026 Subaru Ascent lies in engine output, where the Bronco boasts 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, significantly eclipsing the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque—a 40 hp difference. This power advantage comes at the cost of efficiency; the Bronco returns a combined 19 MPG versus the Ascent's 22 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Ascent offers superior running costs, requiring regular unleaded fuel compared to the Bronco's recommended premium. Dimensionally, the Ascent is substantially longer at 196.8 inches versus the Bronco's 173.7 inches, yet the Bronco compensates with slightly more vertical height (71.9 vs 71.6 inches) and greater standard cargo space (20.6 cu ft vs 17.8 cu ft). With an MSRP of $38,995, the Bronco also undercuts the Ascent's starting price of $40,795.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Ascent
The 2026 Subaru Ascent is the superior choice for commuting due to its better combined fuel economy of 22 MPG versus the Bronco's 19 MPG.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent's 196.8-inch length and automatic transmission make it a more conventional and potentially comfortable option for daily family transport compared to the rugged Bronco.
2025 Ford Bronco
The 2025 Ford Bronco is the enthusiast pick, offering 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque paired with a 7-speed manual transmission.
2025 Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco offers substantially more horsepower (300 hp vs 260 hp) while having a lower starting MSRP of $38,995 compared to $40,795 for the Ascent.
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- Maximum performance is desired, evidenced by 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque.
- A standard 7-speed manual transmission is a mandatory feature for driving engagement.
- Slightly more enclosed cargo space (20.6 cu ft) is needed despite the shorter length (173.7 inches).
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- Fuel economy is prioritized, with the Ascent achieving 22 MPG combined versus 19 MPG.
- Lower operational costs are important, as the Ascent uses regular unleaded fuel.
- A longer, stable platform (196.8 inches) paired with a smooth, standard CVT automatic transmission is preferred.
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 | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 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 2026 Subaru Ascent.
Which vehicle offers superior fuel economy for highway driving?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent is significantly more efficient on the highway, achieving 26 MPG compared to the 2025 Ford Bronco's 21 MPG highway rating. This difference contributes to a lower operating cost over the long term for the Ascent.
How does the starting price compare between the Bronco and the Ascent?
The 2025 Ford Bronco holds a lower entry price point at $38,995 MSRP, undercutting the 2026 Subaru Ascent, which starts at $40,795 MSRP. This makes the Bronco more affordable on initial purchase.
Is the manual transmission only available on the Ford Bronco?
Yes, based on the specifications provided, the 2025 Ford Bronco features a 7-speed manual transmission, while the 2026 Subaru Ascent comes equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
Which SUV has more outright power for acceleration?
The 2025 Ford Bronco provides a 40 horsepower advantage, generating 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
Despite being shorter, why does the Bronco have more cargo space?
The 2025 Ford Bronco offers 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft, suggesting superior packaging or a less restrictive rear design despite the Bronco's 173.7-inch length.
What is the primary fuel requirement difference between these two vehicles?
The 2025 Ford Bronco recommends premium unleaded fuel for its performance engine. In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Ascent is designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, contributing to lower running expenses.
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