2025 Ford Bronco vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
So, you're trying to decide between rugged adventure and modern family hauling? That’s the core dilemma pitting the 2025 Ford Bronco against the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander. The Bronco, starting at $38,995, brings 300 hp and a fun 7-speed manual transmission, but it sips fuel, netting only 19 MPG combined. Conversely, the slightly pricier Grand Highlander, starting at $41,360, prioritizes efficiency with 24 MPG combined, thanks to its 265 hp engine paired with an 8-speed automatic. While both offer an identical 20.6 cu ft of cargo space behind the main seats, their mission statements diverge sharply. The Bronco's smaller footprint (173.7 inches long) suits tight trails, whereas the Grand Highlander's length (201.4 inches) accommodates more people daily, though it uses regular unleaded fuel while the Bronco recommends premium.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2026 Grand Highlander wins for daily commuting due to its superior 24 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Bronco's 19 MPG.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The longer 201.4-inch Grand Highlander offers more practical crossover space suitable for family duties, despite having the same 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
2025 Ford Bronco
The 2025 Bronco appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher 300 hp output and engaging 7-speed manual transmission option.
2025 Ford Bronco
The Bronco offers significantly more horsepower (300 hp vs 265 hp) for a lower starting MSRP of $38,995.
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- You prioritize raw power, commanding 300 hp straight from the factory.
- You prefer the driver engagement of a 7-speed manual transmission.
- You want the lowest entry price point at $38,995.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- Saving money at the pump matters, given its 24 MPG combined efficiency.
- You need the flexibility of using regular unleaded fuel.
- You prefer the smooth operation of an 8-speed automatic transmission for highway driving.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7" | 201.4" |
| Width | 75.9" | 78.3" |
| Height | 71.9" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 100.4" | 116.1" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| 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 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 | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 19 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 304.2/354.9 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.9 gal. | 17.8 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 12.3 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. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.1 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 56.5 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 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.8 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.7 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 51.8 in. | 58.8 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 | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 16 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/70R16 | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Full Size Matching | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Outside Rear Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
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 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
Which vehicle is better for long road trips based on fuel costs?
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is better for long trips as it achieves 28 MPG highway, significantly outperforming the Ford Bronco's 21 MPG highway rating. Additionally, the Grand Highlander uses regular unleaded fuel, which is generally cheaper than the Bronco’s recommended premium fuel.
Does the difference in size really matter between these two SUVs?
Yes, the Grand Highlander is substantially larger, measuring 201.4 inches long compared to the Bronco's 173.7 inches. While both list 20.6 cu ft of cargo space, the extra length in the Toyota likely translates to better passenger space or potentially more flexible storage configurations not fully detailed here.
If I love shifting gears myself, which car should I pick?
If you prefer manual control, the 2025 Ford Bronco is the clear winner, as it offers an available 7-speed manual transmission. The Grand Highlander comes exclusively with an 8-speed automatic.
How much more power does the Bronco actually offer?
The Bronco delivers 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, giving it 35 more horsepower than the Grand Highlander's 265 hp. This power difference is immediately noticeable in acceleration figures, fitting the enthusiast brief better.
Are the starting prices very far apart?
There is a modest gap, with the 2025 Ford Bronco starting at $38,995 and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander starting at $41,360. This nearly $2,400 difference might be offset by the better long-term fuel economy of the Toyota.
Which vehicle is inherently more capable off-road?
The Ford Bronco is designed as a traditional, high-clearance off-road focused SUV with standard Four-Wheel Drive, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's Front-Wheel Drive bias, making the Bronco the more capable choice for rugged terrain.
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