2025 Ford Bronco vs 2026 Subaru Outback
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Bronco ignites the spirit of raw adventure, boasting 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque while offering a rare 7-speed manual transmission for true off-road engagement. Its compact 173.7-inch length speaks to maneuverability on rugged trails. In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Outback prioritizes serene capability, leveraging a more efficient 27 MPG combined and a cavernous 34.6 cu ft of cargo space for hauling the family gear. While the Bronco pumps out a staggering 120 more horsepower than the Outback's 180 hp, it drinks premium fuel and achieves only 19 MPG combined. The Outback saves owners money immediately with a $4,000 lower MSRP, starting at $34,995 compared to the Bronco's $38,995, creating a clear divide between the thrill-seeker's choice and the practical explorer's ally.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Outback
The 2026 Subaru Outback wins for daily driving due to its superior 27 MPG combined efficiency versus the Bronco's 19 MPG.
2026 Subaru Outback
The Outback is the clear family choice, offering substantially more cargo capacity at 34.6 cu ft compared to the Bronco's 20.6 cu ft.
2025 Ford Bronco
The 2025 Ford Bronco provides enthusiast appeal with 300 hp, 325 lb-ft of torque, and an engaging 7-speed manual transmission.
2026 Subaru Outback
The Outback provides better overall ownership value with a $4,000 lower MSRP and significantly better fuel economy.
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- You crave maximum performance, highlighted by 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque.
- You require a true four-wheel-drive system paired exclusively with a 7-speed manual transmission.
- You prefer a shorter, nimbler footprint measuring only 173.7 inches in length for tight maneuvers.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, as the Outback achieves 31 MPG highway.
- You need substantial storage, evidenced by its 34.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You want to save upfront, as the Outback starts $4,000 less expensive than the Bronco.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7" | 191.7" |
| Width | 75.9" | 74.0" |
| Height | 71.9" | 67.5" |
| Wheelbase | 100.4" | 108.1" |
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 | 3 |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5700 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 4800 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 | 25/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 19 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 304.2/354.9 mi. | 450.0/558.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.0 in | 12.1 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 | — |
| 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. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.1 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 55.5 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 Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.8 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.7 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 51.8 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 43.3 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 16 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/70R16 | 225/60R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Full Size Matching | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Outside Rear Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.0 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 Outback.
Which vehicle offers better everyday fuel savings?
The 2026 Subaru Outback is significantly more economical for daily driving, achieving a combined 27 MPG compared to the Bronco's 19 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Outback accepts regular unleaded fuel while the Bronco recommends premium.
Is the Bronco worth the extra cost over the Outback?
The Bronco commands a $4,000 higher MSRP, starting at $38,995 versus the Outback's $34,995. You are paying for performance—120 more horsepower—and dedicated off-road hardware, rather than pure utility.
How does the off-road capability differ between these two?
The Bronco is engineered for rugged terrain with its dedicated four-wheel-drive system and higher stature (71.9 inches tall). While the Outback features capable all-wheel drive, the Bronco's design and 300 hp output lean heavily toward trail dominance.
Which vehicle provides superior space for hauling gear and passengers?
The 2026 Subaru Outback wins easily on utility, providing 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity. The 2025 Ford Bronco offers only 20.6 cu ft, making the Outback better suited for large families or extensive road trips.
Can I get a manual transmission in either vehicle?
Only the 2025 Ford Bronco offers a manual transmission option—specifically a 7-speed version. The 2026 Subaru Outback comes exclusively with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
What is the size difference between the two vehicles?
The Outback is significantly longer, measuring 191.7 inches compared to the Bronco’s 173.7 inches. Despite being longer, the Outback is slightly narrower (74.0 inches vs. 75.9 inches) and lower (67.5 inches vs. 71.9 inches).
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